What fits in each slot
| Slot | Formats | Interface | Workflow note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card 1 | CFexpress Type B | CFexpress 2.0 / VPG400 supported | Required for RAW and several high-data-rate movie combinations. |
| Card 2 | SD/SDHC/SDXC | UHS-I / UHS-II | Useful for stills, backup options, and movie modes whose table permits SD. |
When faster media matters
Everyday recommendation
A fast UHS-II SDXC card can cover stills and many compressed movie modes; verify the exact quality row in Canon's table.
Demanding recommendation
CFexpress Type B with VPG400 or the read/write performance Canon specifies for the selected mode.
8K RAW and several high-frame-rate or intra-frame settings require CFexpress Type B, with some rows specifying 200 or 400 MB/s performance.
Plan the complete workflow
Capacity
Format new cards in camera and check Canon's current capacity cautions before purchasing unusually large CFexpress media.
Reader
Use a CFexpress Type B reader for Card 1 and a UHS-II SD reader for Card 2.
Three checks worth making
- CFexpress Type A and Type B are not interchangeable.
- Movie requirements change by codec, frame rate, bit depth, and compression.
- The SD slot cannot record every mode available to CFexpress.
Verify the current requirement
StorageSift summarizes the manufacturer's documentation; firmware, card qualification, and recording options can change. Recheck the source for the exact mode and capacity you plan to use.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II manual: compatible cards ↗Source checked August 13, 2026