Many professional cameras use the CF Express Type B format. The greatest CFexpress cards are substantially faster than even the fastest UHS-II SD cards, making it the memory card format of choice for professional cameras. CFexpress Type B cards, which evolved from the XQD card format, have the same outside design as XQD cards but have quicker memory inside, making them some of the quickest memory cards currently available. Almost all camera models that formerly accepted XQD cards have now had their software updated to enable CFexpress Type B cards as well, thus cameras like the Nikon Z 7II (which we utilised in this test) are no longer limited to XQD cards.
The best portable SSDs use the same super-fast PCI express Gen3 interface and NVMe 1.3 technology as the Type B CFexpress format. They do, however, differ in the number of PCIe data transfer lanes available, with Type B cards having two lanes and a maximum speed of 2000MB/s, making them ideal for transferring 14-bit uncompressed Raw files and large 8K video footage. We used Blackmagic Design's Disk Speed Test to put each of the contenders through their paces by transferring 100 jpegs and 100 raw images (a combined size of 10.33GB) using the Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 card reader to get an idea of the kind of sustained read and write speeds these cards can provide.
While there are a variety of ways to evaluate a memory card's performance, one of the most essential factors for most photographers is the maximum continuous shooting rate and burst depth it allows, so we examined that as well. We've compiled a list of the top CFexpress Type B cards currently available. Expect to pay more for CFexpress cards than you would for SD cards because it is still a premium card format with premium rates to match. You may rest assured, however, that all of the cards on our list have excellent performance and build quality, and will work with any compatible high - end camera.
Delkin Devices Black CFexpress Type B £136-£699/$129-$699
Delkin takes memory cards very seriously. In addition to a lifetime warranty, the corporation offers a 48-hour replacement guarantee, meaning that any non-working card will be replaced within 48 hours or less. The Power cards, which are meant for usage in high-end cinema cameras for 6K and 4K Raw video recording, and the Black cards, which are designed to handle 8K Raw video recording, are the two lines of Delkin Devices CFexpress cards. This is the 512GB Black card that we're looking at.
The maximum read and write speeds vary, as they do with other cards, but even the slowest (256GB card) gives speeds of 1645MB/s and 1400MB/s. In the Nikon Z 7II, we tested the Delkin Devices card, and it fits easily into the card slot with just a little wiggle room before snapping into place completely. When you press down on the card, it pops up, ready to be removed, but the fit is snug enough that it won't fall out. We set the camera to ISO 100, manual focusing, and Continuous High (extended) shooting to test the Z 7II's burst depth and maximum continuous shooting rate with the Delkin Devices Black CFexpress Type B card.
We were able to take 130 files in roughly 13 seconds with the Z 7II set to Finequality jpegs. We were able to record 44 files in under five seconds after switching the camera to capture 14-bit uncompressed raws. When we bench tested the read and write speeds, we got 915GB/s for the read and 921GB/s for the write, which were both below the quoted maximums.
Specifications
Max read speed: 1645-1760MB/s
Max write speed: 1400-1710MB/s
Available capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Although Delkin Device's Black CFexpress Type B cards are more costly than some, the business's 48-hour replacement warranty (which does not require the company to receive the damaged card first) is comforting. You must select the appropriate capacity for the performance you desire, with 128GB cards being the fastest.
PROS: Wide capacity range; 48-hour replacement guarantee
CONS: Expensive compared to others; speed varies depending on card capacity.
Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Gold Series £90-£529/$100-$520
The PCIe Gen3x2 interface on the Lexar Gold Series CFexpress Type B cards contributes to the high data transmission speeds. While the maximum read speed of 1750MB/s is competitive with contemporary CFexpress cards, the maximum write speed of 1000MB/s falls short of some competitors. In the Nikon Z 9 and Z 7II, we tried a 512GB Lexar Gold Series CFexpress Type B card.
It slid effortlessly into the card slots and popped up as soon as the button was pressed to release it. We recorded 146 Fine-quality jpegs at 10fps and 46 14-bit compressed raws in roughly five seconds using the Type B card in our Nikon Z 7II. Nikon claims that the camera can capture up to 113 big Fine-quality jpegs and 48 uncompressed 14-bit raws. In addition, the Gold Series CFexpress Type B card was able to capture 4K 60p footage for 30 minutes. We confirmed that the Lexar card can capture 8K ProRes footage at 30p while we had the Z 9 in for testing.
In testing, we acquired a read speed of 908MB/s and a write speed of 870MB/s. The figures are excellent, yet they fall short of the promised maximums. Using the Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 card reader, we were able to transfer 100 raw files and 100 jpegs shot on the Nikon Z 7II from the card to our computer in less than 33 seconds. The 64GB Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Gold Series card offers excellent value for money at less than £100/$100, while the 512GB card is one of the most economical cards of its kind.
Specifications
Max read speed: 1750MB/s
Max write speed: 1000MB/s
Available capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
With capacities ranging from 64GB to 512GB, you'll be able to find a Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Gold card that fits your budget as well as your storage needs. So, if you're looking for a way to fill that second space in your camera, one of them will suffice.
PROS: Reasonably priced; wide range of capacities; sturdy construction.
CONS: The advertised write speed is relatively poor.
Manfrotto Professional CFexpress Type B £190-£380/$250-$400
Manfrotto's Professional CFexpress Type B card is only available in two capacities: 128GB and 256GB. They both employ a PCIe 3.0 interface and offer maximum read and write speeds of 1730MB/s and 1540MB/s, respectively. With those speeds, the cards can record and play back 3840 x 2160 60p or 3840 x 2160 50p videos with our Nikon Z 7II, which requires at least 250MB/s.
We were able to record 42 14-bit uncompressed raw files or 126 Fine-quality jpegs at 10fps using the Manfrotto CFexpress card in the Nikon Z 7II with the ISO set to 100. That's pretty close to Nikon's declared maximum statistics, with a few raw files missing but above the reported jpeg numbers. Recording in 4K at 60p for 30 minutes was likewise no difficulty.
The read speed was 906MB/s, and the write speed was 917MB/s. These values are lower than the reported ones, however they are still adequate for capturing 4K video at 60p and higher. This amounts to less than 29 seconds for 200 files to be transferred from the Nikon Z 7II. While the measured speeds don't equal the stated ones, the Manfrotto CFexpress cards let you take extended sequences of photographs and don't keep you waiting for 45.7MP images to transfer. The fact that Manfrotto isn't a brand that comes to mind when you think of memory cards, as well as the cards' physical similarity to those from Delkin Devices, shows that Manfrotto isn't the producer. The pricing and performance, though, make these cards worth considering.
Specifications
Max read speed: 1730MB/s
Max write speed: 1540MB/s
Available capacities: 128GB, 256GB
Although a larger selection of capacities would be preferable, Manfrotto's two CFexpress cards are reasonably priced. The cards enable a 45.7MP Nikon Z 7II to deliver the performance we expect for jpeg shooting and 4K 60p video recording, despite the 14-bit raw files burst depth falling short.
PROS: Reasonably priced; fast read/write speeds; sturdy build.
CONS: Limited capacity range; Manfrotto's expertise is not in this area.
ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B £316-£537/$430-$774
The Gold series of CFexpress Type B cards has read rates of up to 1700MB/s and write speeds of up to 400MB/s, whereas the Cobalt cards include an NVMe PCIe 3.0 x4 interface, allowing them to give the same maximum read speed as the Gold card but greater write capabilities of 1500MB/s. As a result, the Cobalt cards are capable of recording 8K footage as well as high-bit-rate and raw video. The Cobalt CFexpress cards come in two capacities: 325GB and 650GB, therefore the starting price (£316/$430) is hefty.
A read speed of roughly 858MB/s and a write speed of around 900MB/s were discovered during testing, which is remarkable but falls short of the advertised limit. Then we dragged our 200-image folder from the card to the PC. The files copied across in 25 seconds, which is the fastest we've seen. Then, in Continuous High (extended) shooting mode, we put the card in our Nikon Z 7II to assess the burst speed and depth. We were able to capture up to 130 photographs in one burst when shooting Finequality jpegs, beating the reported maximum burst of 113 images.
When shooting uncompressed 14-bit raws, however, we were only able to record 44 images in a single burst, four less than the promised maximum. While the bench test results may not match the maximum data transfer speed listed on the box, the ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B is a capable device that can handle high JPEG burst depths, record 4K 60p video, and transfer photos swiftly.
Specifications
Max read speed: 1750MB/s
Max write speed: 1500MB/s
Available capacities: 325GB, 650GB
ProGrade Digital may be new to the market, but it has already made an effect. The Cobalt CFexpress cards are designed for professional photographers who want both capacity and speed. It also sells CFexpress cards at a lower pricing point for consumers who aren't planning on shooting 8K video or 45MP photos at 20 frames per second.
PROS: Up to 650GB of storage; reliable performance.
CONS: Only two capacities are offered; pricing is exorbitant.
SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B £90-£520/$150-$600
SanDisk offers a variety of storage options, including the Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B card, which comes in four capacities ranging from 64GB to 512GB. Smaller-capacity cards are especially appealing because they are the least expensive, but they have slower read and write speeds. With a maximum read speed of 1500MB/s and a maximum write speed of 800MB/s, the 64GB card is the slowest. The 512GB is the fastest card in the lineup, with read/write rates of 1700/1400MB/s. It's also reasonably priced considering the card type and size, although at roughly £500/$500, it's still more than most people can afford.
The SanDisk card, like other CFexpress cards we've tried, cannot be placed the other way around into a card slot; it simply won't fit. In our Nikon Z 7II, the SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B performs admirably in terms of maximum continuous shooting rate and burst depth, allowing up to 51 14-bit uncompressed raws to be taken in one sequence at 10fps. However, switching to Fine-quality jpegs reduces the maximum burst depth to roughly 130. When you're standing on the touchline or crouching as your dog lollops towards you, it takes 13 seconds to shoot 130 shots at 10 frames per second, which feels like a long time.
In practice, you'll probably shoot in shorter bursts, but it's good to know that the card can keep up with the camera. It took roughly 27 seconds to transfer 200 files from the Nikon Z 7II when evaluating transfer speeds.
Specifications
Max read speed: 1500-1700MB/s
Max write speed: 800-1400MB/s
Available capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
SanDisk is one of the most well-known memory card brands, with a strong understanding of the camera market and cards starting at 64GB. The cards are also reasonably priced and produce some of the best in-camera performances we've observed.
PROS: Wide range of capacities; reasonable price.
CONS: Large cards are still expensive, while smaller cards provide slower speeds.
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