CompactFlash and CFexpress cards are the high-speed memory cards used in professional cameras, cinema cameras and some industrial equipment. This range suits photographers, videographers and system integrators who need dependable write speeds. Leading brands include Transcend, SanDisk, Angelbird, Kodak and Exascend.
How to choose a CompactFlash or CFexpress card
Card format. Check which slot your camera has before anything else, because the formats are not interchangeable. Older DSLRs and some industrial devices use CompactFlash, while newer mirrorless and cinema cameras use CFexpress Type A or Type B. Type B is the more common of the two, and Type A is smaller and used mainly in certain Sony cameras.
Write speed. Sustained write speed matters more than the headline read speed. It decides whether a camera can keep shooting long bursts of RAW photos or record high-bitrate video without dropping frames. Check your camera manual for the minimum speed it needs for your preferred recording mode, then choose a card that meets it with some margin.
Capacity. Work out how much data a typical shoot produces. A day of 8K or 4K RAW video fills a card far faster than a day of stills, so video shooters usually want larger cards or several of them. Carrying two or three mid-sized cards is often safer than relying on a single very large one.
Camera compatibility and certification. Some cameras only guarantee full performance with cards that the manufacturer has tested. Where a card brand publishes a list of tested cameras, use it, especially for 8K or high-frame-rate recording.
Card reader. A CFexpress card needs a reader that supports its type and a fast enough USB port, otherwise copying footage takes much longer than it should. CompactFlash cards need a CF-compatible reader, and older readers can limit the speed of newer cards.
CompactFlash and CFexpress brands we carry
- Transcend: Taiwanese storage maker with a long history in memory cards, and the largest group of products in this category.
- SanDisk: one of the best-known memory card brands, with its Extreme Pro line aimed at photographers and videographers.
- Angelbird: Austrian company focused on professional photo and video media, known for AV Pro cards tested with specific cameras.
- Kodak: long-established photography brand, familiar to buyers who want a recognised name on their camera media.
- Exascend: Taiwanese maker of professional and industrial storage, including CFexpress cards.
- Delock and StarTech.com: known for connectivity products such as adapters and card readers.
Also in our range: AgfaPhoto, PNY, OWC, Mitel and Coreparts.
CompactFlash and CFexpress FAQ
Can I use a CFexpress card in a CompactFlash slot?
No. CFexpress cards use a different interface and physical design from CompactFlash, so they will not work in a CF slot. Always match the card to the slot type listed in your camera specification.
What is the difference between CFexpress Type A and Type B?
The main difference is physical size and the number of data lanes. Type B is larger and generally offers higher peak speeds, while Type A is smaller and used in a narrower group of cameras. The two types do not fit each other's slots.
Is CFexpress faster than CompactFlash?
Yes, CFexpress is considerably faster than CompactFlash. It uses the PCIe and NVMe interface, which supports much higher data rates than the older CF standard. This is why it is used for high-resolution RAW video and fast burst shooting.
Do I need a special card reader for CFexpress cards?
Yes, you need a reader that supports the specific CFexpress type you own. A CompactFlash reader will not accept it. Pairing the card with a reader on a fast USB port also helps you transfer large video files in a reasonable time.
