Why Are XQD Cards So Expensive? Actual Reason

In this article, we will be discussed Why Are XQD Cards So Expensive? There are now CFexpress cards in my possession, and I’ve started testing them out as soon as I get my hands on one. According to a lot of individuals I’ve spoken to, the Nikon Z6’s 64GB cards have some troubles, but the larger cards (128GB and larger) are operating fine. For testing, I’m getting some more in the mail.

In the Z6, why does my 64GB card not work? To my surprise, the 64GB Sandisk CFe Card works well in my Z6 when I heat it using either the Black Magic or AJA Speed test to a temperature where the card’s write speed is reduced to 200 MB/s.

When the card is cold and performing the speed test at 750MB/s write, it frequently crashes in my Z6. Isn’t that odd? My CFexpress memory card journey is far from over, but before I do, I’d like to give you some advice that could affect your wallet in the future.

Why Are XQD Cards So Expensive?

Regarding increased prices, they are only presenting what they are because only Sony (and, to a lesser extent, Delkin) manufactures them. Lexar XQD cards once cost around $80 for 64GB.

What Is XQD?

A media card format called XQD was created to replace CompactFlash cards. Nikon embraced XQD and included it in the D4 and D4S, then in the D5, D500, and D850 DSLRs, as well as the Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The speed these cameras can provide photographers is intended to be capitalized on by the XQD format. For instance, the Nikon D4S can record up to 67 Uncompressed NEF photos or more than 200 JPEG shots in a single continuous burst when shooting at 11 frames per second.

What Is The Reason Why Cards Cost So Much?

Investing in the future as a general rule, the SD card has become obsolete and less dependable over time. Two of the eight SDXC cards I’ve used in the past have failed on my D500, but the XQD card is still going strong, despite some minor damage.

On both the D500 and the Z6, the XQD form factor proves to be incredibly durable. If the CF Express card, which will utilize the same form factor as the XQD card, records video at greater bit rates internally, Nikon will have future-proofed the Z6, Z7 and D500, and D5 cameras.

Only Sony (and, to a lesser extent, Delkin) are producing these, which means that the cost is more than it would be otherwise. Lexar XQD cards used to cost around $80 for 64 GB each.

ProGrade acquired Lexar, which had long since exited the market (who is headlining the new CF Express card). Sony has a virtual stranglehold on the XQD card, so they can now charge whatever they want. XQD 64GB XQD 64GB card now costs approximately $130.

For What Purpose Should I Use XQD?

Media card format XQD was designed as a replacement for CompactFlash cards. In the D4 and D4S, XQD was first used, then in the D5, D500, Z7, and Z6 full-frame mirrorless cameras, as well as the D850 and D500 DSLRs. The XQD format is designed to take benefit from the speed of these cameras. Nikon’s D4S, for example, can shoot at 11 frames per second and record up to 67 NEF photos or over 200 JPEG shots in a single continuous burst.

The D5 can record up to 200 shots to XQD. When utilizing Lexar Professional 2933x (2.0) card, lossless 12-bit or JPEG/Fine/Large or 14-bit uncompressed compressed images are available. Faster than 1/50th of a second for JPEG/Fine/Large There are two major advantages to using the XQD format: its current and future lightning-fast read/write rates and its large storage capacity.

The card read/write speeds started at 125 megabytes per second (MB/s) in the N series introduction, and will rise to 500 MB/s and higher in future S series releases. Over 2 terabytes (TB) of storage space are expected to be available with this card format.

Having a media card format that can keep up with the camera is essential for photographers who are shooting sports, action, and other fast-paced events or Full HD video. The answer is XQD. CF can only be developed at a certain speed and capacity.

Future cameras’ RAW photos and video will be unable to be stored in the format due to its limited storage and inability to keep up with the lightning-fast shooting speeds. Unless media cards can keep up with the increasing speed and length of video recording durations offered by cameras, your camera will be impeded or limited by the card.

Why Are CFexpress Cards So Expensive?

However, because the controller is embedded in the card, there will be an additional cost associated with producing the cards. The faster the card, the controller must perform better and be more expensive relative to a comparable SD card.

Conclusion

Here we conclude Why Are XQD Cards So Expensive? They’re less expensive than an SD card of the same capacity. Yes, you will benefit from increased speed, larger capacity, and a card that is built for long-term use. If you’re not interested in any of that, you may not be the only one.

Frequently Asked Questions