Ultimate Memory Cards Buyer’s Guide 2025 Keep Your Camera Fast and Images Safe
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Best Memory Cards: Our Top Picks at a GlanceDavid Schloss and the Imaging Resource Staff
Think for a second about what the most important camera accessory is. Did you think of a tripod, or filters, or batteries?
The most important, and most often overlooked, accessory is a memory card. The best memory cards can speed up your camera, store massive amounts of photos and videos, and are reliable enough to safeguard your images.
Modern memory cards come in various formats, from familiar SD cards to lightning-fast CFexpress options. In this guide, we give you some of the best picks in memory cards. Look online and you’ll find an almost unlimited number of memory card brands, but many of them are from unknown companies, and likely don’t meet the standards your camera needs.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of a memory card in photography and videography, but the wrong choice can slow your work, and worse, can cause you to lose your photos and videos.
There are plenty of cheap memory cards, but they can’t keep up with the capture speeds of today’s cameras. Worse, low production quality makes these cards more likely to fail, taking your content along with it.
After years of SD cards being the standard found in cameras, manufacturers are moving to faster cards to keep up with increasing camera performance. The CFExpress cards now used in many high-performance cameras are faster, but also more expensive than SD cards. They’re often needed for features like RAW video and burst shooting on high-res cameras, but not always the best choice for casual users.
In this guide, I’ll get you up to speed on the different formats and standards found in memory cards, and help you pick the right one for your budget.
These are cards and brands that we’ve tested, used, and trust. After the guide, we’ve included a FAQ with common memory card questions.
Best Memory Cards: Our Top Picks at a Glance
Budget-conscious photographers should consider the Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3 for reliable V60 performance without premium pricing. For hybrid shooters needing both stills and video capability, the Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II delivers consistent V90 speeds in a proven package. Sony camera users benefit from dedicated CFexpress Type A cards like the Sony Tough series for maximum compatibility and thermal management. Professional filmmakers working with Canon, Nikon, and RED cameras require CFexpress Type B cards such as the ProGrade Digital Gold for uncompressed RAW video workflows. When upgrading from SD cards, CFexpress offers dramatically faster sustained write speeds and eliminates buffer limitations that constrain creative shooting.
Why Trust Us
Our team at Imaging Resource has been testing photography and video equipment for over two decades. As working photographers and videographers, we rely on memory cards for everything we do. We’ve shot with hundreds of different cards across various camera systems, from entry-level mirrorless to high-end cinema cameras. We’ve used each of these cards, and they’re some of our favorite memory cards in each category.
We never take payment for placement, and even though our articles contain affiliate links, they never influence our editorial rankings.
It’s easy to overlook the importance of a memory card in photography and videography, but the wrong choice can slow your work, and worse, can cause you to lose your photos and videos.
There are plenty of cheap memory cards, but they can’t keep up with the capture speeds of today’s cameras. Worse, low production quality makes these cards more likely to fail, taking your content along with it.
After years of SD cards being the standard found in cameras, manufacturers are moving to faster cards to keep up with increasing camera performance.
In this guide, I’ll get you up to speed on the different formats and standards found in memory cards, and help you pick the right one for your budget.
Understanding Memory Card Types
SD Cards
SD Cards (UHS-I)
SD cards remain the most versatile and widely compatible memory card format, working in everything from entry-level cameras to professional bodies. UHS-I cards offer solid performance for photography and basic video needs at accessible prices, making them ideal for casual photographers and those just starting their creative journey.
A reliable entry-level option that delivers consistent performance for photography and 4K video recording. Transcend’s reputation for quality manufacturing ensures dependable operation across various camera systems.
- Excellent value for money with U3 speed class
- Reliable performance across multiple camera brands
- Available in capacities up to 256GB
- Limited to UHS-I speeds for demanding workflows
- Slower write speeds compared to UHS-II alternatives
- May struggle with high-bitrate video modes
- Speed Rating: UHS-I U3, Class 10, and V30 for 4K video recording
- Read Speed: Up to 100 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 85 MB/s (varies by capacity)
- Durability: Waterproof, temperature-resistant, shockproof, and X-ray proof
- Software Support: Includes Transcend’s RecoveRx data recovery tool
- Capacity Options: Available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions
Kingston’s proven reliability combines with improved speed performance in this UHS-I card designed for content creators. Features a V30 rating for 4K video compatibility and consistent write speeds.
- Strong brand reliability and warranty support
- V30 rating handles most 4K video modes
- Cost-effective for high-capacity storage needs
- UHS-I limitations prevent professional video use
- Write speeds are inadequate for burst photography
- No weather sealing or enhanced durability features
- Bus & Class: UHS-I, UHS-II, U3, V90 (Video Speed Class 90)
- Max Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: Up to 260 MB/s
- Capacities: Available in 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Dimensions: 24 mm × 32 mm × 2.1 mm
- Operating Temperature: –25 °C to 85 °C
PNY’s professional-grade UHS-I offering provides reliable performance for demanding photography applications. Features enhanced durability and consistent write speeds for professional use.
- Professional-grade durability and construction
- Consistent performance across temperature ranges
- Competitive pricing for professional features
- UHS-I speed limitations for modern workflows
- Limited availability compared to major brands
- May not match premium brand recognition
- Read Speed: Up to 280 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 150 MB/s
- Speed Class & Bus: Class 10, U3, V60, UHS-II
- Capacity Options: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Durability Features: Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof, X-ray proof, magnet proof
- Backward Compatibility: Fully compatible with UHS-I devices (at reduced speeds)
Samsung’s premium UHS-I card delivers maximum performance within the format’s limitations. Advanced controller technology and high-quality NAND provide exceptional reliability and speed consistency.
- Maximum UHS-I performance with advanced controllers
- Samsung’s proven reliability and quality control
- Excellent temperature resistance and durability
- UHS-I format inherently limits professional applications
- Expensive compared to UHS-II alternatives
- Performance is still inadequate for demanding video workflows
- Interface / Speed Class: UHS-I, U3, Class 10, V30
- Max Read Speed: Up to 130 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: Up to 90 MB/s
- Durability / Protection: Waterproof, temperature-proof, X-ray proof, and magnetic protection
- Included Adapter: Comes with full-size SD adapter for compatibility
- Capacity / Storage Use Cases: 512 GB — large space for 4K / 5.7K footage, high-resolution stills
Lexar’s flagship UHS-I card represents the pinnacle of single-bus SD technology. Professional features and maximum UHS-I speeds make it ideal for demanding applications within format constraints.
- Premium UHS-I performance and reliability
- Professional-grade construction and warranty
- Consistent performance across demanding conditions
- Format limitations prevent true professional use
- Higher cost than comparable UHS-II options
- Limited by a single-bus interface architecture
- Read Speed: 95 MB/s
- Write Speed: up to 45 MB/s (for certain capacities)
- Speed Class: Class 10 / UHS Speed Class U1 / U3
- Capacity Options: 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
SD Cards (UHS-II)
UHS-II SD cards feature a dual-bus architecture that dramatically increases transfer speeds, supporting V60 and V90 video ratings essential for professional photography and videography. These cards handle sustained high-bitrate recording and rapid burst shooting that would overwhelm UHS-I alternatives.
An affordable entry into UHS-II performance, this card offers significant speed improvements over UHS-I options while maintaining Transcend’s reputation for reliability and value.
- Excellent UHS-II performance at competitive pricing
- V60 rating handles professional 4K video workflows
- Proven reliability from an established manufacturer
- Limited capacity options compared to premium brands
- May not sustain peak speeds during extended recording
- Basic packaging and warranty terms
- Read / Write: 285 MB/s / 220 MB/s
- Speed Class: UHS-II, U3, V90, Class 10
- Capacity Options: 32 GB, 64 GB
- Operating Temperature: –25 °C to 85 °C
- Physical Dimensions: 32 mm × 24 mm × 2.1 mm
- Interface / Bus: UHS-II (dual row contacts, backward compatible)
Kingston’s professional UHS-II offering provides reliable V60 performance for hybrid shooters. Strong brand support and competitive pricing make it an attractive upgrade from UHS-I cards.
- Reliable V60 performance for 4K video recording
- Kingston’s established reputation and warranty support
- Competitive pricing for professional features
- V60 rating insufficient for highest-end video modes
- Write speeds may decrease when the card fills up
- Limited availability in the highest capacity options
- Read / Write: 280 MB/s / 100 MB/s
- Speed Class: Class 10, UHS-II, U3, V60
- Storage Capacity: 128 GB
- Dimensions: 24 mm × 32 mm × 2.1 mm
Sony’s rugged UHS-II card combines maximum performance with exceptional durability. Built to withstand extreme conditions while delivering consistent V90 speeds for professional applications.
- Exceptional durability rating for harsh environments
- Consistent V90 performance across temperature ranges
- Strong compatibility with Sony camera systems
- Premium pricing for durability features
- Limited availability compared to standard cards
- Capacity options may be limited in some regions
- Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 299 MB/s
- Speed Class: Class 10 / UHS-II / U3 / V90
- Waterproof: Up to ~5 m for up to 72 h
ProGrade’s professional-grade UHS-II card delivers uncompromising performance for the most demanding applications. Advanced thermal management and sustained write speeds make it ideal for professional video production.
- Exceptional sustained write speeds for long video takes
- Professional-grade thermal management and reliability
- Optimized for high-end camera systems
- Premium pricing reflects professional positioning
- May require specific card readers for maximum performance
- Limited consumer-level support channels
- Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 250 MB/s
- Speed Class: Class 10 / UHS-II / U3 / V90
- Capacity Options: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
Delkin’s professional UHS-II card offers exceptional performance with comprehensive warranty support. Advanced error correction and sustained write speeds ensure reliable operation in critical applications.
- Industry-leading warranty and replacement programs
- Advanced error correction for data integrity
- Consistent performance across demanding conditions
- Premium pricing for professional features
- Limited availability through consumer channels
- It may be oversized for casual photography needs
- Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 250 MB/s
- Speed Class: Class 10, UHS-II, U3, V90
- Capacity Options: 32 GB, 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
- Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, X-ray resistant
- Lifetime warranty : With 48-hour replacement
CFexpress Cards
CFexpress picks up where SD cards leave off, offering speeds rivaling many internal SSDs found in computers. They’re fast, often very high capacity, and very pricy. But as cameras get faster and faster frame rates and gain more demanding video capabilities, CFexpress is quickly poised to become the main standard in photography and videography.
Confusingly, though, these cards come in two different types, Type A and Type B. Unlike SD cards, where UHS-I and UHS-II cards are interchangeable, the two CFexpress standards are various sizes and shapes, and different camera manufacturers use other formats. This difference makes it harder to switch between brands.
CFexpress Type A
CFexpress Type A cards offer dramatically faster performance than SD alternatives in a compact form factor. Primarily used by Sony cameras, these cards enable features like internal RAW recording and extended burst shooting that SD cards cannot support.
An affordable entry into CFexpress Type A performance, NovaChip’s offering provides substantial speed improvements over SD cards while maintaining competitive pricing for Sony camera users.
- Affordable CFexpress Type A pricing at $140
- VPG 400 rating exceeds Sony’s requirements’
- 400GB capacity with sustained 800 MB/s write speeds
- Newer brand with a limited track record
- Availability may be limited compared to major brands
- Long-term reliability unknown
- Read Speed: Sustained ~ 1,700 MB/s
- Write Speed: Sustained ~ 800 MB/s
- Capacity: 400 GB
- Bus / Interface: PCIe 4.0 ×1, CFexpress 4.0 Type A compliant
A cost-effective alternative that brings CFexpress Type A capabilities to budget-conscious Sony users. Decent performance specifications make it suitable for most photography and basic video needs.
- Low entry price for the CFexpress Type A format
- Compatible with Sony’s CFexpress Type A cameras
- Adequate performance for basic video recording
- Lower sustained write speeds than premium options
- Limited brand recognition and support
- May struggle with demanding video modes
- Read Speed: up to 780 MB/s
- Write Speed: up to 780 MB/s
- Speed / Class Ratings: CFexpress Type A (version 2.0 “Standard” series)
- Warranty / Support: 5-year warranty / replacement for non-human damage
Sony’s own CFexpress Type A card offers optimal compatibility and thermal management for their camera systems. Professional build quality and proven reliability make it the safe choice for Sony users.
- Perfect compatibility with Sony camera systems
- Excellent thermal management for extended recording
- Professional build quality and reliability
- Premium pricing reflects brand positioning
- Limited capacity options compared to other formats
- Not the fastest CFe-A card available
- Read Speed: up to 800 MB/s
- Write Speed: up to 700 MB/s
- Bus / Interface: PCIe 3.0 (CFexpress Type A)
- Operating Temperatures: : approx. –25 °C to +70 °C;
- Ruggedness: TOUGH construction; more resistant to drops, bending
- Durability ratings: IPX7 water ingress protection and IP5X dust protection (IP57)
Lexar’s latest CFexpress Type A card brings 4.0 specification performance to Sony cameras. Exceptional durability and speed make it ideal for professional applications requiring maximum performance.
- Read Speed: ~ 1,800 MB/s
- Write Speed: ~ 1,650 MB/s
- Interface / Bus: PCIe 4.0 (CFexpress 4.0 Type A)
- Capacity: 1 TB
- Durability: Rugged design with resistance to temperature, vibration, wear, dust & water (IP68)
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
ProGrade’s professional CFexpress Type A card delivers maximum performance for demanding Sony camera workflows. Advanced thermal management and sustained write speeds support the most challenging applications.
- Maximum sustained write speeds for professional workflows
- Advanced thermal management prevents performance throttling
- Professional-grade reliability and build quality
- Premium pricing reflects professional positioning
- Limited to Sony camera compatibility
- May be overkill for casual photography
- Read Speed: up to 900 MB/s
- Write Speed: up to 800 MB/s (burst)
- Sustained Write Speed: ~ 450 MB/s
- Capacity: 120 GB (Other options available)
- Bus / Interface / Spec: NVMe PCIe 3.0 ×1 / CFexpress 2.0 Type A
- Durability: Shock / X-ray / Thermal protections built in; thermal throttling to protect card performance
Lexar’s flagship UHS-II card delivers consistent V90 performance trusted by professionals worldwide. Exceptional build quality and sustained write speeds make it ideal for demanding photography and video applications.
- Consistent V90 performance for 6K and 8K video
- Exceptional build quality and temperature resistance
- Proven track record in professional workflows
- Premium pricing reflects professional positioning
- Limited capacity options in the highest-speed variants
- It may be overkill for casual photography needs
- Read / Write: 300 MB/s / 260 MB/s
- Speed Class: Class 10, UHS-II, U3, Video Speed Class V90
- Capacity Options: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB
- Compatibility: Backward compatible with UHS-I devices
Angelbird’s professional-grade Type A card offers exceptional performance optimized for video workflows. Advanced controller technology ensures consistent performance during extended recording sessions.
- Optimized for sustained video recording workflows
- Professional-grade construction and reliability
- Consistent performance across temperature ranges
- Limited availability compared to major brands
- Premium pricing for specialized features
- Sony-only compatibility limits versatility
- Read Speed: up to 1,800 MB/s
- Write Speed: up to 1,650 MB/s
- Sustained Write Speed: 800 MB/s
- Capacity: 1 TB
- Interface / Bus / Type: PCIe 4.0 ×1 (CFexpress Type A 4.0)
- Durability: Resistance to shock, vibration, dust, moisture, X-rays, magnets
CFexpress Type B
CFexpress Type B cards represent the pinnacle of memory card performance, offering speeds that enable 8K RAW recording, unlimited burst shooting, and professional video workflows. Used by Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and RED cameras, these cards eliminate storage bottlenecks.
Transcend brings their reputation for reliable, affordable storage to the CFexpress Type B format. Decent performance specifications make it suitable for photography and basic video workflows.
- Affordable entry into CFexpress Type B format
- Transcend’s established reputation for reliability
- Compatible with all CFexpress Type B cameras
- Lower performance than premium alternatives
- May not sustain speeds during extended recording
- Limited capacity and availability options
- Read Speed: up to 1,700 MB/s
- Write Speed: up to 1,000 MB/s
- Compatiblity: High-end cameras and camcorders
- Interface / Bus: NVMe PCIe Gen3 ×2, CFexpress Type B form factor
- Professional-grade sustained write speeds up to 1,500 MB/s
- Excellent thermal management prevents throttling
- Available in capacities from 120GB to 2TB
- Premium pricing reflects professional positioning
- Requires CFexpress 4.0 reader for maximum performance
- May be overkill for photography-only workflows
- Read Speed (Max): ~ 3,400 MB/s
- Write Speed (Max): 3,000 MB/s
- Minimum Sustained Write: ~ 850 MB/s
- Capacity: 128 GB, 240 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, 2 TB
- Interface / Bus: PCIe Gen 4 + NVMe (CFexpress 4.0)
- Backward Compatibility: Compatible with XQD devices via firmware (for earlier devices)
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
- Protection: ProGrade “Refresh Pro” software support to help maintain card speed & health
Delkin’s professional CFexpress Type B card offers exceptional reliability with comprehensive warranty support. Built for demanding professional applications with sustained performance guarantees.
- Lifetime warranty with 48-hour replacement guarantee
- Built for extreme conditions and professional use
- Sustained write speeds handle 8K RAW recording
- Premium pricing for professional features
- Limited availability through consumer channels
- Professional features may exceed casual needs
- Read Speed (Max / Burst): up to 3,530 MB/s
- Write Speed (Max / Burst): up to 3,250 MB/s
- Sustained / Prolonged Write Speed: up to 2,150 MB/s
- Interface / Standard: CFexpress 4.0, Type B
- Durability / Design: Rugged design: shockproof, water-resistant
- Warranty: Delkin’s 48-hour replacement guarantee & limited lifetime warranty
OWC’s professional CFexpress Type B card delivers maximum performance for the most demanding workflows. Exceptional build quality and sustained speeds make it ideal for high-end video production.
- Maximum sustained write speeds for professional workflows
- Available in capacities up to 2TB for large projects
- Proven reliability in professional video production
- Premium pricing reflects professional positioning
- Requires high-end card reader for maximum performance
- Professional features unnecessary for casual use
- Read Speed (Max): up to 3,650 MB/s
- Write Speed (Max): up to 3,000 MB/s
- Sustained Write Speed: 800 MB/s
- Capacity: 512 GB (256 GB available too)
- Durability: Shock, X-ray, static, and temperature resistant
- Compatibility: Backward compatible with CFexpress 2.0 / PCIe 3.0 devices
- Ideal For: 6K RAW video, burst photography, and high-bitrate recording
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Angelbird’s flagship CFexpress Type B card offers cinema-grade performance optimized for video workflows. Advanced thermal management and sustained write speeds support the most demanding recording requirements.
- Cinema-grade performance for professional video production
- Advanced thermal management maintains consistent performance
- Optimized for sustained video recording workflows
- Premium pricing for specialized video features
- May be excessive for photography-focused workflows
- Limited availability compared to major brands
- Max Read: 1,785 MB/s
- Max Write: 1550 MB/s
- Durability Features: Protection from shock, x-rays, magnets, ESD, moisture, and extreme temperatures
- Warranty + Support: 3-Year Limited Warranty + Free In-House Data Recovery Service
Comparison Chart
| Product | Price Range | Capacity | Read Speed | Write Speed | Special Features |
| Transcend SDXC UHS-I U3 | $15-45 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 95 MB/s | Up to 45 MB/s | U3 rating, reliable performance |
| Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-I | $20-60 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 100 MB/s | Up to 80 MB/s | V30 rating, proven reliability |
| Lexar Professional Silver Plus UHS-I | $25-75 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 100 MB/s | Up to 90 MB/s | Professional build quality |
| PNY EliteX-PRO60 UHS-I | $30-80 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 100 MB/s | Up to 90 MB/s | Professional durability |
| Samsung EVO Select UHS-I | $35-95 | 32GB-512GB | Up to 130 MB/s | Up to 90 MB/s | Premium controllers |
| Lexar Professional 633x UHS-I | $40-110 | 32GB-512GB | Up to 95 MB/s | Up to 70 MB/s | Professional warranty |
| Transcend SDXC UHS-II U3 | $35-85 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 285 MB/s | Up to 180 MB/s | V60 rating, dual-bus |
| Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 | $45-120 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 300 MB/s | Up to 260 MB/s | V60 video performance |
| Lexar Professional 2000x UHS-II V90 | $60-180 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 300 MB/s | Up to 260 MB/s | V90 rating, professional grade |
| Sony SF-G Tough Series UHS-II V90 | $70-200 | 32GB-256GB | Up to 300 MB/s | Up to 299 MB/s | Extreme durability rating |
| ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 | $80-220 | 64GB-256GB | Up to 300 MB/s | Up to 250 MB/s | Thermal management |
| Delkin Devices Power UHS-II V90 | $85-240 | 64GB-256GB | Up to 300 MB/s | Up to 250 MB/s | Lifetime warranty |
| NovaChip CFexpress Type A 400GB | $140 | 400GB | Up to 800 MB/s | Up to 700 MB/s | VPG 400 rating |
| Pergear CFexpress Type A | $80-160 | 160GB-320GB | Up to 800 MB/s | Up to 700 MB/s | Budget Type A option |
| Sony Tough CFexpress Type A | $200-400 | 80GB-320GB | Up to 800 MB/s | Up to 700 MB/s | Sony optimization |
| Lexar Professional GOLD CFexpress 4.0 Type A | $280-480 | 640GB-1TB | Up to 1,800 MB/s | Up to 1,400 MB/s | CFexpress 4.0, extreme durability |
| ProGrade Digital Gold CFexpress Type A | $300-500 | 240GB-480GB | Up to 900 MB/s | Up to 800 MB/s | Professional grade |
| Angelbird AV Pro CFexpress Type A | $320-550 | 240GB-480GB | Up to 900 MB/s | Up to 800 MB/s | Video optimized |
| Exascend Essential CFexpress B 1TB | $400 | 1TB | Up to 1,600 MB/s | Up to 1,500 MB/s | Budget Type B option |
| Transcend CFexpress Type B | $200-600 | 240GB-1TB | Up to 1,700 MB/s | Up to 1,400 MB/s | Reliable performance |
| ProGrade Digital Gold CFexpress Type B | $300-1,200 | 240GB-2TB | Up to 3,400 MB/s | Up to 1,500 MB/s | CFexpress 4.0, professional |
| Delkin Devices Black CFexpress Type B | $350-1,400 | 256GB-2TB | Up to 1,730 MB/s | Up to 1,540 MB/s | Lifetime warranty |
| OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress Type B | $400-1,500 | 512GB-2TB | Up to 1,700 MB/s | Up to 1,500 MB/s | Professional grade |
| Angelbird AV Pro SX CFexpress Type B | $450-1,600 | 512GB-2TB | Up to 1,700 MB/s | Up to 1,500 MB/s | Cinema optimized |
FAQs
What do the V30, V60, and V90 ratings mean?
These “Video Speed Class” ratings indicate minimum sustained write speeds: V30 guarantees 30 MB/s (suitable for 4K30), V60 ensures 60 MB/s (needed for 4K60 and high-bitrate formats), and V90 provides 90 MB/s (required for 6K/8K recording).
What’s the difference between UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards?
UHS-I cards were the standard used in cameras until camera speeds and file sizes started to need faster storage.
UHS-II cards double the UHS-I card speed, supporting transfer rates up to 312 MB/s compared to UHS-I’s 104 MB/s maximum. UHS-II cards are essential for higher-end video recording, like some 4K and 8K video, while UHS-I cards work fine for photography and basic 4K video.
Do I need CFexpress cards for my camera?
CFexpress cards are a new standard, designed to keep up with capture rates above 30 seconds on cameras with high-res sensors.
Only some newer cameras use these faster cards, and they’re needed when pushing the camera’s specs to the max, but they’re not required for most photography and videography.
Can I use CFexpress Type A cards in Type B slots?
No, CFexpress Type A and Type B cards are completely different sizes and shapes, and completely incompatible. Type A is roughly SD card-sized and primarily used by Sony, while Type B is larger and used by Canon, Nikon, and other manufacturers.
Why are CFexpress cards so expensive compared to SD cards?
CFexpress cards use advanced memory, similar to computer Solid State Drives (SSDs), requiring more sophisticated design and faster memory chips. Their dramatically higher performance—up to 20x faster than basic SD cards—justifies the pricing, but only for pro workflows that need the fastest transfer rates.
Do memory card brands really matter for performance?
While all cards meeting the same specifications should perform similarly, brand reputation affects reliability, warranty support, and quality control. Established brands like Lexar, ProGrade Digital, and Sony typically offer better consistency and customer support, making them worthwhile investments for professional use.
There are plenty of brands that make excellent cards, and we’ve used just about all of them. Name brands make it easier to be sure you’re getting a card that will keep working as long as you own it.
Can older cameras benefit from high-speed memory cards?
Yes, and no. But mostly no. Older cameras usually don’t need faster cards. It doesn’t matter how fast your card is if the camera doesn’t support the quicker standards; those fast cards will work only as fast as the camera can keep up.
However, faster cards often improve buffer clearing times and overall responsiveness even in older systems.
What happens if I use a slow card in a fast camera?
Slow cards create bottlenecks that limit your shooting. You may experience long times when you can’t shoot as your buffer clears, you might get warnings when shooting to a slower card, and you can’t use some video modes.
Should I buy multiple smaller cards or one large card?
Professional photographers typically prefer multiple smaller cards (128-512GB) to spread risk and enable card swapping during long shoots. Large capacity cards (512GB and higher) are better for video production, where continuous recording is essential. Consider your workflow and backup strategy when deciding.