Which are the top-notch SDXC and CFexpress memory cards to elevate your photography and videography experience?

While seemingly jargon-filled terms such as CFexpress, SDHC, SDXC, and UHS may initially appear perplexing, they actually refer to memory card formats primarily used in cameras but also applicable to other devices. We’ve thoroughly tested a range of SDXC, microSDXC, and CFexpress memory cards on both a Mac and within a camera, and selected our top recommendations.

Today’s cameras typically feature a slot for Secure Digital Storage Cards (SD cards).

The larger CFexpress card, successor to Compact Flash and XQD formats, is now available in professional cameras for photography and videography applications. If you’re in the market for a new memory card, check out our top recommendations below.

Our report also includes details about our testing methodology and how each card was thoroughly evaluated, providing clarity on the essential characteristics to consider when selecting a suitable option.

UHS-I SD reminiscence playing cards

High-Capacity UHS-II V60 Memory Cards for Seamless Performance

UHS-II V90 SD Memory Cards:

CFexpress reminiscence playing cards

Our check choice

We acquired a range of reminiscence playing cards covering the daily spectrum, designed for use in motion cams, drones, digital system cameras, and professional digital cameras for film and photography.

Three microSD cards – the Kingston Canvas Go Plus, the Lexar Skilled Silver Plus, and the Samsung Professional Final – all belong to the UHS-I V30 class. The reminiscence playing cards designed for action-packed applications are available in spacious SD (giant) and microSD formats, perfect for capturing high-quality footage on-the-go with your drone or motion camera. Most manufacturers include a standard SD card adapter with their products.

High-performance UHS-II memory cards are categorized into two distinct speed tiers: V60 and V90, each designed to meet the unique demands of specific applications. While MicroSDXC UHS-II memory cards are also available, their application is limited due to the scarcity of professional cameras that utilize these small storage devices, primarily for rapid data transfer.

The V60 class comprises the following high-performance memory cards: Kingston Canvas React Plus V60, Lexar Skilled Silver Professional, OWC Atlas Professional, PNY EliteX-PRO60 UHS-II, and SanDisk Extreme Professional V60.

Among the V90 class, notable models include the ADATA Premier ONE, Angelbird AV Professional V90, Kingston Canvas React Plus V90, OWC Atlas Pro, Prograde V90, and SanDisk Extreme Professional V90.

The CFexpress type B memory cards designed for high-end cameras are further categorized into two classes: CFexpress 2.0 and CFexpress 4.0, which differ significantly in their capabilities? The various SSDs tested included the OWC Atlas Professional 4.0, the OWC Atlas Extreme 4.0, the ProGrade Gold 2.0, the ProGrade Gold 4.0, and the SanDisk Extreme Professional.

A high-speed UHS-III memory card class has been introduced, featuring a turbocharged performance level within the existing UHS-I standard. The standard read velocity for the UHS-I commonplace is approximately around 100 MBps. Kingston, Lexar, and Samsung consistently deliver high-speed performance, reaching speeds of up to 200MBps with the memory cards tested. Since learn velocity is particularly crucial when migrating to a Mac, this feature becomes a significant advantage for established memory cards looking to make a seamless transition. Notwithstanding, this luxury demands a sophisticated approach.

The Mac Studio excels at unlocking the full capabilities of UHS-II memory cards, much like other leading-edge readers in this category. SanDisk offers a bespoke UHS-I memory card reader designed specifically for their QuickFlash cards, providing a seamless reading experience. The UHS-II memory card readers from our memory card reader tests also prove suitable: the Anker PowerExpand, the Dockcase Studio Excellent USB-C Hub 8-in-1, the ProGrade PG05.5, and the Ugreen SD4.0 Card Reader. The Kingston Workflow Station exclusively utilizes the corporation’s proprietary memory cards.

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We employed the Aja System Check Lite application to thoroughly examine each memory card using the ProGrade PG05.5 memory card reader for our lab quality control assessment. The learning velocity of a reminiscence card in this case is crucial.

Producers do not exclusively dictate the write velocity class for their memory cards, such as V90, nor do they specify maximum values for reading and writing. Despite efforts to adhere to the producers’ guidelines, the actual results occasionally fall short, but such deviations are frequently overlooked. While this may be true in certain instances, if a producer sets excessively high standards, the memory card may potentially outperform other memory cards.

In the case of UHS-I memory cards, manufacturers typically specify up to 200 MB/s. No evidence was found to support this conclusion in our experimental results. Although 173MBps and 145MBps seem like significant speeds, they do not necessarily pose a threat. The Kingston Canvas Go Plus and the Samsung Professional Final stood out as the fastest options in our test.

The UHS-II memory cards boast read speeds of impressively over 200 megabytes per second. Despite being touted as capable of delivering speeds like 300MBps, the reality falls short. The majority of reminiscence playing cards typically boast transfer speeds exceeding 250 MBps, making them a desirable addition to any setup, particularly when paired with a Mac and used in close proximity. The SDXC card from Adata stands out as the top performer in our benchmark, boasting an impressive read speed of 292 MBps.

Generally speaking, most playing cards meet the expected standards. Regardless of whether it’s measured at 258MBps or 274 MBps, the discrepancies are difficult to discern when using a Mac.

As the industry shifts from CFexpress 2.0 to 4.0, the impact of this technological leap is particularly pronounced when utilizing CFexpress reminiscence cards. The brand-new common place enables transfer rates of over 3,000 megabits per second for seamless learning experiences. Customers can solely benefit from this feature if they utilize a fast memory card reader equipped with a USB 4 connection. In most cases, the limitation on the USB interface remains at under 1000 Mbps.

We provide benchmark results for the OWC Atlas USB4 CFexpress Reader and Prograde’s PG05.5 device.

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Although reminiscence-playing cards are rarely optimized for use on a Mac, we have also conducted benchmark tests here. While the more affordable V60 flashcards may grab attention due to their relatively modest read speeds of around 100MBps, Even top-tier UHS-I memory cards can attain these impressive speeds. The standout V60 memory card in terms of optimism and performance is the SanDisk Extreme Pro V60, boasting a remarkable read speed of 198 MBps. Here is the improved text in a different style:

The fastest V90 memory cards boasting speeds of over 250MBps are the Adata Premiere One, Angelbird’s AV Professional SD V90, the Kingston Canvas React Plus V90, and OWC’s Atlas Extreme – all top contenders for your most demanding projects. In a notable demonstration of high-speed storage capabilities, CFexpress memory cards from OWC and ProGrade have surpassed expectations by achieving read speeds exceeding 2000MBps in the 4.0 technology iteration.

What do we capture when switching to write mode on our smartphone’s camera?

Notwithstanding, these metrics do not necessarily reflect the habits inherent to the digital camera. Given the limited storage capacity of most digital cameras, we measured the performance of all available SDXC, UHS-I, UHS-II, and CFexpress memory cards within these devices. Without an suitable digital camera equipped with a microSD memory card slot, we employed available adapters to measure the performance of these memory cards.

When a memory card is unable to keep up with the demands of a camera, the device’s performance slows down and the camera becomes less responsive. As you take photographs with your digital camera, the device initially fills its internal buffer memory before simultaneously transferring the images to the memory card. Ideally, the body fee is simply offset by a reduction in frames per second; however, in extreme cases, it’s crucial to take a temporary pause.

That’s why cameras with fast data transfer requirements often feature slots for UHS-II or CFexpress memory cards. We employed a diverse range of digital cameras for this evaluation, including the Canon EOS R5, Canon EOS R7, Fujifilm X-T5, Leica Q3, and Leica SL3 models. We recorded the write velocity of the memory card within the camera. The camera was set to manual focus mode with the highest aperture priority setting. We selected RAW because it allows for a greater dynamic range and a longer publicity time, approximately one-thousandth of a second. The shutter release was depressed until the camera’s body stabilizer slowed its movement, i.e., the buffer reminiscence was full. We paused and waited until the LEDs confirmed each photograph had been successfully saved to the memory card. After conducting multiple trials, we calculated an average outcome.

The measured values mirror themselves fairly accurately within the perceived velocity, effectively How soon can you expect to resume taking footage? When the buffer memory is full, what happens to the body’s buffer memory? Eventually, when photographs are displayed in playback mode, does anything occur to the body’s free buffer memory?

Without exception, Canon and Fujifilm guarantee the ability to capture extended photo sequences aside from the Leica Q3 and Leica SL3, which are indeed designed for different purposes, better suited for urban photography or portraiture. Either through a large buffer recall mechanism or via a rapid flash memory interface. In the end, the speediest playing cards also appear remarkably swift on camera. While there may appear to be little discernible difference among the reminiscence playing cards within a specific category (designated U3, V60, or V90),

The Canon EOS R5 boasts exceptional speed, capable of performing seamlessly with both SD memory cards and CFexpress memory cards. At its peak, the OWC Atlas Pro Extreme recorded a remarkable speed of 247 megabits per second (MBps). The cost aligns with the producer’s stipulated information switch fee. The V90 reminiscence playing cards from Kingston, Angelbird, and ProGrade are impressively swift. When applying this technology, it allows for seamless shooting of large collections of photographs without any lag or delay, thanks to the massive buffer memory and the fast interface capabilities. As a natural extension of its capabilities, the EOS R5 also supports data storage via CFexpress memory cards.

“We recorded peak transfer speeds of 531 MBps using the OWC Atlas Extreme and 505 MBps with the ProGrade Gold V4.0.”

With a maximum switch rate of 231 Mbps achieved by the Atlas Extreme, the Canon EOS R7 boasts impressive speed. The remarkably slow read/write speeds of the Adata and SanDisk Extreme Pro V90 are truly impressive. While the latter’s performance may be underwhelming, it still lags behind the V60 model of the Excessive Professional, a benchmark we hold dear.

The Fujifilm X-T5 boasts a maximum bitrate range of 170-189 MBps, underscoring its exceptional video performance capabilities. It’s pointless to prioritize finding the fastest credit card. While the Atlas Extremely is the fastest option available, it’s closely followed by two more affordable alternatives. The Excessive Professional V60 proves to be unexpectedly swift, almost matching the speed of its V90 counterparts.

Leica cameras are tailored to meet the demands of travel, landscape, and street photography enthusiasts. What issues aren’t most bodies free, but a perceived excessive processing velocity. With sufficient write speeds averaging around 100 MBps or more, all UHS-II memory cards are capable of achieving this exact result. All UHS-II memory cards perform similarly well when recording images on camera. The importance of a Leica’s UHS-II memory card can be directly compared to that of a UHS-I card, highlighting its enhanced performance capabilities. There’s no enjoyment whatsoever while browsing photos through Leicas when scrolling.

Suggestions

In determining the optimal memory card, two key factors must be considered: raw technical specifications and personal preferences. Private desires consist of factors including assurance, reputation of the model and ensured working temperatures. Amateurs may often produce distinctive results that differ significantly from those of seasoned professionals. Given the durability and reliability of the SanDisk Extreme Pro, professionals are drawn to it due to its 30-year warranty and proven track record over many years.

While pure measurement values may not pose a threat in terms of memorization, there is still the potential for confusion or misinterpretation if not handled properly. The newly released CFexpress 4.0 memory cards truly stand out for their impressive data transfer rates on par with those of high-end NVMe SSDs. Current cameras are not yet equipped to take full advantage of this.

We recommend the Kingston Canvas Go Plus and Samsung Professional as top value options for UHS-I memory card applications. Learning at excessive speeds can have inherent value that speaks for itself. Ensure you have a suitable memory card reader to achieve optimal read speeds.

There are approximately two distinct teams operating within the UHS-II memory card classification. The top tier comprises teams exhibiting exceptional writing velocity, while those achieving a harmonious balance between the value they produce and their browsing speed are included in another distinct group. The primary group comprises the Angelbird AV Professional V90, the OWC Atlas Pro X2 Extreme, and the ProGrade Digital V90. This group also comprises the Adata Premier One and Kingston Canvas React Plus V90, boasting an outstanding price-performance balance. When traveling with a group of like-minded individuals who share my passion for discovery and exploration. It’s also valuable to consider having a look at the working temperature. While Lexar and PNY may not be particularly effective below 0°C, SanDisk’s performance is more impressive, operating at temperatures as low as -40°C. Since trendy digital cameras tend to generate excessive heat while filming, their thermal management capabilities are crucial to ensure optimal performance and longevity. All manufacturers aside from Lexar and PNY explicitly state an 85-level capacity for their cards.

The second group with a positive worth per gigabyte comprises the Kingston Canvas React Plus V60 reminiscence cards, the Lexar Skilled Silver Professional memory cards, the OWC Atlas Professional memory cards, the PNY EliteX-PRO60 memory cards, and the SanDisk Excessive Professional V60 memory cards. Amateurs and enthusiasts seeking guidance will find valuable resources and expertise within this community. However, professionals seeking high-performance memory cards should consider options such as the Lexar Professional 667x SDHC card or the SanDisk Extreme Pro V90 U3 card, which offer faster speeds and enhanced reliability for demanding applications.

A significant value lies beyond the standard software costs in the guarantees and additional software features. Drawing on the collective insights of various photographers, this provides a nuanced perspective on the expected lifespan. When playing cards, such as reminiscences, have a lifespan exceeding ten years or more, an extended warranty period of over a decade can be considered a valuable added benefit. The market is dominated by a trifecta of industry giants: Adata, Kingston, and SanDisk alone. While ProGrade and OWC are notable in the software realm, their primary focus lies in providing applications that monitor system health and performance. Knowledge restoration capabilities are available from leading brands such as Angelbird, ProGrade, OWC, and SanDisk, among others. In the instance of Angelbird, exceptional results are achieved not just through software, but also via expertly delivered services.

Plus	256	170	90	U3	V30
	256	205	150	U3	V30
	256	200	130	U3	V30

	128	290		V90
	128	300	280	V90
V60	256	280	150	V60
V90	32	300	260	V90
	256	280	160	V60
	256	250	130	V60
	128	300	250	V90
	256	280	180	V60
V90	256	300	250	V90
V60	256	280	150	V60
V90	128	300		V90

	512	3650	3000	4.0
	1000	3650	3000	4.0
Gold V2.0	256	1700	1400	2.0
Gold V4.0	512	3400	850	4.0
	256	1700	1200	2.0

Reminiscence card equipment

Compact at just 95mm x 70mm x 20mm in size, the ST-Pockets provide ample space to store up to eight SD memory cards and a variety of credit cards. There’s potential for an optional upgrade to the SD reminiscence deck, which is simply secured by rubber bands. A small, discreet mesh pocket provides additional storage for valuables like cash or a USB drive, keeping them secure and organized in your bag. The film aims to protect bank cards from unauthorized learning. The zipper on this jacket has an unusually large pull tab, making it easy to operate. A hidden Velcro fastener on the back is used to connect it seamlessly to various Cosyspeed luggage pieces. The ST-Pockets are manufactured in accordance with SGS specifications and feature a 100% vegan composition. The innovative new product is available in four vibrant coloration combinations, offering customers a wide range of style options to suit their unique tastes and preferences.

As nostalgia washes over you, a worn pack of vintage cards beckons, their faded hues whispering tales of yesteryear’s whimsical world.

The advent of digital cameras featuring an SD card slot commenced with the humble SD, boasting a storage capacity of up to 2GB before being succeeded by the SDHC variant, which expanded its capabilities to reach up to 32GB. Today’s landscape is dominated by the SDXC standard, offering an astonishing maximum storage capacity of 2TB. The most recent common-place SDUC with up to 128TB remains extremely rare.

If you’re still using an outdated digital camera, it’s essential to thoroughly review your device’s user manual, as modern SDXC memory cards, like SDHC cards, are not compatible with older models.

There may also be an additional modification within the file system: SDXC leverages the modern exFAT format, while the older FAT32 remains suitable for SDHC. The camera formats mechanically within the designated file system, eliminating any need for concern in this regard.

Velocity

In addition to specifications regarding remembrance measurements for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, there is also a categorization of memory cards based on speed.

Every specification refers to the minimum acceptable quality threshold during storage. The term “Class 10” in SD cards indeed indicates a minimum write speed of 10 megabytes per second (MBps).

In 2010, an expansion to Extremely Excessive Velocity (also known as UHS for short) was introduced. The Ultra High Speed (UHS) technology enables significantly faster data transfer rates, with UHS-I supporting speeds of up to 104 megabytes per second and UHS-II reaching speeds of up to 321 megabytes per second. UHS-II, also commonly referred to as Secure Digital 4.0 (SD4.0), is a high-speed memory card standard that offers faster data transfer rates and improved performance compared to traditional SD cards.

Additionally, there are velocity programs available for Undergraduate Honors Students (UHS).

Indeed, U1 and U3 are notable mentions, alongside V60 and V90, which offer write velocities of 60MBps and 90MBps respectively, catering to the specific needs of videographers that require such minimal speeds.

If you require help determining which velocity class is most suitable for your needs, refer to your camera’s user manual for guidance. For a seamless viewing experience, a minimum of V10 is sufficient for full high-definition (HD) movies. However, when it comes to 4K video, a higher frame rate is recommended, with V30 being the bare minimum and V60 ideal for optimal playback. Cameras capable of recording 8K video typically require V60 or higher ratings to ensure optimal quality.

One of the key advantages of SDHC and SDXC memory cards is their seamless compatibility, regardless of whether you choose a Class 2 to 10 or UHS card type. They always fit into SDHC-compatible cameras.

Class 2			2MBps
Class 4			4MBps
Class 6		V6	6MBps
Class 10	UHS Class U1	V10	10MBps
	UHS Class U3	V30	30MBps
		V60	60MBps
		V90	90MBps

Although the V course simplification has reduced complexity, manufacturers still prescribe precise knowledge transmission rates in Mbps for writing and learning on flashcards. With this clear specification, there is usually an older requirement that includes a feature, such as a resolution of 600x. The data transfer rate for this issue is pegged at 150 kilobytes per second, roughly equivalent to the speed of a CD being read once. In the context of 600x, this suggests a data transfer rate equivalent to approximately 90 megabits per second.

133x	20MBps
300x	45MBps
400x	60MBps
600x	90MBps
1000x	150MBps
1667x	250MBps
2000x	300MBps