CFexpress Flash Cards – Ultra-Fast, Reliable Storage at the Best Price
CFexpress Flash Cards are the next evolution of professional removable storage. Built on the PCIe and NVMe standards, CFexpress delivers speeds that rival internal SSDs while maintaining the portability and durability of traditional flash cards. Whether you’re recording 8K video, capturing high-resolution RAW images, or transferring massive project files, CFexpress cards redefine what “fast” means for media professionals.
Developed by the CompactFlash Association (CFA), CFexpress represents a generational leap from CFast and CompactFlash. It brings SSD-level bandwidth to cameras and recorders, enabling unprecedented capture performance and transfer efficiency. Available in Type A, Type B, and Type C formats, CFexpress cards are now the preferred storage medium for 4K, 6K, and 8K production environments.
Why Choose CFexpress Flash Cards?
CFexpress Flash Cards offer blazing-fast performance and rock-solid reliability for demanding workflows. With PCIe 3.0 and NVMe 1.3 technology, they deliver speeds up to 4,000 MB/s — several times faster than CFast and hundreds of times faster than traditional SD cards.
- Extreme Speed: Up to 4,000 MB/s read and 3,000 MB/s write performance.
- Low Latency: NVMe architecture ensures instant responsiveness for continuous recording.
- High Endurance: Designed for constant read/write cycles under professional workloads.
- Thermal Management: Built-in heat dissipation for sustained performance.
- Versatility: Ideal for cinema cameras, DSLRs, mirrorless systems, and data offloading.
CFexpress Card Types & Performance
There are three main CFexpress form factors, each serving different types of devices and workflows:
| Type | Interface | Max Speed | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFexpress Type A | PCIe Gen 3 x1 | 1,000 MB/s | Compact cameras (Sony Alpha series) |
| CFexpress Type B | PCIe Gen 3 x2 | 2,000 MB/s | High-end DSLRs, mirrorless, cinema cameras |
| CFexpress Type C | PCIe Gen 3 x4 | 4,000 MB/s+ | Enterprise-grade and future camera systems |
Most modern cameras, including Canon EOS R5, Nikon Z9, and Panasonic Lumix S1H, use CFexpress Type B. These cards are backward-compatible with XQD devices (via firmware update), offering a smooth transition for professionals.
CFexpress vs CFast vs SD Cards
CFexpress stands at the top of removable flash performance. The table below highlights the dramatic jump in bandwidth and durability.
| Format | Interface | Max Speed | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD Flash | UHS-II / UHS-III | 312 MB/s | General photo and HD video |
| CFast | SATA III | 600 MB/s | 4K/6K production |
| CFexpress | PCIe Gen 3 NVMe | 4,000 MB/s+ | 8K video and professional imaging |
For professional creators, CFexpress eliminates bottlenecks in camera buffers, ensuring smooth continuous recording even at the highest resolutions.
Best Uses for CFexpress Flash Cards
- Cinema Production: Record 4K–8K RAW or ProRes without dropped frames.
- Photography: Ultra-fast burst shooting and buffer clearing for high-res cameras.
- Data Transfer: Instantly offload media to NVMe SSDs or editing systems.
- Broadcast and Field Work: Rugged construction suited for travel and harsh conditions.
- AI / Machine Vision: Supports real-time data streaming for industrial and scientific imaging.
Tips for CFexpress Card Management
- Use dedicated CFexpress readers for maximum transfer speed (Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2×2).
- Always format cards in-camera before recording sessions.
- Monitor card temperature during extended shoots.
- Update camera firmware for full compatibility with CFexpress Type B.
- Store cards in anti-static protective cases.
Explore Related Flash Media
- CFast Flash Cards – SATA III speed for 4K/6K video workflows.
- CompactFlash (CF) Cards – Legacy durability and proven reliability.
- SD Flash Cards – Versatile and affordable portable storage.
- microSD Flash Cards – Compact, mobile-friendly flash media.
- USB Flash Drives – Convenient, plug-and-play file storage.
Expert CFexpress Card Resources
- Tom’s Hardware – Best CFexpress Cards 2025
- TechRadar – Best CFexpress and CFast Media
- PCMag – Best CFexpress Type B & Type A Cards
- AnandTech – CFexpress Benchmarks & Reviews
Last updated: • Informational page only. Compare CFexpress, CFast, and CompactFlash options in related categories. Prices updated daily.