The Nikon Z9 is a 45.7 MP full-frame mirrorless camera that features two memory card slots. Each slot supports the extremely fast CFexpress Type B cards or the now older XQD cards.
The CFexpress 2.0 standard is supported but not the latest 4.0 standard. CFexpress 4.0 cards can still be used but you won't see any speed benefits in-camera.
If you want to record video in N-RAW 12-bit 8256×4644 : 60p (5780 Mbps) we would recommend a CFexpress Type B card with a minimum sustained write speed of 1400 MB/s, although you might get away with 850 MB/s.
Recommended CFexpress Type B Cards
Our top recommended CFexpress Type B cards based on speed and reliability for the Nikon Z9 are:
| CFexpress Type B Memory Card | Min Sustained Write Speed | Max Write Speed | Max Read Speed | Video Rating | CFexpress Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delkin Devices BLACK 4.0 | 2040 MB/s | 3200 MB/s | 3600 MB/s | VPG400 | 4.0 |
| Delkin Devices POWER 4.0 | 820 MB/s | 3240 MB/s | 3650 MB/s | NA | 4.0 |
| Angelbird AV PRO SE v4 | 1050 MB/s | 1100 MB/s | 3700 MB/s | NA | 4.0 |
| SanDisk PRO-CINEMA * | 1400 MB/s | 1500 MB/s | 1700 MB/s | NA | 2.0 |
| Lexar Professional DIAMOND 4.0 | 3200 MB/s | 3400 MB/s | 3700 MB/s | VPG400 | 4.0 |
| Nextorage NX-B2 PRO * | 3400 MB/s | 3600 MB/s | 3900 MB/s | VPG400 | 4.0 |
| Nextorage NX-B3AE * | 850 MB/s | 3400 MB/s | 3900 MB/s | VPG400 | 4.0 |
| Delkin Devices POWER G4 | 805 MB/s | 1700 MB/s | 1780 MB/s | NA | 2.0 |
| Lexar Professional GOLD 4.0 * | 3000 MB/s | 3300 MB/s | 3600 MB/s | NA | 4.0 |
| Lexar Professional SILVER 4.0 | 2600 MB/s | 3000 MB/s | 3600 MB/s | NA | 4.0 |
| ProGrade Digital 4.0 Gold | 850 MB/s | 3000 MB/s | 3400 MB/s | NA | 4.0 |
|
ProGrade Digital 4.0 Iridium |
850 MB/s | 3000 MB/s | 3550 MB/s | VPG400 | 4.0 |
| Sony CEB-G * | NA | 1600 MB/s | 1850 MB/s | NA | 2.0 |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO * | NA | 1200 MB/s | 1700 MB/s | NA | 2.0 |
* Indicates that the card is also supported by Nikon. Note: Many new cards have not been tested by Nikon in the Z9.
FAQs
How many images can be stored on a 325GB card?
The number of images that can be stored on a 325GB memory card in the Nikon Z9 varies based on the image type that you are recording in. The following values are approximate because file size varies with the scene being shot:
- NEF (RAW), lossless compression: 3600
- NEF (RAW), high efficiency *: 8500
- NEF (RAW), high efficiency: 12,100
- JPEG/HEIF fine/large: 10,400
- JPEG/HEIF normal/large: 20,600
How many minutes of N-RAW video can be recorded on a 325GB card?
When recording in N-RAW 12-bit 8256×4644 : 60p (5780 Mbps) you can record approximately 7 minutes of video on a 325GB card.
Are CFexpress Type B 4.0 cards compatible with the Nikon Z9?
Yes, the Nikon Z9 is compatible with CFexpress 4.0 cards because the 4.0 standard is backward compatible with 2.0. Unfortunately in-camera there is no speed benefit to using a 4.0 card over a 2.0 card because the Z9 memory bus does not support the faster 4.0 speeds. Where you will see a benefit is when copying files from your memory card to your computer, with a 4.0 card this can be up to twice as fast compared to a 2.0 card when using a CFexpress 4.0 Type B compatible reader.
What is the difference between CFexpress Type B 2.0 and 4.0?
The main difference is speed. CFexpress Type B 4.0 cards utilize the PCIe Gen 4 bus which delivers twice the bandwidth (up to 4 GB/s) compared to CFexpress 2.0 Type B cards that utilize the PCIe Gen 3 bus (up to 2 GB/s).
CFexpress Type B 4.0 cards are backward compatible with CFexpress 2.0 devices, meaning a 4.0 card will work in a 2.0 camera or reader, but the performance will be limited to CFexpress 2.0 speeds. Similarly, a CFexpress 2.0 card will perform at its peak in a CFexpress 4.0 device.
Are CFexpress Type A cards compatible with the Nikon Z9?
No. The Nikon Z9 is not compatible with the physically smaller CFexpress Type A cards.
Where can you find the Nikon Z9 specifications?
Full specifications for the Nikon Z9 can be found on Nikon's website.
