Can I use my XQD cards and reader in a CFE-B system (Z8)

[aringer]

In reading threads, I realized I'll need CFE backups and readers for my Z8. Then I saw something about being able to use the CF card in the D500, so it got me thinking, can I use my XQD cards in the Z8 in case I fill the card, and can I use my XQD reader (Lexar with USB3) to read the CFE card? I did a little google search but can't find an answer. Thanks

 

[John Navitsky]

in general xqd and cfe-b readers can only read one or the other. there are a few exceptions. but if you card reader doesn’t say it can do both it almost certainly cannot

this is one of the few that can

XQD/CFExpress Type B Memory Card Reader https://a.co/d/4k5kG2m

 

[frdjohns]

You should be able to use XQD cards in the Z8. However you will not be able to use most XQD Readers to read CFE-B cards. You need a reader designed for both. I have the Sony MRW-G1 and it will read both CFE-B and XQD cards, allowing me to use both in my Z9.

Note that XQD cards are not as fast as CFE-B cards, so if using XQD your Z8 will be limited to the speed of the card for writing files. This will not affect normal still images, unless you really take a lot of images at one time and hit the buffer limit. It may be more of an issue for video, especially at higher resolutions.

 

[John Navitsky]

yah, xqd top out at something like 400MB/s and most decent cfe-b cards are north of 1000MB/s

 

[NorthernFocus]

Yes you can use XQD cards in the camera. No your XQD reader will not read CFE cards. As @frdjohns said above you have to get a card reader specifically designed to read both formats.

I routinely use my old XQD cards in the Z9. Buffer capacity is 35 frames with XQD vs a little over 80 with CFE.

 

[Cameron T]

Yes you can use XQD cards in the camera. No your XQD reader will not read CFE cards. As @frdjohns said above you have to get a card reader specifically designed to read both formats.

I routinely use my old XQD cards in the Z9. Buffer capacity is 35 frames with XQD vs a little over 80 with CFE.

Additionally, if OP plans on doing 8k video or even some of the 4k modes, the XQD cards will not be able to handle it.

 

[Many Feathers]

I, too, have an XQD card and Sony XQD card reader from my D850. I am getting the Z8 and a CFExpress B card. I researched and it appears the Sony QDA-SB1 will NOT read CFExpress. Is there any other fast way to transfer images to computer (I'm assuming WIFI is slow), like connecting with USBC... or do I need another card reader?

 

[maverick777]

I, too, have an XQD card and Sony XQD card reader from my D850. I am getting the Z8 and a CFExpress B card. I researched and it appears the Sony QDA-SB1 will NOT read CFExpress. Is there any other fast way to transfer images to computer (I'm assuming WIFI is slow), like connecting with USBC... or do I need another card reader?

You could connect the camera directly to the computer to offload images. Otherwise you'd need another card reader. I just did this as well. I have XQD cards with a Sony reader which I will sell soon or keep around for backup. I now have a Prograde CF-B/SD UHS-II reader which will not read XQD. I'm replacing my XQD cards with two Delkin Black cards so I don't have to have both XQD and CF-B readers and cards.

 

[Many Feathers]

You could connect the camera directly to the computer to offload images. Otherwise you'd need another card reader. I just did this as well. I have XQD cards with a Sony reader which I will sell soon or keep around for backup. I now have a Prograde CF-B/SD UHS-II reader which will not read XQD. I'm replacing my XQD cards with two Delkin Black cards so I don't have to have both XQD and CF-B readers and cards.

Thanks for your fast response! Is there any advantage to having the card reader versus just connecting with the USB-C? i.e. is the USB-C just as fast? Slower?