Best Nikon D700 CompactFlash Memory Cards

The Nikon D700 uses Compact Flash memory cards. 64GB is the maximum card storage capacity that is compatible with the camera.

A CF card larger than 64GB will either not be recognized or cause the D700 to display an error.

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Recommended CF Cards

SanDisk Extreme Pro CF 64GB

• Records and captures cinema quality 4K and Full HD video.
• Transfer speed of up to 160MB/s (1067X) read speeds.
• Industry leading shot speed performance of up to 150MB/s (1000X) write speeds.
• Designed for professional photographers and videographers

SanDisk Extreme 64GB CompactFlash Card

• Write speeds of up to 85 MB/s for faster shot-to-shot performance.
• Transfer speeds of up to 120 MB/s for increased efficiency.
• Video Performance (VPG-20) for Full HD video recording.
• RTV silicone coating protects card from shock and vibration.

Lexar Professional CF Card 64GB

• High speed performance—leverages UDMA 7 technology to deliver a read speed up to 1066x (160MB/s).
• Supports the VPG-65 specification for professional-quality video.
• Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080p Full-HD, 3D, and 4K video.
• High-speed file transfer to dramatically accelerate workflow.

Compact Flash Card Types

CF Memory cards come in two physical sizes. The CF cards are referred to as Type I or Type II.

The only difference between the types of cards is how thick they are. The length and width of the cards are identical.

• Type I - 3.3mm thick
• Type II - 5mm thick

The Type II spec were thicker so Microdrives could be used in the Nikon D700. A Microdrive was a small mechanical harddrive, the size of a CF card.

When Compact Flash cards were initially launched they had high prices and very small capacities. Microdrives made it possible to have large amounts of storage.

Microdrives are no longer being produced. Because they were mechanical , failure came from prolonged use or age. So they are nearly impossible to find used.

Another usage of the Type II slot is for Compact Flash card adapters. There are adapters that will allow you to use Micro SD or SD cards in a CF slot.

Card Reader

The UGREEN 4-in-1 card reader is what I use with my CF cards.

The UGREEN reader is USB 3.0 compatible. Using the card reader will allow transfer rates that are much faster than what the Nikon D700 can achieve.

The card reader also supports 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

One of the frequent problems with cameras that use Compact Flash cards are damaged card slot pins. When a pin is bent, you might see a ‘unable to use card’ error message.

To avoid damaged pins, do not force a CF memory card into the Nikon D700. The extra space for a Type II card makes it possible for a CF card to be misaligned.

If the compact flash card will not easily slide into the camera slot, take it out and check the positioning of the card. Also, check to see if there is any damage to the card or slot.

If it looks fine, carefully position the CF card and try inserting it again.