The CompactFlash Association (CFA) recently announced the specs of the latest CFexpress standard—version 4.0—promising crazy-fast transfer speeds. CFexpress 2.0 already has impressive theoretical throughput hitting 1GB/s and 2GB/s for Type A and Type B cards, respectively, but the CFexpress 4.0 standard aims to double that performance, with theoretical maximum speeds of 2GB/s for Type A and 4GB/s for Type B. (A third form factor, Type C, offers up to 8GB/s of maximum data transfer performance, but this physically large card has seen little adoption in cameras.)
While there aren’t any cameras shipping with CFexpress 4.0 support yet, it turns out that you can already start investing in CFexpress 4.0 memory cards if you wish: ProGrade Digital is now shipping the 1.3TB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Cobalt memory card—the first of its kind. As you’d expect, the rated speeds are well below the theoretical maximum, but they’re still off the charts: We’re talking read speeds of up to 3.4GB/s and sustained write speeds of 2.8GB/s! ProGrade says the new X-ray-proof and shockproof card is approved by cinema camera maker RED.
To make full use of the speed of the new card, you’ll also need a card reader that can keep up, and ProGrade has got you covered: Their new CFexpress Type B Single-Slot USB 4.0 PG05.6 card reader utilizes the USB 4.0 interface, enabling transfer rates of up to 40GB/s. Shipping with a USB 4.0-certified cable, the reader features an improved heat sink plate that allows the unit to stay cool and deliver improved sustained performance.
The bad news is all this tech comes at an extravagant price: ProGrade’s 1.3TB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Cobalt memory card costs an eye-watering $1,460—or you can get a two-pack for $2,630. The good news? By comparison, the card reader is an absolute bargain: It will set you back a mere $100. Head over to ProGrade’s online shop to starting investing!
