You may have heard of CFexpress™, but what exactly is it? Why does it look like XQD? Which cameras currently support it? Is it worth upgrading to? New technology brings A LOT of questions, and that’s why we’re here to breakdown what CFexpress™ is so that you can make a careful and informed decision.
SAME FORM FACTOR AS XQD
CFexpress™ memory cards come in 3 different formats: Type-A, Type-B & Type-C. CFexpress™ Type-B is currently the standard format, utilizing the same form factor as XQD (38.5mm x 29.8mm x 3.8mm) although the internal connections are different. By having it be the same physical size as XQD, CFexpress™ Type-B cards can be used in the same hosts as XQD cards (Note: Not all XQD hosts will support CFexpress™ memory cards. Hosts that can support CFexpress™ require a firmware update, which is provided by the manufacturer) It is important to note though that CFexpress™ cards are not backwards compatible with either CompactFlash or CFast 2.0 hosts.
TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED SPEEDS
CFexpress™ Type-B memory cards utilize a 3rd generation PCI Express (PCIe 3.0) interface with 1 to 4 lanes, where each lane can theoretically transfer 1 GB/s of data. Delkin currently offers CFexpress™ Type-B cards in 2-lane (1600MB/s Read | 1000MB/s Write) and 4-lane (1730MB/s Read | 1430MB/s Write). In comparison, XQD memory cards only offer transfer speeds up to 440MB/s and 400MB/s recording speeds.
SUPPORTS HIGH-RESOLUTION RAW VIDEO RECORDING
Designed to excel in the latest generation of high-end hosts that are used in today’s broadcast, cinema and photography industries, Delkin CFexpress™ memory cards allow for flawless cinema-quality video footage, including 8K, 6K & 4K at high frame rates and bitrates, as well as RAW continuous-burst photos.
COMPATIBLE IN THE LATEST CINEMATIC HOSTS
Delkin CFexpress™ memory cards have been internally tested and approved to work in the following camera hosts:
| MANUFACTURER | MODEL | SUPPORTED MEMORY CARDS | APPROVED |
| Canon | C300 Mark III | (2) CFexpress Memory Cards; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card | ✔ |
| C500 Mark II | (2) CFexpress Memory Cards; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card | ✔ | |
| 1D X Mark III | (2) CFexpress Memory Cards | ✔ | |
| R3 – NEW! | (1) CFexpress Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card | ✔ | |
| R5 | (1) CFexpress Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card | ✔ | |
| Nikon | D5 | (2) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Cards (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 1.4 or Higher) |
✔ |
| D6 | (2) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Cards | ✔ | |
| D500 | (1) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 1.3 or Higher) |
✔ | |
| D850 | (1) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 1.2 or Higher) |
✔ | |
| Z6 | (1) CFexpress Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 2.2 or Higher) |
✔ | |
| Z7 | (1) CFexpress Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 2.2 or Higher) |
✔ | |
| Z6 II | (1) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card | ✔ | |
| Z7 II | (1) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card | ✔ | |
| Z9 – NEW! | (2) CFexpress Memory Cards | ✔ | |
| Panasonic | Lumix DC-S1 | (1) CFexpress Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 1.3 or Higher) |
✔ |
| Lumix DC-S1R | (1) CFexpress Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 1.3 or Higher) |
✔ | |
| Phase One | XF IQ4 | (1) CFexpress (or XQD) Memory Card; (1) SD UHS-II Memory Card (Camera Must Have Firmware Version 6.00.XX [Feature Update #8] or Higher) |
✔ |
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| PRIME 64GB 1450MB/s Read 450MB/s Write Serialized for Added Protection 48HR Replacement Guarantee |
POWER 128GB – 2TB 1600 – 1730MB/s Read 600 – 1430MB/s Write Serialized for Added Protection 48HR Replacement Guarantee |
