XQD

XQD is a flash memory card format designed for high-speed data transfer in professional digital photography and video equipment. Introduced in the early 2010s by Sony with industry partners, XQD was intended as a fast alternative to CompactFlash for high-performance cameras and workflows. The format is defined by a PCIe-based interface and a dedicated controller on the card, enabling rapid sequential read and write operations to support high-bitrate video and continuous shooting.

Technical design centers on a PCIe-based interface and a built-in controller, which together provide low latency and high transfer speeds. The cards employ NAND flash memory and are packaged in a rugged, compact form factor suitable for professional use. XQD cards are typically used with high-end cameras and specialized card readers, offering robust performance for demanding imaging tasks.

In terms of adoption and market trajectory, XQD was used by several camera brands in the early-to-mid 2010s and became associated with professional bodies and workflows. Over time, CFexpress Type B—an evolution that shares the same physical form factor and provides newer interface and protocol capabilities—emerged as the preferred standard, leading to a decline in active development and production of XQD. By the early 2020s, many manufacturers had shifted emphasis to CFexpress, with XQD primarily supported for legacy systems or specific devices.

Form factor and compatibility considerations include the need for compatible readers and host devices. While some CFexpress readers can support XQD cards with appropriate firmware or adapters, new purchases are generally steered toward CFexpress due to broader ecosystem support and ongoing development. See also CFexpress and memory card formats.