These can be a really good way to streamline intense workflows, particularly as they tend to have really fast transfer speeds. Alternatively, there are chunkier readers that basically function as desktop docking stations. Some are small, basically the size of USB flash drive (remember those?) and are priced as such indeed, you can pick up a good card reader for very little in the way of cash outlay. There are absolutely loads of USB card readers out there. Best laptops for photo editing (opens in new tab).

The best monitors for photographers (opens in new tab).I have not conducted speed tests on my Sony QDA-SB1 (it's not with me at the moment )so I don't know if it reaches the XQD transfer speed limit or not if it does not it will throttle your CFExpress transfers (it is also not guaranteed to work with CFExpress cards). I said that getting an expensive XQD reader now would not be wise when you will be able to get a CFExpress/XQD reader in the near future. The CF Express cards will have the same form factor as the XQD ones so it will work just fine in the current XQD readers. You say the reader is not a good investment because it IS backward compatible? Plus spending so much on a XQD reader is not wise when CFExpress is just around the corner and will be backward-compatible, might as well get one that does both for future-proofing. The 20/30€ plastic Sony one works very well, not need to get the more expensive metal one (unless you might bang it left and right I guess) and unlike the direct camera-to-computer method it will let you update the camera's firmware. I dont use reader, i download pictures directly from camera via supported cable.

Sony xqd card reader review