Best XQD Cards For DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

An important thing for a camera is its memory card; a memory card will help you save everything you have captured for a pretty long time! I bet you want to use the new types of memory cards which are XQD cards.

Well, in this article, you will find some of the best XQD cards on the market nowadays! Let’s check them out!

A Quick Look at My Favorite XQD Cards

Image	Product	Features	Price
Best for Beginners	Lexar Professional XQD	10	Check Price On Amazon
Best Value	Delkin Premium XQD	8.6	Check Price On Amazon
Best High-End	SanDisk Extreme PRO	8.5	Check Price On Amazon
Best Runner-Up	Nikon XQD	8.8	Check Price On Amazon
Best Overall	Sony Professional XQD	8.6	Check Price On Amazon

The Top 5 Best XQD Cards

5. Lexar Professional XQD – Best for Beginners

Lexar is a very famous name in the world of XQD memory cards and here it comes with an amazing XQD card that works great. Just as listed, this XQD card is the one that is used by many beginners, in the world of photography.

This XQD card is a very durable one since it can withstand different things. It is fully resistant to water, shock, and vibration. Besides them, Lexar is also resistant to different weather conditions since it can work perfectly in different types of temperatures.

When it comes to the capacity of this XQD memory card, Lexar brings them to different stores. You can choose between 64GB, 32GB, and 128GB. I chose the 64GB as an example.

You shouldn’t worry about storing high-quality images on this memory card because it accepts every resolution that you capture pictures at. It also can store 4K videos without causing any problem.

The speed of the Lexar Professional XQD memory card is definitely awesome! Its reading speed works at 440 MB/s while its write speed works at 400 MB/s.

Did you delete a picture or a video accidentally? Well, don’t worry at all because, on this XQD card, you can download the Image Rescue Software, which recovers whatever you may need from the memory card.

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4. Delkin Premium XQD – Best Value

Moving on to the second XQD card in this article, here appears the Delkin Premium which as its name suggests, is definitely a premium XQD card. Based on what it is listed best for, if you choose this one, even if it may sound pricey, with the features that it has, it deserves to be listed as the one with the best value.

Since the design and the durability are important features, let me say one thing: This XQD card is extremely durable! It is waterproof, magnet proof, x-ray proof, and shockproof! What else is left? Oh well, this SD card can also withstand any extreme temperature.

Even though Delkin Premium comes in different capacities, such as 64GB, 120GB, and 240GB, I’ve chosen the 120GB since that is the one I most commonly use.

You can record different types of video resolutions because this XQD card accepts and stores them all. It is capable of holding HD videos, Full HD videos, and also the 4K ones. That means that it also accepts types of pictures of any quality.

The reading speed on Delkin Premium is 400 MB/s, and the write speed works at 440 MB/s which is basically the same as the Lexar one, that I mentioned above.

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3. SanDisk Extreme PRO – Best High-End

SanDisk, as a brand, brings some amazing different XQD memory cards of all kinds to photographers! I think that you have heard about SanDisk cards. Now, based on its listing name, it is the best high end and it is because this one is a bit more expensive than the other XQD cards that I mentioned and I will be mentioning in this article.

Before starting to tell you more detailed information about the important features, I would like to mention a drawback that this XQD card has! Unfortunately, the SanDisk Extreme Pro is not very durable and you should be careful when finding yourself in “dangerous” areas.

Now, let’s move on! This XQD card has a capacity of holding 512GB of data! However, it again lets you choose between 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. What should be mentioned here is that the higher the capacity in GB is, the higher the price.

When it comes to storing data, this XQD card doesn’t have a problem with any quality of pictures and also it can store 4K videos super easily without destroying their quality.

There’s also the speed which at the reading works at 1700 MB/s and the write speed works at 1400 MB/s.

On this XQD card, you can use the RescuePro Deluxe, which is an amazing recovery software it will bring back any picture or video that you may have lost.

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2. Nikon XQD – Best Runner-Up

Nikon made this XDQ card with photographers and videographers in mind! This memory card is one of those cards that work perfectly fine with those cameras that are most commonly used. Why the best runner-up? I’ve chosen this memory card as the best runner-up because it is trying to become one of the best overall XQD cards worldwide.

This Nikon card stands in the same group as the most durable memory cards and devices, in general, that come from the Nikon brand itself. Many photographers say that this memory card has super strength, and it is a definite fact. You can use it in different extreme temperatures without any problem.

When it comes to the capacity part, this memory card comes only in one capacity, and it is 64GB. However, since Nikon is making improvements in almost every device that it brings, you should be more than sure that there will be an update in this memory card too!

While we are here, you probably know what Raw Photo Burst means, right? For those that don’t, this is a photo capturing mode, which helps you capture several images at one time while you choose to press the shutter button at a time or while holding it down. What do I mean by it?

This memory card can store any Raw Photo Burst! Also, you can store 4K videos.

The reading speed on this memory card works at 440 MB/s, and the write speed is 400 MB/s. That is again the first ones that I mentioned.

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1. Sony Professional XQD – Best Overall

Is there any photographer that hasn’t heard about Sony as a brand? I bet you are smiling because there is no one! The last XQD in this article, just as listed is one of the best overall when compared to other ones! All based on its features!

Being the best overall this XQD card is super durable! It has a very durable shell structure, and it is fully shockproof, x-ray proof, and obviously, it is resistant to breakage. Another thing that should be mentioned is that it can also work perfectly fine in both high and low temperatures, and it is fully anti-static.

The Sony Professional XQD card comes with 240GB storage (the one that I chose), but it also lets you choose between 32GB, 64GB, and 120GB.

Stores everything! From the lowest quality to the highest quality pictures, this amazing memory card can store for you whatever you may need. Without forgetting to mention the burst mode shooting and the amazing 4K videos.

The speed, even though it became a bit weird until now, again works at 440 MB/s for the reading part, and for the write speed, it works at 400 MB/s.

You can download the File Rescue, and you can restore whatever you may have deleted from this memory card.

Things You Should Know: Other Types of Memory Cards

A camera can use a variety of memory card types, each of which has a combination of benefits and drawbacks. The following are a few of the most popular kinds of memory cards:

SD

The most common memory card used in cameras is an SD cards or Secure Digital. They are widely available and are offered in a range of capacities, ranging from 2GB to 512 GB. They are also reasonably priced and work with a variety of devices, including laptops, computers, and other.

CompactFlash

Another memory card format that is frequently used in cameras is called CompactFlash (CF) cards. They are stronger and more resistant to physsical damage than SD cards, they are significantly bigger and they are perfect for use in professional-grade cameras because they also feature quicker read and write rates.

MicroSD

Small, portable memory cards known as MicroSD are frequently seen in smartphones and other portable electronics, additionally, they work with some cameras and are perfect for usage with smaller, more portable cameras.

Memory Stick

Memory Stick is a brand of memory card that is exclusively used by Sony in their cameras and other products. In terms of size and storage, they are comparable to SD cards, although they are less common and compatible with other gadgets.

CFast

A relatively recent kind of memory card that is gaining popularity in professional-level cameras is called CFast. They provide quicker read and write speeds as well as greater durabbility and are comparable to XQD cards.

In conclusion, your personal needs and your camera’s features will determine the kind of memory card you select for your camera. The majority of people should choose SD cards because they are the most common and widely available.

However, you might want to think about buying a CompactFlash, XQD, CFast, or Memory Stick card if you require quicker read and write speeds or better durability.

Detailed Information About the Benefits and Downfalls of XQD Cards

Professional photographers and videographers are increasingly using the more recent XQD memory cards. These cards are appropriate in some situations because they have a number of benefits over regular memory cards.

The speed of XQD cards is one of their main advantages. They can read and write data more quickly, so when you shoot a photo or video, the file is stored on the card more quickly, and when you transfer the photo or video to your computer, the process is also faster.

For those who needs to capture multiple images or videos at once or for professionals who must move quickly, this can be quite helpful.

The durability of XQD cards is another benefit and since they employ a different technology than conventional memory cards, they are more resistant to scratches and other forms of physical harm. Therefore, XQD cards may be a smart option if you want to use your camera in difficult conditions.

XQD cards offer higher reliability and a longer lifespan in addition to speed and durability as they can hold more data than other types of memory cards and contain an integrated error correction mechanism that helps prevent data loss.

They are suitable for crucial tasks when data loss cannot be risked thanks to these qualities.

On the other side, not all cameras are compatible with XQD cards, and they are more expensive than other memory card kinds. Therefore, it’s important to verify that your camera can use one before making a purchase.

Overall, XQD cards have a number of advantages over standard memory cards, including speed, toughness, reliability, and a longer lifespan. Professional photographers and videographers can use them, as can anybody who needs to shoot a lot of pictures or movies at once.

They are moore expensive than other memory card kinds, though, and not all cameras can use them so before making a purchase, compatibility must be verified.

How do XQD Cards Work in both DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras?

So, XQD cards are known to be superior to other types of memory cards in terms of data transmission rates and storage capacity, making them perfect for photographers who take high-resolution photos and videos, but still, in order to use an XQD card in a DSLR or mirrorless camera, follow these steps:

• Place the XQD card into your camera after turning it off, it should always be off.
• Find your camera’s memory card slot, which is typically found on the side or the bottom of the device.
• Make sure the XQD card is properly positioned in the memory card slot before carefully putting it.
• Turn on your camera after placing the card securely.
• Now that the XQD card has been detected, your camera should be prepared to use it to store your photos and videos.

It’s important to remember that not all DSLR and mirrorless cameras can use XQD cards, so make sure to read the manual or specifications of your camera to make sure.

In short, XQD cards are a class of memory cards that are made to work with high-end DSLR and mirrorless cameras and offer quicker data transfer speeds and higher storage capacities than other classes of memory cards.

Beginners in photography can also proffit from the advantages of XQD cards by taking the right precautions and following the right procedures, which will improve their photographic experience.

How to Choose The Best XQD Cards? – Buying Guide

Choosing and buying an XQD card isn’t a walk in the park, meaning that it isn’t the easiest job in the world. Especially if you are a professional photographer! However, that’s basically why I am here for! In this section, I will gladly mention some important things that should be considered when choosing the best XQD card. Those things are:

Storage

The main reason that we buy an XQD card is that we need more storage to perform professionally. XQD cards come in different capacities; which means they are separated into different storages. You should know what you are going to use the XQD card, and that way, you can choose and buy the one that is needed.

What would be better is to buy one that has more storage than the main storage capacity, that you have in mind.

Speed

It is interesting how the speed, regarding reading and write speed, works in memory cards in general. Many people don’t know much about the write and read speed, but still, it stands as the most important thing that should be considered.

The faster it works, the better for you as a photographer.

Work

What do I mean by work? It is quite simple in fact! If you are here, it is probably because you are in doubt about which XQD card to use with your camera, right? Well, with work, I mean the function that it does when it is added to the particular camera that you work with.

It is very important to find a card that works great for whatever needs that you have. A simpler example would be videography. You should check if the XQD card that you are about to buy accepts the video resolution that you are about to use.

Price

Every time that we buy something, even if it is the smallest thing the price is a matter that plays a major role in a buying guide, and it is, of course, a thing that must be considered.

FAQ About the Best XQD Cards

Which are the benefits of using an XQD card?

There are three advantages or benefits of using an XQD card. Those include:

• Speed
• Capacity
• Super-Durable

Check out below for more information regarding the benefits

Other Uses of XQD Cards, Besides Cameras

High-end cameras like DSLRs and mirrorless cameras typically employ XQD cards as memory storage, but still, they are not the only ones. 

The PCI Express (PCIe) interface is supported by other devices as well therefore they can also be used in those. This means that some high-end laptops, desktop PCs, and other electronic devices that demand quick data transfer rates and large storage capacities can use XQD cards. 

They can also be used in a few items of professional imaging equipment, such as cameras for videography. They can also be used in select devices and high-end gaming computers as bootable media.

Once again, it’s important to remember that not all devices support XQD cards, so before trying to use one, make sure to verify your device’s manual or specifications.

XQD vs SD Cards

In the picture above you can see what an SD card and what an XQD card look like. Both cards come from Sony.

The SD cards are the ones that we are most used to seeing and basically, they are the ones that are most commonly used. SD cards are used with any type of camera and you don’t have to worry about the acceptance and not only in cameras. They work on different devices.

Just as mentioned above, XQD ones are more for professional use and they are used when a photographer has some specific needs.

Anyways, there are some significant differences that make these two types of cards distinguish from one another.

Speed

The speed is one of the most important and characteristic differences between XQD and SD cards. XQD cards are way faster when it comes to writing speed and reading speed as they work above 400MB/s. Meanwhile, the fastest SD card that you can find currently is around 300MB/s.

It doesn’t mean that SD cards are slow, though! They work amazingly fast, but still, ZQD cards are improving day by day and many photographers all around the world say that

XQD cards are the memory cards of the future.

Durability

A win situation for XQD cards and what may be called a difference when compared with SD cards is the durability or the resistance. XQD cards are shock-proof, magnet-proof, and dust-proof due to their stronger casing. They’re tough, long-lasting, and made for everyday usage.

Reusing

XQD cards can become clear faster than SD cards, whether you’re shooting sports or simply capturing a sequence of different shots. This can mean one thing: With XQD cards you will be able to work faster and you don’t have to wait or miss any shot. XQD cards are ready to be used immediately.

Final Words

Here we came at the end of this article in which I would gladly say that the XQD cards that I chose are one of those that are used by most professional photographers all over the world! I do use them too!

As you can notice they are fast, durable, and have great capacities. These three things are the most important things that a memory card should one and the ones mentioned above are definitely great!

I hope that this article will help you choose the best XQD cards for your cameras!

Further Reading

If you’ve come this far, I bet you now have detailed information in your mind about XQD cards in general! However, even though I mentioned that SD cards “fall a bit behind” there is no such fact that SD cards are not great purchases. In fact, they are essential as well.

I would really like to introduce some other articles regarding SD cards, for example, the are some great SD cards to use with a Sony a6000 camera, or if you are a Nikon user, I’ve prepared and brought to you the greatest SD cards to use with a Nikon D3300. By the way, if you are out and about, and are a hunting lover, there are some prominent SD cards for trail cameras.

In these articles, you will find different SD cards and you will notice that SanDisk is one of the most found names in these categories. In order to find out more about SanDisk SD cards, I would advise you to check out the comparisons between SanDisk Ultra vs SanDisk Extreme and SanDisk Extreme vs SanDisk Pro.

I am hoping everything is clear and if it is, then there’s nothing left to say! Have Fun!