If you’re a professional photographer or videographer, choosing the right CompactFlash (CF) card is essential for capturing high-quality images and video. Two of the most popular CF cards on the market today are the SanDisk Extreme Pro CF and the Lexar Professional 1066x CF. Both offer high performance and reliability, but which one is the better choice for your needs? Let’s compare them in detail.
Performance & Speed
SanDisk Extreme Pro CF
- Read Speed: Up to 160MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 150MB/s
- UDMA Mode: UDMA 7
- Video Performance Guarantee (VPG): VPG-65 (Ensures smooth 4K video recording)
- Best For: High-speed continuous burst shooting, professional-grade 4K video recording, and extreme reliability.
Lexar Professional 1066x CF
- Read Speed: Up to 160MB/s
- Write Speed: Up to 155MB/s
- UDMA Mode: UDMA 7
- Video Performance Guarantee (VPG): VPG-65
- Best For: Professional photographers and videographers who need high-speed storage at a competitive price.
Both CF cards offer similar high-speed performance, making them ideal for professionals working with high-resolution photography and video recording. The Lexar Professional 1066x has a slight edge in write speed at 155MB/s compared to SanDisk’s 150MB/s, but the real-world impact of this difference is minimal.
Reliability & Durability
SanDisk Extreme Pro CF
SanDisk is known for its exceptional durability, making the Extreme Pro an excellent choice for professionals who work in challenging environments. Key features include:
- Shockproof
- X-ray proof
- Temperature-resistant (-25°C to 85°C)
- Water-resistant
- Built-in error correction to prevent data corruption
Lexar Professional 1066x CF
Lexar’s Professional 1066x is also designed for professional use but doesn’t explicitly mention as many extreme protection features as SanDisk. It does offer:
- High endurance for heavy use
- Reliable performance in professional cameras
- Error correction and wear-leveling technology to ensure data integrity
If you frequently shoot in extreme conditions (cold, heat, humidity), SanDisk Extreme Pro may be the safer choice.
Capacity Options
Both cards come in a range of storage options, including:
- 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
There’s no major difference here—both brands offer plenty of choices to suit different storage needs.
Video Recording Performance
Both CF cards are VPG-65 certified, which means they can handle sustained video recording at 65MB/s without dropping frames. This makes them perfect for recording Full HD and even 4K video.
- SanDisk Extreme Pro is slightly better for professional cinematographers needing absolute reliability.
- Lexar Professional 1066x is a strong alternative for videographers looking for high performance at a competitive price.
Customer Reviews & Ratings
SanDisk Extreme Pro CF
- Average Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ (Based on reviews from Amazon, B&H, and Best Buy)
- Pros: Highly reliable, excellent performance, great durability in extreme conditions.
- Cons: Slightly more expensive than Lexar.
Lexar Professional 1066x CF
- Average Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ (Based on reviews from Amazon, Adorama, and other major retailers)
- Pros: Great value for money, fast performance, solid reliability.
- Cons: Fewer extreme durability features compared to SanDisk.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the SanDisk Extreme Pro CF if: You prioritize durability, work in extreme environments, and need the most reliable card available.
- Choose the Lexar Professional 1066x CF if: You want a slightly better write speed and a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing performance.
Both are excellent choices for professionals, and the decision ultimately comes down to brand preference, pricing at the time of purchase, and your specific work environment.
At MemoryShop.ca, we stock both SanDisk Extreme Pro and Lexar Professional 1066x CF cards at competitive prices. Browse our collection today and find the best option for your photography and videography needs!