Austrian memory specialists will have two speeds of CFexpress card, and a CFexpress card reader too
(Image credit: Angelbird)
Last week CFexpress was born. Sandisk put the first of this new generation of high-octane memory cards on sale - whilst almost simultaneously Canon launched the first camera that can use CFexpress cards. Now, at IBC 2019, Angelbird has become the second memory specialist to release CFexpress cards.
Angelbird promises us two ranges of CFexpress cards from the get-go. The AV PRO CFX memory card is designed for professional cinema cameras demanding high-speeds and extreme durability in the CFexpress Type-B form factor that will be used in the first cameras.
This will be available in capacities of up to 1TB, and will also backwards compatible with XQD compatible cameras with relevant firmware updates (such as the Nikon Z7 and Z6, where such firmware updates have already been promised).
Angelbird V PRO CFX CFexpress card (Image credit: Angelbird)
The AV Pro CFX cards offer read/write speeds up to 1700 MB/s and 1400 MB/s – that's 3.5x faster than CFast cards, according to the Austrian manufacturer. These will be available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB capacities
The more expensive AV PRO CFX XT cards are designed to offer a premium option for those concerned with sustained speed performance for higher resolution demands. Confusingly, these cards also offer maximum read/write speeds of up to 1700 MB/s / 1400 MB/s.
However, during constant recording, the write speed on the entry-level AV PRO CFX cards "will settle in at a guaranteed minimum sustained speed of 550 MB/s up to 1 TB capacity. Which the company points out is150 MB/s higher speed than the maximum write speed of XQD.
The AV PRO CFX XT cards will be sold in 80GB, 160GB, 320GB, and 640GB versions.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
Angelbird V PRO CFX XT CFexpress card (Image credit: Angelbird)
The premium AV PRO CFX XT cards, however, during constant recording, "will guarantee 1000 MB/s sustained write speed up to 650 GB capacity. So 450 MB/s higher sustained write than the AV PRO CFX".
Also announced is Angelbird's own CFexpress card reader. The reader will come with a 0.5m Type-C to Type-C cable, an active USB-A to USB-C adapter, non-slip rubber pads for added stability during operation, and Velcro binding for easy portability.
The recessed (USB 3.1 Gen 2, 10 Gb/s connection port helps to provide a secure connection point and minimize wear and tear. Angelbird has a “Write Protect” switch on its card readers, which enables the user to feel secure that they will not delete or erase anything by mistake.
The pricing for the cards, and availability, will be announced in December when the first CFexpress cameras will be on sale.
Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography.
His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.
