CFast is a compact memory card offering up to 525 MB/s transfer speeds for 4K cameras, using a SATA-based interface and supported by RED, Blackmagic, and Canon.
Technical Details
CFast cards are based on the SATA 3 interface and use NAND flash memory with a form factor size of 42.8 × 36.4 × 3.3 mm. CFast 1.0 theoretically achieves up to 300 MB/s, while CFast 2.0 manages up to 600 MB/s. The cards are available in capacities from 32 GB to 512 GB, with modern versions supporting VPG-130 (Video Performance Guarantee) and offering guaranteed minimum write speeds of 130 MB/s. The 7+15-pin SATA connector is fundamentally different from the parallel interface of CompactFlash predecessors.
History & Development
The CompactFlash Association introduced CFast 1.0 in 2009, followed by CFast 2.0 in 2012. Canon introduced one of the first CFast-compatible cameras in 2012 with the EOS-1D C. Blackmagic Design established the standard in 2013 with the URSA camera series in the independent film sector. SanDisk and Lexar dominated the early market, with Angelbird and Wise Advanced later developing their professional lines.
Practical Use in Film
CFast cards enable the recording of 4K RAW footage in cameras such as the Canon C300 Mark II, Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro, or RED DSMC2 systems. For 4K ProRes 422 HQ recording at 400 Mbps, CFast cards with VPG-130 certification are required. Typical workflows use CFast to USB 3.0 readers for data transfer, with a 128 GB card storing approximately 25 minutes of 4K RAW footage. The advantage lies in the reliable recording of high-bitrate formats without dropped frames; the disadvantage is the higher cost compared to SD cards.
Comparison & Alternatives
CFast differs from XQD in its SATA-based connector compared to PCIe technology, with XQD theoretically achieving higher speeds. CFexpress Type-B is replacing CFast as the successor standard, offering speeds up to 1,700 MB/s. Panasonic's P2 cards also use flash memory but are physically larger and more expensive. CFast is suitable for 4K productions with medium data rates, while CFexpress becomes indispensable for 8K RAW recordings or high-frame-rate shooting.
Current News
Blackmagic Design continues to rely on CFast 2.0 as the primary storage medium in its professional cameras. The new Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2 uses CFast 2.0 alongside SD UHS-II and USB-C for recording 6K footage. This confirms the ongoing importance of the CFast standard for high-resolution film productions.