Best Memory Card for Canon EOS-1D C Mark II
The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II (the spiritual and functional successor to the 1D C) is a data-hungry beast, especially when pushing 4K at 60fps. I’ve seen many cinematographers frustrated by “buffer full” errors simply because they used the wrong media. To unlock this camera’s 800Mbps bitrate, you need high-performance CFast 2.0 cards. After years of testing these in the field, I recommend the SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 as the most reliable choice for professional workflows.
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Best Memory Card for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: Detailed Reviews
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
When the 1D X Mark II first arrived, this was the card Canon actually bundled with the camera, and for good reason. With write speeds up to 450MB/s and a Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-130), it is built to handle the massive 800Mbps Motion JPEG files this camera generates. In my experience, these cards handle heat exceptionally well during long recording sessions—a common failure point for cheaper media. It’s not just about the speed; it’s about the peace of mind knowing your footage won’t corrupt halfway through a shoot. While it is one of the more expensive options, the build quality and SanDisk’s recovery software make it the gold standard for pros. The only real drawback is the price per gigabyte compared to SD cards, but for this camera, you simply cannot compromise on the primary slot.
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Lexar Professional 3500x CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
Lexar’s 3500x series offers a compelling middle ground for shooters who need CFast performance without the “SanDisk tax.” It provides blistering read speeds up to 525MB/s, which drastically cuts down your offloading time when moving files to your computer. For 1D X Mark II users, this card is more than capable of handling 4K video and the maximum 14fps (or 16fps in Live View) burst rates for RAW stills. I’ve found that it performs identically to more expensive cards in high-speed sports scenarios where you’re clearing the buffer constantly. However, Lexar had some brand ownership transitions a few years back, which made some pros nervous, but the current 3500x line has proven to be quite robust. It’s an excellent choice if you need to buy multiple cards for a long event on a tighter budget.
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SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB CompactFlash View on Amazon View on B&H
The 1D X Mark II features a dual-slot design: one CFast 2.0 and one traditional CompactFlash (CF). If you aren’t shooting 4K video or need a secondary slot for simultaneous RAW+JPEG backup, a high-quality CF card is the “budget” way to go. The SanDisk Extreme PRO UDMA 7 is the fastest CF card available, topping out at 160MB/s. While this is significantly slower than CFast, it’s more than enough for high-speed still photography and 1080p video. I often use this slot for overflow during long weddings when I’m primarily shooting stills. Keep in mind that you cannot record 4K 60p to this card; the camera will simply limit your options. However, for those coming from older 1D bodies who already own CF cards, this remains a reliable and affordable way to keep shooting.
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Delkin Devices 256GB Cinema CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
If you are using the 1D X Mark II as a primary video camera, 128GB will disappear in about 20 minutes of 4K 60p shooting. The Delkin Devices Cinema series is specifically designed for high-bitrate video applications. These cards are serialized and rigorously tested for consistent performance. I find Delkin’s customer service to be among the best in the industry; they offer a “Lifetime Warranty with 48-Hour Replacement,” which is a lifesaver for working professionals. The 256GB capacity allows you to shoot much longer without card swaps, which is critical for documentary or event work. The write speeds are rock-solid, ensuring no dropped frames even when the camera is running hot. It’s a premium investment, but for high-stakes cinema production, it’s the card I trust most when I can’t afford a single error.
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ProGrade Digital 128GB CFast 2.0 View on Amazon View on B&H
ProGrade Digital was founded by former executives from Lexar, and they brought a lot of expertise with them. Their CFast 2.0 cards are highly regarded for their stability. One unique advantage is their “Refresh Pro” software, which allows you to monitor the health of your card and “sanitize” it to factory speeds. Over time, all flash memory slows down as it fills and is erased; ProGrade’s system helps mitigate this “wear and tear” performance drop. I’ve used these cards in extreme weather conditions, and they’ve never flinched. They are priced competitively and offer the 130MB/s minimum sustained write speed required for the 1D X Mark II’s 4K video modes. If you are someone who likes to keep a close eye on the health of your gear, the ProGrade ecosystem is a fantastic choice.
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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Memory Card for Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast | Professional 4K 60p | ★★★★★ | Check |
| Lexar 3500x CFast | Action Photography | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO CF | Backup/Still Photos | ★★★★☆ | Check |
| Delkin Cinema CFast | Long 4K Sessions | ★★★★★ | Check |
| ProGrade Digital CFast | Hybrid Workflow | ★★★★☆ | Check |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use CFexpress cards in the 1D X Mark II?
No, you cannot. While CFexpress and CFast 2.0 cards look somewhat similar, they use different pins and communication protocols. The 1D X Mark II is only compatible with CFast 2.0 and CompactFlash cards. If you want to use CFexpress, you would need to upgrade to the newer 1D X Mark III. Always double-check the label before purchasing, as buying the wrong format is a common and expensive mistake for many photographers.
Do I need a CFast card for still photography?
Technically, no, but it is highly recommended. You can shoot stills to the CompactFlash slot, but you will hit the buffer much sooner during high-speed bursts (14-16fps). If you are a sports or wildlife photographer, the CFast card allows for an almost unlimited buffer, whereas a CF card will force the camera to slow down after a few seconds of continuous shooting. For casual shooting, a CF card is fine.
Why does the 1D X Mark II have two different card slots?
At the time of its release, CFast 2.0 was the new, expensive high-speed standard, while CompactFlash was the legacy professional standard. Canon included both to allow pros to use their existing CF card stockpiles while providing the CFast slot for the heavy data requirements of 4K video. It’s a “bridge” design that offers the best of both worlds, though it does mean you have to carry two different types of cards and readers.
Can I record 4K 60p to the CompactFlash slot?
No. The 1D X Mark II limits 4K recording to the CFast 2.0 slot only. The write speed of even the fastest UDMA 7 CompactFlash cards (around 160MB/s theoretical) is not stable enough to handle the 800Mbps (100MB/s) sustained stream of the Motion JPEG 4K codec. If you attempt to record video to the CF slot, the camera will restrict you to 1080p resolution to prevent data loss or card failure.
Is 64GB enough for this camera?
For still photography, 64GB is plenty, holding thousands of JPEGs or several hundred RAW files. However, for 4K video, 64GB is insufficient. At the highest quality settings, you will get less than 10 minutes of footage on a 64GB card. If you plan on shooting any video at all, I strongly suggest starting with 128GB or 256GB cards to avoid constant swapping and the risk of missing a crucial shot during a card change.
Final Verdict
Choosing media for the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II depends entirely on your subject matter. If you are a cinema pro shooting 4K 60p, the SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 is non-negotiable for its thermal stability and VPG-130 rating. Sports photographers should look at the Lexar 3500x to maximize burst performance without overspending. For those primarily shooting stills who need a reliable secondary backup, the SanDisk UDMA 7 CF card remains a solid, cost-effective choice for the legacy slot.