Memory Card Readers

SD/SDHC/SDXC

This is by far the most broadly compatible of card formats – the majority of digital cameras will offer SD card compatibility in at least one slot. While SD cards do come in different speed classes, referred to as UHS-I and UHS-II, the format is designed to be backwards compatible, so a reader that recognises one should recognise the other. 

As SD is such a common format, many readers that specifically read a particular card type will also provide a slot for SD. The Sandisk Professional PRO-READER Multi Card is a fast SD card reader that also supports microSD and Compact Flash (more on which below).

microSD

A smaller format than SD, microSD cards are generally used in smartphones, tablets and action cameras. The smaller size of microSD means that you can get away with a smaller reader, such as the Lexar Multi-Card 2-in-1 USB 3.1 Reader, which plugs easily into a computer or hard drive via USB port.

CFexpress

CFexpress memory cards are the current professional standards, used in cutting-edge cameras like the Canon EOS R3 and Sony A1 for shooting ultra-high resolution video and full-res stills at fast burst speeds. Be aware that CFexpress comes in two types – Type A and Type B – and these are actually physically different, so you need the right reader. The Sony Cfexpress Type A reader and Lexar USB Pro 3.1 CFexpress Type B Card Reader are good choices.  

XQD

A faster format than SD, XQD was the standard originally used on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, though it has since been superseded by CFexpress on newer cameras as CFexpress has a higher theoretical upper speed limit. A well cared-for XQD card can last many years, so if you’re already using XQD there’s no reason to replace it. A good XQD reader is the DD XQD USB 3.0 Card Reader.

Compact Flash

For many years, Compact Flash (or CF) was the standard high-speed, high-capacity format used in professional and enthusiast DSLRs. It was somewhat superseded once UHS SD cards started arriving on the scene, but is still used in some contemporary cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Many SD readers also offer a CF card slot, such as the Delkin BLACK Rugged Multi-Slot Card Reader USB 3.0 .

CFast

A successor format to Compact Flash, CFast slots can be found on a number of DSLRs and cine cameras. The Sandisk Professional PRO-READER CFast is a good reader for offloading large amounts of content from CFast cards.

Just as in memory cards, SanDisk’s Extreme Pro readers are designed to meet the demands of busy professional photographers and videographers.

Lexar specialises in multi-card readers that can handle multiple types of card simultaneously. Reliable and boasting fast transfer speeds, these readers are great for intense workflows.

Sony has been one of the key drivers of memory card technology, and its readers are some of the best in class as well.

Delkin’s multi-slot readers are designed to be rugged and hard-wearing, and facilitate fast transfers of high volumes of data, such as 4K video.