The Nikon Z6 and Z7 feature a single CFexpress Type-B memory card slot. If you have some older XQD memory cards lying around, you can also use them.
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.
CFexpress Type B Memory Cards Nikon Z6 & Z7 Recommendations
Lexar and Delkin are the best brands for Nikon’s CFexpress memory cards. Stick with the Lexar Gold, Silver, or Delkin cards, which should also give you great performance even if you decide to upgrade to another camera.
Here are some great recommended Memory Cards for the Nikon Z6 or Nikon Z7.
Lexar Silver CFexpress Type-B
Lexar Silver 128-256GB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write: 749 MB/s
Tested Read: 1719 MB/s
Tested Sustain: 490 MB/s
Lexar Silver 512GB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write Speed: 1141 MB/s
Tested Read Speed: 1624 MB/s
Tested Sustain: 891 MB/s
Lexar Silver 1TB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write: 1661 MB/s
Tested Read: 1732 MB/s
Tested Sustain: 1382 MB/s
Warranty: 10-Year Limited
See Details: Lexar Silver CFexpress Type-B Review
Lexar 128-256GB
Lexar 512GB
Lexar 1TB
The Lexar Gold card is the best memory card for most people. The Nikon Z6 and the Z7 perform at a top speed of 286MB/s in-camera.
Lexar Gold CFexpress Type-B Memory Cards
Lexar Gold 128-512GB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write: 1410 MB/s
Tested Read: 1525 MB/s
Tested Sustain: 1382 MB/s
Lexar Gold 1TB-2TB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write Speed: 1642 MB/s
Tested Read Speed: 1695 MB/s
Tested Sustain: 1582 MB/s
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
See Details: Lexar Gold CFExpress Type-B Review
128-256GB
1TB-2TB
Delkin Power memory cards are also a great option for most people and perform well in any situation, even with new cameras. In the Z6 they top out at a speed of around 215MB/s.
Delkin Power G4 CFexpress Type-B
Delkin Power G4 128-512GB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write: 920 MB/s
Tested Read: 1226 MB/s
Tested Sustain: 842 MB/s
Delkin Power G4 650GB-2TB CFexpress Type B
Tested Write Speed: 1588MB/s
Tested Read Speed: 1710MB/s
Tested Sustain: 1507 MB/s
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
See Details: Delkin Power G4 CFExpress Type-B Review
128-256GB
650GB-2TB
Be sure to check out my list of Accessories Nikon Z6 / Z7. Or if you’re ever considering upgrading your camera and want to buy a memory card that is future-proof, check out the Nikon Z8 memory card guide.
Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests
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 long 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 understand how memory cards perform 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 even 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.
