Best Memory Cards for Nikon Z9

Looking for the best memory cards for Nikon Z9? Here are our top recommended & fastest CFexpress cards and XQD cards for Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera.

The Nikon Z9 has dual memory card slots that both support the ultra-fast CFexpress Type B cards and the XQD cards. Sporting a new 45.7 MP full-frame stacked CMOS sensor and an ultra-fast EXPEED 7 processor, the Nikon Z9 (B&HAdorama) supports 2 hours of 8K 30p video recording and 4K 120p slow motion video capture, as well as sustained fast continuous shooting of 20 fps when shooting in raw, 30 fps when shooting in JPEG, and an impressive 120 fps shooting rate when recording 11MP stills, with all rates supporting full AF/AE performance. Additionally, the Nikon Z9 features its fastest, most sophisticated and reliable AF tracking performance ever, utilizing a new Subject Detection algorithm developed with deep learning technology, as well as 3D-tracking. So, with an advanced autofocus system, 20fps raw burst shooting, 8K video resolution, fast and powerful processing engine, an electronic-only shutter and more, the Nikon Z9 is an ideal mirrorless camera for professional wildlife and sports photographers, as well as portrait or landscape photographer and more.

As we mentioned above, the Nikon Z9 has two memory card slots: 2x CFexpress Type B / XQD. So, in order to get the ultra high read speeds (transfer speed) and write speeds (fast buffer clearing time) to get the best out of your Nikon Z9 camera, here we list the top recommended & fastest CFexpress cards and XQD cards for the Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera based on the speed and price. Just choose the one you like.

Best Memory Cards for Nikon Z9

Here are the quick comparison tables of our top recommended CFexpress Tybe B cards and XQD cards for Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera.

CFexpress Type B Cards:

CFexpress Type B CardsMax. Read SpeedMax. Write Speed
Lexar Diamond Professional CFexpress Type B Card1900 MB/s1700 MB/s
Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type B Card1730 MB/s1540 MB/s
Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type B Card1725 MB/s1530 MB/s
Prograde Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B Card1700 MB/s1500 MB/s
Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type B Card 1700 MB/s1480 MB/s
Wise Advanced CFexpress Type B Card1700 MB/s1550 MB/s
Angelbird AV PRO SX CFexpress Type B Card1785 MB/s1600 MB/s
Angelbird AV PRO XT MK2 CFexpress Type B Card1785 MB/s1600 MB/s
Angelbird AV PRO MK2 CFexpress Type B Card1785 MB/s1550 MB/s
Nikon MC-CF660G CFexpress Type B Card1700 MB/s1500 MB/s
Prograde Digital Gold CFexpress Type B Card1700 MB/s1400 MB/s
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B Card1700 MB/s1400 MB/s
Hoodman Steel CFexpress Type B Card1700 MB/s1400 MB/s
Lexar Professional CFexpress Type-B Card1750 MB/s1000 MB/s
Angelbird AV PRO SE 512GB CFexpress Type B Card1785 MB/s850 MB/s

XQD Cards:

XQD CardMax. Read SpeedMax. Write Speed
Sony XQD G Series XQD440 MB/s400 MB/s
Nikon XQD Card440 MB/s400 MB/s
Delkin Devices Premium XQD Cards440 MB/s400 MB/s

Any of these make for a good choice. If you’d like more detailed recommendations, you can find them below.

CFexpress Cards (Type B) | XQD Cards

Best CFexpress Type B Cards for Nikon Z9

1. Lexar Diamond Professional CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1900 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1700 MB/s
  • Min. Sustained Write Speed: 1600 MB/s
  • VPG-400 Compliant at 400 MB/s
  • Capacities: 128GB, 256GB
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Lexar Diamond CFexpress Type B Card is designed for pro filmmakers and content creators, delivering fast read speeds of up to 1900 MB/s and blazing-fast write speeds of up to 1700 MB/s, so you can easily capture smooth raw 8K, 6K, 4K, and beyond video. Plus, its minimum sustained write speeds won’t dip below 1600 MB/s, and it’s compliant with the VGP-400 video class standard, guaranteeing write speeds of at least 400 MB/s. With 128GB and 256GB capacities, and a limited lifetime warranty, this powerhouse card is definitely worth the investment.

Buy Lexar Diamond Professional CFexpress Type B Card at B&HAdorama.

2. Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1725 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 1530 MB/s
  • Capacities: 75GB, 150GB, 325GB, 512GB, 650GB
  • 48-Hour Replacement Guarantee
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

This Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type B Card is the perfect choice for any professional photographer, videographer, or high-end cinematic host. With maximum read speeds of up to 1725 MB/s and minimum write speeds of 1530 MB/s, this card is designed to handle raw and continuous-burst photography as well as 8K, 6K, and 4K video at high bitrates and frame rates. Available in five different capacities (75GB, 150GB, 325GB, 512GB, 650GB), the Delkin Devices card is waterproof, shockproof and resistant to temperature extremes, with a 48-Hour Replacement Guarantee and a Limited Lifetime Warranty for added peace of mind.

Buy Delkin Devices BLACK CFexpress Type B Card at B&H.

3. Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1730 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1540 MB/s
  • Capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
  • 48-Hour Replacement Guarantee
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type B Cards are a top-notch combination of outstanding performance and cost-effectiveness! Boasting read speeds of up to 1730 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1540 MB/s, they provide almost the same performance as the Delkin Devices Black Cards. What’s more, they come with a 48-Hour Replacement Guarantee and Limited Lifetime Warranty – often at a lower price than the Black Cards! And to top it off, these cards are crafted with durability in mind – shock, water, magnet, and X-ray proof, anti-static, UV-guarded, and resistant to extreme temperatures. Available in capacities of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

Buy Delkin Devices POWER CFexpress Type B Card at B&HAdorama.

4. Prograde Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1500 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 1400 MB/s
  • Capacities: 165GB, 325GB, 650GB
  • Rugged and durable design
  • Limited 3-Year Warranty

The Prograde Digital Cobalt card is an outstanding choice when it comes to speed and affordability. This CFexpress Type B card is perfect for capturing raw 8K, 6K, and 4K video, boasting read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1500 MB/s – with a minimum write speed guarantee of 1400 MB/s. On top of that, it’s also resistant to temperature extremes, shock, vibration, and X-rays. With unbeatable speed and unbeatable value, the Prograde Digital Cobalt is lightning in your pocket!

Buy Prograde Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B Card at B&HAdorama.

5. Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1480 MB/s
  • Tough Design
  • Capacities: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • Limited 5-Year Warranty

The Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type B Card is the perfect companion for all your data-intensive needs – superfast, reliable, and powerful. It delivers read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1480 MB/s, ideal for recording multiple video resolutions, bit-rates, and compressions, as well as capturing high-resolution raw photos. Its reinforced physical design is built to withstand falls from up to 15′ and tested to endure 70 N of force. Not to mention, it’s also resistant to extreme temperatures, X-rays, electrostatic, and UV lighting. Choose from 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB – all with a limited 5-Year Warranty.

Buy Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type B Memory Card at B&HAdorama.

6. Prograde Digital Gold CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1400 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 140 MB/s (128GB), 300 MB/s (256GB)
  • Capacities: 128GB, 256GB
  • Limited 3-Year Warranty

If 8K Raw and 4K 120p video is not your style, then these Prograde Digital Gold cards are definitely the ideal choice. These cards provide a great general purpose for most photographers out there. Suitable for most shooting situations, except for incredibly high-speed sports or wildlife shots. So, save yourself the money and don’t buy the super fast CFexpress Type B cards if all you’re doing is normal speed photography.

Buy Prograde Digital Gold CFexpress Type B Card at B&HAdorama.

7. Wise Advanced CFX-B CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1550 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 1300 MB/s
  • Capacities: 128GB, 160GB, 256GB, 320GB, 512GB, 640GB, 1T, 2T
  • Limited 2-Year Warranty

The Wise Advanced CFX-B CFexpress Type B Card is an outstanding pick for capturing 8K, 4K and Full HD video footage as well as continuous still image bursts. Not only that, but this reliable card boasts read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s, and maximum write speeds of up to 1550 MB/s, and minimum write speeds of 1300 MB/s, all of which helps to drastically improve the speed at which you can transfer data from the card to your computer and streamline your workflow. And if that wasn’t enough, Wise Advanced CFexpress cards are waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and can withstand temperatures between 14 to 158°F.

Buy Wise Advanced CFX-B Series CFexpress Memory Card at B&H.

8. SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B Card

  • Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1200 MB/s (128GB, 256GB), 1400 MB/s (512GB)
  • Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

SanDisk is a perfect combination of speed, reliability, and affordability. It may not be the fastest, but it is incredibly reliable and reasonably priced. The SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B Card boasts read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1200 MB/s (128GB, 256GB) or 1400 MB/s (512GB), making it ideal for fast-paced recording and a super efficient workflow. Available in four different capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. Plus, you’re guaranteed a lifetime of coverage with the Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Buy SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B Card at B&HAdorama.

9. Angelbird AV PRO SX 160GB CFexpress Type B Card

  • 160GB Storage Capacity
  • Max Read Speed: 1785 MB/s
  • Max Write Speed: 1600 MB/s
  • Min Write Speed: 1480 MB/s
  • Limited 3-Year Warranty

The Angelbird AV PRO SX 160GB is an amazing choice for those needing continuous, high-speed shooting for high-definition frames in 8K+ raw. Featuring maximum read and write speeds of 1785 MB/s and 1600 MB/s respectively, with minimum sustained read and write speeds of 1785 MB/s and 1480 MB/s, you can rest assured that your footage won’t suffer from throttled or dropped write speeds thanks to Stable Stream technology. With a generous 160GB capacity and limited 3-year warranty, it’s truly an awesome option.

Buy Angelbird AV PRO SX 160GB CFexpress Type B Card at B&HAdorama.

Best XQD Cards for Nikon Z9

1. Sony G Series XQD Card (440 MB/s)

  • Max. Read Speed: 440 MB/s
  • Max. Write Speed: 400 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 120GB, 240GB
  • Limited 5-Year Warranty

Boasting an impressive read speed of up to 440 MB/s and write speed of up to 400 MB/s, the Sony G Series XQD Card is the premier choice for professional photographers and videographers. This cutting-edge card is capable of recording 4K video and up to 200 continuous raw still image bursts, and is available in 32GB, 64GB, 120GB, and 240GB capacities. Furthermore, the XQD card is built to withstand shock, magnets, static, and even extreme UV light exposure and can resist drops of up to 16.4′ and 50 N of force. Best of all, the card comes with free file rescue software for extra protection.

Buy Sony G Series XQD Cards at B&HAdorama.

Sony MRW-G1 CFexpress Type B/XQD Card Reader at B&HAdorama.

2. Nikon 64GB XQD Card

  • 64GB Storage Capacity
  • Max. Read Speed: 440 MB/s
  • Max. Write Speed: 400 MB/s

Only available in 64GB capacity, Nikon’s XQD card is your go-to for ultra-fast read and write speeds of up to 440 MB/s and 400 MB/s respectively, perfect for recording 4K video and taking continuous raw still image bursts. Nikon went the extra mile by making the contact pins recessed, protecting your card from dirt, damage, and electrostatic shock. This reliable card also features a strong shell strength ideal for demanding conditions, plus temperature resistance from -13 to 149°F – you can’t go wrong!

Buy Nikon 64GB XQD Card at B&H.


Don’t own the Nikon Z9 yet? Just get it at B&HAdorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Nikon Z9.