With the latest cameras demanding ever-faster memory cards, it’s time to examine the differences between CFExpress Type A and B. Namely, the difference in speed, size, and cost. Jump to Conclusion.
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Table of Contents
CFExpress Type A vs B Compared
Size
CFExpress Type A is much smaller than CFExpress Type B, based on the now-discontinued XQD format. As a result, CFExpress Type A may be adopted by small form-factor devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Speed
CFExpress Type B cards are up to twice as fast as CFExpress Type A cards. CFExpress A is limited to a maximum data throughput of 1 Gigabyte per second, while CFExpress Type B cards top out at 2 Gigabytes per second.
While this difference appears to be huge – many cameras cannot take advantage of the speed either CFExpress A or B offers. Most cameras cannot outpace the best SD UHS-II cards – which are only one-third as fast as CFExpress A. Read CFExpress vs SD Cards.
But, practicalities aside, CFExpress Type B is still twice as fast as CFExpress Type A, and you may be able to exploit this benefit when transferring files between your card and computer.
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Cost
CFExpress Type A tends to cost much more than CFExpress Type B – both in terms of GB and Speed per dollar spent. For instance, a Sony TOUGH 80GB CFExpress Type A currently costs $178 – while the Sony TOUGH 128GB CFExpress Type B costs just $116 – despite its higher capacity and greater speed.
Furthermore, there’s a greater range of CFExpress Type B cards spanning multiple budgets. Therefore, if you are concerned with price, CFExpress Type B is a better choice.
Compatibility
CFExpress Type A is a new format common to high-end Sony cameras such as the Sony A1.
However, CFExpress Type B leverages the now-discontinued XQD form factor meaning it will fit into XQD slots and work so long as the device’s software has been updated to the CFExpress Type B standard.
For instance, the Nikon Z cameras began with the XQD format but, via a series of firmware updates, now accept CFExpress Type B.
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Conclusion
After comparing CFExpress Type A vs B Cards, it’s clear that CFExpress Type B offers superior value for money. Not only are CFExpress Type B cards up to twice as fast as CFExpress Type A cards, but they are considerably cheaper when evaluated on a $/per Gigabyte basis.
Furthermore, CFExpress Type B cards will fit your XDQ-based devices. However, whether it will work depends on whether the device has been updated to accommodate the CFExpress standard.
One thing CFExpress Type A has going for it is size. At around half the size of a CFExpress Type B card, the CFExpress Type A card may be more appropriate for small-form devices such as tablets and smartphones. But, in regards to cameras, neither card is excessively large.
Of course, this comparison may be academic. If you have already bought a Sony A1, you’ll use CFExpress Type A cards by default. But, if you get to choose, CFExpress Type B is better by most measures.
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