Fuji X-H2S - Why would I need a CFexpress Type B

[superspartan]

1. Why would I need a CFexpress Type B? What can they do that the regular SD Card UHS-II can't? I have no interest in shooting ProRes mode by the way, just wanting to have the best quality 4K Video
2. If I put both a UHS-II card and a CFexpress Type B, does the camera use the faster one first and then switch to the slower one when it's full or you can only select 1 card for shooting?

PS: I currently have a UHS-I (not 2) SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB with a rating of 200MB/S, not sure if I am hurting my video recording performance by using a UHS-1 card rather than a UHS-II

Thoughts?

 

[dccberry]

The biggest difference I have noticed for still photos is the transfer time in a card reader is super quick compared to a normal SD card. I bought a Prograde card reader, and the CFexpress card behaves like a small hard drive instead of a slow camera card.

 

[yatesd]

Here are some links that may help. Please review the fine print that provides specific requirements for video on the H2S.

Video options available

H2S Compatibility Chart

H2 Compatibility Chart

• Record ProRes movies to CFexpress cards.• Movies with a bit rate of 720 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V90 or better.

• Movies with a bit rate of 360 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V60 or better.

Looks like the major difference is the ability to record in ProRes.

 

[dgbarar]

For what you rare doing, an CFExpress is not necessary. Here is how I use my CFExpress in my X-H2S. I have my 4K 120P and HD 240 P set to go to the CFExpress Card. When I take files off the card, the only way I can tell between 120P and 240P in Davinci Resolve (DR does not report frame rate) is that one is UHD and the other is HD. Then I can segregate the files in separate bins.

 

[superspartan]

Here are some links that may help. Please review the fine print that provides specific requirements for video on the H2S.

Video options available

H2S Compatibility Chart

H2 Compatibility Chart

• Record ProRes movies to CFexpress cards.• Movies with a bit rate of 720 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V90 or better.

• Movies with a bit rate of 360 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V60 or better.

Looks like the major difference is the ability to record in ProRes.

Got it, in the settings for video, when choosing 4K the default is 100MBPS, then you can choose a larger number but how does that affect quality? I thought 4K is 4K? This is so confusing.

 

[Bast Hotep]

Here are some links that may help. Please review the fine print that provides specific requirements for video on the H2S.

Video options available

H2S Compatibility Chart

H2 Compatibility Chart

• Record ProRes movies to CFexpress cards.• Movies with a bit rate of 720 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V90 or better.

• Movies with a bit rate of 360 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V60 or better.

Looks like the major difference is the ability to record in ProRes.

Got it, in the settings for video, when choosing 4K the default is 100MBPS, then you can choose a larger number but how does that affect quality? I thought 4K is 4K? This is so confusing.

4K merely means the resolution of the image. This is video, so the picture quality also depends on the bit depth, so the higher bandwidth (100mbps, 200, etc) gives you more data and a better video experience, especially when doing post-processing.

It's like the difference between shooting RAW and JPEG in stills. A JPEG can have the same resolution as a RAW file, but much less data, so its use is more limited.

 

[superspartan]

Here are some links that may help. Please review the fine print that provides specific requirements for video on the H2S.

Video options available

H2S Compatibility Chart

H2 Compatibility Chart

• Record ProRes movies to CFexpress cards.• Movies with a bit rate of 720 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V90 or better.

• Movies with a bit rate of 360 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V60 or better.

Looks like the major difference is the ability to record in ProRes.

Got it, in the settings for video, when choosing 4K the default is 100MBPS, then you can choose a larger number but how does that affect quality? I thought 4K is 4K? This is so confusing.

4K merely means the resolution of the image. This is video, so the picture quality also depends on the bit depth, so the higher bandwidth (100mbps, 200, etc) gives you more data and a better video experience, especially when doing post-processing.

It's like the difference between shooting RAW and JPEG in stills. A JPEG can have the same resolution as a RAW file, but much less data, so its use is more limited.

got it, perfect explanation!

 

[pixl9]

The biggest difference I have noticed for still photos is the transfer time in a card reader is super quick compared to a normal SD card. I bought a Prograde card reader, and the CFexpress card behaves like a small hard drive instead of a slow camera card.

My experience as well. I started with the SD card thinking I didn't want the extra expense of the CFe-B. After a few 1000+ sessions @ 20fps I quickly realized my impatience far outweighed my frugality. I went with the Delkin card and absolutely NO buffer wait times in camera and import times are so much quicker now with the CFe-B.

 

[Greybeard2017]

1. Why would I need a CFexpress Type B? What can they do that the regular SD Card UHS-II can't? I have no interest in shooting ProRes mode by the way, just wanting to have the best quality 4K Video
2. If I put both a UHS-II card and a CFexpress Type B, does the camera use the faster one first and then switch to the slower one when it's full or you can only select 1 card for shooting?

This depends on how you have the camera set up.

SAVE DATA SETTING

A website for FUJIFILM digital camera manuals.

fujifilm-dsc.com

For stills you can choose to save the same files to both cards - shoot raw to one card and jpeg to the other or save all files to one card (and overflow to the other).

If you choose sequential mode then you set which card the camera uses first - it doesn't intelligently choose the faster card.

PS: I currently have a UHS-I (not 2) SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB with a rating of 200MB/S, not sure if I am hurting my video recording performance by using a UHS-1 card rather than a UHS-II

Thoughts?

To get the best out of the camera - high quality video and fast continuous bursts its worth getting faster cards - your UHS-I card saves at well under 100MB/sec (Sandisk only guarantees continuous 30MB/sec).

That 200MB/sec headline number is only for copying files from card to computer - and then only if you have a proprietary card reader that can handle the speed.

UHS-II cards would help - but to get the best out of the camera and give the ability to use both card slots its worth getting a CF Express Type B.

 

[superspartan]

1. Why would I need a CFexpress Type B? What can they do that the regular SD Card UHS-II can't? I have no interest in shooting ProRes mode by the way, just wanting to have the best quality 4K Video
2. If I put both a UHS-II card and a CFexpress Type B, does the camera use the faster one first and then switch to the slower one when it's full or you can only select 1 card for shooting?

This depends on how you have the camera set up.

https://fujifilm-dsc.com/en/manual/x-h2s/menu_setup/save_data_set-up/#card_slot_setting_still_image

For stills you can choose to save the same files to both cards - shoot raw to one card and jpeg to the other or save all files to one card (and overflow to the other).

If you choose sequential mode then you set which card the camera uses first - it doesn't intelligently choose the faster card.

PS: I currently have a UHS-I (not 2) SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB with a rating of 200MB/S, not sure if I am hurting my video recording performance by using a UHS-1 card rather than a UHS-II

Thoughts?

To get the best out of the camera - high quality video and fast continuous bursts its worth getting faster cards - your UHS-I card saves at well under 100MB/sec (Sandisk only guarantees continuous 30MB/sec).

That 200MB/sec headline number is only for copying files from card to computer - and then only if you have a proprietary card reader that can handle the speed.

UHS-II cards would help - but to get the best out of the camera and give the ability to use both card slots its worth getting a CF Express Type B.

Thanks a lot for the detailed answer! I've asked this same question on multiple forums and only you were able to answer in such a clear and concise reply! cheers!

 

[Lentille]

From a practical point of view :

As your camera comes with a CFX slot you may choose to buy a CFX card simply to use the 2nd slot. In my case I have the camera set up so stills go to the SDXC card and Videos go to the CFX card.

But CFX cards are very expensive compared to SDXC cards. As many recent models of SDXC cards are easily fast enough for your described video needs, having a new good performance SDXC card is fine. As Greybeard pointed out it is the write speed you need to check not the read speed. V30 or sustained 30MBps is the min you need and 60 MBps or better write speed is now common for SDXC cards.

How long is your uninterrupted video shooting? Some cards keep close to their max write speed for say 15 to 20 mins then the write speed falls dramatically. The sustained speed is measuring speed after the speed fall. If your uninterrupted videos are only a few minutes this may not matter but if much longer then sustained speed is relevant in your consideration.

 

[superspartan]

From a practical point of view :

As your camera comes with a CFX slot you may choose to buy a CFX card simply to use the 2nd slot. In my case I have the camera set up so stills go to the SDXC card and Videos go to the CFX card.

But CFX cards are very expensive compared to SDXC cards. As many recent models of SDXC cards are easily fast enough for your described video needs, having a new good performance SDXC card is fine. As Greybeard pointed out it is the write speed you need to check not the read speed. V30 or sustained 30MBps is the min you need and 60 MBps or better write speed is now common for SDXC cards.

How long is your uninterrupted video shooting? Some cards keep close to their max write speed for say 15 to 20 mins then the write speed falls dramatically. The sustained speed is measuring speed after the speed fall. If your uninterrupted videos are only a few minutes this may not matter but if much longer then sustained speed is relevant in your consideration.

The workout videos are short like 1-2 mins max. Anyway, as I checked the price of UHS-II cards they were in the territory of the CFExpress cards so I ended up buying a 128GB UHS-II SD Card and a 256GB CFExpress card which I will dedicate to videos.

I kept reading mixed reviews on Amazon about Lexar and some other brands overheating so I bit the bullet and ordered the SONY Tough

Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90, CL10, U3, Max R300MB/S, W299MB/S (SF-G128T/T1)

Sony 256GB TOUGH CFexpress Card Type B Ultra Speed Memory Card (Read: 1700MB/s Write: 1480MB/s) - CEB-G256/J SYM

 

[Artur Darulewski]

I do video hardly ever so I started with my old SDXC UHS-I (Kingston canvas react V30). Unfortunately I got several hangouts while shooting series @40fps, and while 2nd firmware update didn't help I decided to buy CFE card. I didn't buy the fastest one, but Angelbird AV PRO SE 512GB (write speed 800MB/s) and I'm super happy now. No more problems with long series and transfer to PC via card reader is really fast.

Maybe good SDXC card is enough but I had to buy another one and no regrets.

Cheers,

Artur

 

[Lentille]

The good news is the price for CFX cards has fallen quickly and may keep falling further in 2023 so become an easier purchase decision.

The Kingston SDXC card you had was initially released in 2018 and the more modern SDXC cards can perform a lot better.

The Fuji X-H2(s) cameras can record from 50 Mbp/s to 720 Mbp/s (see X-H2 manual page 189). This is bits and converts to 7MBp/s to 90MBp/s. Many users might find that 200 Mbps which is 25MBp/s, is more than enough. On top of this the X-H2(s) has a large buffer to further assist, one writer estimated the buffer is 5GB but I have not seen this confirmed.

The Angelbird AV PRO SE 512GB you purchased is, according to the Angelbird site, rated at 800 Mbps. This is equivalent to 100 MBps.

This is its advertised Sustained write speed, which means it will record continuously/sustained at a faster rate than the X-H2(s) 's 720 Mbps or 90 MBp/s maximum record rate. So that indicates it is a good card for the Fuji X-H2(s) and in fact faster cards won't make any difference when you are recording in an X-H2(s).

The Angelbird web site says the card is fast enough for 8K RAW video. Faster would only be useful when reading the card to load into your PC - and as is often the case, that card has a reading speed of twice the write speed to assist there.

Whilst I don't use an Angelbird card, and provided I have not got my maths wrong, the above explains why the newer Angelbird cards such as the model you purchased, are successful for many Fuji users and more exotic supposedly faster cards have limited benefit in-camera, beyond a Sustained write speed of ~720Mbps / ~90MBps.

 

[yatesd]

Thanks Lentille ,

This helps validate the value of this particular Angelbird card at the current price. I do suspect prices will continue to fall, and while I was not happy to spend $179, I also didn't want to wonder if my card was contributing to any performance issues as I am learning on my new H2.

 

[superspartan]

The good news is the price for CFX cards has fallen quickly and may keep falling further in 2023 so become an easier purchase decision.

The Kingston SDXC card you had was initially released in 2018 and the more modern SDXC cards can perform a lot better.

The Fuji X-H2(s) cameras can record from 50 Mbp/s to 720 Mbp/s (see X-H2 manual page 189). This is bits and converts to 7MBp/s to 90MBp/s. Many users might find that 200 Mbps which is 25MBp/s, is more than enough. On top of this the X-H2(s) has a large buffer to further assist, one writer estimated the buffer is 5GB but I have not seen this confirmed.

The Angelbird AV PRO SE 512GB you purchased is, according to the Angelbird site, rated at 800 Mbps. This is equivalent to 100 MBps.

This is its advertised Sustained write speed, which means it will record continuously/sustained at a faster rate than the X-H2(s) 's 720 Mbps or 90 MBp/s maximum record rate. So that indicates it is a good card for the Fuji X-H2(s) and in fact faster cards won't make any difference when you are recording in an X-H2(s).

The Angelbird web site says the card is fast enough for 8K RAW video. Faster would only be useful when reading the card to load into your PC - and as is often the case, that card has a reading speed of twice the write speed to assist there.

Whilst I don't use an Angelbird card, and provided I have not got my maths wrong, the above explains why the newer Angelbird cards such as the model you purchased, are successful for many Fuji users and more exotic supposedly faster cards have limited benefit in-camera, beyond a Sustained write speed of ~720Mbps / ~90MBps.

Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation. I canceled the Angelbird order as there were many reviews stating that you need to do a firmware update to get it to work with the X-H2S and that requires you to buy their external card reader which is 110 USD so when combined together, it was an expensive purchase after all and I[m like screw it and just ordered these:

Sony TOUGH-G series SDXC UHS-II Card 128GB, V90, CL10, U3, Max R300MB/S, W299MB/S (SF-G128T/T1)

Sony 256GB TOUGH CFexpress Card Type B Ultra Speed Memory Card (Read: 1700MB/s Write: 1480MB/s) - CEB-G256/J SYM

 

[SilentPoetry]

Here are some links that may help. Please review the fine print that provides specific requirements for video on the H2S.

Video options available

H2S Compatibility Chart

H2 Compatibility Chart

• Record ProRes movies to CFexpress cards.• Movies with a bit rate of 720 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V90 or better.

• Movies with a bit rate of 360 Mpbs can be recorded to CFexpress cards or to SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a Video Speed Class of V60 or better.

Looks like the major difference is the ability to record in ProRes.

Got it, in the settings for video, when choosing 4K the default is 100MBPS, then you can choose a larger number but how does that affect quality? I thought 4K is 4K? This is so confusing.

4K merely means the resolution of the image. This is video, so the picture quality also depends on the bit depth, so the higher bandwidth (100mbps, 200, etc) gives you more data and a better video experience, especially when doing post-processing.

It's like the difference between shooting RAW and JPEG in stills. A JPEG can have the same resolution as a RAW file, but much less data, so its use is more limited.

got it, perfect explanation!

Yes, thanks for this excellent explanation.

 

[FuzzyDice]

1. Why would I need a CFexpress Type B? What can they do that the regular SD Card UHS-II can't? I have no interest in shooting ProRes mode by the way, just wanting to have the best quality 4K Video

It’s all about speed and durability. They’re simply faster and much more durable than the SD Cards. I personally find it worth the extra money and love the benefits.

1. If I put both a UHS-II card and a CFexpress Type B, does the camera use the faster one first and then switch to the slower one when it's full or you can only select 1 card for shooting?

No, you have to set the camera up for it. You can select that card as the slot you want to use, or you could write RAF to it and HEIC to the other. Or use the UHS-II for overflow.

PS: I currently have a UHS-I (not 2) SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB with a rating of 200MB/S, not sure if I am hurting my video recording performance by using a UHS-1 card rather than a UHS-II

If you choose the wrong settings it will produced messed up recordings if the card is too slow.

Thoughts?

 

[kwa_photo]

Well, the CF drives me a bit batty when considering upgrading to an XH body (which I am). I do NOT need the speed of the CF; however, I do NEED dual SD cards for redundancy and I’m not wanting to pay the high cost of the CF cards. It is what it is, I suppose. Yes, you’ll get faster performance and be able to record more internally video wise with the CF. However, I’d still rather record to less expensive SSD’s externally on my Atomos Ninja V for video and then have dual internal SD’s for photo work or not so demanding video. YMMV.