What is the CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium memory card?

CFexpress is a removable media standard created by the CompactFlash Association. There were three form factors defined in the standard: Type A, Type B, and Type C. All form factors leverage the PCIe® Gen 4 interface for higher performance based on a computing industry storage interface and utilize NVM Express™ 1.4c protocols.

What does VPG400 mean for the CFexpress Type B Iridium memory cards?

Video Performance Guarantee 400 (VPG400) means that when you are recording, you can ensure that the minimum write speed while recording is at least 400MP/s without dropping any frames.

Will the CFexpress Type B Iridium memory card work with Sony Burnao cameras?

The CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium cards are compatible with the Sony Burano.

Do you make a CFexpress memory card reader?

Yes, we have our CFexpress Type B single-slot USB 4.0 reader (PG05.6) and CFexpress Type B and SD dual-slot reader USB 3.2 Gen. 2 (PG05.5). To achieve the full speeds of the CFexpress Type B 4.0 card, we recommend going with the PG05.6.

Is the CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium card compatible with XQD?

Certain cameras that use XQD memory cards can get a firmware update from the device manufacturer to allow that device to use CFexpress Type-B cards.

What is the difference between professional-level and consumer-level cards?

ProGrade Digital focuses on professional grade memory cards, workflow readers, and software. We put our products through intensive quality assurance to ensure the highest quality products as they reach consumers. Performance: Professional photographers tend to be meticulous about their cameras and equipment since their livelihoods, client trust and reputations are riding on how well their gear performs. ProGrade Digital understands these stringent requirements and offers memory cards and workflow readers with the performance, quality and reliability that professionals demand. Quality: ProGrade Digital leverages years of experience working closely with professional DSLR and video camera manufacturers to ensure that all cards meet rigorous compatibility and qualification tests. In compatibility testing labs we verify that cards operate within thousands of different camera models. We ensure that cards meet quality compliance to the manufacturers’ requirements, and cards are verified to operate with specific camera models. All ProGrade Digital cards are built to meet the industry standards of the SDA or CFA. Reliability: ProGrade Digital performs comprehensive card testing prior to leaving the factory to ensure the lowest possible field failure rate. This is a far more time-consuming and rigorous process than sample testing done by other card manufacturers. By the time our cards hit the market, they have gone through hours of testing. You can have the highest level of assurance that your card will perform flawlessly.

I've heard a lot about the speed of the card but it's confusing. What do I need to know about it?

Card speeds are important to the overall performance of your camera. Here are three things you should consider: Transfer speed: How quickly data (images or video) can be downloaded from the card. Faster transfer speeds require less time to import photos or ingest video to your computer. Write speed: How well a card performs in a camera. Most camera manufacturers do not disclose an exact specification. Instead, they simply specify the speed class rating that the camera requires. Speed class: Professional-level cameras typically require higher speed specifications. For SD and microSD that is typically UHS-II and further defined for video with the video speed class V60 and V90. It’s best to match the speed of the memory card to the requirements of the camera.

Which memory card formats do you offer and in what capacities?

Format Speed Capacities CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium Up to 3550MB/s read speed Up to 3000MB/s write speed 400GB, 800GB, 1.6TB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold Up to 3400MB/s read speed Up to 3000MB/s write speed 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium Up to 1800MB/s read speed Up to 1700MB/s write speed 480GB, 960GB CFepress 2.0 Type B Gold Up to 1700MB/s read speed Up to 1500MB/ write speed 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB CFexpress 2.0 Type A Gold Up to 900MB/s read speed Up to 800MB/s write speed 240GB, 480GB SDXC UHS-II V90 Up to 300MB/s read speed Up to 250MB/s write speed 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB SDXC UHS-II V60 Up to 250MB/s read speed Up to 130MB/s write speed 128GB, 256GB, 512GB microSDXC UHS-II V60 Up to 250MB/s read speed Up to 130MB/s write speed 128GB, 256GB, 512GB

There are many memory card suppliers. Why should I choose ProGrade Digital?

ProGrade Digital is exclusively focused on providing the highest performance memory cards and workflow accessories for professionals who shoot with DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and digital cinema cameras. Everything we do—from engineering, product development, manufacturing, compatibility testing and technical support—is set up with professional photographers, videographers and cinematographers in mind. We want to be the professionals’ source for high-performance storage cards and workflow accessories.

Does ProGrade Digital work directly with camera manufacturers?

Yes. ProGrade Digital works closely with leading camera manufacturers including RED, Blackmagic, Canon, DJI, Fuji, GoPro, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and others.

Can I be assured that ProGrade Digital memory cards are compatible with my cameras?

Our compatibility testing lab tests devices from all the major camera manufacturers. We leverage years of experience working closely with professional DSLR, mirrorless, and video camera manufacturers to ensure our cards pass rigorous qualification testing. This includes compliance with camera manufacturers’ requirements and is supported by and compatible with specific camera models.

How do I take care of my memory card?

Taking good care of your memory card can prolong its lifespan and maintain optimal performance. Here are 5 essential tips to proactively care for your memory card. Handle with Precision: Gentle insertion, removal, and proper power-off procedures protect your memory card’s connectors and ensure consistent performance. Store Safely: Store your cards in protective cases in a cool, dry environment to shield them from physical damage, dust, and moisture. Format Regularly: Periodically format your memory cards to prevent data corruption, optimize read/write speeds, and counteract wear and tear. Avoid Abrupt Removal: Always power off your camera before ejecting the memory card to prevent potential data corruption and ensure safe transitions. Use Monitoring Tools: Use tools like Refresh Pro regularly to inspect card health, catch potential issues, and ensure peak performance. To read the full article on how to take care of your memory card click here.

How do memory cards work?

Memory cards may have different form factors, connectors, bus standards, or PCI lanes, which makes them look different and perform differently, but the underlying working principles are still the same. A memory card is a small, portable data storage device used in many consumer electronics, such as cameras, phones, and tablets. They are lightweight and incredibly durable digital devices that can hold large amounts of data in a compact form factor. Memory cards differ in terms of storage capacity, speed, form factor, and compatibility. Storage capacity determines how much data can be stored on the card. Speed relates to the time it takes to copy data onto or off the card. The form factor will determine what type of device the card can be used in. Compatibility relates to which devices recognize the card or what types of files can be stored on it. The most common memory cards used in digital cameras are SD cards, microSD cards, CFexpress Type A, CFexpress Type B, and CFast cards. Though seemingly very different, all these cards work essentially the same. How do Memory Cards Work? If you break open any memory card, you will always find two things: a controller and a NAND flash memory chip. NAND stands for Not And logic gate. The controller is responsible for managing data (reading and writing), while the memory chip is responsible for storing data. To read more about the controller, the NAND Flash Memory chip, and what makes some cards faster, visit the full blog post here.

How do I recover deleted photos or videos from any memory card?

Losing data after a long day of shooting can be one of the worst feelings in the world. Luckily, we have advanced, reliable software called Recovery ProTM that can recover your lost photos and videos. You can follow a simple 3-step procedure using Recovery Pro to recover your memory card’s data. Step 1: Stop using the card and remove it from the camera if you have accidentally deleted some photos or happened to format the entire card. Any additional photos you take or videos you shoot may overwrite the deleted ones, making them partially or fully unrecoverable. The same goes if the data on the card becomes corrupt, or both your camera and computer are unable to read the card. Stop using the card and do not format it even if your camera or computer suggests this to make the card readable again. Step 2: Download a free Recovery ProTM evaluation copy. It is completely free, and you can use it to assess the scope of damage and see if your images are recoverable. Step 3: Once green-lighted by the free evaluation software, upgrade to the paid version right from the software and use it for deleted photo and video recovery. It costs just $49.99 for a full-year license, and you can use it to recover an unlimited number of images. To read up on common causes for data loss and how memory card data recovery works, visit the full blog post here.

What's the difference between the Type B 4.0 Gold cards and Type B 4.0 Iridium cards?

The main difference between the CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold cards and CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium cards, is that the Iridium Type B 4.0cards offer higher performance and are VPG 400 certified. The Type B 4.0 Iridium cards have a read speed of 3550MB/s, write speed of 3000MB/s, and sustained write speed of 850MB/s (400GB) and 1500MB/s (800GB, 1.6TB) and are VPG 400 certified. The VPG 400 certification ensures that the minimum sustained write speed will not fall below 400MB/s. Some cinema cameras like the Sony Burano require a VPG 400 card. Cameras like the Canon R1 and R5 II recommend using a VPG 400 card. The Type B 4.0 Gold cards have a read speed of 3100MB/s (240GB) and 3400MB/s (512GB, 1TB, 2TB), write speed of 1600MB/s (240GB) and 3000MB/s (512GB, 1TB, 2TB), and sustained write speed of 700MB/s (240GB), 850MB/s (512GB) and 1500MB/s (1TB, 2TB). The Type B 4.0 Gold 1TB and 2TB are RED approved. Utilizing the CFexpress Type B Single-Slot USB 4.0 (PG05.6) reader in conjunction will enable you to get the transfer speeds that the Type B 4.0 cards offer. You will also need to ensure that your device is compatible with USB 4.0, Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 3.

Home All ProGrade Digital CFexpress™ Type B 4.0 Memory Card (Iridium)

ProGrade 400GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory card with 3550 MB/s read and 850 MB/s sustained write speeds

ProGrade Digital 800GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory card packaging comparison

ProGrade 800GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory card with 3550 MB/s read and 1500 MB/s sustained write speeds

ProGrade 1.6TB CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory card with 3550 MB/s read and 1500 MB/s sustained write speeds

Two ProGrade 400GB CFexpress Type B 4.0 memory cards showing 3550 MB/s read speed

Two ProGrade 800GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B memory cards showing 3550 MB/s read speed

Two ProGrade 1.6TB CFexpress 4.0 Type B cards with 3550 MB/s read and 1500 MB/s sustained write speeds

"This card is faultless. Even in extreme conditions it records perfectly. Worth every cent."

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Verified Customer

ProGrade Digital CFexpress™ Type B 4.0 Memory Card (Iridium)

$ 424.99 USD $ 499.99 USD

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Read 3550MB/s | Write 3000MB/s
Sustained write 850MB/s (VPG400 Rated)
PCIe Gen4 NVMe interface for high performance
Thermal control, Shock & X-ray proof
Limited Lifetime Warranty, Refresh Pro™ enabled

View compatibility chart here

Please select all options.

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30-Day Returns

"This card is faultless. Even in extreme conditions it records perfectly. Worth every cent."

Christopher J.

Verified Customer

There are four free ways to test your memory card’s performance. CrystalDiskMark - is an open-source benchmark tool that provides in-depth insights into your memory card’s read and write speeds. It has a user-friendly interface and straightforward design that makes it perfect for quickly determining the performance of your card. CrystalDiskMark is designed for Windows, but there is a macOS version called AmorphousDiskMark developed by Katsura Shareware. ATTO Disk Benchmark - is another free and user-friendly benchmarking tool for Windows. Many drive manufacturers use ATTO to build and test drives. AJA System Test - is a free tool available for both Windows and Mac that simplifies the process of checking memory card speed. It provides detailed graphs that offer a comprehensive visual representation of the memory card’s performance. Blackmagic Disk Speed Test - is a prime tool to use to measure your memory card’s performance when working with high-quality video. With the click of a button, Disk Speed Test will write-test your disk using large blocks of data and then display the result. This tool works on both macOS and Windows. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Test the Speed and Performance of Your Memory Card: Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing your SD card speed: Step 1: Download Software – Choose from one of the memory card speed testing programs mentioned above and install the software. Step 2: Insert Memory Card – Place your memory card into your memory card reader. Generally, for best results, you should use a high-speed memory card reader and not your computer’s built-in reader to avoid any potential issues. Step 3: Open the Program and Select Drive – Launch the downloaded speed tester program, and in the program interface, choose the drive corresponding to your inserted memory card. Step 4: Initiate Testing – Look for the “Start” or “Begin” button within the program and click it to commence the speed test. You should have the results within a couple of seconds. Step 5: Verify Consistency – For a reliable assessment, it is advisable to repeat the test 3-4 times to confirm the consistency of the results. After completing these steps, you will have gained valuable information on the speed and performance of your memory card. To read the full article on testing your card’s performance, click here.

Choosing the right memory card is important but can be overwhelming. Luckily, here is an easy three-step guide designed to help you find the best memory card for your needs. Compatibility You can check what cards are compatible with your camera by looking at the information in the user’s manual or the manufacturer’s website. You can also check our free compatibility charts to find the right card for your camera. Your camera may support all SD cards (SD, SDHC, and SDXC), but it is good to know which cards are best for certain uses. For videography, we strongly recommend avoiding cards that are labeled SD or SDHC. This is because SD cards have a maximum capacity of 2GB, which is too low for today’s minimum video standards. Although SDHC cards have a higher capacity, they use the FAT32 file system that will split your longer videos into 4GB chunks. Meanwhile, SDXC cards use the exFAT file system and do not limit files in this way. It is also important to know the difference between CFast and Compact Flash cards. They are physically interchangeable and have the same size and shape but have completely different connectors. Make sure you are checking compatibility with the right card. Consider speed before capacity Speed, specifically write speed, should be the first concern when choosing a card. Write speed determines how fast data can be saved on the card. This is especially essential when dealing with higher-resolution videos to ensure that your memory card doesn’t drop frames, store the video in low quality, or cause your camera to stop recording altogether. Although maximum write speed is important, you should also consider minimum write speed when choosing a card. It is crucial to have a card that can sustain a certain write speed so that your card is stable and reliable, instead of peaking to astronomical heights every so often. The highest minimum write speed any SD card can sustain is determined by the highest Speed Class marking on the card. Symbols of the Speed Class, UHS Speed Class, and Video Speed Class (with a corresponding number) indicate the specific speed at which your camera can write data on the card consistently. The higher the rating, the more data you can write to the card in the same amount of time. Another important speed to consider is read speed. Read speed determines how quickly you can retrieve recorded videos from the memory card, and it impacts workflow. A faster read speed allows you to transfer data from the card to your computer faster. Ensuring sufficient capacity Last but not least, capacity is still a key factor to consider when choosing a memory card. Video bitrate, frame rate, length, and format each affect the size of your video files. For instance, a single minute of 1080p video may take only around 130MB of space. At the same time, one minute of ProRes 4K video at 880 Mbits/s will consume roughly 5.3GB. That works out to 318GB every hour. You definitely want to use higher-capacity cards if you are recording at such high data rates. For more information on Speed Classes, write speeds, read speeds, and more, view the full article here.

Current CFexpress Type B Specific Compatibility

CFexpress Type B

Recommended

Recommended

Recommended

Recommended

Compatible*

Recommended

Recommended

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

1500MB/S

Min Sustained Write

1300MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0

Red Komodo-X

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

260MB/S

Min Sustained Write

250MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0

256GB 2.0

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

1400MB/S

Min Sustained Write

300MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0

512GB 2.0

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

1500MB/S

Min Sustained Write

850MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0

1TB 2.0

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

1500MB/S

Min Sustained Write

1300MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0

2TB 2.0

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

1500MB/S

Min Sustained Write

1300MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0

Red V-Raptor

Max Read

1700MB/S

Max Write

260MB/S

Min Sustained Write

250MB/S

CFexpress Specification

2.0