CardWatch Blog

Author: Card Watcher

  • CFexpress A vs B memory cards: What’s the difference? (non-tech version)


    If you’ve been diving into modern mirrorless or cinema cameras, you’ve probably come across CFexpress Type A and Type B memory cards. They sound similar, but choosing the right one can seriously impact your workflow especially if you shoot high-resolution video or burst photography.

    Let’s break it down in a clear, practical way so you can confidently decide what fits your needs.

    What Are CFexpress Cards, Anyway?

    CFexpress cards are the next generation of high-speed storage, built for today’s demanding cameras. Compared to older formats like SD cards, they offer:

    • Greater reliability for professional use
    • Much faster read/write speeds
    • Smooth handling of 4K, 6K, and 8K video

    The two main types: CFexpress Type A and CFexpress Type B – serve different needs depending on your camera and shooting style.

    cfexpress-type-a-card-vs-type-b-memory-cards. OWC, Lexar Professional CFexpress A, CFexpress B memory cards.

    CFexpress Type A: Compact and Efficient

    CFexpress Type A cards are small, lightweight, and efficient, making them ideal for compact professional cameras.

    Cameras that use Type A:

    • Sony FX3
    • Sony A7S III
    • Other select Sony Alpha cameras

    These mirrorless cameras are popular with videographers and hybrid creators, so Type A cards are designed to keep up without adding bulk.

    Key benefits:

    • Compact size: Keeps camera bodies smaller and lighter
    • Lower power draw: Helps extend battery life during long shoots
    • Reliable performance: Handles high-quality 4K and compressed RAW video

    Popular manufacturers:

    • Sony
    • SanDisk
    • Lexar
    • ProGrade Digital
    • Delkin Devices

    The trade-offs:

    • Slower than Type B (but still very fast)
    • Higher cost per gigabyte

    The bottom line: Type A is perfect for creators who want portability without sacrificing performance.

    CFexpress Type B memory card Sony Tough 1920GB on Sony BURANO.
    CFexpress Type B memory card model – Sony TOUGH 1920GB on Sony BURANO.


    CFexpress Type B: Built for Speed and Heavy Workloads

    When it comes to their physical footprint and the speed of moving video data, CFexpress Type B cards are larger and significantly faster, designed for demanding production environments.

    Cameras that use Type B:

    • Sony BURANO
    • Canon EOS C400
    • Many Canon, Nikon, and cinema cameras

    These are tools used by cinematographers and high-end content creators who need maximum performance.

    Key benefits:

    • Ultra-fast speeds: Ideal for 6K/8K and RAW video
    • Excellent for burst shooting: No buffering delays
    • Wider adoption: Supported across many professional systems

    Popular manufacturers:

    • SanDisk
    • Lexar
    • ProGrade Digital
    • Delkin Devices
    • Sony

    The trade-offs:

    • Larger physical size
    • Higher power consumption
    • Not compatible with Type A slots

    Here’s the Bottom line: Type B is built for serious workloads where speed and reliability are critical.

    Key Differences at a Glance

    FeatureCFexpress Type ACFexpress Type B
    SizeSmaller, compactLarger
    SpeedFastExtremely fast
    Best ForHybrid creatorsCinema & high-end production
    Power UsageLowerHigher
    Cost per GBHigherMore affordable
    Camera ExamplesSony FX3, Sony A7S IIISony BURANO, Canon EOS C400
    Brand AvailabilitySony, SanDisk, Lexar, ProGrade, DelkinSanDisk, Lexar, ProGrade, Delkin, Sony

    Which One Should You Choose?

    Choose CFexpress Type A if:

    • You shoot with cameras like the Sony FX3 or A7S III
    • You want a lightweight, compact setup
    • You’re focused on hybrid shooting (photo + video)

    You Should Choose CFexpress Type B if:

    • You use cinema cameras like the Sony BURANO or Canon EOS C400
    • You shoot RAW video, 6K/8K, or high frame rates
    • You need maximum speed and buffer performance

    Have a browse throughout our growing catalogue of the most popular CFexpress Type A, and CFexpress Type B cards and see the latest live prices from major retailers such as B&H and Amazon.

    A Practical Insight Most Beginners Overlook

    Your memory card doesn’t improve image quality—it ensures your camera can record data without interruption.

    If your card is too slow:

    • Video may stop recording
    • Frames may drop
    • Burst shooting may slow down

    That’s why professionals trust brands like SanDisk, Lexar, ProGrade Digital, Delkin, and Sony—they’re known for consistent, reliable performance under pressure.

    Final Thoughts

    CFexpress Type A and Type B cards aren’t competitors—they’re tools designed for different workflows.

    • Type A is all about balance: compact, efficient, and powerful enough for most creators
    • Type B is about performance: built for demanding, high-end production

    The smartest choice? Match your card to your camera and shooting style. Once you do, your workflow becomes smoother, faster, and far more reliable.

  • Blackmagic Design Announces Cloud Pricing Update as Flash and RAM Costs Rise

    Blackmagic Design Issues New Cloud Pricing Update

    Blackmagic Design has announced another Cloud Pricing Update, stating that it has again increased the price of Blackmagic Cloud Stores and some other products that rely on flash and RAM memory. In its official post on X, the company said the increase was made reluctantly and advised customers to check its website for current pricing.


    For professional photographers, videographers, cinematographers, editors, and production teams, this is more than a routine pricing change. It is a direct signal that the storage hardware market remains under serious pressure.

    Why Blackmagic Cloud Store Pricing Is Increasing

    Blackmagic’s Cloud Store lineup uses high-speed flash storage, with the company’s product page highlighting internal M.2 flash memory and RAID-based designs for collaborative media workflows. That makes these systems especially exposed to swings in flash and memory pricing.


    Blackmagic Cloud Store products are not niche accessories, thus the rising cost of components affects the price consumers pay at the till. These products are workflow infrastructure for teams handling multi-camera shoots, shared post-production, remote collaboration, and high-bandwidth media access.

    NAND Flash Prices Are Hitting SSDs and Media Hard


    The bigger story is the supply chain behind the announcement. TrendForce reported in February 2026 that NAND Flash contract prices were expected to rise 55% to 60% quarter over quarter, with the possibility of further upward revisions. TrendForce also noted that flash supply has tightened significantly in 2026, pushing prices sharply higher.


    That surge is already flowing through to the tools creatives actually buy. Tom’s Hardware recently reported severe pressure on SSD pricing, describing NAND flash prices as having “skyrocketed,” while separate coverage cited wafer costs jumping 25% in a single month and industry executives warning of shortages and rapid price increases. 


    For camera professionals, that has obvious consequences. Camera professionals spend a significant amount of investment in SSDs, removable media, on-set storage, backup systems, and shared storage appliances. Rising memory prices will affect all of them. As it will the broader storage ecosystem. that powers capture, transfer, edit, and archive workflows. That is a market inference based on how these products depend on the same core flash supply chain.

    What This Means for Video and Photo Professionals

    The takeaway is simple: this is not just a Blackmagic pricing story. It is a broader storage market correction that is now reaching production and post-production gear.

    For professionals planning storage upgrades, expanding collaborative workflows, or budgeting for new media infrastructure, delaying purchases may not lead to lower prices in the near term. Blackmagic Design’s latest update is another clear indication that flash and RAM inflation is now materially affecting professional imaging and video workflows.