XQD vs CFexpress

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
B&H Photo is running a bunch of deals for Father's Day, some of which are memory cards. I only have SD cards at the moment, and frankly they're all I need for the kind of shooting I currently do. But looking at some of the discounts on offer, I started to wonder if I shouldn't pick up one of the newer format cards while they're on sale. But I have to admit I really don't know what the difference is between XQD and CFexpress, or if one is better suited to my D500 than the other. A quick web search during my breaks at work here have only made me more confused.

Anybody here care to enlighten me with a brief explanation of the differences, and if one would be more appropriate for my camera than the other? Thanks!

Oh, and if you're reading this while the sale is still in effect, all the deals are right here.
 
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hark

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Dangerspouse, here are a couple of threads you might be interested in reading if you haven't already done so. I can't remember all the details between the two cards, but after reading info here on Nikonites, I chose to go with the XQD.

https://nikonites.com/d500/45062-xqd-vs-cfexpress-d500.html#axzz6xlhZhgXP

https://nikonites.com/d500/44474-sd-xqd.html#axzz6xlhZhgXP

If you do decide to go with the XQD, here is a reasonably priced name brand (Sony) reader for it. It is the one I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BV2V77K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
So one of the tragedies of moving to Canon is that I now have XQD cards that I'm not going to use. I thought about grabbing CF Express when I got the Z6ii but opted not to since I'd need a new reader. Bad decision.

I'm keeping one XQD card and the reader around for the D500 my wife is going to use, but if you want a very gently used XQD (from my Z6) I'd be willing to give you a better deal. I paid $120 for it in February, it's now $98, I can do a bit better if you want it.
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
So one of the tragedies of moving to Canon is that I now have XQD cards that I'm not going to use. I thought about grabbing CF Express when I got the Z6ii but opted not to since I'd need a new reader. Bad decision.

I'm keeping one XQD card and the reader around for the D500 my wife is going to use, but if you want a very gently used XQD (from my Z6) I'd be willing to give you a better deal. I paid $120 for it in February, it's now $98, I can do a bit better if you want it.

Wow Jake, thank you so much for the generous offer! Unfortunately that's still over my budget, so I'm gonna have to pass. I'm waiting for a 32Gig card to show up on the list, which should bring the price down to my level. But you were exceedingly kind to give me that kind of break! I do appreciate it :encouragement:
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
Dangerspouse, here are a couple of threads you might be interested in reading if you haven't already done so. I can't remember all the details between the two cards, but after reading info here on Nikonites, I chose to go with the XQD.

https://nikonites.com/d500/45062-xqd-vs-cfexpress-d500.html#axzz6xlhZhgXP

https://nikonites.com/d500/44474-sd-xqd.html#axzz6xlhZhgXP

If you do decide to go with the XQD, here is a reasonably priced name brand (Sony) reader for it. It is the one I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BV2V77K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks very much Cindy, that's all very helpful!
 

TwistedThrottle

Senior Member
I got a 64GB XQD card with my Z6, but bought a reader capable of both XQD and CFExpress (type B, the newest and fastest. Type A is already obsolete). XQD is so much faster at transferring to the computer, what took minutes with an SD takes seconds with XQD. CFExpress increases those speeds to the point of making XQD obsolete soon. If SD is a dirt road, XQD is a 4 lane highway and CFExpress type B is a stacked 8 lane highway.
 

hark

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This is on the D5 and that's CF, not the CF Express Type B that's being used now, just so you're aware. HUGE difference.

I knew it was the D5 which I mentioned but didn't realize it was a different type of CF express. Thanks for the correct information!
 

Dangerspouse

Senior Member
B&H has the 32GB card for sale at $98. Not to tell you your business, but I'd give Jake's offer a bit more thought.

WM

Thanks for the heads up, I appreciate it. And fwiw, I did give his generous offer a lot of thought. I just don't have the money right now, to be blunt.
 
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