Yes, we have yet another recordable media option. SanDisk today a bit under the radar released the new Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B memory card in choice locations in Europe. Unfortunately all we have as far as information is in the video that was posted. No official press release was issued.
UPDATE 09/4/2019
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Reader
This morning B&H now has the new CFExpress Type B cards listed for preorder plus a new SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress card reader ($49.99 US).
low-latency, high-speed RAW 4K recording that’s available with the SanDisk Extreme Pro® CFexpress® card. Backwards compatible with select XQD® cameras, you’ll get smooth, sustainable performance you haven’t experienced before.
SanDisk YouTube description
The new Type B CFExpress utilizes the same form factor as Sony’s XQD cards, CFexpress Type B cards but the cards are much faster at reading and writing with speeds of 1700MB/s and 1400MB/s with the 512 GB model.
In the video, the new cards are used in a Nikon Z Series camera. That’s one big advantage for Nikon choosing this type of media. I’m sure other cameras with XQD will be compatible with a simple firmware update.
CFExpress TYPE B Key features
- Speeds that Surpass other cards high-speed, consistent recording and enhanced workflow efficiency far beyond existing SanDisk cards are the result of read speeds of up to 1700MB/s and 1400MB/s write speeds
- Smooth 4K video performance The cfexpress form factor captures raw 4K video with sustainable, low-latency performance in your video recording
Xqd compatibility The card is backward-compatible with select XQD cameras that Adopt firmware enabling Express, the express Card type B Bridges existing devices with the future of technology - Easy file Recovery with RescuePRO Deluxe software the card comes with a RescuePRO Deluxe data Recovery software download offer. This software makes it easy to recover files that have been accidentally deleted (download required.
Pricing still isn’t released for the US market however on Amazon UK they are listed as follows:
- Type B CFExpress Card Read 1500 MB/s Write 800 MB/s 64 GB £174.99, $149.99 US
- Type B CFExpress Card Read 1700 MB/s Write 1200 MB/s 128 GB £293.99, $199.99 US
- Type B CFExpress Card Read 1700 MB/s Write 1200 MB/s 256 GB £493.99 $399.99 US
- Type B CFExpress Card Read 1700 MB/s Write 1400 MB/s 512 GB £691.99, $599.99 US
- SanDisk Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Reader $49.99
When it comes to recording 8K video speed is going to be a bottleneck especially for higher bitrates let alone Raw capture. Media has to keep up and the new SanDisk CFExpress Card Type B look like a natural progression.
Unfortunately with progress comes a price. It will take a while before these come down. It will be interesting to also see who else is licensing the technology and releasing competitive options, plus the cameras that will adopt it. Is CFast dead? Will we see a cinema camera soon that is capable of taking advantage of the new Type B CFExpress Card format? IBC is around the corner so we shall see.
Like what we do and want to support Newsshooter? Consider becoming a Patreon supporter and help us to continue being the best source of news and reviews for professional tools for the independent filmmaker.
