CFexpress Card Speeds: 2TB vs 512GB vs 256GB vs 330GB
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Comparisons
Compare four popular CFexpress Type B cards by speed, capacity, and use case. Find out which card suits your photography or video workflow best.
Quick answer
For maximum sustained write speed in demanding RAW video, the AngelBird AV PRO XT 330GB delivers a minimum 1480 MB/s, while the SanDisk Extreme Pro 512GB offers 1400 MB/s write and 1700 MB/s read. The AngelBird AV PRO 2TB prioritizes capacity over raw speed, with a minimum 1000 MB/s write.
Why minimum write speed matters more than peak speed
When recording RAW video or burst stills, a card's sustained minimum write speed determines whether your camera drops frames or stops shooting. Peak speeds (like the 1700 MB/s read on SanDisk cards) are useful for transferring files to your computer, but they don't guarantee smooth in-camera recording. The AngelBird AV PRO XT 330GB is rated with a minimum write speed of 1480 MB/s across the entire capacity, making it a reliable choice for high-bitrate video.
Capacity vs. speed trade-off
Higher-capacity cards often have lower sustained write speeds because managing more NAND flash cells can introduce thermal or controller limitations. The AngelBird AV PRO 2TB has a minimum write speed of 1000 MB/s, which is still fast enough for most 4K and some 6K RAW workflows, but noticeably slower than the 1480 MB/s of the 330GB XT model. If you shoot long sessions without swapping cards, the 2TB is a clear win; if you need the fastest possible write speed, the 330GB XT is the better choice.
Trade-offs at a glance
- AngelBird AV PRO XT 330GB: Minimum 1480 MB/s sustained write. Best for uncompromising RAW video and high-speed bursts. 330GB limits session length.
- SanDisk Extreme Pro 512GB: Max 1400 MB/s write, 1700 MB/s read. Strong all-rounder for RAW 4K video and stills. No minimum write guarantee published. Check your camera's required sustained write speed if you shoot demanding codecs.
- SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB: Max 1200 MB/s write, 1700 MB/s read. Lower write speed may cause dropped frames in high-bitrate 4K. Good for stills and casual video.
- AngelBird AV PRO 2TB: Minimum 1000 MB/s sustained write. Massive capacity for all-day shoots. Not ideal for the highest-bitrate RAW video. Ideal for documentary or event work where card swaps are impractical.
Product facts
- SanDIsk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B 512G 1400Mbs W: Max Write Speed: 1400 MB/s, Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s, 512GB capacity, PCIe 3.0 Bus. Offers a strong balance of capacity and speed for both RAW 4K video and high-speed stills, with fast read speeds for quick file transfers.
SanDIsk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B 512G 1400Mbs W - SanDIsk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B 256G 1200Mbs W: Max Write Speed: 1200 MB/s, Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s, 256GB capacity, PCIe 3.0 Bus. A more affordable option that still handles RAW 4K video, but the lower write speed may limit burst depth or high-bitrate recording compared to the 512GB model.
SanDIsk Extreme Pro CFexpress Card Type B 256G 1200Mbs W - AngelBird AV PRO XT CFexpress 330GB: Minimum write speed of 1480 MB/s for the entire capacity, 330GB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B. Guarantees consistent high-speed recording without throttling, making it ideal for demanding RAW video and high-frame-rate bursts.
- AngelBird AV PRO CFexpress 2 TB: Minimum write speed of 1000 MB/s, 2TB capacity, highest capacity CFexpress 2.0 Type B available. Provides the most recording time without swapping cards, but the lower minimum write speed may not suit the most extreme video codecs.
Which card fits your workflow?
Best for
- Shooters who need maximum sustained write speed for RAW video (choose AngelBird AV PRO XT 330GB)
- Photographers who want a balance of speed and capacity (choose SanDisk Extreme Pro 512GB)
Not ideal for
- Long-duration shoots requiring minimal card changes (consider AngelBird AV PRO 2TB instead)
- Budget-conscious buyers who shoot mostly stills (consider SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB)
