Best Cfexpress Cards Uk: Our Top 8 Picks & Reviews

The jump from SD or even XQD cards to CFexpress (CompactFlash Express) is one of the most significant performance leaps in modern digital imaging. As camera resolution rockets towards 8K and high-frame-rate 4K becomes standard, photographers and videographers need storage that can keep up without hitting the dreaded buffer wall or prematurely halting a high-bitrate video clip.

We spent weeks testing various CFexpress cards—covering both the small Type A format popularised by Sony, and the larger, typically faster Type B format used by Nikon and Canon—to find the most reliable options available in the UK market.

Our comprehensive testing revealed that the PERGEAR 260GB CFexpress Type A Memory Card stands out as our top pick overall. While it might lack the prestige of bigger brands, its combination of high rated speeds (up to 900 MB/s write) and exceptional affordability for the Type A format offers unparalleled value, especially for Sony Alpha and FX camera users, making it the smartest investment for high-end hybrid shooters today.

Our Top 8 Picks for Best Cfexpress Cards Uk

#1 PERGEAR 260GB CFexpress Type A Memory Card – Ideal for: Value-Driven Sony Alpha Shooters

The CFexpress Type A format, used primarily by Sony’s high-end mirrorless and cinema cameras (A7S III, A1, FX3), has traditionally commanded a hefty price premium. The PERGEAR 260GB CFexpress Type A Memory Card fundamentally disrupts this market by offering professional-grade speed and capacity at a fraction of the cost of competitors. We tested its performance in an A7R V and were genuinely impressed; the claimed maximum write speed of 900 MB/s meant the camera’s buffer cleared almost instantaneously, even when shooting compressed RAW continuously. One user noted being “surprised how fast this card is, no waiting for buffer write in a74,” concluding it was cheaper than even high-end V90 SD cards.

This card comfortably handles demanding formats like 4K 120P and even 8K 30P, making it a viable primary card for professional videography. It is optimized specifically for Sony systems, a huge advantage if you shoot with that ecosystem. However, our initial high praise must be tempered with caution. While the vast majority of users report excellent reliability over time, a few isolated reports, including one from a UK-based user, mentioned thermal throttling and overheating issues when filming long continuous clips on warm days, forcing them to switch to a less capable V60 SD card. This suggests that while the raw speed is exceptional, long-term sustained thermal management might be a minor weakness compared to the much more expensive, integrated heat-sink designs. Despite this, the included 5-year warranty, combined with the groundbreaking value, secures its place as our top overall recommendation.

#2 Sony 256GB Tough CFexpress Type B Memory Card – Perfect for: Uncompromising Speed and Physical Durability

When failure is not an option, you reach for the Sony Tough line. The Sony 256GB Tough CFexpress Type B Memory Card is designed to meet the extreme demands of flagship DSLRs and mirrorless bodies (like the Nikon Z9 or Canon R5/R3) that utilise the Type B form factor. This card is an absolute beast, delivering blindingly fast read speeds of 1700 MB/s and powerful write speeds of 1480 MB/s. In our tests, this translates to virtually limitless continuous burst shooting of high-resolution RAW files; the camera buffer simply keeps emptying.

The key selling point here, however, is the durability. The “Tough” designation is well-earned. We appreciate the card’s rigid design, boasting 3x greater resistance to bending than the CFexpress standard and capable of surviving 5-meter drops. As one seasoned professional noted after a year of testing, this card “emerges as the preeminent, albeit not the most cost-effective, contender in the market.” For those shooting sports, wildlife, or high-risk field environments, this physical robustness provides essential peace of mind. While the price is undeniably steep, you are buying not just speed, but a guarantee of reliability under extreme pressure. We found that pairing this card with the proprietary Sony reader drastically cut down ingestion times for massive video projects, dramatically speeding up post-production workflow.

#3 Integral 128GB Compact Flash Card 1066x – Suits: Users of Legacy Professional DSLRs (CF Slots)

Although the industry has largely moved onto CFexpress, many high-end older DSLRs (such as the Canon 5DS or Nikon D5) still rely on the CompactFlash (CF) format. The Integral 128GB Compact Flash Card 1066x offers an excellent modern replacement for these legacy systems. Rated at 1066x, it delivers up to 160 MB/s read and 135 MB/s write speeds. Crucially, it carries a Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-65) rating, meaning it can sustain a minimum write speed of 65 MB/s—perfectly adequate for capturing smooth 4K UHD video in these older professional bodies.

We appreciated the robust claims of Integral, including shock proof, waterproof (IP54), and X-Ray proof construction, along with a 5-year warranty that includes a data recovery service—a vital safety net for professionals. Users describe the card as fast and compatible, noting that it “gets the job done” for older camera formats. However, it’s essential to remember the physical limitation of CompactFlash: the notorious bent pin issue. As one user pointed out a minor packaging flaw leading to a bent pin, care must always be taken when inserting and removing CF cards into the camera or a dedicated reader. For those determined to maximise the life and performance of their UDMA-7 compatible legacy gear, this Integral card is a superb, high-value choice.

#4 Lexar Professional 320GB CFexpress Type A Gold Card – Ideal for: Consistent, High-Bitrate Video Recording (Type A)

The Lexar Professional 320GB CFexpress Type A Gold Card enters the Type A arena as a powerful, premium alternative designed specifically to meet the gruelling demands of 8K video. Lexar backs this card with impressive credentials: read speeds up to 900 MB/s and, critically, a certified VPG 400 rating, guaranteeing a minimum sustained write speed of 400 MB/s. This sustained performance is what separates true professional cards from fast consumer models.

During our testing on compatible Sony bodies, we found the performance to be rock solid, living up to the Gold Series reputation. The 320GB capacity offers a great balance between space and cost for major projects. What really stood out, and what users confirm, is the card’s thermal management. One videographer using a high-resolution Nikon camera noted that this card “does not indicate hot card when recording 10 bit N-Log on 4k 120 fps… unlike to my sandisk extreme pro type b.” This suggests that Lexar has implemented effective heat-sink technology, making it ideal for continuous shooting sessions where thermal throttling is a primary concern.

#5 SABRENT 1TB CFexpress Type B Rocket CFX Memory Card – Perfect for: High-Volume, Long-Form Filmmakers

For cinematographers and wildlife photographers who need immense capacity without sacrificing Type B speed, the SABRENT 1TB CFexpress Type B Rocket CFX Memory Card is a compelling choice. Sabrent, a brand known for high-performance storage, delivers on its promise of scale and speed, offering a massive 1TB of storage with blistering read (1700 MB/s) and write (1500 MB/s) peak speeds. This capacity means you can shoot compressed RAW video for hours or capture tens of thousands of high-resolution stills without needing to swap cards, a point valued by professional DPs who rely on this card for their Canon R5s.

Physically, we found this card to be exceptionally well-built. It is housed in a heavy-duty full metal case, which one user described as “one serious memory card.” This robust construction aids in heat dissipation and protects the data within, a critical factor for field use. While peak speeds are excellent, our testing and user reports suggest that users engaging in the absolute highest-end 8K RAW video workflows (such as certain high-bitrate formats on the Nikon Z8) should note that sustained write speeds settle around 350-400 MB/s, which might be insufficient for the most demanding codecs but is still ample for most professional cinema formats.

#6 Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A 80GB VPG400 Flash Memory Card – Suits: Type A Users Prioritising Reliability Over Capacity

The Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A 80GB VPG400 Flash Memory Card is the benchmark against which all other Type A cards are measured. Although 80GB might seem small for high-resolution video, this card is focused on mission-critical stability and extreme performance density. With maximum write speeds of 700 MB/s and a VPG400 rating, we are guaranteed the minimum sustained speed required for complex recordings like 4K 120p on compatible Sony cameras.

The build quality is, predictably, superlative. It lives up to the ‘TOUGH’ name, offering 10x greater resistance to bending and superior water and dust protection (IPX7/IP5X). We specifically rate this card for professionals who engage in high-speed, high-stakes photography or short video bursts (such as wedding photography or documentary B-roll) where data integrity is paramount. While one user accurately points out that “the downside is the price, which upset my wallet quite a bit,” the confidence of using a card that has an integrated heat sink and the assurance of Sony reliability is worth the investment for certain workflows. Its small size makes it an excellent second or backup card.

#7 Lexar Professional 256GB CFexpress Type-B Card – Ideal for: Mainstream Type B Speed Upgrade

The Lexar Professional 256GB CFexpress Type-B Card hits a sweet spot for Type B camera users looking for a substantial speed increase without the financial commitment of the absolute top-tier Tough models. Utilizing PCIe Gen 3 and NVMe protocols, this card boasts excellent peak speeds of 1750 MB/s read and 1000 MB/s write. This performance level is more than sufficient for high-speed burst shooting and seamless RAW 4K video capture on cameras like the Canon R5 or Nikon D850.

During our usage, we noticed the dramatic acceleration in workflow; transferring hundreds of RAW photos takes mere moments, a massive efficiency gain confirmed by a user who “can notice the difference in storage processing when I burst several photos.” This card is also valuable for those transitioning from older XQD formats, as its backwards compatibility means users of older Nikon bodies can leverage the latest speeds after a firmware update. We did observe that its sustained performance, while strong, isn’t always as consistent as the higher-end Sony Tough cards, and there are isolated user reports of card errors appearing after prolonged, heavy use, suggesting professionals should treat it as a reliable workhorse rather than an extreme cinematic tool.

#8 Transcend 256GB CFexpress 820 Type B Memory Card – Perfect for: Entry-Level Type B Speed

The Transcend 256GB CFexpress 820 Type B Memory Card presents itself as one of the most budget-friendly ways to access Type B performance. With stated maximum speeds of 820 MB/s read and 720 MB/s write, it offers a tangible performance advantage over UHS-II SD cards for cameras that support CFexpress. For basic 4K recording and fast-burst JPEG or compressed RAW photography, this card works reliably, and users report that it is instantly recognized by modern cameras like the EOS R5.

However, we must issue a strong caution regarding this product. While the electronic performance is acceptable for the price, the physical durability is severely lacking. Multiple users have reported issues with the plastic housing cracking, crumbling, and even breaking apart entirely, sometimes leaving pieces stuck inside the camera or card reader. One user noted that the card “zerbröselte der Kunststoffrand” (the plastic edge crumbled) after just half a year of use. We also experienced the card getting “VERY hot” during sustained 4K/60 recording, which may contribute to the physical degradation. While the price is tempting for a 256GB Type B card, we cannot recommend this model for mission-critical or heavy professional use due to the significant risk of physical failure.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• CFexpress Type A vs. Type B: This is the most crucial decision. Type A is smaller, slightly slower (max theoretical speed of 1000 MB/s, usually 800-900 MB/s), and currently only supported by select Sony cameras. Type B is larger (similar size to XQD), much faster (max theoretical speed of 2000 MB/s, usually 1500-1700 MB/s), and used by Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic flagship models. You must match the card type to your camera slot.
• Sustained Write Speed (VPG Rating): Peak read/write speeds are good for marketing, but sustained write speed is critical for video. Look for the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) rating (e.g., VPG400). This guarantees the card will not drop below 400 MB/s, ensuring smooth, non-interrupted 4K 120p or 8K recording.
• Capacity Needs: For high-bitrate video, file sizes explode. An hour of 8K RAW footage can easily exceed 500GB. Photographers shooting high-speed RAW bursts benefit from 256GB or 512GB cards to avoid buffer lag. If you shoot long-form cinema, 1TB or higher is advisable.
• Durability and Warranty: Professional cards often carry “Tough” designations and are shock, bend, water, and temperature-resistant. Given the high cost of CFexpress, a 5-year warranty is the minimum we recommend.

Understanding Thermal Throttling and Heat Sinks

CFexpress cards are essentially tiny, high-performance NVMe SSDs, and like any high-speed drive, they generate significant heat. When a card gets too hot, the camera or the card itself will deliberately slow down its writing speed—a process known as thermal throttling—to prevent damage. In extreme cases (as noted with some budget models), this can cause the camera to shut down recording entirely. Premium CFexpress Type A cards, such as the Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A 80GB VPG400 Flash Memory Card and the Lexar Gold series, incorporate integrated heat sinks and superior controllers to manage this heat more efficiently, ensuring sustained speed even during lengthy, demanding video clips. When choosing a card, especially for video, always look for evidence of good thermal performance, either through official heat management claims or detailed reviews.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistaking Card Types: A Type A card will not fit in a Type B slot, and vice versa. Purchasing the wrong type is the most common and costly error. Always double-check your camera manual.
• Ignoring Sustained Speed: Don’t rely solely on the headline ‘read’ speed (e.g., 1700 MB/s). This speed matters for offloading files, but the sustained ‘write’ speed is what matters in the camera. A card with 1500 MB/s read and 400 MB/s sustained write will perform vastly differently in-camera than one with 1700 MB/s read and 800 MB/s sustained write. Look for VPG ratings or dedicated sustained speed metrics.
• Overlooking Reader Compatibility: To get the benefit of rapid CFexpress speeds during offloading, you need a compatible reader (often specific to Type A or Type B) that supports high-speed interfaces like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt. Using an older, slower reader creates an unnecessary workflow bottleneck.
• Choosing the Cheapest Brand for Video: While excellent budget options exist (like our top pick), ultra-low-cost CFexpress cards (like the Transcend 256GB CFexpress 820 Type B Memory Card) often cut corners on build quality or thermal management, leading to data loss or physical card failure over time. Reliability should always trump minor cost savings in professional work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CFexpress Type A and Type B cards?

CFexpress Type A cards are physically smaller (20mm x 28mm) and primarily used by Sony cameras. They use a single PCIe 3.0 lane, limiting theoretical peak speed to about 1000 MB/s. CFexpress Type B cards are larger (38.5mm x 29.8mm, similar to XQD), used by Nikon, Canon, and others, and use two PCIe 3.0 lanes, allowing for much higher speeds, typically peaking around 1700 MB/s.

Which camera brands use CFexpress cards?

Most modern professional camera brands have adopted CFexpress. Sony uses Type A in its high-end Alpha and Cinema Line cameras (A7S III, A1, FX3, FX6). Nikon (Z9, Z8, D6), Canon (R5, R3), and Panasonic generally use the larger, faster Type B format.

Are CFexpress cards worth the investment over SD cards?

For high-end shooters, yes, absolutely. CFexpress cards are designed to handle the massive data rates of 4K 120p, 6K, and 8K video, and high-speed RAW burst photography, which modern SD cards (even UHS-II V90) cannot sustain. If your camera body requires these high speeds to unlock its full potential, the investment is mandatory to avoid buffer limitations and dropped frames.

What does the VPG400 rating mean on a CFexpress card?

VPG stands for Video Performance Guarantee. The number (e.g., 400) indicates the guaranteed minimum sustained write speed in Megabytes per second (MB/s). A VPG400 rating ensures the card will not drop below 400 MB/s, which is necessary for stable recording of high-bitrate video formats like 4K 120p or certain flavour of 8K RAW.

How do I choose the right storage capacity for my needs?

For stills photographers, 128GB or 256GB is generally sufficient for a day’s shooting. For videographers shooting high-bitrate RAW or ALL-I codecs, you should calculate based on your camera’s data rate. A 512GB card is a good starting point for professional video, and 1TB (like the SABRENT 1TB CFexpress Type B Rocket CFX Memory Card) is ideal for cinema cameras where hours of footage are required.

Can you use a CFexpress card in an old XQD camera slot?

Yes, in many cases. CFexpress Type B cards share the same physical form factor as XQD cards. Many older cameras that used XQD (such as the Nikon D850 or Z6/Z7) can be updated via firmware to recognise and utilise the faster CFexpress Type B cards, offering a significant performance boost for legacy bodies.

What are the most reliable CFexpress card brands available in the UK?

Based on our extensive testing and user feedback, Sony’s Tough series and Lexar’s Professional Gold series are consistently cited as the most reliable, offering exceptional speed and robust build quality. Brands like PERGEAR offer excellent value-focused performance but require slightly more caution regarding long-term heat management.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

Choosing the best CFexpress card requires balancing raw speed, capacity, thermal consistency, and cost. While cards like the Sony Tough series offer unparalleled peace of mind and extreme physical durability, they carry a high price tag that can be prohibitive, especially for the Type A format.

For the vast majority of UK photographers and videographers using compatible Type A systems (Sony Alpha/FX), the PERGEAR 260GB CFexpress Type A Memory Card delivers the strongest overall package. We found its 880 MB/s read and 900 MB/s write speeds to be functionally superb, offering the fast buffer clearance and high data rates necessary for modern 4K and 8K capture. It provides professional performance at a highly competitive price point, backed by a commendable 5-year warranty, making it the smartest high-performance storage investment you can make today.

Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API