What To Know
- In recent years, a new memory card format known as CFexpress has emerged as a potential successor to both XQd and CF cards.
- Based on the current market trends and camera manufacturer support, it is likely that XQd cards will be gradually phased out in favor of CFexpress.
- However, they may still have a niche in the market for photographers who prefer the smaller size and lower cost of XQd cards.
In the ever-evolving world of photography, storage media has undergone significant transformations. One such format that has faced scrutiny is the XQd card. This blog post delves into the current state of XQd cards, exploring whether they are being phased out and what the future holds for this storage medium.
Understanding XQd Cards
XQuand (pronounced “ex-que-dee”) cards are a type of memory card specifically designed for professional photographers and videographers. They were introduced in 2012 as a replacement for CompactFlash cards, offering faster transfer speeds and larger storage capacities.
XQuand cards utilize a PCIe 2.0 interface, enabling data transfer rates of up to 1.25 Gbit/s. This makes them significantly faster than CF cards, which typically offer speeds of around 167 Mbit/s.
The Rise of CFexpress
In recent years, a new memory card format known as CFexpress has emerged as a potential successor to both XQd and CF cards. CFexpress cards offer even faster transfer speeds, reaching up to 3.2 Gbit/s. They also support the NVMe protocol, which allows for more efficient data management.
Market Share Trends
As CFexpress gains popularity, the market share of XQd cards has gradually declined. According to BCN Retail, a Japanese market research firm, XQd card sales have dropped by over 50% in the past three years.
Camera Manufacturer Support
Another factor contributing to the decline of XQd cards is the waning support from camera manufacturers. Major camera companies like Nikon and Canon have shifted their focus to CFexpress, discontinuing or phasing out XQd card support in their latest camera models.
Advantages of XQd Cards
Despite the rise of CFexpress, XQd cards still offer some advantages:
- Compact size: XQd cards are smaller than CFexpress cards, making them more suitable for smaller cameras.
- Lower cost: XQd cards are typically more affordable than CFexpress cards, especially in lower storage capacities.
- Wide compatibility: XQd cards are compatible with a wide range of professional cameras, both old and new.
Disadvantages of XQd Cards
The main disadvantages of XQd cards are:
- Limited speed: Compared to CFexpress cards, XQd cards have slower transfer speeds, which can impact performance for high-resolution photos and videos.
- Declining market share: With the growing popularity of CFexpress, the availability and support for XQd cards are decreasing.
The Future of XQd Cards
Based on the current market trends and camera manufacturer support, it is likely that XQd cards will be gradually phased out in favor of CFexpress. However, they may still have a niche in the market for photographers who prefer the smaller size and lower cost of XQd cards.
In a nutshell
The future of XQd cards remains uncertain. While they still offer some advantages, their declining market share and limited speed compared to CFexpress make them less competitive in the long run. As camera manufacturers continue to embrace CFexpress, it is expected that XQd cards will eventually be phased out.
Popular Questions
1. Why are XQd cards being phased out?
XQuand cards are being phased out due to the rise of CFexpress cards, which offer faster transfer speeds and wider compatibility.
2. Are XQd cards still a good investment?
XQuand cards can still be a good investment for photographers who prefer their compact size and lower cost. However, they may not be the best choice for those who need the fastest transfer speeds.
3. What should I do with my XQd cards?
If you have XQd cards, you can continue to use them as long as your camera supports them. However, it may be wise to consider transitioning to CFexpress cards in the future to ensure compatibility with newer cameras.
