GEAR MINI TESTS
LEXAR CFEXPRESS TYPE B 512GB CARD £529/$480 lexar.com
For the best-quality codecs, from the latest cameras shooting in high resolution at high data rates, you need a fast card like the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B. It features performance of up to 1750MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds, thanks to PCI Express 3.0 and NVMe protocols, providing speedy delivery. It’s also backwards-compatible with many cameras that employ the older XQD cards, as they’re the same size and shape, with identical connectors. However, it doesn’t work with all cameras that use XQD – only those made compatible via firmware upgrades. These are largely older Nikons, and the cards can work with the D5, D6, D850 and D500 DSLRs, as well as the mirrorless Z 6II, Z 7II and Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Of course,
GOLD STANDARD If you need a
rapid memory card, the Lexar CFexpress does the trick
“When it comes to fast memory cards, CFexpress Type B is pretty much the king of the hill. And at 1750MB/s read speed, this Lexar is one of the fastest”
PLUG IN BABY The CFexpress connections are the same as XQD, but not all cameras can use them
the cards work natively in cameras designed for CFexpress, like the Canon EOS R3 and R5, where it can handle the 8K recording and 120fps in 4K, too. When it comes to fast memory cards, CFexpress Type B is pretty much the king of the hill. And at 1750MB/s read speed, this Lexar is one of the fastest. It’s quite pricey, but that’s the penalty you pay for rapid, large-capacity cards to make the most of your high-resolution camera. For example, shooting the Canon EOS R5 in 8K gives you around 144 minutes on this 512GB card, and 32 minutes of 4K/120p in All-I. Smaller cards are available, but unless you plan to offload files regularly, invest in something like this 512GB version. Speed is impressive, whether writing to it from the latest camera or downloading it to an SSD for editing. Simply insert the card in the camera, format, and it works perfectly. One of the benefits of a CFexpress Type B card, as opposed to the Type A of newer Sony cameras, is the rugged metal construction. It’s also slightly bigger than a Type A, making it harder
SPECIFICATIONS Type: CFexpress Type B Capacity: 512GB Interface: PCI Express Gen3x2 Speed: 1750MB/s read, 1000MB/s write Durability: Shockproof Dimensions: 29.6x38.5x3.8mm/ 1.16x1.51x0.14in Weight: 7.65g/0.016lb
to lose in the dark corners of a camera bag. The Lexar comes in with a cool gold finish, too. Actually, going off the price of real gold when this test was written, it would be 40% cheaper if made of solid gold. But it wouldn’t be so effective at storing digital data! The Lexar is fast and reliable, at a better price than some of its rivals. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 Fast, well-made CFexpress Type B Pros: Speedy and not too pricey compared to competitors Cons: Nothing too obvious
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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