The Canon 5D Mark IV works with both CF and SD memory cards, but that might leave you wondering—which one should you go for?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
I’ll help you figure out the best memory card for your camera—or maybe even a combo of both.
In this article, you’ll find my top picks for CF and SD cards for the Canon 5D Mark IV , along with tips to choose the one that fits your needs perfectly.
Key Takeaways:
- The Canon 5D Mark IV has dual card slots for CF Type I and SD cards, giving you flexibility and performance options.
- CF cards are faster and better for continuous shooting and 4K video, making them ideal for high-performance needs.
- Using multiple smaller cards and formatting them regularly can help keep your data safe and reduce the risk of losing important shots.
2 Types of Memory Cards Accepted by the Canon 5D Mark IV
The Canon 5D Mark IV work with 2 memory card types: CF Type I and SD cards.
In the Canon 5D, CF cards are faster than SD cards, especially for burst shooting or fast-moving subjects where speed matters.
For casual shooting, the difference is barely noticeable, and SD cards are a more affordable, practical choice.
If you’re using both memory slots, pros often rely on CF cards for speed and SD cards for backup or overflow.
Want the best CF card? Go with a UDMA 7 card for top performance!
CF card (Lexar Professional 800x) & SD card (Sandisk Extreme)
SD Cards
The 5D Mark IV supports UHS-I and UHS-II, but it doesn’t fully utilize UHS-II speeds. Stick with UHS-I cards for great performance and better value.
Recommended SD Card Sizes
- 32GB: Everyday photos (~1,000 JPEGs) or ~30 mins Full HD video.
- 64GB: Events (~2,000 JPEGs) or ~1 hour Full HD video.
- 128GB: Travel (~4,000 JPEGs) or ~2 hours Full HD video.
- 256GB: Professional work (~8,000 JPEGs) or ~4 hours 4K video.
- 512GB: Extensive projects (~16,000 JPEGs) or ~8 hours 4K video.
- 1TB: Ultimate storage (~32,000 JPEGs) or ~16 hours 4K video.
PRO TIP: Use multiple smaller cards (e.g., 32GB or 64GB) to minimize data loss in case of card failure.
Best SD Cards For The Canon 5D Mark IV
Here are the 3 best SD memory cards for the Canon 5D Mark IV:
Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II Card
- Get high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up...
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080P full-HD, 3D, and...
- Large capacity options up to 256 GB let you enjoy shooting longer without changing...
The Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II card combines speed, capacity, and reliability. Thanks to UHS-II technology, it delivers read speeds of up to 250MB/s, allowing for quick file transfers and efficient workflows in post-production. With 128GB of storage, this card is ideal for storing high-resolution photos and long 4K video recordings. Its compatibility with UHS-I devices adds to its versatility and convenience.
SanDisk Extreme PRO 512GB SDXC UHS-I Card
- Save time with card offload speeds of up to 200MB/s powered by SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Pair with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD and microSD to achieve maximum...
- Shot speeds up to 140MB/s (Write speed up to 140MB/s. Based on internal testing;...
SanDisk is a trusted brand among photographers worldwide. The Extreme PRO 512GB SDXC UHS-I card offers a perfect combination of speed and capacity at a reasonable price. It features UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) and Video Speed Class 30 (V30), ensuring smooth 4K UHD video recording and rapid buffering for continuous still photography. With a generous 512GB of storage, this card provides plenty of room for high-resolution photos and video files. Its durable construction and shock resistance make it an excellent choice for your Canon 5D Mark IV.
Do you wonder what brand is better, SanDisk or Lexar? Read the following article to find out which one suits you best >>>
ProGrade Digital 512GB SDXC UHS-II Card
- SPEED: 300 MB/s Read, Up to 250MB/s Write, UHS-II, U3 Speed Class
- UNPARALLELED QUALITY: Rigorous 100% card testing for highest quality assurance....
- COMPATIBILITY: Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Fuji, Samsung
The ProGrade Digital 512GB SDXC UHS-II card offers an excellent combination of capacity and speed, making it a top choice for Canon 5D Mark IV users. With a massive 512GB of storage, it provides ample space for high-resolution images and lengthy 4K or even 8K videos. Designed for high performance, it boasts read speeds up to 300MB/s and write speeds up to 250MB/s. Combined with its V90 video speed class, it’s perfect for rapid burst photography and recording high-resolution videos.
Find here more SD cards for Canon cameras>>>
CF Cards
In this section, you’ll learn everything you need to know about CF cards.
CF or compact flash card
CF Cards: Optimal for High Performance
- UDMA Mode 7 support: Ensures faster data transfer, ideal for continuous shooting and 4K video recording.
- Write Speeds: Up to 150 MB/sec, significantly faster than UHS-I SD cards (~90 MB/sec).
- Best for professionals requiring smooth, buffer-free performance during high-resolution video recording or rapid photography.
Read Speed
- Higher read speeds speed up data transfer to your computer, improving workflow efficiency.
- PRO TIP: Read speeds mainly impact data transfer, while write speeds are crucial for in-camera performance.
File Format and Sizes
- CF cards up to 128GB use FAT32; larger CF cards use exFAT, supporting bigger file sizes for 4K video.
- For size recommendations, refer to the SD card size section—they apply to CF cards too.
PRO TIP: Use CF cards for tasks requiring higher speed and reliability, especially for 4K video or professional-grade photography.
Best CF Cards For The Canon 5D Mark IV
Best CF Memory Cards for the Canon 5D Mark IV
Here are the top CF cards for your Canon 5D Mark IV:
Lexar Professional 1066x 32GB CompactFlash Card
- High speed performance, leverages UDMA 7 technology to deliver a read transfer speed...
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p full-HD, 3D, and...
Designed for professionals, the Lexar Professional 1066x 32GB CompactFlash Card leverages UDMA 7 technology for read speeds up to 160MB/s (1066x). It excels at capturing high-quality images and extended sequences of 1080p, 3D, and 4K video. This card is perfect for anyone who needs quick data transfers and efficiency in fast-paced shooting environments.
SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO
- Records and captures cinema quality 4K and Full HD video(1)
- Increase workflow efficiency with transfer speed of up to 160MB/s* (1067X) read...
- Industry leading shot speed performance of up to 150MB/s (1000X) write speeds. Based...
The SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO CompactFlash Memory Card UDMA 7 is perfect for cinema-quality 4K and Full HD video recording. It offers read speeds up to 160MB/s (1067x) and write speeds up to 150MB/s (1000x), making it ideal for high-speed photography and video workflows. While real-world performance may vary, this card is built for speed and reliability in demanding shooting environments.
Toshiba Exceria Pro CompactFlash 32GB
- Superior performance designed for professional DSLR cameras
- Up to 160MB/s Read and 150MB/s Write5
- Ideal for continuous burst-mode shooting
The Toshiba Exceria Pro CompactFlash 32GB High-Speed Memory Card is built for professional DSLR cameras. It offers read speeds up to 160MB/s and write speeds up to 150MB/s, making it an excellent choice for continuous burst-mode shooting. Its speed and reliability ensure you won’t miss critical moments, making it a trusted tool for professional photographers.
Find the best CF cards and CF cards readers for your camera>>>
Thank you for reading this guide!
I hope that it was helpful in teaching you everything you need to know about what is the best memory card for a Canon 5D Mark IV 🙂
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