We also added the Unitek Aluminum as a nod to the growing number of devices that only have USB-C inputs. Though the standards are somewhat similar in function CFast readers are not backwards compatible with CompactFlash cards, so we thought it would be best to avoid any possibility of someone accidentally ordering the wrong type of device for their needs. Since all of the models on our list already met this standard there was no need for a major update, however we did make a couple adjustments.įirst and foremost, we ultimately decided to remove the CFast readers on our list.

The maximum transfer speed of the best CF cards is 167 MB/s while USB 3.0 maxes out at 625 MB/s, which means that as long as your reader is compatible with USB 3.0 it should be able to deliver the highest speed your card is capable of. SD cards tend to be much cheaper than CF cards, but CF cards tend to be faster and more durable than the smaller fragile SD cards.Not too many changes needed to be made this time around since the CompactFlash format has pretty much peaked with the UDMA 7 standard, and it's quite likely no further revisions for CompactFlash will be released due to the increasing implementation of newer formats like CFast and XQD. Also question is, are compact flash cards better than SD cards?īoth SD and CF cards have their advantages and disadvantages.

Canon also chose CompactFlash as the recording medium for its professional high-definition tapeless video cameras. As of 2017, both Canon and Nikon use CompactFlash for their flagship digital still cameras. Regarding this, are compact flash cards still used?ĬompactFlash remains popular and is supported by many professional devices and high-end consumer devices. Most card readers also offer write capability, and together with the card, this can function as a pen drive. Then, what does a Compact Flash card reader do?Ī memory card reader is a device for accessing the data on a memory card such as a CompactFlash ( CF), Secure Digital ( SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC). Push one end into the port located on the card reader and the other into your computer's USB port. Plug the CompactFlash card reader into your computer using the USB cable supplied with the product. Accordingly, how do I access my Compact Flash card? Look for a device labeled “ SD host adapter.” If you see this device, your computer has a built-in SD card reader.

Most laptops and computers come with built-in SD card slots to accommodate SD memory cards.

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