CompactFlash (CF) and CFexpress memory cards are made for cameras and camcorders that need fast, uninterrupted recording. Our range has over 60 models, including cards from Transcend, SanDisk, Angelbird, Kodak and Exascend.
CF cards are mostly found in older professional cameras, while CFexpress is built for newer stills and cinema camera models.
How to choose a CompactFlash or CFexpress card
Card type. Start by checking which slot your camera has. A CompactFlash card will not fit a CFexpress slot, and CFexpress comes in several physical sizes: a Type B card will not fit a Type A slot, or the other way round.
Speed. For RAW burst shooting and high-resolution video, the headline read speed on the packaging matters less than the sustained write speed. On CF cards look for UDMA 7 and VPG-65 markings. CFexpress cards use a PCIe interface and are far faster than CF.
Capacity. Choose capacity according to what you shoot. A few minutes of RAW video or hundreds of high-resolution photos can fill tens of gigabytes, so long shooting days without offloading call for a larger card or a spare.
Reader and compatibility. You will copy files to a computer with a matching card reader: CF and CFexpress need different readers, and a fast CFexpress card also needs a fast enough USB port. Some cameras accept CFexpress cards only after a firmware update, so check the manufacturer's compatibility list.
Brands we carry
- Transcend: a Taiwanese manufacturer with the most cards in this category, from simpler models to ones aimed at professional photography.
- SanDisk: known for its Extreme PRO series, which photographers and filmmakers often choose in CompactFlash and CFexpress formats.
- Angelbird: an Austrian maker whose AV PRO series is designed for professional video recording and tested with specific cameras.
- Exascend: specialises in fast storage, and its CFexpress cards are meant for demanding photo and video work.
- Kodak and AgfaPhoto: names familiar from photographic history, used here for simpler memory cards.
Also in our range: PNY, OWC, Delock, StarTech, CoreParts and Mitel.
Frequently asked questions about CompactFlash and CFexpress cards
What is the difference between CompactFlash and CFexpress cards?
CFexpress is the newer standard and transfers data over a PCIe interface, so its cards are much faster than CompactFlash. The physical formats also differ, so a card cannot be used in the other type of slot. CompactFlash is mostly found in older cameras.
Will a CFexpress card work in an XQD slot?
In some cameras with an XQD slot, CFexpress Type B cards work because the size is the same. A camera firmware update is often needed first. Always check the specific model with the camera manufacturer.
What card speed do I need for 4K or 8K video?
The speed you need depends on your camera's video bitrate, so follow the minimum write speed given in the camera manual. High-resolution RAW video usually calls for a CFexpress card. Lower-bitrate recording may be fine on a CF card with a VPG-65 marking.
Do I need a separate card reader?
Yes, laptops rarely have CF or CFexpress slots, so you will need an external reader. CF and CFexpress readers are not interchangeable. A fast reader also lets you make full use of the card's speed when copying files.
