CFexpress vs. SD Cards
As camera resolutions soar and frame rates jump, the little piece of plastic holding your data has become one of the most crucial components. It’s no longer just about storage—it’s about speed.
If you're shooting with a modern mirrorless camera, you’ve likely encountered the two heavyweights: the universal SD Card and the new performance champion, CFexpress (CFe).
Here is the breakdown you need to choose the right one for your workflow.
The Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | CFexpress (Type B) | SD Card (UHS-II V90) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 (Like an internal computer SSD) | UHS-II (Legacy high-speed bus) |
| Max Write Speed | 1400MB/s - 1700MB/s+ | 250MB/s - 300MB/s |
| Primary Use | High-bitrate video (8K, RAW), Deep Burst Buffers | Standard video (4K), Photography, Everyday use |
| Camera Compatibility | Limited (High-end bodies: Canon R5, Nikon Z series, Sony A1) | Near Universal |
| Durability | Excellent (Robust metal housing) | Fair (Plastic shell, exposed pins) |
| Cost | Very High | Moderate to High |
🚀 CFexpress: The Speed King
CFexpress cards (most commonly Type B) are essentially miniaturized, highly durable Solid State Drives (SSDs). They were designed to smash the speed ceilings of older card formats.
Who Needs It?
- 8K Video Shooters: Shooting high-bitrate codecs like ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW demands sustained write speeds that only CFe can provide.
- Heavy Burst Photographers: If you shoot high-resolution RAW files in long bursts (e.g., sports, wildlife), CFe clears your camera's buffer almost instantly, keeping you ready for the next shot.
- Future-Proofing: They are currently the fastest standard card format and are required by most new high-end cameras.
Pros & Cons:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Blazing Speed: Up to 5x faster than the fastest SD cards. | Cost: Exponentially more expensive per GB. |
| Sustained Performance: Maintains peak speeds for long 8K recording sessions. | Limited Compatibility: Only works in modern, high-end cameras. |
| Durability: Robust, rugged casing that can take a beating. | Reader Required: Needs a specific, fast CFe reader. |
👑 SD Card: The Universal Standard
The Secure Digital (SD) card is the workhorse of the industry. While slower, the latest generations, specifically UHS-II and those rated V90 (meaning a minimum sustained write speed of ), are still incredibly capable.
Who Needs It?
- Most Photographers: For stills and standard burst shooting, a V90 SD card is more than fast enough to clear your buffer.
- 4K Video Shooters: Unless you are recording massive bitrates, V90 SD cards can easily handle standard 4K footage at up to 60fps.
- Budget & Travel Shooters: They are affordable, small, and compatible with virtually every camera and laptop on the market.
Pros & Cons:
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Universal Compatibility: Works in older cameras, laptops, and card readers. | Speed Barrier: Maximum speeds are capped by the UHS-II interface. |
| Affordability: The best value for money per gigabyte. | Buffer Clearing: Can be noticeably slower than CFe after a long photo burst. |
| Convenience: Small form factor and ubiquitous use. | Durability: Easier to bend or damage the exposed plastic and pins. |
🎯 The Verdict: Which Card is Right for You?
| Choose CFexpress if... | Choose SD Card (UHS-II V90) if... |
|---|---|
| ✅ Your camera requires it for specific video modes (e.g., 8K). | ✅ You primarily shoot photography and standard 4K video. |
| ✅ You need to clear a deep burst buffer as fast as possible. | ✅ Budget and widespread compatibility are your main concerns. |
| ✅ You demand the highest sustained speed for professional, high-bitrate RAW video. | ✅ You need a card that can be used across various devices, old and new. |
The bottom line: For the vast majority of creators, a fast V90 SD Card is still the smart, economical choice. But for anyone pushing the boundaries of resolution, framerate, and compression, CFexpress is the only card that can keep up.