Summary
- CODEX has introduced CFexpress 4.0 Type A and Type B media for professional 8K, 12K and RAW workflows.
- Excel and Elite versions cover VPG400, VPG800 and VPG1600 certifications.
- The new USB4 reader promises offloads up to 5,000 MB/s.
- Pre-orders start at $332, approximately €285.84 at the ECB reference rate of 3 September 2026.
CODEX has introduced its first complete range of CFexpress 4.0 Type A and Type B cards, bringing technology developed for professional cinema workflows to high-resolution stills and video cameras.
Announced on 2 September 2026, the portfolio includes Excel and Elite performance tiers, plus a new USB4 reader for CFexpress Type B. The move matters because CODEX built its reputation around recording and data-management systems for demanding film productions, where sustained speed and file integrity are critical.
For creators, peak speed is only part of the story. In 8K, 12K and RAW capture, a card must sustain its write rate without sudden drops that can stop recording or cause dropped frames.
One range for Type A and Type B
The family covers both the smaller CFexpress Type A format, used mainly in selected Sony cameras, and the larger Type B format found across professional systems from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Blackmagic Design and others. All cards use PCIe 4.0.
CODEX divides the range into Excel and Elite. Excel cards target demanding professional use with VPG400 certification. Elite raises the guaranteed performance level: Type A comes in VPG400 and VPG800 versions, while Type B Elite reaches VPG1600.
Excel versus Elite
Video Performance Guarantee indicates the certified minimum sustained write speed for video. VPG400 means at least 400 MB/s, VPG800 means 800 MB/s and VPG1600 means 1,600 MB/s. This gives professionals a more useful basis for matching media to the actual recording format than peak speed alone.
CODEX also integrates its FastLane, HeatControl and ByteGuard technologies, targeting sustained performance, thermal management and data integrity. The cards are positioned for workflows where repeating a take is costly or impossible, from film sets to documentaries and difficult locations.
CFexpress Type A for hybrid cameras
Type A Excel cards come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities with VPG400. Type A Elite is available in the same capacities and in VPG400 or VPG800 versions.
Elite models reach up to 1,800 MB/s maximum read and write speeds. Sustained read is rated at 1,750 MB/s, while sustained write is 900 MB/s for 256GB and 1,750 MB/s for 512GB and 1TB. Endurance is rated at 300, 600 and 1,200 TBW respectively, with a three-year warranty and two years of data-recovery service.
Type B Elite with VPG1600
For CFexpress Type B, Excel VPG400 cards are offered in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities. Elite comes in 1TB and 2TB with VPG1600, targeting the most demanding high-resolution video formats.
Elite reaches 3,500 MB/s maximum and sustained read speeds. Maximum write is 3,300 MB/s for 1TB and 3,500 MB/s for 2TB, while sustained write reaches 1,800 and 2,800 MB/s respectively. Rated endurance is 1,200 TBW for 1TB and 2,400 TBW for 2TB.
USB4 reader and faster offload
The new CFexpress Type B Reader uses USB4 and, according to CODEX, can deliver offloads up to 5,000 MB/s with modern Mac and Windows computers. The company says 1TB of data from a Type B Elite card can be read at 3,500 MB/s in under five minutes.
In practice, faster offload reduces copy time on set and makes it easier to create multiple verified backups before a card is erased. Final speed also depends on the computer, port, cable and destination storage.
Availability and pricing
The cards and reader are available for pre-order from CODEX, with availability estimated in approximately six weeks. Type A Excel costs $332–$746, Type A Elite $373–$1,063, Type B Excel $539–$1,340 and Type B Elite $802 or $1,548. The USB4 reader costs $277.
Using the ECB reference rate of 3 September 2026, €1 = $1.1615, those prices convert to approximately €285.84–€642.27, €321.14–€915.20, €464.06–€1,153.68, €690.49 or €1,332.76, and €238.48 respectively. These are currency conversions, not official Greek retail prices.
More information and pre-orders are available on the official CODEX CFexpress Type A, CFexpress Type B and CFexpress Type B Reader pages.
What we think
CODEX entering CFexpress 4.0 matters because it brings a design philosophy centred on sustained performance and data protection to standardised media. VPG certification is more useful than peak speed alone, particularly during long takes.
Pricing places these cards firmly in the professional category. A lower tier may be sufficient for less demanding codecs. For 8K, 12K or RAW production, however, the choice from VPG400 to VPG1600 and fast USB4 transfers can reduce real workflow risks and delays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Type A and Type B?
Type A is smaller and used mainly in selected Sony cameras. Type B is larger and supported by more professional stills and video systems. They are not interchangeable.
What does VPG1600 mean?
It means a certified minimum sustained write speed of 1,600 MB/s for compatible video workflows.
Are all cards suitable for 12K RAW?
Not necessarily. Compatibility depends on the camera, format, bitrate and capacity. Always check the camera maker’s approved-media list.
When are the products expected?
CODEX is accepting pre-orders and estimates availability in approximately six weeks from the announcement.
