It's been mere weeks since Lexar announced it's launching the world's fastest CFexpress Type B and Type A cards. But not to be outdone, arch rival Delkin Devices has some impressive speed claims for its newly updated Black series CFexpress Type B cards. Where Lexar was making headlines with outright speed claims, Delkin is promoting the minimum sustained write speed of the latest Black-series cards - arguably a more relevant performance metric in real-world use.

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Delkin claims the Black cards can write data faster than Nikon Z9's own image buffer. Ordinarily, the camera buffer would fill up once 79 images have been shot, leading to a slow-down in burst shooting as the memory card becomes a data writing bottleneck. Not so with the new Delkin Black cards (supposedly), as Delkin claims that a Black card can write lossless Raw photos without ever hitting the Z9's 79-shot buffer, and will only stop once the card is full. For a 325GB card, that equates to 6,661 photos, each being 55.1MB in files size, recorded without interruption. Impressive stuff.

According to Delkin, “The camera buffer never completely filled during testing, resulting in no stops or lagging”. When it comes to video write speed, Delkin claims that a Z9 loaded with a new Black-series card can record 10 minutes of 8K RAW 12-bit 6:1 compression footage (7,680 x 4,320) at 60 frames per second.

All this translates to a minimum sustained write speed of 1530MB/s, far exceeding the VPG400 (Video Performance Guarantee) 400MB/s Compact Flash Association rating given to some rival CFexpress cards, and making them the fastest cards by this measure. For context, ProGrade Digital's top-of-the-range CFexpress Type B 1700 Cobalt Memory Card has a minimum sustained write speed of 1400MB/s, while Angelbird's AV PRO CFexpress MK2 Type B card can 'only' deliver 1300MB/s sustained.

Capacities of the new Black-series cards include 75GB, 150GB, 325GB, 512GB and 650GB versions, though the 75GB version is only rated for 1240MB/s minimum sustained write speed.

Expect to pay $130 for the 75GB card, while the 150GB, 325GB, 512GB and 650GB versions will cost $175, $425, $500 and $725 respectively.

Just be careful to choose newest generation of Black cards, as older, slightly slower, Black-series CFexpress Type B cards are still being sold alongside the newer versions.

Delkin's new Black-series CFexpress Type B cards are available to buy now from B&H

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Delkin Devices has been pretty serious about memory cards for a few years now. In addition to a lifetime warranty, it offers a 48-hour replacement guarantee. This means that the company will replace any non-working (registered) card within 48 hours or less (not including weekends). You can also replace your card over the counter at any authorized Delkin reseller.

The Delkin Black card we're reviewing here is is built to the next-gen CFexpress 4.0 standard. This makes it around twice as fast as older CFexpress 2.0 cards, so it's ideal if you frequently shoot bursts of high-res Raw stills, or record 8K Raw video. I’m looking at the 325GB Black 4.0 card in this review.

As with some other cards, the maximum read and write speeds vary between the different capacity cards, but not by much. All are rated between 3530MB/s and 3700MB/s for peak read speed, and can manage a maximum write speed of 3130-3230MB/s.

Specifications

Max read speed: 3130-3230MB/s

Max write speed: 3530-3700MB/s

Available capacities: 325GB, 512GB, 650GB, 1TB, 1.3TB, 2TB

Build and handling

The rear metal casing of the Delkin Devices Black CFexpress Type B card extends around the edges to give a very robust feel. There’s also a metal plate on the front so that only a little of the plastic shell is exposed to the outside world.

The card slips easily into a camera card slot with just a little wriggle room before it snaps home fully. Depressing the card makes it pop-up ready for removal, but the fit is snug enough that it doesn’t drop out of the camera if you face the card slot downwards. You have to actively pull the card to remove it from the camera.

Performance

To put Delkin's speed claims to the test, we fired up CrystalDiskMark storage benchmarking software. This is capable of extracting the maximum possible performance from a memory card, but only if the supporting hardware is up to the job. So to ensure no testing bottlenecks, we used a fast Windows 11 laptop with USB4 connectivity. USB4 has a maximum 40Gbps bandwidth, equating to around 5000MB/s - more than enough to max out the theoretical 3530MB/s maximum read speed of our 325GB test card. Our CFexpress Type B card reader of choice is a USB4 model from ProGrade Digital.

Our testing returned a peak read speed of 2562MB/s and a maximum write rate of 1695MB/s. Not quite up there with Delkin's claims, but we've found this to be the case for most cards we've tested in this set-up. Crucially, it's more than enough speed for any shooting scenario, given that a camera like the Canon R5 Mark II 'only' needs a card capable of at least 325MB/s write speed when shooting 8K RAW footage.

Verdict

If you simply must have the fastest CFexpress Type B card on the market, then the Delkin Devices Black CFexpress Type B 4.0 card should be high on your shortlist. It's capable of incredible read and write speeds thanks to its CFexpress 4.0 interface, which are fast enough to exceed the stills or video requirements of any current consumer camera. Factor the generous number of available capacities, along with Delkin's stellar aftersales warranty support, and there's an awful lot to like here.

The only drawback is that you do pay extra for this premium performance and service. This is of course to be expected, but you should also ask yourself if you actually need this much speed? Sure, it's nice to stay futureproofed, but when CFexpress 2.0 cards with half the speed of this Delkin offering are already more than quick enough for the vast majority of shooting scenarios, for many the smart choice would be to go with a slower Type B card but with a higher capacity for a similar outlay.

Delkin Devices has announced a new range of CFexpress Type A memory cards. Not to be confused with the more common Type B format, the smaller Type A cards are used in select Sony cameras like the A7 IV, A1 and A7S III. 

Until recently, only Sony produced Type A cards, with fittingly exclusive pricing. But since then ProGrade Digital has entered the Type A market, and now Delkin is launching its own Type A offerings.

Its new 8K-ready BLACK-series CFexpress Type A cards are available in 80GB or 160GB capacities, boasting 880MB/s read speeds and a maximum 790MB/s write rate - comfortably fast enough to enable 8K 30fps recording with the Sony a1. 

The cards are also speedy enough to support high-res RAW continuous shooting without slowdowns, and each BLACK CFexpress Type A memory card 'has undergone extensive testing to ensure full functionality and performance in today’s high-end cinematic hosts, including the Sony a1, a7S III, a7 IV, FX3 & FX6.'

Delkin's BLACK CFexpress Type A cards are backed up by a unique serial identification number, as well as a lifetime warranty with 48-hour Replacement Guarantee, whereby Delkin will swap out any non-working BLACK card within 48 hours or less (not including weekends, and only in the US and UK), prior to receiving the non-working card. Cards can also be replaced over-the-counter at any authorized Delkin BLACK reseller.

In addition to the BLACK line-up of Type A cards, Delkin is also launching a POWER range. These cards are identical to BLACK cards in terms of capacity and performance, but don't benefit from serialization or Delkin's 48-hour Replacement Guarantee.

The Delkin Devices CFexpress Type A Black cards will cost $195.99 for the 80GB version, and $364.99 for the 160GB.

The Power version of the cards will cost $184.99 for the 80GB version, and $349.99 for the 160GB.

Delkin will also be releasing a two-in-one CFexpress Type A and SDXC UHS-II card reader which will retail for $79.99.

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Delkin has updated its Black Rugged line of SD cards, but unusually the differences aren't found in the usual increase in read/write speeds. Instead, Delkin has subtly redesigned the plastic SD card casing - a form factor we now take for granted - by removing the write-protect switch on the edge, as well as the thin plastic ribs that run between the card's electrical contacts.

The two changes should mean that you should avoid shards of plastic falling off the card and fouling your camera's memory card slot, or that of your card reader. 

The thinking behind ditching the write protect switch is the card can never be inadvertently switched into read-only mode, so you won't miss a shot because your SD card has been accidentally write-protected. Usually removing a feature isn't seen as an upgrade, but in this case, it's a feature we can fairly safely assume doesn't get much use anyway. And it is one less thing to get damaged on the card.

Ribless. Sounds like a slippery prophylactic, but in this case we're talking about removing the small ribs that run between the contacts on a traditional SD card. Not having any won't affect the cards performance or compatibility, but it does mean the ribs can't snap off if the card is improperly inserted into your camera, which could cause damage.

Delkin's Black Rugged SD cards are designed to be three times stronger than regular SD cards and are able to withstand over 20kg/45lb of pressure. They're also designed to resist bend forces better than standard SD cards. The cards are dust, water and shock-proof, and can survive temperatures ranging from -25°C to 85°C.

Black UHS-I (V30) SD cards are fast as well as rugged, able to record at up to 90MB/s. Black UHS-II SD cards up this to 250MB/s, making them suitable for 4K and even 8K video capture. Capacities for both UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards are 32GB – 256GB.

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CFexpress is the up and coming new memory card format for high-end camera and video gear, boasting not just the high data transfer speeds demanded by professionals, but seriously impressive storage capacity too – but this is something else!

The CFexpress format is used by the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and upcoming Canon EOS R5 model, by Nikon in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 and the new Nikon D6, and by Panasonic in its full frame mirrorless Lumix S1 and Lumix S1R models.

There are 512GB CFexpress cards on sale already, and memory card maker ProGrade has announced a 1TB card, but the new 2TB Delkin card is the biggest yet. In fact, it is the highest capacity memory card ever, of any format!

The Delkin CFexpress family

Delkin already makes a range of CFexpress memory cards in its Power range, from a 128GB card right up to the brand new 2TB option. 

The 128GB card has a read/write speed of 1600/600 MB/s maximum, but the rest, from 256GB capacity upwards are much faster, at 1730/1430 MB/s maximum, so there’s no speed penalty for the higher-capacity cards.

As a result, the new CFexpress card offers both capacity and speed. It uses a 3rd generation PCI Express interface and NVM Express support to offer the performance needed for cinema-quality video capture, and not just at 4K but 6K and 8K too, and at high frame rates and bitrates. 

Price and availability

This performance will obviously come at a price and we are waiting for confirmation of this and the new card’s availability. Currently, the Delkin CFexpress Power 1TB card costs around $890, with the 512GB version at around $500.

So we’d guess that this new Delkin 2TB CFexpress card won’t just have a bigger capacity than your computer’s hard drive, it will probably cost more than your computer too.

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Lexar and Delkin announced that they had high-speed Type B CFexpress memory cards ready to ship at PhotoPlus Expo 2019. The two card manufacturers join Sandisk and Angelbird that announced their ranges back at IBC 2019. The new type of memory card, specifically designed for professional DSLRS, mirrorless cameras, camcorders and cinema cameras.

The first camera to use the memory card will likely to be the Canon Cinema EOS 500 Mark II which goes on sale in December. Nikon and Panasonic will also issue firmware upgrades to allow cameras such as the D5, D850, Z7, and Lumix S1R to be able to use CFexpress cards in their cameras XQD memory card slots. Earlier this week, Canon confirmed that its next top of the range sports DSLR, the Canon EOS-1D Mark III will feature two CFexpress card slots.

Lexar Professional CFexpress

Lexar will offer four different capacities of CFexpress cards - 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. These will offer read speeds of up to 1750MB/s - nearly six times faster than the company's fastest SD cards.  The write speeds of up to 1000MB/s - a fourfold performance increase over SD.

The 128GB and 256GB cards will go on sale in December with an expected retail price of £199 and $299 respectively.

Lexar will also be producing a Professional CFexpress card reader with a USB 3.1 connection socket, which will be supplied with a USB-C cable. 

Delkin Devices CFexpress card

Delkin Devices will be producing its CFexpress cards in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities. The cards are set to ship as soon as the first cameras that use them become available. The pricing for the 1TB card has not been set. However the 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB will retail for $189.99, $389.99, and $574.99 respectively.

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CFexpress cards are here!

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American accessory company Delkin Devices has announced that its arange of XQD cards are now ready to ship. With a speed rating of 2933x, the cards are designed for high-speed continuous shooting and for high-definition cameras. The cards will be available in 64GB, 120GB and 240GB options a couple of months after their original on sale date. A USB 3.1 XQD card reader has also been introduced.

The XQD card format is being used by Nikon's new full-frame mirrorless cameras the Z 7 and Z 6 – and in the Panasonic Lumix S1 and S1R full-frame mirrorless models that go on sale in March, and its performance makes it one of the best memory cards available right now.

Previously the card format had only been used by Nikon D850, D500, and D5 DSLRs – as well in some Sony XDCAM broadcast camcorders. At present, XQD cards are manufactured and sold solely by Sony. They offer far faster data transfer speeds that older memory card formats, such as SDXC or CompactFlash.

Testing in the Nikon D500 has shown that XQD cards take 47% more images (14-bit uncompressed RAW) than the fastest SD cards during a 10 second continuous shooting interval.

The prices for the cards will be £189.99 / $139.95 for the 64GB card, £289.99 / $229.95 for the 128GB card, and £579.99/ $463.35 for the 256GB.

Delkin will also offer a unique built-in insurance policy for their XQD memory cards and will replace any non-working XQD card. "This covers the unthinkable, from salt exposure to even pet and child inflicted damage" Jenn Sherry, Delkin's Marketing Manager explains. "Should anything happen, just give us a call and we'll send you a brand new replacement card that you'll receive in less than 48 hours, along with a pre-paid shipping envelope to get your damaged card back to us."

The Delkin cards will offer a maximum write speed of 400MB/s, and read speeds of 440MB/s, and are XQD format Version 2.0 compliant.

Each of Delkin's XQD cards has a serial number – just like your camera and lenses. Delkin says that this helps improve customer support, and provides the extra protection and insurance.  Owners can register their cards at www.delkindevices.com/xqd/.

Which cameras use XQD memory cards?

Cameras that use the XQD format:
• Nikon Z 7
• Nikon Z 6
• Nikon D850
• Nikon D500
• Nikon D5 (see deals)
• Nikon D4s
• Nikon D4
• Sony PXW-FS7
• Sony PXW-FS7M2
• Panasonic S1R
• Panasonic S1
• Phase One XF IQ4 series

Delkin XQD Card Adapter

Delkin Devices has also started shipping a USB 3.1 XQD adapter. This XQD card reader offers a SuperSpeed+ USB 3.1 interface - which promises file transfer speeds of up to up to 10Gbps (2x faster than USB 3.0).

The reader sells at £39.99 / $

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