Memory Cards

Secure Digital (SD, SDHC and SDXC)

SD cards are the most common types of memory card for cameras – the vast majority of digital cameras will have at least one slot that accepts an SD card, and if you’re not sure what to buy, this is probably a good place to start. One of the most popular cards we sell at Wex is the SanDisk Extreme 64GB SD card, as it does everything most photographers will need for a good price.

These days, SD cards are exclusively referred to as “SDXC” or “SDHC” – these are the exact same type of card, just with more storage space (the acronyms refer to “eXtended Capacity” and “High Capacity”, respectively). You may also notice that many have additional classes like UHS-I or UHS-II; these refer to their transfer speeds. UHS-II SDXC memory cards provide faster read/write speeds, which makes them better able to keep up with high transfer demands like high-resolution video or fast burst shooting. Browse SDXC and SDHC cards.

CFExpress

CFExpress is the newer form of Compact Flash (more on which below), and is the current speed standard for professional cameras. Most pro-spec cameras like the Sony A7S III or the Canon EOS R3 will have slots for CFExpress, as well as SD UHS-II, ensuring blistering transfer speeds and high capacities. The maximum speeds of data transfers that CFExpress cards are theoretically capable of are right now far beyond the capabilities of the cameras that use them, so CFExpress cards are highly future-proof.

Note that there are a few different types of CFExpress cards with different transfer speeds – our friends at Fixation have a good rundown of CFExpress Type A, B and C on their blog. Browse CFExpress cards.

microSD

Micro SD cards are the smallest common card type. They tend to be used in mobile phones, tablets and other smaller digital devices. Despite their size, they are capable of holding large amounts of data, with Lexar producing a 512GB microSDXC card, though most users tend to find that a microSD card of 32 GB or 64 GB is sufficient for their phone or tablet to store some apps and media. Browse microSD cards.  

XQD

XQD is a format that slightly pre-dated CFExpress, and the cards are the same physical size and shape. This means that theoretically XQD picture cards can be used in CFExpress slots, and vice versa, though this generally requires a firmware update to ensure smooth sailing. Nikon Z cameras were initially released with just one XQD slot, though were subsequently updated to also accept CFExpress. The two types of card operate at about the same speeds now, but CFExpress have a higher speed ceiling, so are more future-proof. Browse XQD cards.

CFast

Another upgrade on Compact Flash, CFast cards were introduced a few years ago specifically for the purpose of handling 4K video. Many users think they are the same as CFExpress – they are not, and are actually a different size and shape. You probably only need CFast if you are using an older camera – double check your camera’s manual or search online if you are unsure. Browse CFast cards.

Compact Flash

An older standard of format, Compact Flash memory cards were once the fastest on the block, and now are the preserve of older DSLRs. If you’ve picked up a previous-generation DSLR second-hand or have been using the same faithful camera for years then you may be able to make use of a CF card – once again, check the manual to make sure. Browse Compact Flash.