Recommended CFexpress Memory Cards Nikon Z6/Z7
Both the Nikon Z6 and Z7 feature a single CFexpress Type-B memory card slot. It can also take XQD cards if you have some older ones lying around.
You don’t need the fastest memory cards for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 as they don’t do anything that demands them. However, you still want something reliable.
Lexar right now is probably the best brand for CFexpress memory cards for Nikon. Stick with the Lexar Gold or Silver and this should also give you great performance even if you decide to upgrade to another camera in the future.
Here are the Best Memory Cards for the Nikon Z6 or Nikon Z7.
Memory Cards | Review Links | USB-C Write | USB-C Read | Tested Sustain Speeds | Stores |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lexar Diamond 128/256/512GB | Lexar Diamond CFeB Review | 1621 | 1700 | 1565 | Check Price |
Lexar Gold 128/256/512GB | Lexar Gold 128-512GB CFeB Review | 1410 | 1525 | 1382 | Check Price |
Lexar Silver 512GB | 1141 | 1624 | 891 | Check Price | |
Delkin Black 150/325/650GB | Delkin Black CFeB Review | 1528 | 1545 | 1421 | Check Price |
Delkin Power G4 650/1TB/1.3TB/2TB | Delkin Power G4 650-2000GB CFeB Review | 1588 | 1710 | 1507 | Check Price |
Nikon 660GB | 1397 | 1574 | 1394 | Check Price | |
Hoodman Steel 1TB | Hoodman Steel 1TB CFeB Review | 1528 | 1121 | 1502 | Check Price |
Angelbird Pro XT Mk II 330/660/1320GB | 1595 | 1597 | 1583 | Check Price |
Be sure to check out my list of Must-Have Accessories Nikon Z6 / Z7
Regarding Memory Card Sizes
If you’re considering buying a 1TB CFexpress card for video, just know that you can buy an external Atomos Ninja V Recorder fully set up and a 1TB SSD drive as another option, and this will allow you to have 10-bit video with N-Log. Or you can even go 12-bit ProRes RAW with the paid firmware update that should be free.
ProRes Raw will line skip with 4k FX. To get a full pixel readout you need to shoot a 4k DX crop.
Memory Card Speed Test
Each card is tested in-camera. Several sets of burst sequences are shot and math is used to calculate how much data is written vs how much time it took to clear the buffer.
These tests are done using Uncompressed RAW with continuous burst H+. While the Z6 and Z7 have been discontinued I’ve updated this chart with the results taken from the Nikon Z7II to get an idea of how memory cards are performing with Nikon Hardware.
Nikon Z6 Specs | Nikon Z7 Specs |
Sensor: 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS |
Sensor: 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS |
What Size Memory Card To Buy
Most photographers should start with a 128GB card. This allows you to shoot for a few days, and you can even shoot a little video without worrying about running out of space.
I usually use 128GB cards and never fill them up in a single day of shooting.
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