Perform Sony SxS Card Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide

We will prepare some useful ways to operate Sony SxS card recovery on your computer. Now, refer to them to get your lost or deleted Sony photos back.

By @Zoey Last Updated September 13, 2024

About Sony SxS card

SxS (S-by-S) stands for Sony and SanDisk's flash memory standard, which adheres to the ExpressCard standards. Distinguished by its superior transmission performance, the SxS card boasts a transfer rate of up to 800 Mbit/s and a burst data transfer rate of 2.5 Gbit/s.

Currently, there are three types of SxS cards available:

  • SxS-1: This type of Sony SxS card can read at a speed of up to 440 MB/s or write at a speed of up to 200 MB/s.
  • SxS Pro Plus: Designed for recording 4K resolution videos, this faster version of SxS utilizes an interface with a theoretical top speed of 8 Gbit/s and guarantees a minimum recording speed of 1.3 Gbit/s.
  • SxS Pro X: With the utilization of the advanced PCI Express 3.0 interface and Sony's unique intelligent controller, this card provides read and write speeds that are three times faster than SxS Pro Plus.

The SxS card is compatible with the ARRI ALEXA Classic camera and Sony XDCAM EX cameras, although the latter is more widely recognized.

Introduced by Sony in 2003, the Sony XDCAM is a series of camera products categorized into four different lines: XDCAM SD, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX, and XDCAM HD422. These lines differ in encoder type, frame size, container type, and recording media.

In addition to SxS cards, Sony XDCAM EX cameras can also utilize other types of memory cards by using the corresponding card adaptor in the SxS memory slot. For instance, an XQD ExpressCard adaptor is required for using XQD memory cards in the SxS memory slot.

Though the Sony SxS card brings you lots of conveniences, it is possible for you to encounter data loss on it. Thus, we will discuss Sony SxS card recovery in this article in detail.

Common data loss scenarios for Sony SxS card

Before we introduce the guideline to perform Sony SxS card data recovery, let’s see some common data loss scenarios for it. When you use a Sony SxS card, various circumstances can lead to data loss, including:

  • Accidental operations, such as unintentional formatting of the Sony SxS card or accidental file deletion.
  • Virus infections cause the deletion of files on the Sony SxS card when connected to an infected PC.
  • Mechanical damage to the Sony SxS card due to voltage fluctuations, water exposure, fire, and other factors.

Step-by-Step guide to Sony SxS card recovery

If you find yourself facing data loss on your Sony SxS card, fear not! You can get help from a professional data recovery tool called MyRecover, one of the best data recovery choices for Windows.

MyRecover is provided by AOMEI Tech, supporting any type of Sony SD card recovery from any data loss scenario like accidental deletion, formatting, system crashes, etc.

What’s more, there is an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface) in MyRecover so that you can recover data easily without CMD.

Main features of MyRecover

  • Compatibility: It can perform well with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012, etc.
  • Flexibility: More than 200 types of data recovery are supported. For example, photos, videos, Word, PPT, Excel, audio, emails, web pages, and compressed files.
  • Functionality: This professional tool can recover deleted or missing files from SD card, SSD, and HDD. And it supports file systems including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS in Windows.
  • Friendliness: Even newcomers can operate this user-friendly tool with an intuitive user interface and easy-to-follow steps.

Now, let’s see how to perform Sony memory card SxS data recovery task with MyRecover step by step.

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1. First, connect your Sony SxS card to your computer. Hover the mouse over the Sony SxS card option to click Scan.

2. Your Sony SxS card will be scanned automatically. You can locate and preview any file quickly from 3 aspects:

  • Name: Input the filenames of your recovered file to find it.
  • Date modified: Set up the date range (today, yesterday, last 7/30 days, and so on) including your recovered files.
  • Size: Filter the file size (<128KB, 128KB~1MB, 1MB~ 512MB, etc) according to your requirements.

3. Choose the files from your Sony SxS card, and press Recover x files to start the Sony SxS card data recovery. Select a new safe location for your recovered files.

Another tip for Sony SxS data recovery

Prefer not to rely on Sony SxS card recovery software? Here's a simple method you can try for certain data loss situations when recovering formatted SxS cards.

Occasionally, your SxS card may appear empty despite containing files. In such cases, it's important to determine if the files are hidden. Here's how you can do it:

1. Find the Sony SxS card in File Explorer.

2. Navigate to the Menu bar and select the View tab.

3. Check the "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" box if it's not already enabled to recover hidden files from Sony SxS data.

Tips for Preventing Sony photo loss

While data recovery can be a solution, it's crucial to take preventive measures to avoid photo loss. Consider the following precautions:

  • Avoid using the camera when the battery level is low. Abruptly cutting off power while the camera is in use can lead to errors on your SxS card.
  • Refrain from using the same card on multiple devices, as different devices support varying file formats. Using the same card on a different device may result in errors when writing or deleting data on the SxS card.
  • Implement regular backups for the data on your SxS card. Utilizing cloud storage or an independent storage device is highly recommended for safeguarding your valuable data.
  • Store your SxS card in a secure location to minimize physical damage risks.
  • Opt for a high-quality card reader to prevent any potential damage to your SxS card and enhance data transfer speeds.

FAQs about Sony SxS card

✍ Can I use a Sony SxS card with other camera brands?

While Sony SxS cards are primarily compatible with Sony XDCAM EX cameras, some cameras from other brands may also support SxS cards with the appropriate card adapter.

✍ How fast is the data transfer rate of a Sony SxS card?

The data transfer rate of a Sony SxS card can reach up to 800 Mbit/s, ensuring smooth and efficient data transfer during recording and playback.

✍ Are there any alternative methods for data recovery on a Sony SxS card?

In addition to using data recovery software, you can also try checking for hidden files on the SxS card or consult professional data recovery services for more advanced options.

Written in the end

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide has equipped you with the knowledge necessary to perform Sony SxS card recovery. You can recover deleted photos from Sony camera with an experienced data recovery tool MyRecover easily and quickly.