Best Nikon D2XS SD Memory Cards
The maximum size Compact Flash card that is fully compatible with the Nikon D2XS is 32GB. There could be compatiblity issues if you use a larger card.
The size limitation comes from the use of the FAT32 file system. The D2XS is not able to format a card to larger than 32GB.
If you’re in a hurry, my recommended Compact Flash memory card is:
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- Read speeds up to 120MB/s.
- Write speeds up to 85MB/s.
- Water, x-ray, & shock proof.
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Best CF Cards
The best value Compact Flash card is going to be either 16GB or 32GB. Smaller cards are going to offer a worse value.
A pro card doesn’t add a large amount to the price. Having a high-speed card will eliminate the need to upgrade the card when you upgrade your camera.
Recommended CF Cards
- Read speeds up to 120MB/s.
- Write speeds up to 85MB/s.
- Sustained data recording of 20MB/s.
- Water, x-ray, & shockproof.
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- Fast enough write speeds for burst photography and video.
- Upto 60MB/s write and 120MB/s red speeds.
- Supports UDMA7 transfer mode.
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- Transfer speeds up to 160MB/s.
- Video Performance Guarantee sepc VPG 65.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
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- Transfer speeds up to 160MB/s.
- Can record 4k Ultra HD and Full HD video.
- Video Performance Guarantee sepc VPG 65.
- Limited lifetime warranty.
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Compact Flash Card Types
Compact Flash memory cards come in two physical sizes. The cards are known as Type I or Type II.
The difference between the types is how thick the cards are. The width and length of the cards are the same.
- Type I - 3.3mm thick
- Type II - 5mm thick
The Type II spec allowed for the use of Microdrives in the Nikon D2XS. A Microdrive was a tiny mechanical harddrive.
When CF memory cards were initially introduced they had high prices and small storage capacities. Microdrives were the only option to get large amounts of storage.
Microdrives are no longer produced. Because they were mechanical, they often failed. So you can’t even find them used.
SD to Compact Flash card adapters also use Type II sized slots. The adapters allow you to use Micro SD or SD cards in a Compact Flash slot.
Card Reader
The UGREEN 4-in-1 card reader is what I use with my CF cards.
The UGREEN reader is compatible with USB 3.0. Transfer speeds over USB 3.0 will be quicker than the Nikon D2XS.
The card reader can read these memory card types:
- CompactFlash Cards
- SD, SDHC, & SDXC Cards
- Memory Stick (MS), MS Pro, MS PRO-HG, & MS XC DUO
- MicroSD, Micro SDHC, & Micro SDXC Cards
Avoiding Card Read Errors
A frequent problems with cameras that use CF cards are damaged card slot pins. If a pin is bent, you could see a ‘unable to use card’ error.
To avoid bending pins, don’t force a CF card into the Nikon D2XS. The extra space for a Type II card allows a CF card to be aligned incorrectly.
If the compact flash card won’t easily slide into the camera slot, take it out and check the positioning of the memory card. Also, check to see if there is any damage to the card or slot.
If everything looks fine, carefully align the compact flash card and try inserting it again.