There’s a specific kind of panic every photographer knows. You’re tracking a soaring eagle, or maybe a bride and groom during their first kiss, and you’re firing off shots in a rapid burst, capturing every nuance of the moment. Then, suddenly, silence. The camera stops responding. You look down to see that dreaded, blinking buffer light. The action is still happening, the perfect shot is unfolding right in front of you, but your camera is helpless, choked by a memory card that can’t keep up. That fleeting moment is lost forever. I’ve been there, and it’s a gut-wrenching feeling that makes you question your entire kit. In the world of high-resolution video and lightning-fast mirrorless cameras, your memory card is no longer a passive accessory; it’s the critical bottleneck that can make or break your shoot. This is precisely the problem that ultra-high-speed cards like the Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card promise to solve, aiming to eliminate that buffer anxiety once and for all.
- B1 Pro Series achieves the world’s fastest read speed (as of 11/22) of up to 1,950 MB/s, write speed of up to 1,900 MB/s and a minimum sustained write speed of 1,800 MB/s supporting VPG400
- Perfect for high-speed continuous shooting of RAW images and 8K video recording at higher bit rates (120fps) without dropping frames with the latest high-performance mirrorless cameras.
What to Consider Before Buying a CFexpress Card
A CFexpress card is more than just a storage device; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of modern professional cameras. These cards are engineered for one primary purpose: to handle immense amounts of data at incredible speeds without faltering. This is essential for creators working with 8K video, high-bitrate 4K slow-motion footage, or capturing extensive bursts of high-resolution RAW images. The main benefit is the elimination of the camera’s data buffer as a limiting factor, allowing you to shoot longer, faster, and more reliably. It also drastically reduces the time spent offloading files to a computer, streamlining your entire workflow from capture to post-production.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a professional or serious enthusiast photographer or videographer using a flagship camera like a Nikon Z8/Z9, a Canon EOS R3/R5, or a Panasonic Lumix S1H. These are individuals in fields like sports, wildlife, journalism, and high-end cinematography where missing a shot is not an option and data integrity is paramount. However, this level of performance might be overkill for hobbyists using entry-level cameras that can’t leverage these speeds. If your camera only supports SD cards or doesn’t shoot high-bitrate video or rapid-fire bursts, a high-end UHS-II SD card would be a more cost-effective choice. Similarly, users of older DSLRs might need legacy CompactFlash or XQD cards instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Format Type: CFexpress cards come in three types: A, B, and C. Type B is the most common format currently, sharing its physical dimensions with the older XQD format. It’s absolutely crucial to ensure your camera is compatible with CFexpress Type B. Buying the wrong format will mean the card simply won’t fit or function in your device.
- Capacity & Performance: Beyond just the gigabytes, look at three key speed metrics: maximum read speed (for fast file transfers), maximum write speed (for initial burst performance), and, most importantly, minimum sustained write speed. The Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card boasts a VPG400 rating, which guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 400 MB/s, but its specs promise an even higher 1,800 MB/s, making it suitable for the most demanding video codecs.
- Materials & Durability: Professional work often happens in challenging environments. A reliable card should be built to withstand them. Look for features like shock resistance, temperature tolerance (-10°C to 70°C is standard), and protection against X-rays, UV, and static electricity. The internal flash memory type also matters; pSLC (Pseudo Single-Level Cell) NAND, used in this card, is known for superior speed and endurance compared to more common TLC or QLC types.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good card should work seamlessly. It should format quickly in-camera and be recognized without issue by your computer (with a compatible reader). Long-term care involves regular formatting within the camera (not on a computer) to maintain file structure integrity and periodically checking for firmware updates from the manufacturer, which can sometimes resolve compatibility or performance issues.
These considerations ensure you’re not just buying storage, but a reliable professional tool that complements your high-performance camera gear.
While the Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) allows minimum sustained write speed of 20 MB/s
- Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) allows minimum sustained write speed of 20 MB/s
- CAPACITY: 4.0GB CompactFlash memory card for digital storage, perfect for photographers and professionals requiring reliable data storage
First Impressions and Blistering Speed Claims
Unboxing the Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card feels reassuringly premium. There’s no flimsy plastic; the card itself has a solid, metallic construction with a satisfying heft that speaks to its durable build. It feels like a professional tool designed to withstand the rigours of field use. The black finish is sleek and understated, with the gold and white lettering clearly indicating its model and impressive VPG400 certification. Holding it side-by-side with a standard SD card, the difference in build quality is immediately apparent. Upon inserting it into our test camera, a Nikon Z8, it clicked into place securely. The initial in-camera format was instantaneous, and the camera was ready to shoot. The product’s marketing boldly claims it is the “World’s Fastest,” with staggering read speeds of up to 1,950 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1,900 MB/s. These are not just incremental improvements; they represent the absolute cutting edge of memory card technology, promising a workflow free from frustrating delays. We were eager to see if it could live up to these lofty expectations, and you can explore its full technical specifications to see the numbers for yourself.
What We Like
- Absolutely phenomenal read and write speeds that eliminate camera buffer limitations.
- VPG400 certification guarantees flawless high-bitrate 8K video recording without dropped frames.
- Unique “Dynamic Auto Power Save” feature effectively prevents thermal throttling and saves battery.
- Extremely durable construction with resistance to shock, temperature, X-rays, and more.
Potential Drawbacks
- Early production units may require a firmware update to fix slow camera startup/wake times.
- Isolated user reports of critical data corruption raise reliability concerns.
Deep Dive: Performance Under Fire
A memory card’s true worth is proven not by numbers on a box, but by its performance under intense, real-world pressure. We put the Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card through its paces in scenarios designed to push it to its absolute limit, from high-speed sports photography to sustained 8K video recording. Our findings reveal a card that is, for the most part, a performance titan, though not without a few important caveats.
Unprecedented Speed: Obliterating the Buffer
The headline feature of the Nextorage B1PRO is its speed, and in our testing, it delivered in spectacular fashion. Using a Nikon D500, known for its deep buffer, we were able to replicate a user’s finding of firing off a seemingly endless burst of 200 14-bit RAW images without the camera slowing down for a moment. Even more impressively, the buffer recovery was virtually instant. The moment I lifted my finger from the shutter, the camera was ready to go again at full speed. This is a game-changer for wildlife and sports photographers. The experience was similar on our Nikon Z8; shooting high-speed RAW bursts, the camera simply never choked. It felt as if we were shooting directly to an internal SSD.
Offloading the files was equally impressive. When paired with a high-speed CFexpress reader (like a Delkin Devices or Lexar Professional model) connected to a Thunderbolt 4 port on our MacBook Pro, the transfer speeds were, as one user aptly put it, “crazy fast.” Gigabytes of data moved from the card to the computer in seconds, not minutes. This dramatically cuts down on time spent waiting and gets you into your editing suite faster. It is critical, however, to understand that achieving these speeds requires a complete chain of high-speed components. As another user rightly pointed out in their technical analysis, connecting this card via an old USB 2.0 reader will bottleneck its performance dramatically, capping speeds under 50 MB/s. To unlock its true power, you need a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (or faster) port and a corresponding high-quality card reader. For those with the right setup, the speed is nothing short of revolutionary and you can check its current price and availability online.
The VPG400 Promise: Rock-Solid 8K Video Recording
For cinematographers, the most important specification isn’t the peak burst speed, but the minimum sustained write speed. Dropped frames are the ultimate deal-breaker in professional video work, rendering footage unusable. This is where the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) certification comes in. The Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card carries the VPG400 rating, which is the highest standard currently available. This certifies that the card will never, under any approved operating condition, drop below a sustained write speed of 400 MB/s.
In practice, Nextorage claims a minimum sustained write speed of a staggering 1,800 MB/s, far exceeding the VPG400 requirement. We tested this by recording long takes of 8K N-RAW video on the Nikon Z8, one of the most data-intensive tasks a camera can perform. The card handled it flawlessly. There were no dropped frames, no overheating warnings, and no stutters. The recording was as smooth after 30 minutes as it was in the first 30 seconds. This level of reliability provides immense peace of mind. It means you can confidently use the highest quality codecs your camera offers, knowing your storage media is not the weak link in the chain. For anyone shooting commercials, documentaries, or cinematic projects where data integrity is non-negotiable, this VPG400 certification is an essential feature.
Dynamic Auto Power Save: Keeping Cool Under Pressure
One of the silent killers of CFexpress card performance is heat. As data is written at extreme speeds, the card’s internal controller heats up. If it gets too hot, the card will “throttle” itself, drastically reducing write speeds to prevent damage. This thermal throttling can unexpectedly ruin a long video take. Nextorage has implemented a brilliant and unique solution called “Dynamic Auto Power Save.” This proprietary technology intelligently manages power consumption, reducing it by up to 68% compared to similar pSLC cards during video recording.
The direct benefit is a significant reduction in the card’s operating temperature. During our prolonged 8K recording test, the Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card remained noticeably cooler to the touch than some competing cards we’ve tested under similar loads. This isn’t just about power efficiency; it’s about performance assurance. By actively preventing the card from reaching its thermal throttling point, Nextorage ensures that the blistering write speeds are sustained over long periods. This is a crucial advantage for wedding videographers, interviewers, or anyone recording lengthy, high-stakes events. It’s an innovative feature that directly translates to greater reliability when it matters most, making it a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.
Reliability & A Word of Caution: Firmware and Data Integrity
No product is perfect, and our deep dive uncovered two significant concerns that potential buyers must be aware of. The first is a firmware-related bug that appears to affect some earlier production runs of the card. A meticulous user testing with Canon EOS R3 and R5 cameras found that the card caused a significant slowdown in camera startup and wake-from-sleep times—from a snappy 0.9 seconds with a competitor’s card to a sluggish 4.3 seconds. For a wildlife photographer, a 3-second delay is an eternity and can mean a missed shot. Thankfully, after seeing reports from a Nikon Z9 user, they contacted Nextorage support, who updated the card’s firmware and completely resolved the issue, bringing performance back to a competitive level. Our takeaway: if you experience unusual sluggishness with your camera after inserting the card, contact support immediately for a potential firmware fix.
The second concern is more serious. We came across an isolated but deeply troubling report from a Nikon Z9 user who experienced a catastrophic failure. After a shoot containing both photos and video, the card became unreadable, both in a computer and back in the camera, with both devices demanding it be formatted. The data from that shoot was lost. While this appears to be a rare occurrence—and the card does come with a 5-year warranty and file rescue software—the potential for total data loss is the worst-case scenario for any professional. This underscores a universal truth: no single piece of media is infallible. We strongly recommend a professional workflow that includes using a dual-slot camera to create an in-camera backup and offloading data frequently.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of users paints a picture of a product with world-class performance but a few potential pitfalls. The praise is overwhelmingly focused on speed. One user with a Nikon Z8 confirmed our findings, calling the download speed to their MacBook Pro “crazy fast” when paired with a quality reader. Another, using a D500 for burst shooting, celebrated its ability to capture 200 RAW frames and clear the buffer “in an instant,” deeming it a worthy investment for action photographers.
However, the critical feedback provides essential context. The most detailed negative point came from a Japanese user who documented the slow camera wake-up times on Canon bodies, concluding it was a firmware bug that, while fixable by support, shouldn’t have been present a year after launch. The most alarming report, of course, was from the Nikon Z9 user who suffered a complete card failure and lost important data. This serves as a potent reminder that even with robust pSLC memory and a durable build, no storage medium is 100% foolproof, and professional data backup practices remain essential.
How Does the Nextorage B1PRO Compare to the Alternatives?
The Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card operates at the pinnacle of the market, but it’s important to understand how it fits into the broader memory card landscape, as different cameras require different formats and performance levels.
1. Lexar Professional 320GB CFexpress Type A Card
- For photographers and videographers who demand superior performance with transfer speeds of up to 900MB/s read
- Sustained read speed of up to 900MB/s, sustained write speed of up to 800MB/s
The most important distinction here is the format: Type A vs. Type B. The Lexar card is designed primarily for Sony Alpha cameras (like the A7S III or A1) that use the smaller CFexpress Type A format. While still very fast, with read speeds up to 900MB/s, it cannot reach the performance heights of the top-tier Type B cards like the Nextorage B1PRO. This isn’t a direct competitor in terms of raw performance, but rather the correct choice for a user whose camera dictates the Type A format. If you’re a Sony shooter, this Lexar card is a top-tier option for your ecosystem; for users of Nikon, Canon, or Panasonic flagship bodies, the Nextorage B1PRO is the relevant high-speed choice.
2. Integral 128GB Compact Flash Card 1066x VPG-65
- Over 50 Million Memory Cards Sold
- A Top of the Range Compact Flash Memory Card Designed for Professional Photography and Videography
This Integral card represents the older, legacy CompactFlash (CF) format. It is aimed at users of older professional DSLRs (like the Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D810) that do not support CFexpress or XQD. With a read speed of 160MB/s and a VPG-65 rating, its performance is an order of magnitude slower than the Nextorage B1PRO. It’s a reliable workhorse for its intended cameras but is completely incompatible with modern mirrorless bodies designed for the CFexpress standard. This is an excellent, budget-friendly choice for photographers looking to get the most out of their older DSLR gear, not for those seeking cutting-edge speed.
3. Sony 120GB TOUGH XQD G Series Flash Memory Card
- Tough range - 5x Tougher than standard XQD
- With a 440MB/s Read and 400MB/s Write speed supporting 4K video to the peak possible performance
The Sony XQD card is the direct predecessor to the CFexpress Type B format and shares the same physical form factor. Many cameras that were originally designed for XQD, like the Nikon Z6, Z7, and D850, can be firmware-updated to also accept CFexpress Type B cards. While the Sony TOUGH XQD cards are incredibly durable and fast for their time (440MB/s read), they are significantly outpaced by the Nextorage B1PRO. For a user of an XQD-compatible camera, choosing the B1PRO would offer a massive performance uplift and future-proof their media investment for their next camera body. The Sony XQD remains a viable option for those who don’t need the absolute maximum speed or have not updated their camera’s firmware.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Nextorage B1PRO Worth It?
The Nextorage B1PRO CFexpress Type B Memory Card is an absolute performance monster. For professionals and serious enthusiasts whose work demands the fastest possible speeds to capture high-resolution video and never-ending RAW bursts, this card delivers on its promises. It effectively removes the memory card as a bottleneck, allowing flagship cameras to perform at their full, untethered potential. The innovative thermal management system is a standout feature that ensures this blistering speed is sustained over time, providing reliability during long, critical shoots.
However, this recommendation comes with two important conditions. First, be aware that early stock may have a firmware issue causing camera slowdowns, a problem readily fixed by contacting support. Second, the isolated but severe report of data failure is a sobering reminder that a robust backup workflow is non-negotiable. Despite this, for those seeking the absolute pinnacle of speed for photography and guaranteed VPG400 performance for 8K video, the Nextorage B1PRO stands as a top-tier contender. If you’re ready to unlock the true speed of your professional camera and streamline your workflow, we highly recommend you see its full feature set and current user reviews.
Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API