Best Memory Cards for Nikon D5

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Looking for the best memory cards for Nikon D5? Here are our top recommended & fastest XQD cards and CF cards for Nikon D5 DSLR camera.

The Nikon D5 is available in two versions: one with dual CompactFlash slots and one with dual XQD slots. No matter which version you are using, the Nikon D5 DSLR camera (B&H, Adorama) is a truly fast, highly precise machine for professional photographers. Revolving around a 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor, this Nikon D5 touts an impressive 12 fps continuous shooting rate with full-time AF and AE, an expandable sensitivity range that goes up to ISO 3280000, and 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps. In order to get the most out of your Nikon D5 camera, a fast and reliable XQD / CF memory card is a must, especially when you are recording 4K videos or shooting in the continuous mode. And please stick to 64GB or 128GB (or larger) SDXC cards for the best video codex.

Here we picked the best XQD cards and CF cards for Nikon D5 based on the speed and price, you can choose the one you need.

XQD Cards | CompactFlash Cards

Recommended XQD & CF Cards for Nikon D5

If you just want to cut to the chase, here are some quick recommendations.

XQD Cards:

  1. Sony XQD G Series XQD

CompactFlash Cards:

  1. SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Card
  2. Lexar Professional 1066x CompactFlash Card

Best XQD Cards for Nikon D5

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

Sony’s G Series XQD Card is the top choice among professional photographers and videographers, offering speeds of up to 440 MB/s read and 400 MB/s write, making it the perfect card for 4K video and up to 200 continuous raw still image bursts. With storage capacities of 32GB, 64GB, 120GB, and 240GB, and free file rescue software, this XQD card offers incredible durability – it’s shockproof, magnet proof, anti-static, resistant to breakage, and can even withstand extreme UV light exposure and drops up to 16.4′ with a force of up to 50 N.

Buy Sony G Series XQD Cards at B&H, Adorama.

Sony MRW-G1 CFexpress Type B/XQD Card Reader at B&H, Adorama.

2. Nikon 64GB XQD Card

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

Nikon’s own-brand XQD card brings power and endurance to your fingertips with an impressive capacity of 64GB, lightning-fast read speeds of up to 440 MB/s, and write speeds of up to 400 MB/s for seamless 4K video and continuous raw still image bursts. To make the card even more robust, it features recessed contact pins to protect against damage, dust and electrostatic shock, as well as a strong shell strength for those tough jobs, and an ability to stand up to temperatures from -13°F to 149°F.

Buy Nikon 64GB XQD Card at B&H.

Best CompactFlash Cards for Nikon D5

1. SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Card

  • Max. Read Speed: 160 MB/s
  • Max. Write Speed: 150 MB/s
  • Min. Sustained Write Speeds: 65MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Card is the undisputed king of the CompactFlash cards. Boasting lightning-fast read and write speeds of up to 160MB/s and 150MB/s respectively, the card offers the perfect solution for capturing those precious moments at a rapid rate as well as recording Full HD and 4K videos. With Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-65) specifications, you can guarantee cinema-quality video performance with a minimum write speed of 65 MB/s. The card is available in a wide range of capacities ranging from 32GB to 256GB and comes with a generous limited lifetime warranty.

Buy SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Card at B&H, Adorama.

2. Lexar Professional 1066x CompactFlash Card

  • Max. Read Speed 160 MB/s
  • Max. Write Speed 155 MB/s
  • Min. Write Speed 65 MB/s
  • Capacities: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

The Lexar Professional 1066x CompactFlash Card is one of the most sought-after out there, offering incredible data read speeds of up to 160 MB/s and data write speeds of up to 155 MB/s. With a VPG of 65 MB/s, you can be sure that this card will capture smooth, clear video streams without any hassle. Plus, you’re covered by Lexar’s Image Rescue Software, so your data is always safe, even if it gets accidentally erased or the card becomes corrupted. All-in-all, the Lexar Professional 1066x CompactFlash Card is an outstanding performer.

Buy Lexar Professional 1066x CompactFlash Card at B&H, Adorama.

Read more: Best Lenses for Nikon D5.