3 Steps to Recover Deleted Files from XQD Cards

What is an XQD card?

The XQD card is a flash memory card format specifically developed for high-definition camcorders and high-resolution digital cameras. It utilizes the PCI Express interface for efficient data transfer.

With target read and write speeds ranging from 1 Gbit/s to approximately 5 Gbit/s, the XQD card offers exceptional performance. Its storage capacities extend beyond 2 TB, catering to the needs of professionals in the photography and videography industry.

It’s important to note that XQD cards are not compatible with CompactFlash or CFast cards, despite some similarities in naming. The format was jointly announced by SanDisk, Sony, and Nikon in November 2010. On September 7, 2016, the CompactFlash Association (CFA) announced CFexpress as the successor to XQD, paving the way for even higher performance and storage capabilities.

How to recover deleted files from XQD card easily

Before you start recovering data from your XQD card, here are some important steps to take:

• Stop using the Card: Don’t use the card after losing data. This prevents new files from overwriting the lost ones.
• Look for Physical Damage: Check the XQD card for any visible damage. If it’s damaged, it’s best to get help from a professional recovery service.
• Connect to a Computer: Use a card reader to connect the XQD card to a computer. If the computer can read the card, recovery software might be able to retrieve your lost files.

Choosing secure, trustworthy, and professional data recovery software can help you jump out of the dilemma of data loss. Here, AOMEI FastRecovery does well in recovering deleted files from XQD cards and other brands of SD cards (Gigastone, Kingston, Samsung, etc.) because it offers an advanced scanning feature to detect all the recoverable files.

Step 1. Scan your XQD card

Connect the XQD card to your Windows and launch AOMEI FastRecovery. Hover the mouse over the XQD card saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. Find lost data 

AOMEI FastRecovery will automatically scan your connected XQD card through Quick Scan and search for all the recoverable files. Under the Type section, check all the data types and formats. For specific files or folders, type the file name or extension in the search box. 

Step 3. Recover XQD card data

Select the needed photos and click the “Recover” button. Please store your recovered files in a new location rather than the original XQD card.

Common Causes of XQD Card Data Loss

Losing data on an XQD card can be frustrating and often happens unexpectedly. Here are some common reasons why data loss might occur:

• Accidental Deletion: It’s easy to accidentally delete files while managing a lot of images or videos, especially when trying to make space.
• XQD Card Corruption: XQD cards can get corrupted from issues like improper ejection, power surges, or viruses, making the card unreadable.
• Formatting: Sometimes, your camera or computer might prompt you to format the card due to errors, which will erase all stored data if you do.
• Physical Damage: Even though XQD cards are tough, they can still get damaged from drops, water, or extreme temperatures, leading to data loss.
• Overwriting: Adding new files to a card after data loss can overwrite the lost files, making recovery difficult.

How to Prevent Data Loss from XQD Cards

You can take simple steps to care for your XQD card and reduce the risk of data loss:

Are XQD cards better than SD cards?

Because of these features, XQD cards are popular in sports photography, action photography, and full HD video recording. Major brands like Sony and Nikon produce XQD cards. XQD cards offer several advantages over SD cards:

• Fast Speeds: They can read and write data at speeds up to 500 MB/s, which is great for high-end cameras.
• Large Storage: XQD cards can hold more than 2 TB of data, making them perfect for storing lots of RAW images and high-resolution videos.
• Quick Transfers: Moving data from XQD cards to your computer is much faster than with standard SD cards.
• Durable Design: XQD cards are tough and built to handle challenging environments.

Conclusion

This article describes how to recover deleted files from XQD cards in 3 steps, regardless of data loss scenarios. Without relying on backup, it enables you to scan the card and find all recoverable data. It also offers some useful features, such as filter, file preview, selective recovery, etc., making data recovery easier.  

FAQs

1. Is XQD obsolete?

While XQD cards are not considered obsolete at present, their popularity has been gradually diminishing as CFexpress cards gain traction, thanks to their faster speeds. As an example, in 2018, Lexar made an announcement to discontinue support for the XQD format.

However, this decision was primarily driven by challenges related to product availability and restrictions arising from Sony’s ownership of the intellectual property associated with XQD. The emergence of CFexpress technology has influenced the market dynamics, causing a shift away from XQD cards in pursuit of enhanced performance.

2. How do I recover my XQD card footage?

Step 1. Connect your XQD card and select it after launching AOMEI FastRecovery.

Step 2. Find the deleted or lost data. 

Step 3. Select your desired files and click Recover.

3. How do I fix a corrupted XQD card?

You can run the CHKDSK command or the Windows Disk Check utility to repair corrupted XQD cards.

4. How do I prevent data loss on my SD card?

There are some practical data loss prevention measures for your reference.

• Please eject your SD card safely after transferring data. 
• Avoid high temperatures or humid places.
• Save your SD card data somewhere safe.
• Creating regular file backups to prevent data loss at the source.