As you know, memory cards are essential little accessories for any photographer and videographer. They have a major influence on workflow and can make or break creative decisions. That’s because memory cards dictate how much information you can record and how fast you can do it. The success of a photo or video session depends on their reliability as they carry the precious data from the shooting location to your safe storage space. On top of everything, not all camera models support all memory card types. So, here is why the new Angelbird products make their users very happy. Angelbird CFexpress line of memory cards and compatible readers comes to meet the needs of Sony Alpha and FX camera users who rely on CFexpress Type A cards.
Key Features of the Angelbird CFexpress Line
- Ultra high-speed memory cards for Sony cameras compatible with CFexpress Type A cards
- Memory cards with a sustained write speed of up to 800MB/s
- Stable Stream technology
- Advanced Thermal Management technology
- Card readers resistant to extreme temperatures, shock, electrostatic discharge, and overloads
- Color-coded PKT Cap on card readers that differentiates between formats and protects the card during transport.
What’s New About the Angelbird CFexpress Cards and Readers
The Angelbird CFexpress line offers Sony camera users the possibility to record 8K+ RAW footage and shoot in burst mode at ultra-fast speeds. Until now, utilizing a CFexpress Type A card meant less storage space and slower read and write speeds, which could limit the creator’s freedom of expression. The new cards and readers from Angelbird offer generous capacities, fast speeds, and the reliability any creator needs. They provide a better and faster workflow and an overall improved user experience.
Ultra-Fast Read and Write Speeds
The CFexpress 4.0 Type A memory cards feature a sustained writing speed of 800MB/s and a sustained reading speed of 1700MB/s. However, their maximum writing speed is 1650MB/s, and the maximum reading speed is 1800MB/s.
Although a bit slower, the CFexpress 2.0 Type A memory cards still feature a sustained writing speed of 650MB/s and a sustained reading speed of 750MB/s. Their maximum writing and reading speeds exceed these values, too.
These ultra-fast speeds ensure high performance for 8K RAW video production, burst photography, and continuous shooting modes.
Wide Variety of Storage Capacities
The new Angelbird line includes CFexpress Type A memory cards with capacities between 160GB and 1TB, depending on their type. The 4.0 models come in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions, while the 2.0 models come in 160GB and 330GB versions.
The wide capacity variety allows everyone to choose the capacity that best fits their workflow. For example, videographers may prefer a larger memory card that is able to record long video sessions. For them, the 4.0 versions are more suited. Photographers, on the other side, may prefer to work with multiple smaller-capacity memory cards to keep their photographs organized.
Stable Stream Technology
The Stable Stream technology guarantees consistent read/write performance throughout the entire capacity of the card. The cards perform with high IOPS (input-output operations per second) and low latency, offering a stable and reliable capture. The Stable Stream technology supports your workflow regardless of whether you shoot in RAW or compressed formats.
Compatibility
Angelbird’s new memory cards are engineered for Sony’s range of CFexpress Type A cameras, such as the Sony α1, Sony α7 IV, Sony α7S III, Sony α7R V, Sony FX3, Sony FX30, and the Sony FX6. The 4.0 models are backward compatible with CFexpress 2.0 devices.
Solid Built Card Reader
The card readers are built from robust aluminum that withstands extreme temperatures, shock, electrostatic discharge, and overloads. In addition, they feature a color-coded PKT Cap that seals the device, offering 360-degree protection. You can even leave the memory card inside the reader during transport without worrying it will be damaged.
Solid Connect Design
The Solid Connect design means a recessed connection port that ensures uninterrupted data transfer. It also protects the card reader from wear and tear, providing an extra layer of security. At the same time, the card readers feature USB-C connectivity, are USB backward compatible, and have a write-protection switch for additional data safety. Your photos and videos will be safe not only during the acquisition and transport but also during transfer to a computer.
Easier Firmware Updates
Angelbird makes all efforts to ensure the optimal user experience. From now on, firmware updates can be made directly on the card via Angelbird’s card readers. The user benefits from ongoing camera compatibility and all the features Angelbird packs in its software. Furthermore, the company provides in-house data recovery services on both its hardware and software products. The products have a 3-year limited warranty, too. Nothing can interrupt your workflow now, and you can safely enjoy photography and filmmaking without worrying about memory cards and readers every couple of months.
Who Should Buy These Cards and Readers?
All Sony Alpha and FX camera users benefit from the new Angelbird CFexpress line. The products are designed with them in mind, which means they are smoothly compatible with the cameras’ features.
However, the ultra-fast memory cards deserve a challenge. They suit a creator who records 8K RAW video footage or uses burst and continuous shooting modes on a regular basis. For example, sports photographers and wildlife photographers will appreciate the fast writing speeds the most.
They also suit the adventurer who takes the camera on extended travels and works in unpredictable conditions. The card reader can protect a full card during transport and help you transfer data on a safer device while on the go. Choose the cards with a smaller capacity if you do short photo or video sessions because it will help you cull your work faster. Choose the largest capacity if you do long sessions and don’t have time to switch between cards.
Comparable Angelbird Memory Cards
Sony Alpha and FX camera models are compatible with CFexpress Type A memory cards, SD memory cards (UHS-I, UHS-II compatible), and microSD memory cards if you use an adaptor.
Angelbird offers plenty of options alongside the new CFexpress Type A memory cards. The SDXC (UHS-I and UHS-II compatible) range includes memory cards with capacities between 64GB and 1TB. However, their writing and reading speeds are much slower than those of the CFexpress Type A memory cards.
For example, the AV PRO SD V90 512 GB card features the fastest sustained writing speed of an Angelbird SDXC card, and it is only 260MB/s (good for captures in up to 6K RAW). The microSD range provides even slower sustained writing speeds, with a maximum of 140MB/s for the AV PRO microSD V60 256 GB card. So, if you want to capture 8K RAW photos and videos with a Sony Alpha or FX camera, the new CFexpress Type A memory cards are your best option.
Final Thoughts
The new Angelbird CFexpress cards and readers are a welcome addition to their product range. They allow Sony Alpha and FX camera users who rely on CFexpress Type A memory cards to record images and videos at the astonishing speeds they desire. It is a much-awaited freedom because those cameras are designed for cinematic freedom, shooting on the move, mixed media, and the adaptability of the modern creator. Angelbird encapsulates the same versatility and vibrant spirit in its latest products, taking its users one step closer to their artistic performance.
