Memory card standard with PCIe interface for professional cameras, enabling write speeds up to 440 MB/s for 4K RAW recording without frame drops.
XQD cards are based on the PCIe Gen2 x1 interface and utilize NAND flash memory. The cards measure 38.5 × 29.8 × 3.8 mm, making them more compact than CompactFlash cards. Available capacities range from 32 GB to 440 GB, with write speeds varying between 168 MB/s and 440 MB/s depending on the model. The cards operate within a temperature range of -25°C to +85°C and are protected against shocks up to 1500 G and magnetic fields. The 18-pin interface enables high data transfer rates through parallel data channels.
Sony, Nikon, and SanDisk developed the XQD standard in 2010 in response to the increasing demands of professional digital cameras. The first XQD cards came onto the market in 2012, coinciding with Nikon's D4, the first camera with XQD support. In 2014, Sony expanded its portfolio with faster G-Series cards offering 400 MB/s. From 2017, the standard evolved into CFexpress Type B, which is based on the same physical form factor but uses PCIe 3.0 and achieves speeds up to 1,700 MB/s.
In cameras like the Sony FX9 or Nikon Z9, XQD cards enable the recording of 4K RAW footage without frame drops. In the documentary "Free Solo" (2018), the camera teams used XQD cards for extended uncompressed recording sequences in extreme environments. The high write speeds prevent buffer overflows during rapid scene changes or action sequences. The robust form factor is suitable for handheld work and gimbal setups where shocks occur. The disadvantage is the higher cost compared to SD cards and limited camera compatibility.
Compared to SD cards (up to 300 MB/s) and CompactFlash (up to 160 MB/s), XQD offers significantly higher speeds. CFexpress Type B is succeeding XQD as its successor, but uses the same card slots and is partially backward compatible. While XQD is primarily used in high-end cameras, SD cards remain more economical for standard HD productions. Panasonic's P2 cards achieve similar speeds but are larger and more expensive. The choice depends on camera compatibility and the project's required data rates.
Ich setze XQD-Karten ein, wenn ich mit der Sony FX9 in 4K XAVC-I aufzeichne – die 600 Mbps Datenrate würde bei SD-Karten zu Aussetzern führen. Die konstanten Schreibraten geben mir die Sicherheit, auch bei langen Takes ohne Buffer-Probleme zu arbeiten, besonders bei dokumentarischen Drehs wo ich nicht unterbrechen kann.
Für mich bedeuten XQD-Karten längere kontinuierliche Aufnahmen ohne technische Unterbrechungen, was natürlichere Schauspielleistungen ermöglicht. Ich kann Szenen in einem Durchgang drehen, ohne dass die Kamera wegen voller Buffer stoppt – das ist besonders bei emotionalen Momenten entscheidend, die sich nicht beliebig wiederholen lassen.
XQD-Karten kosten etwa das Dreifache von vergleichbaren SD-Karten, aber die Zeitersparnis beim Datenhandling rechtfertigt die Investition bei größeren Produktionen. Ich kalkuliere pro Drehtag zwei XQD-Karten pro Kamera plus Backup, was bei einer vierwöchigen Produktion schnell 3.000€ zusätzliche Speicherkosten bedeutet.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „XQD"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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