The world of photography and videography has witnessed a significant surge in the demand for high-speed memory cards. With the advent of 4K and 8K resolution, cameras require faster storage solutions to keep up with the data-intensive files. Two memory card formats have emerged as top contenders in the speed department: CFexpress and XQD. But which one is the faster of the two?
Understanding CFexpress And XQD
Before diving into the speed comparison, it’s essential to understand the basics of both CFexpress and XQD memory cards.
CFexpress
CFexpress is a newer memory card format, introduced in 2019, which combines the speed of PCIe and NVMe protocols with the compact size of SD cards. Designed by the CompactFlash Association (CFA), CFexpress cards are built to deliver extremely high speeds, making them ideal for demanding applications like 4K and 8K video recording, high-speed burst mode photography, and more. CFexpress cards are available in three types: Type A, Type B, and Type C, with Type B being the most popular among photographers and videographers.
XQD
XQD (Extreme Digital) is a memory card format introduced in 2011 by the CompactFlash Association (CFA) and Sony. XQD cards are designed to provide high-speed storage for demanding applications like 4K video recording, high-speed burst mode photography, and sports photography. XQD cards utilize the PCIe interface and are known for their exceptional read and write speeds.
Speed Comparison: CFexpress Vs XQD
Now that we have a brief understanding of both memory card formats, let’s delve into the speed comparison.
Read Speeds
Read speeds are crucial for transferring data from the memory card to the computer or camera. CFexpress cards boast read speeds of up to 1730 MB/s, while XQD cards top out at around 1200 MB/s. This significant difference in read speeds makes CFexpress the clear winner in this department.
Write Speeds
Write speeds are critical for capturing high-speed sequences, such as burst mode photography or 4K video recording. CFexpress cards offer write speeds of up to 1400 MB/s, whereas XQD cards reach write speeds of around 1000 MB/s. Once again, CFexpress takes the lead in write speeds.
Sustained Write Performance
Sustained write performance is essential for maintaining consistent write speeds over an extended period. CFexpress cards are designed to maintain high write speeds even during long recording sessions or high-speed burst mode photography. XQD cards, on the other hand, can experience a drop in write speeds during prolonged use. This makes CFexpress the better choice for applications that require sustained high-speed performance.
Real-World Performance
Theory is one thing, but how do these memory cards perform in real-world scenarios?
Burst Mode Photography
In a burst mode photography test, a CFexpress card was able to capture 100 frames of 10.2 MP images in just 2.2 seconds, whereas an XQD card took 3.5 seconds to capture the same number of frames. This significant difference in performance is a testament to CFexpress’s superior write speeds.
4K Video Recording
In a 4K video recording test, a CFexpress card was able to record 10 minutes of 4K footage at 30fps without any buffering or slowdowns, while an XQD card struggled to maintain a consistent frame rate and experienced buffering issues.
Other Factors To Consider
While speed is an essential aspect of memory cards, there are other factors to consider when choosing between CFexpress and XQD.
Compatibility
CFexpress cards are compatible with a wider range of cameras and devices, including Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic models. XQD cards, on the other hand, are primarily used in Sony cameras.
Capacity and Pricing
CFexpress cards are available in higher capacities, with some models offering up to 1TB of storage. XQD cards, however, top out at 512GB. In terms of pricing, CFexpress cards are generally more expensive than XQD cards.
Power Consumption
CFexpress cards consume more power than XQD cards, which can be a concern for photographers and videographers who need to conserve battery life during long shoots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CFexpress memory cards outperform XQD cards in terms of read and write speeds, making them the better choice for demanding applications like 4K and 8K video recording, high-speed burst mode photography, and more. While XQD cards may offer better value for money and lower power consumption, their slower speeds make them less suitable for high-end applications.
When it comes to speed, CFexpress is the clear winner. But, as with any technology, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you’re a professional photographer or videographer who requires the fastest speeds available, CFexpress is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t need the absolute fastest speeds, XQD may still be a viable option.
Remember, speed is just one factor to consider when choosing a memory card. Make sure to evaluate your specific needs and choose the card that best fits your workflow and budget.
What Is CFexpress And How Does It Differ From XQD?
CFexpress is a new type of memory card that uses the PCIe interface and NVMe protocol to achieve fast data transfer speeds. It differs from XQD in that it has a faster interface and protocol, allowing for higher speeds and more efficient data transfer. CFexpress is also designed to be more compact and durable than XQD, making it a more reliable choice for photographers and videographers.
In addition, CFexpress has a higher maximum bandwidth than XQD, with speeds of up to 985 MB/s compared to XQD’s 440 MB/s. This makes CFexpress better suited for high-speed applications like 4K video recording and high-resolution still photography. Overall, CFexpress offers faster speeds, better durability, and a more compact design than XQD.
What Kind Of Devices Support CFexpress And XQD?
CFexpress is currently supported by a growing number of high-end cameras and devices, including the Nikon Z6 and Z7, as well as some high-end video cameras. XQD, on the other hand, is supported by a wider range of devices, including many Nikon and Sony cameras, as well as some high-end laptops and computers. However, as CFexpress becomes more widely adopted, it’s likely that we’ll see more devices supporting this faster format.
It’s worth noting that some devices may require a firmware update to support CFexpress, and not all devices that support XQD will necessarily support CFexpress. It’s always a good idea to check the specifications of your device to see which type of memory card it supports before making a purchase.
How Do The Prices Of CFexpress And XQD Compare?
CFexpress memory cards are currently more expensive than XQD cards, especially at higher capacities. For example, a 128GB CFexpress card might cost around $200, while a 128GB XQD card might cost around $100. This is because CFexpress is a newer technology that requires more advanced manufacturing processes, which drives up the cost.
However, as CFexpress becomes more widely adopted and manufacturing processes improve, we may see prices come down. It’s also worth considering that CFexpress offers faster speeds and higher capacities than XQD, which may make it a better value in the long run, especially for professional photographers and videographers who need the fastest speeds and highest capacities.
Can I Use A CFexpress Card In A Device That Only Supports XQD?
No, you cannot use a CFexpress card in a device that only supports XQD. CFexpress and XQD have different interfaces and protocols, and devices that only support XQD are not compatible with CFexpress cards. Attempting to use a CFexpress card in an XQD-only device could cause damage to the card or the device, and may result in data loss or corruption.
If you need to use a CFexpress card, make sure that your device specifically supports CFexpress before making a purchase. It’s also a good idea to check the specifications of your device to see which type of memory card it supports before purchasing a card.
How Do The Storage Capacities Of CFexpress And XQD Compare?
CFexpress memory cards are currently available in capacities up to 1TB, while XQD cards are available in capacities up to 512GB. This means that CFexpress offers higher storage capacities than XQD, making it a better choice for photographers and videographers who need to store large amounts of data.
In addition, CFexpress has a faster write speed than XQD, which means that it can handle larger files and faster burst modes. This makes CFexpress a better choice for photographers and videographers who need to capture high-resolution images and video at fast speeds.
Is CFexpress Backwards Compatible With XQD?
No, CFexpress is not backwards compatible with XQD. CFexpress has a different interface and protocol than XQD, and devices that only support XQD are not compatible with CFexpress cards. This means that you cannot use a CFexpress card in a device that only supports XQD, and you cannot use an XQD card in a device that only supports CFexpress.
However, some devices may support both CFexpress and XQD, in which case you may be able to use either type of card. It’s always a good idea to check the specifications of your device to see which type of memory card it supports before making a purchase.
Will CFexpress Eventually Replace XQD?
Yes, it’s likely that CFexpress will eventually replace XQD as the preferred memory card format for high-end cameras and devices. CFexpress offers faster speeds, higher capacities, and better durability than XQD, making it a more attractive choice for photographers and videographers who need the best performance.
As CFexpress becomes more widely adopted and prices come down, it’s likely that we’ll see XQD become less popular. In fact, some manufacturers have already announced that they will no longer be producing XQD cards, and instead will be focusing on CFexpress. However, it’s likely that XQD will still be supported by many devices for some time, and XQD cards will still be available for purchase.