Transcend 4GB CompactFlash CF Memory Card, Up to 50MB/s, MLC, DSLR Camera
Bottom line: The Transcend 4GB CompactFlash CF Memory Card ($32.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Up to 50MB/s read and 21.5MB/s (133X) write clears DSLR RAW buffers; main trade-off: 4GB fills fast - roughly a few dozen RAW frames on a modern sensor.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Up to 50MB/s read and 21.5MB/s (133X) write clears DSLR RAW buffers
- ✓ MLC NAND instead of TLC, built for repeated rewrite cycles
- ✓ Low power draw extends battery life on older DSLR bodies
- ✓ 4GB size works with legacy gear that rejects high-capacity cards
Cons
- ✗ 4GB fills fast - roughly a few dozen RAW frames on a modern sensor
- ✗ 133X is slow next to UDMA 7 cards rated 100MB/s and up
- ✗ CompactFlash is legacy; most cameras since 2015 use SD or CFexpress
- ✗ No listed waterproof, shockproof, or X-ray-proof rating
Manufacturer description
133X write speed (21.5 MB per second) Low power consumption
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Transcend 4GB CompactFlash CF Memory Card using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Transcend's external storage lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the Transcend 4GB CompactFlash card?
Transcend rates it at up to 50MB/s read and a 133X write speed of 21.5MB per second. That is fast enough for RAW stills and standard HD video capture on the DSLR generations that use CompactFlash.
How many photos will 4GB hold?
It depends entirely on your camera's file size. A 6-12 megapixel DSLR JPEG runs a few megabytes, so you'll get hundreds; uncompressed RAW files from a higher-resolution body will cut that to a few dozen.
Is this card MLC or TLC?
It uses MLC NAND. MLC tolerates more program/erase cycles than the TLC flash used in many budget cards, which is why it holds up in cameras and embedded gear that write continuously.
Will this work in a CF-to-IDE adapter for a retro PC build?
CompactFlash Type I cards are commonly used this way, and the small 4GB capacity suits vintage systems with volume-size limits. Confirm your adapter and BIOS support before buying, since compatibility varies by board.
What is the warranty on this card?
Transcend publishes warranty terms per product line and they vary by region and purchase date. Check the current product listing or Transcend's support site for the terms that apply to your order.
Key Features
- 133X write speed (21.5 MB per second)
- Low power consumption
Full Specifications
| Size | 4 GB |
|---|---|
| Brand | Transcend |
| Color | Black |
| Model | TS4GCF133 |
| Warranty | Five-year Limited Warranty |
| UnitCount | 1 |
| ReleaseDate | 2019-07-31T00:00:01Z |
| Manufacturer | Transcend Information |
| ItemPartNumber | TS4GCF133 |
Ready to buy?
Transcend 4GB CompactFlash CF Memory Card, Up to 50MB/s, MLC, DSLR Camera is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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