How a Multi-Format Card Reader Can Streamline Your Workflow

CFexpress Type A

CFexpress Type A cards are physically smaller and slightly slower than Type B cards, but still offer excellent performance. These are commonly used in Sony’s high-end mirrorless cameras like the FX3 and A7S III. They’re based on PCIe Gen 3 with a single lane, supporting read/write speeds up to around 1750MB/s.

CFexpress Type B

Type B cards are the workhorse of professional photography and cinematography. With dual PCIe Gen 3 lanes, they offer speeds exceeding 3400 MB/s, making them ideal for 8K RAW video, high-speed burst shooting, and uncompressed image sequences. Cameras like the Canon R5, Nikon Z9, and Panasonic S1H use CFexpress Type B cards.

SDXC (UHS-I / UHS-II)

Still widely used today, SDXC cards are the most universally compatible format. While UHS-I cards top out around 104 MB/s, UHS-II cards can hit speeds up to 300 MB/s. They are commonly used in consumer cameras, drones, audio recorders, and action cams.

Managing data from different camera types—say, a Sony for video and a Canon for photos—can quickly lead to a cluttered desk full of separate card readers. A 3-in-1 reader consolidates all your needs into one device, making offloading faster and more organized.

A 3-in-1 reader solves these problems by offering one integrated hub that handles all three major formats: CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SDXC. It's an elegant, efficient solution that brings simplicity back to complex, multi-camera workflows.

It’s one thing to have a reader that supports multiple card types—but that only matters if the data can move efficiently from the card to your computer. That’s where USB 3.2 Gen 2 comes in.

What is USB 3.2 Gen 2?

USB 3.2 Gen 2 (also referred to as SuperSpeed+ or USB 10Gbps) provides up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) of transfer bandwidth—roughly 1250 MB/s in ideal conditions. This high speed is essential for unlocking the full potential of CFexpress cards, especially Type B.

Why It Matters

• CFexpress B cards can exceed 1700 MB/s. If your reader only supports USB 3.0 (5Gbps), you’ll never reach those speeds.
  
• SDXC UHS-II cards also benefit from faster interfaces—300 MB/s read speeds can be choked by outdated USB ports.
  
• Larger file sizes (e.g., 8K video files or 100MP RAW sequences) demand faster offloading to maintain productivity.
  
• Consistency and reliability
  improve with certified USB 3.2 Gen 2 cables and ports, especially during sustained transfers.
  

Backward Compatibility

USB 3.2 Gen 2 is backward-compatible with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, though speeds will be limited. This makes a modern 3-in-1 reader versatile across old and new machines, while still future-proofing your setup.

Let’s look at a few practical scenarios:

The Hybrid Content Creator

You shoot talking-head videos on a Sony FX3 (CFexpress A), drone footage on an SD card, and product shots on a Canon R5 (CFexpress B). With a 3-in-1 reader, you plug in all your sources with one device—no adapters, no extra drivers.

The Field Photographer

You're on assignment in a remote location. You back up files daily from your Nikon Z9 (CFexpress B) and GoPro (SDXC) to a laptop. A 3-in-1 reader reduces gear weight and ensures fast offloading in unpredictable environments.

The Studio Editor

A media studio handles footage from multiple shooters using different gear. Instead of a tangle of readers and wires, a single high-speed 3-in-1 reader becomes the central point for ingest and archive, improving organization and turnaround time.

When choosing a 3-in-1 card reader, here are a few technical and practical factors to consider:

• True USB 3.2 Gen 2 Support:
  Some cheaper models are mislabeled. Check specs and reviews to confirm.
  
• Full-size CFexpress Type B Slot:
  Ensure it fits your cards snugly and supports full data rates.
  
• Thermal Design:
  Look for heat-resistant materials like aluminum alloy to maintain stable performance.
  
• Build Quality:
  A durable, compact body is ideal for travel and professional use.
  
• Firmware Compatibility:
  Some advanced readers offer firmware updates for better performance and future card support.
  
• Cable Quality:
  Don’t overlook this—always use a certified USB-C Gen 2 cable (shorter is better for speed and stability).

The digital media landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it, the demand for fast, reliable, and versatile data transfer tools. A 3-in-1 card reader isn’t just a convenience—it’s a modern necessity for professionals working with multiple formats and high-resolution content.

By supporting CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SDXC cards over USB 3.2 Gen 2, these readers bridge the gap between today’s varied shooting formats and tomorrow’s high-speed workflows.

Whether you’re in the field, in the studio, or somewhere in between, understanding the gear you use—and how it connects—can help you work faster, smarter, and with fewer headaches.