CFexpress cards have become popular among photographers and videographers because of their impressive speed and reliability. These cards are designed to handle the high capacity demands of large files and high data rates without breaking a sweat, which often has creatives searching for the fastest CFexpress card.
But with so many CFexpress memory cards on the market, which CFexpress card reigns supreme? Let’s explore what speed actually means and why professionals and enthusiasts are on the hunt for fast CFexpress cards.
How is the Speed of a CFexpress Card Defined?
The speed of a CFexpress card is a critical factor that directly impacts the performance and efficiency of professional photography, videography, and other high-demand applications. Here’s how the speed of a CFexpress card is defined and measured:
Read Speed
Read speed refers to how quickly data can be read from the CFexpress card. This is crucial for tasks such as transferring files from the card to a computer or other devices. A higher read speed means faster file transfers, which can significantly reduce workflow times, especially when dealing with large files like 4K or 8K video footage.
Write Speed
Write speed indicates how quickly data can be written to the CFexpress card. This is essential during the actual recording or capturing of images and videos. High write speeds are particularly important for shooting high-resolution images in burst mode or recording high-bitrate video footage, as they prevent buffering and ensure smooth and uninterrupted recording.
Sustained Write Speed
Sustained write speed is the consistent speed at which data can be continuously written to the card over an extended period. This is especially important for video recording, where continuous high-speed writing is required. Sustained write speed ensures that the card can handle prolonged data streams without dropping frames or causing recording issues.
CFexpress Card Speeds and Their Real-World Application
Choosing the fastest CFexpress card means understanding what the speed ratings actually mean, as these numbers directly impact your creative workflow. Let’s break it down.
Read and Write Speeds: The Dynamic Duo
Read speed refers to how quickly the card can transfer data to your computer. A higher read speed translates to faster file transfers, making your post-production process much smoother.
On the other hand, write speed dictates how fast your camera can write data to the card. This is crucial for continuous shooting and capturing high-resolution video.
For instance, if you’re shooting a high-speed action sequence or a wedding ceremony, the last thing you want is your camera to lag. A fast CFexpress Type B or Type A card is a great choice in this scenario.
Common Scenarios Where Write Speeds are Critical
Imagine this – you’re filming a sunset in 4K/8K and your card isn’t fast enough, leading to dropped frame rates that disrupt the flow of your sequence.
Alternatively, imagine yourself at a sporting event, capturing a player’s slam dunk in continuous burst mode. With a fast CFexpress card, your camera can keep pace with the action, ensuring you get a sharp, clear image of every exciting moment.
These scenarios highlight the tangible benefits of having the fastest CFexpress card. They offer you peace of mind and empower you to focus on your creativity rather than worrying about technical limitations.
Top 3 CFexpress Card Recommendations
Choosing the fastest CFexpress card isn’t just about raw speed – it’s also about finding the right balance between performance, reliability, and price. Here’s what we suggest:
1. Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series
From field to post-production, experience the unmatched performance of the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card DIAMOND Series. Designed to meet the demands of professional filmmakers and content creators, this card unleashes blazing-fast speeds of up to 1900MB/s read and 1700MB/s write, with a minimum sustained write speed of 1600MB/s. Capture smooth RAW 4K, 6K, 8K, and beyond with sustained performance that lets you focus on creating.
Overview of Features and Specs:
- Capacity: 512GB | 256GB | 128GB
- Form Factor: CFexpress™ Type B
- Interface: PCIe Gen 3×2
- Performance: Up to 1900MB/s read, 1700MB/s write speeds
- Sustained Write Speed: 1600MB/s
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to 70°C (14°F to 158°F)
- Storage Temperature: -25°C to 85°C (-13°F to 185°F)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 29.60 x 38.50 x 3.80 mm / 1.16” x 1.51” x 0.14”
- Weight: 7.65 g / 0.016 lbs
- Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty
Use Cases and Ideal Applications:
- Professional filmmaking and content creation
- RAW 4K, 6K, and 8K video recording
- High-speed data transfer for post-production workflows
2. Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card GOLD Series
Elevate your creative potential with the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card GOLD Series, designed to empower artistic professionals with unparalleled speed and reliability.
This high-performance card leverages PCIe Gen 3×2 and NVMe protocols to deliver blazing-fast read speeds of up to 1900MB/s and write speeds of up to 1500MB/s, with sustained write speeds of 1300MB/s.
Whether you’re capturing high-resolution images or recording 8K video, the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card GOLD Series ensures smooth, uninterrupted performance, enabling you to focus on your craft.
Overview of Features and Specs:
- Capacity: 2TB | 1TB | 512GB | 256GB | 128GB
- Form Factor: CFexpress™ Type B
- Interface: PCIe Gen 3×2
- Performance: Up to 1900MB/s read, 1500MB/s write speeds
- Sustained Write Speed: 1300MB/s¹ (1TB and 2TB only)
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to 70°C (14°F to 158°F)
- Storage Temperature: -25°C to 85°C (-13°F to 185°F)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 29.60 x 38.50 x 3.80 mm / 1.16” x 1.51” x 0.14”
- Weight: 7.65 g / 0.016 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Use Cases and Ideal Applications:
- Professional photography and videography
- 8K video recording and high-speed burst shooting
- Ideal for use in high-end DSLRs and mirrorless cameras
3. Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card SILVER Serie
Capture more high-quality images and 8K video with the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card SILVER Series. Designed to leverage the capabilities of next-level cinema cameras and high-resolution DSLRs, this card offers high-speed performance of up to 1750MB/s read and 1300MB/s write, with a sustained write speed of 1200MB/s, allowing you to capture with confidence.
Overview of Features and Specs:
- Capacity: 512GB | 256GB | 128GB
- Form Factor: CFexpress™ Type B
- Interface: PCIe Gen 3×2
- Performance: Up to 1750MB/s read, 1300MB/s write speeds
- Sustained Write Speed: 1200MB/s
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to 70°C (14°F to 158°F)
- Storage Temperature: -25°C to 85°C (-13°F to 185°F)
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 29.60 x 38.50 x 3.80 mm / 1.16” x 1.51” x 0.14”
- Weight: 7.65 g / 0.016 lbs
- Warranty: 10-year limited warranty
Use Cases and Ideal Applications:
- High-quality photography and videography
- 8K video recording
- Optimized for high-resolution DSLRs and cinema cameras
How to Unlock the Full Potential of the Fastest CFexpress Card
Even the fastest CFexpress cards require the right companion hardware to reach peak performance. While the card itself holds significant importance, investing in a compatible and powerful card reader is equally crucial for maximizing data transfer speeds and overall workflow efficiency.
Think of it as a sports car needing a smooth, open highway to hit its top speed. Without that, it’s just stuck in traffic. So let’s delve into the world of CFexpress card readers and highlight a few notable contenders.
Ready to Choose Your Next CFexpress Card?
As we venture further into 2024, the demand for high-speed, reliable memory solutions continues to grow, especially for professional photographers, videographers, and content creators. The CFexpress cards highlighted in this guide are at the forefront of this technological evolution, offering blazing-fast speeds and exceptional durability to meet the rigorous demands of modern creative workflows.
Explore the full range of Lexar’s memory solutions and accessories to find the perfect match for your creative needs.
Stay ahead of the curve and keep pushing the boundaries of your artistry with the fastest CFexpress cards of 2024. Your next masterpiece is just a click away.
FAQs about the Fastest CFexpress Card
What is the fastest CF card?
CF (CompactFlash) cards are a different standard and are not as fast as CFexpress cards. While CF cards offer excellent performance and are still used by many photographers, they cannot achieve the same speeds as their newer CFexpress counterparts.
What is the fastest CFexpress Type B card reader?
The fastest CFexpress Type B card reader is the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Reader. Designed to supercharge your workflow, this professional-level reader offers blazing-fast transfer speeds, enabling seamless file transfers on the go. It effortlessly offloads a large number of high-quality images and RAW 8K video from your CFexpress™ Type B card to your computer at USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds. Whether you’re in the field or in post-production, this reader ensures your workflow remains fast and efficient.
