The Canon EOS R5 Mark II (R5 II) is a formidable full-frame mirrorless camera, designed to meet the demands of both professional photographers and videographers. One of its standout features is the dual card slot system, which includes a CFexpress Type B slot and a UHS-II SD card slot. This configuration offers flexibility and high-speed performance, essential for capturing high-resolution images and high-bitrate video. In this guide, we will delve into the specifics of CFexpress cards compatible with the R5 II, their performance benchmarks, and recommendations to optimize your shooting experience.
CFexpress Type B cards are designed to handle the high data transfer rates required by modern cameras. They utilize the PCIe 3.0 interface, offering significantly faster read and write speeds compared to traditional SD cards. This speed is crucial for tasks such as continuous burst shooting, recording high-resolution video, and ensuring smooth data handling during intensive workflows.
Key Features:- Interface: PCIe 3.0 x2
- Maximum Theoretical Speed: Up to 2000 MB/s
- Form Factor: Compact and robust design
- Compatibility: Backward compatible with XQD card slots (with appropriate adapters)
The R5 II's CFexpress Type B slot is engineered to leverage the high-speed capabilities of CFexpress cards. However, it's important to note that the camera's internal write speed may not fully utilize the maximum potential of high-end CFexpress cards. For instance, while the R5 II can handle high-resolution files, the actual write speed may be approximately 500 MB/s, regardless of the card used (Fred Miranda).
3. Performance Benchmarks and Real-World UsageIn practical scenarios, the write speed to a CFexpress card in the R5 II has been observed to be approximately 73 MB/s on the camera and 84 MB/s on a PC using a USB 3.0 card reader. This indicates that while the camera can handle high-resolution files, the actual write speed may not fully utilize the maximum potential of high-end CFexpress cards (Reddit).
4. Recommended CFexpress Cards for the R5 Mark IIWhen selecting a CFexpress card for the R5 II, it's essential to consider both performance and reliability. Here are some top recommendations:
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Type B- Capacity: 512GB
- Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 1400 MB/s
- Ideal For: High-resolution photography and 4K video recording
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B Gold
- Capacity: 512GB
- Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 1400 MB/s
- Ideal For: Professional workflows requiring consistent performance
Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B
- Capacity: 512GB
- Max Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
- Max Write Speed: 1400 MB/s
- Ideal For: Versatile use in both photography and videography
For videographers, especially those recording in 4K or higher resolutions, it's crucial to select a CFexpress card with a high sustained write speed. While the R5 II supports high-bitrate video recording, using cards with lower write speeds may result in dropped frames or recording interruptions. Therefore, selecting a CFexpress card with a sustained write speed of at least 400 MB/s is recommended for optimal video performance (Memory Wolf).
6. Firmware and Software ConsiderationsTo ensure optimal performance and compatibility, regularly update the camera's firmware. Canon periodically releases firmware updates that may enhance card compatibility and overall camera performance. Additionally, when transferring data from the CFexpress card to a computer, use a compatible card reader that supports the card's maximum read speeds to avoid bottlenecks.
7. ConclusionThe Canon EOS R5 Mark II's support for CFexpress Type B cards significantly enhances its performance, especially for high-resolution photography and high-bitrate video recording. By selecting compatible and high-performance CFexpress cards, photographers and videographers can fully leverage the camera's capabilities. Always consider the specific requirements of your shooting scenarios and choose cards that meet those needs to ensure seamless and efficient workflow." (Source: ChatGPT 2025)