CFast 2.0 is a card format used in some cinema and high end stills cameras. It uses a SATA interface rather than the SD format, which is why it reaches read speeds above 500 MB/s, and a camera must have a CFast slot to use one.
The six cards below cover several capacities and makers. Specs come from each Amazon listing page. We have not used these cards ourselves, and speed, endurance and compatibility claims are the makers’ own. Always check your camera’s supported card list before buying.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Camera slot | Only cameras with a CFast slot can use these cards |
| Write speed | Sustained write decides which video formats a card can record |
| Video class | VPG130 means a 130 MB/s minimum sustained write per the makers |
| Capacity | Larger cards hold more minutes of high bitrate video |
| Warranty | Terms run from limited to lifetime |
Specs at a Glance
| Card | Capacity | Read / write | Class | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB | 128 GB | 525 / 450 MB/s | VPG130 | Lifetime limited |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB | 512 GB | 525 / 450 MB/s | VPG130; Class 10 | Lifetime limited |
| Sony CAT-G64 | 64 GB | 530 / 510 MB/s | Class 10; V30 field | 5 years limited |
| Angelbird AV PRO CF | 256 GB | 560 / 525 MB/s | Stable stream 480 MB/s | 3 years limited |
| Exascend Essential | 1 TB (also 512, 256, 128) | 550 / 530 MB/s | VPG130 | 5 years |
| Dogfish | 128 GB | 525 read; media 400 MB/s | Not stated | Not stated |
The 6 Best CFast 2.0 Cards
1. SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB
A 128 GB CFast 2.0 card with up to 525 MB/s read and 450 MB/s write per the maker, Video Performance Guarantee 130 for cinema quality 4K and a lifetime limited warranty. The listing names ARRI, Blackmagic Design and Canon cameras and a 4.54 g weight.
Suits: cinema cameras. Strengths: VPG130 and a lifetime warranty. Weaknesses: modest capacity. Skip it if you shoot long takes.
View SANDISK 128GB Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Memory Card – SDCFSP-128G-G46D on Amazon
2. SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB
The larger version of the same line, with 512 GB, 525 MB/s read, 450 MB/s write, VPG130 and a Class 10 field. The maker notes that speeds may be lower depending on the host device. The warranty is lifetime limited.
Suits: long shoots. Strengths: a large capacity from one maker. Weaknesses: a speed identical to the 128 GB. Skip it if 128 GB is enough.
View SANDISK 512GB Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Memory Card – SDCFSP-512G-G46D on Amazon
3. Sony CAT-G64
A 64 GB CFast G Series 2.0 card with 530 MB/s read and up to 510 MB/s write, a Class 10 field, a V30 field, a 130 MB/s minimum write for cinema video, File Rescue software and a 5 year limited warranty. The listing names Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and C200 type cameras.
Suits: Canon bodies. Strengths: fast write and a 5 year warranty. Weaknesses: only 64 GB. Skip it if you need space.
View Sony CAT-G64 64GB High Performance CFast G Series 2.0 Memory Card on Amazon
4. Angelbird AV PRO CF
A 256 GB card with 560 MB/s max read and 525 MB/s max write, plus a 480 MB/s consistent write figure the maker calls Stable Stream. The listing mentions up to 12K RAW, thermal and power management, a 3 year limited warranty and a data recovery service.
Suits: high bitrate video. Strengths: the highest listed read speed here. Weaknesses: a shorter warranty than Sony. Skip it if you want the longest warranty.
View Angelbird AV PRO CF 256 GB – CFast 2.0 Memory Card on Amazon
5. Exascend Essential
A CFast 2.0 line with 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB capacities. The 1 TB listing shows 550 MB/s read, 530 MB/s write, VPG130, 4K support and a 5 year warranty. The title carries several capacities, so choose the right option on the page.
Suits: a large capacity. Strengths: 1 TB and a 5 year warranty. Weaknesses: a multi capacity title that can confuse. Skip it if you only need 128 GB.
View Exascend Essential 1 TB / 512 GB / 256 GB CFast 2.0 Card, Read up to 550MB/s on Amazon
6. Dogfish 128GB
A 128 GB CFast 2.0 card with up to 525 MB/s read and a 400 MB/s media speed field. The maker claims MLC NAND and describes dust, magnet, temperature and X ray proofing. The listing shows no warranty or video class, and the maker’s claims are not checked here.
Suits: a second or backup card. Strengths: a lower cost brand. Weaknesses: fewer details and a new brand. Skip it if you need a stated video class.
View Dogfish 128GB CFast 2.0 Memory Card, Up to 525MB/S Read on Amazon
Care Notes
- Format the card in the camera, not the computer.
- Use a CFast reader to copy files, not a USB SD reader.
- Keep spare cards in a case to protect the contacts.
- Check the camera’s firmware support list before first use.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a CFast card for a camera with only an SD slot.
- Reading only the read speed and ignoring write.
- Picking the wrong capacity option on a multi size listing.
- Skipping the camera’s compatible card list.
CFast Cards FAQ
Are CFast and CFexpress the same?
No. They are different formats with different slots, so a camera must list the one you buy.
Which cards list VPG130?
The two SanDisk cards and the Exascend list VPG130. Sony lists a 130 MB/s minimum write for cinema video.
The Short Version
For VPG130 from a well known maker, the SanDisk 128GB. For more space, the SanDisk 512GB or Exascend 1 TB. For Canon bodies, the Sony CAT-G64. For the top read speed, the Angelbird AV PRO CF. For a backup card, the Dogfish.
