The global memory crisis has officially claimed its first major victim in the photography segment. In a move that highlights the growing strain on the semiconductor supply chain, Sony Japan has announced the temporary but indefinite suspension of orders for nearly its entire lineup of SD and CFexpress memory cards. Effective March 27, 2026, the company is no longer accepting new orders from authorized dealers or direct customers through the Sony Store.
The AI Infrastructure Squeeze
The root of the problem isn’t a lack of interest in photography gear, but rather the insatiable hunger of the Artificial Intelligence industry. The massive expansion of AI data centers has created a surge in demand for NAND flash memory and DRAM—the same core components used to manufacture high-speed storage media. With enterprise-level companies swallowing up the finite supply of memory dies, consumer-facing brands like Sony are finding it impossible to meet demand for the foreseeable future.
Which Cards are on Ice?
The suspension is broad, affecting 15 different models across Sony’s most popular storage lines. This includes professional-grade CFexpress Type A cards in capacities ranging from 240GB up to the massive 1,920GB model, as well as 240GB and 480GB CFexpress Type B cards.
The impact on SD cards is equally severe. Sony has halted orders for its high-end TOUGH-branded SDXC and SDHC cards in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities. Even the standard SF-M and SF-E series cards, which are staples for many mid-range users, are now part of the order freeze. In fact, reports suggest that only a handful of products, such as the 960GB CFexpress Type B card and some entry-level UHS-I models, remain in production for now.
Real-World Implications for Creators
While this suspension currently only officially applies to Japan, it serves as a stark warning for the global market. In all honesty, if you are a professional shooter relying on these specific high-speed cards, now is the time to check your local inventory. Existing stock at retailers remains available, but once those shelves are empty, they won’t be restocked until manufacturing spins back up.
Sony has not yet provided a specific timeline for when production might resume, stating only that they will continue to monitor the supply situation. With some forecasts suggesting the memory shortage could persist well into the late 2020s, photographers might be facing a long wait or significantly higher prices for whatever stock remains.
