Compact Flash Memory Cards

Compact Flash

On this page we’ve got everything you need to know about Compact Flash cards, which are also referred to as CF memory cards. Looking to buy a CF card? Read on.

What are Compact Flash cards?

Compact Flash cards were first introduced in 1994, and remained popular in digital devices, and cameras in particular, over the next few decades. They are physically larger and arguably more durable than SD cards, however, their physical architecture means there is a limit to their transfer speed. Generally, the fastest read speeds and write speeds the most modern CF cards will manage are about 150-160MB/s. Later editions of Compact Flash came with video performance guarantees, which were there to verify that the cards would be capable of keeping up with the data demands of recording HD video.

The main memory card manufacturers still offer a range of Compact Flash cards for users who want to use the format. The SanDisk Extreme Pro 32GB 160MB/s Compact Flash, for instance, is a highly capable card with plenty of storage and high transfer speeds. 

Which cameras use Compact Flash cards?

Compact Flash cards are seen as an older format, and to an extent they are, however there are plenty of contemporary cameras that make use of the format. Probably the most widely used camera today with a CF slot is the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the standard bearer for professional quality DSLR video right now. 

There are also certain versions of the Nikon D5 that offer dual Compact Flash slots. Whe this camera was released in 2016, Nikon hedged its bets by offering two versions – one with dual XQD card slots, and one with dual Compact Flash. If you pick up a second-hand Nikon D5, make sure you check which one you’ve got!

We’ve put together a list of the main cameras that offer a Compact Flash slot (this is not an exhaustive list). Most of these are no longer manufactured, though you can likely find many of them for a great price in the Used market.

Below we’ve listed the Canon and Nikon DSLRs that will accept a Compact Flash card.

Canon cameras compatible with Compact Flash

Nikon cameras compatible with Compact Flash

Compact Flash versus CFast

What’s the difference between Compact Flash and CFast memory cards? In a sense, these two card formats are relatives – CFast was a variant on the Compact Flash format, announced in 2008 (the name is short for “Compact Fast”). Cfast cards support a higher theoretical transfer speed than Compact Flash cards, and thus slots for this card type appeared in several cameras before it was mostly supplanted by XQD and CFExpress, particularly Canon EOS Cinema cameras.

Be aware that even though they share DNA, Compact Flash cards and CFast cards are not physically compatible – you can’t use a Compact Flash card in a Cfast slot or vice versa. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Compact Flash cards obsolete?

While it’s unlikely there will be many new cameras made with Compact Flash card compatibility, as you can see from the list above, there are plenty of cameras that can make use of this format. If you shop second-hand, looking for bargains on older equipment, then you may well find a use for Compact Flash cards.

How long do Compact Flash cards last?

If cared for and stored properly, Compact Flash cards should last at least five years and potentially longer.

Can Compact Flash cards get corrupted?

Like any form of memory device like flash drives or hard drives, Compact Flash cards can become corrupted. To guard against this, make a habit of formatting the card regularly (don’t just delete the files off it) and make sure to always eject the card from a device before physically removing it.

Can you buy Compact Flash card readers?

Yes, you can – there are plenty of readers like the Lexar Multi-Card 3-in-1 USB 3.1 Type-C Reader that will read data from a Compact Flash card.

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