Which SD cards are fast enough for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II?

Question

So I finally pulled the trigger and got the R6 Mark II for my trip to the Everglades next month and honestly I am so hyped to try out that 40fps electronic shutter. But now I'm staring at my old SD cards and realizing they are probably gonna choke. I've been doing a ton of reading and my logic was to just grab a couple of 128GB V60 cards since they seem like a good middle ground for price.

I saw one guy on YouTube say V60 is plenty for the 4K 60p video but then I read a thread where someone claimed their buffer took forever to clear after a burst and they missed a shot of a hawk taking off. That's exactly what I'm afraid of. I have about $200 left in my budget for storage so I could maybe afford one really good V90 card or two decent V60s.

Does the R6 II really need that V90 speed to keep up with the 40fps bursts or is that just overkill? I really dont want the camera to lock up while I'm waiting for the green light to stop blinking. Some people say the ProGrade ones are the way to go but then others swear by the Sony Tough series and it's just a bit overwhelming honestly. What are you guys actually using in the field for high speed stuff?

Shraunbrb · Accepted Answer

Re: Congrats on the R6 II, its a total...
Ive been super satisfied using the ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 128GB for my wildlife stuff. I tried V60s originally but the buffer lag was real. The V90 works well and I havent missed a shot since switching. Quick tip: use C-RAW to help that buffer clear even faster. TL;DR: V90 is mandatory for 40fps. Speed over capacity every time.

Chook Bundaberg · Answer

> I really dont want the camera to lock up while I'm waiting for the green light to stop blinking. Just found this thread. I personally went with the Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II V90 128GB because I value reliability. Its been a very solid performer and the peace of mind is worth the higher price tbh. One fast card usually beats two slow ones. Tip: Always format cards in-camera to avoid data corruption issues.

Sophia Elizabeth Butler · Answer

Congrats on the R6 II, its a total beast. I have been shooting wildlife for years and if there is one thing I have learned, its that skimping on cards always bites you at the worst time. That 40fps mode dumps a ridiculous amount of data into the buffer. If you are out in the Everglades and a bird takes off, a V60 card is gonna leave you hanging while that green light blinks forever. In my experience, you really want the V90 for peace of mind. I have had great luck with the Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II V90 128GB because they are basically indestructible and the write speeds are actually consistent. If that is too pricey for a pair, the ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 128GB is a solid alternative that hasnt failed me yet. Honestly, I would rather have one card that keeps up than two that make me miss the shot. Better safe than sorry when you are on a trip like that...