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Posts Tagged ‘CFexpress’

Report: Nikon firmware for using CFexpress Type B cards with D5, D850 and D500 will arrive ‘before the end of 2020’

12 Oct

Back in February 2019, Nikon announced it was working to develop a firmware update for its D5, D850 and D500 DSLR cameras that would bring support for using CFExpress Type B memory cards. Since then, we haven’t heard a word about these development from Nikon, but Nikon Rumors says it ‘can confirm’ the much-anticipated firmware update will arrive before the end of the year.

According to Nikon Rumors’ report, the firmware update will arrive ‘before the end of 2020.’ Nikon Rumors says Nikon ‘may say something about [these updates]’ this coming week when it launches its Z6 II and Z7 II mirrorless cameras.

Image credit: B&H Photo

Despite promising a firmware update, Nikon never confirmed the details of what kind of performance we can expect from CFExpress Type B cards when used with its D5, D850 and D500 DSLR cameras. While CFExpress Type B support will make it easier to use the open and more popular format — not to mentioned larger maximum capacities, since XQD cards top out at 240GB compared to the current 1TB maximum capacity of CFExpress cards — it doesn’t necessarily we’ll expect improved speeds over using XQD cards when using them inside the camera. However, you will see improved speeds over XQD cards when importing the cards to your computer if you’re using a CFExpress Type B memory card reader.

We contacted Nikon for a comment on the updates on Friday October 9, but haven’t received a response. We will update this article if we get any further information from Nikon.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony announces world’s first CFExpress Type A cards and card reader

30 Jul

While the Sony a7S III rightly received most of the attention yesterday, Sony also announced it’s releasing the world’s first CFExpress Type A memory card and reader.

These new CFExpress Type A Tough cards offer max read and write speeds of 800MB/s and 700MB/s, respectively, and come in 80GB and 160GB capacities. While these cards will work in other cameras that offer CFExpress Type A slots, these are clearly designed to go hand-in-hand with Sony’s a7S III, which features dual hybrid card slots that can take UHS-II SD cards or CFExpress Type A cards.

New cards mean you’ll need a new way to get data off the cards, so Sony has also unveiled a USB 3.2 Gen 2 USB-C card reader that also accepts both SD cards and CFExpress Type A cards. The reader can transfer data at up to 10Gbps, which should leave more than enough overhead for even the fastest UHS-II SD cards as well as the new CFExpress Type A cards.

Both the CFExpress Type A Tough cards and SD/CFExpress Type A card reader are available to pre-order today. The 80GB (Adorama, B&H) and 160GB (Adorama, B&H) cards cost $ 200 and $ 400, respectively, while the card reader costs $ 120 (Adorama, B&H).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Delkin Devices unveils new 2TB CFexpress Type B card with read speeds up to 1,730MB/s

11 Jun

Hot on the heels of ProGrade Digital’s new 1TB CFexpress Type B card, Delkin Devices has unveiled its new 2TB CFexpress Type B card, the highest-capacity CFexpress Type B card to date.

The new CFexpress Type B cards use a PCIe 3.0 interface and NVMe storage to achieve read and write speeds up to 1,730MB/s and 1,430MB/s, respectively, meaning it’s not only higher-capacity than ProGrade Digital’s ‘Gold label’ cards, but also faster. Delkin Devices says each of its cards undergoes ‘extensive testing to ensure full functionality and performance’ with the latest CFexpress compatible camera systems.

A compatibility chart from Delkin Digital showing what cameras the card has already been approved for use in and what camera models it’s currently testing the cards with.

In addition to the standard lifetime warranty, these new cards also come with Delkin Device’s 48HR Replacement Guarantee, which states that Delkin Devices ‘will happily replace any non-working card within 48 hours or less (not including weekends), prior to receiving your non-working card.’ In the event you have an authorized Delkin Devices retailer nearby, you can also pick up the replacement in-person — just be sure to register your card.

No pricing or availability information is given, but Delkin’s 1TB version of this card has a list price of $ 1,000 but is currently available for $ 700 at Adorama and $ 890 at B&H. Being the press release is live, we expect it won’t take long before the 2TB model becomes available.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=34868

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ProGrade Digital’s new CFexpress Type B cards offer read speeds up to 1,700MB/S

10 Jun
The two capacities available in ProGrade Digital’s ‘Cobalt label’

ProGrade Digital has announced the release of its new CFexpress Type B memory cards, which offer higher capacities and improved speeds over previous-generation CFexpress cards.

The new CFexpress Type B cards use an NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen3 X2 to offer read speeds up to 1,700MB/s and burst write speeds up to 1,500MB/s — that’s 1.7GB/s and 1.5GB/s, respectively for the ‘Cobalt label’ cards. In addition to the ‘Cobalt label’ cards, ProGrade Digital is also launching a line of ‘Gold label’ CFexpress Type B cards that offers up to 1,700MB/s read speeds, but only guarantees a sustained write speed up to 400MB/s, depending on the card capacity.

The smallest and largest capacity CFexpress Type B cards in ProGrade Digital’s ‘Gold label’

On the topic of capacity, the ‘Cobalt label’ cards are available in 325GB and 650GB sizes, while the ‘Gold label’ cards come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB sizes. The cards are constructed of a metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation and are both X-ray proof and shock-proof.

The ‘Cobalt label’ cards start at $ 400 for the 325GB model (Adorama, B&H) and the ‘Gold label’ cards start at $ 160 for the 128GB model (B&H). All cards come with a three-year warranty and can be found at authorized ProGrade Digital retailers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lexar launches $50 USB Type-C CFexpress card reader with speeds up to 1,050MB/s

06 Jun

Lexar has announced its upcoming Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.1 Reader, a budget-friendly CFexpress card reader that offers impressive speeds in a compact package.

The Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.1 Reader is based on the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface and can deliver read speeds up to 1,050MB/s through its CFexpress Type B card slot. It measures in at roughly 5.6cm x 4.7cm x 1.3cm (1.1” x 1.5” x .14”), weighs just 21g (0.74oz) and can operate between -10°C to 70°C (14°F to 158°F) if you really feel like putting it to the test.

Despite having a USB Type-C host port on the reader, Lexar opted to only include a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable within the box. So, if you’re wanting a USB Type-C to USB Type-C connection, you’ll need to supply your own cable.

The good news is, this omission likely plays a role in the affordability of this card reader. The Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.1 Reader is currently available to pre-order for just $ 50 (Adorama, B&H). At this time, it appears to be the cheapest CFexpress card reader from major brands, including SanDisk ($ 70), Sony ($ 100), ProGrade ($ 100), Delkin ($ 55) and even Wise ($ 59).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Blackjet’s CFexpress Type B and XQD card reader, 4-bay Cinema Dock offer Thunderbolt 3 performance

08 May

Blackjet has two relatively new storage peripherals: the new TX-4DS four-bay Cinema Dock with Thunderbolt 3 and the TX-1CXQ reader for CFexpress Type B and XQD cards. Both products offer rapid data transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s due to the inclusion of Thunderbolt 3, making them suitable for users who often shoot Ultra HD footage, manage data-heavy projects or who need to rapidly transfer large batches of images between drives.

The Blackjet TX-1CXQ Thunderbolt 3 hub features support for CFexpress Type B cards and Sony XQD / XQD 2.0 cards with ingest speeds up to 1600MB/s and 500MB/s, respectively. The hub is powered by the Thunderbolt 3 cable that connects the device to the user’s computer. The TX-1CXQ works with Windows 10 and macOS 10.12 and higher.

The model is priced at $ 199 but is listed on multiple online retailer websites as on backorder without clear availability or shipping dates at this time.

Joining the card reader is the Blackjet TX-4DS Thunderbolt 3 Cinema dock, which features four M.2 NVMe SSD enclosures, dual Thunderbolt 3 ports for daisy-chaining up to five Thunderbolt devices (displays, external drives, etc.), and optional reader modules for directly turning the inputs into CFast 2.0, XQD, SDXC, SSD, SxS and CFexpress card readers.

The TX-4DS features a built-in cooling fan and can be configured with RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD using the included software. The unit measures 120 x 145 x 155mm (4.7 x 5.7 x 6.1in); it is compatible with Windows 10 and macOS 10.12 or higher.

The enclosure is available from numerous retailers, including Amazon and Adorama, for $ 499.99—the price doesn’t include SSD drives, which are sold separately. You can find out more information on Blackjet’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Z6/Z7 Raw video upgrade available starting today for $200; new firmware adds CFexpress support

17 Dec

Nikon has some much-anticipated news for Z-series videographers: starting today, Z6 and Z7 owners can send their cameras to a Nikon Service Center for a paid upgrade to add Raw video output. The company has also released firmware v.2.20 for the Z6/Z7 today, adding support for CFexpress memory cards.

First announced earlier this year, the paid upgrade brings 12-bit 4K or Full HD ProRes Raw video recording with the Atomos Ninja V recorder to both the Z6 and Z7, which were previously limited to 10-bit Log over HDMI. While 12 months is a fairly long time to wait, it’s probably no coincidence that this announcement comes after the recent settling of a long-running dispute between Apple and RED over the patent to Raw video. This may also explain why the update is paid, rather than available for free.

However, those who purchased the Z6 as part of the Filmmaker’s kit can receive the update at no charge; all other Z6 and Z7 owners must pay $ 200 for the service. Nikon USA has published a dedicated Raw video page explaining the requirements and instructions for obtaining the upgrade.

Nikon Z6 Filmmaker kit

Additionally, firmware v.2.20 for the Z6 and Z7 arrives today, enabling use of more robust (and more costly) CFexpress memory cards. Since the cards are physically the same dimensions as XQD, there’s no need to physically modify the cameras to make them compatible with the new format. The company also says it will add CFexpress support to the Nikon D5 (XQD-type), D850 and D500 at a later date.

Nikon Z6 and Z7 firmware version 2.20 is available starting today free of charge – visit Nikon’s firmware page to learn more.

NIKON Z SERIES EVOLVES TO BECOME EVEN MORE POWERFUL: FIRMWARE VER. 2.20 RELEASED, ADDS SUPPORT FOR CFexpress MEMORY CARDS;
PAID SERVICE TO INSTALL RAW VIDEO OUTPUT FUNCTION ALSO BEGINS

MELVILLE, NY (December 16, 2019 at 11:00 P.M. EST) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware Ver. 2.20 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. This firmware update offers several improvements that make these cameras even more powerful, including the addition of support for the next generation memory card, CFexpress. Additionally, Nikon has announced that beginning today, service to install RAW video output functionality will be available for those wishing to add enhanced professional video capabilities.

Support for CFexpress, the New Standard for Speed and Durability
Updating Z 7 and Z 6 firmware to Ver. 2.20 enables the use*1 of CFexpress*2 cards. CFexpress cards are robust and reliable, and support even faster data transfer than XQD cards for a smoother and more efficient photographic workflow.

CFexpress cards use a similar form factor to XQD, eliminating the need to physically modify the camera’s memory card slot. After upgrading, users will be able to use CFexpress as well as XQD cards in their camera interchangeably. In addition to the Z 7 and Z 6, CFexpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras in the future.

Initially, only limited CFexpress card types are fully supported and the number of supported cards will continue to expand as additional cards are tested and certified (Type B CFexpress cards manufactured only by Sony Corp. Availability date for the cards may vary by market).

RAW video output function (4K UHD and Full HD)
Developed in conjunction with Atomos, this capability enables recording of RAW video, which has greater flexibility for color grading compared to other video formats.

With this upgrade, 12-bit 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video can be recorded*3 to select models of Atomos video recorders*4 connected to a Z 7 or Z 6 camera via a HDMI connector. As RAW video is not subjected to in-camera processing, all information that is outputted from the image sensor is preserved. This abundance of information can later be used in post-production.

The RAW video output capability upgrade can be installed at a Nikon service center and will incur a fee but will be included free of charge as part of Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit bundles. Those customers in the United States who have already purchased a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit (Product #13545) will be eligible to have the fee waived (proof of purchase required). For more details about the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit, please visit here.

For additional technical information, equipment requirements and instructions on requesting the RAW video output upgrade, please visit: www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo.

Price and Availability
The firmware update Ver. 2.20 which enables CFexpress functionality is available now, free of charge. Please visit The Nikon Z series Firmware update page to download and find more information.

The RAW video output upgrade is available starting today and will require installation by a Nikon Service Center. A $ 199.95* fee will apply.

For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.?

*1 Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by Sony Corp. only. Operation is not guaranteed with cards from other manufacturers (as of December 2019).
*2 CFexpress is a trademark of the CompactFlash Association.
*3 With the Z 7, full-HD RAW video can be recorded using the FX-based movie format, and 4K UHD RAW video can be recorded using the DX-based movie format.
When the Z 6 is used, recording of either 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video is possible with both FX- and DX-based movie formats.
See the cameras’ Technical Guide, available from the Download Center, for details on differences between Z 7 and Z 6 specifications.
Nikon Download Center (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/index.html)
*4 The Atomos Ninja V supports Nikon RAW video output, and records videos in ProRes RAW format. Operation is not guaranteed with recorders other than the Ninja V (as of December 2019). RAW video output from a Nikon camera is supported by Ninja V firmware Ver. 10.2 and later.
See the Ninja V firmware download site (https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v).
*5 See our website for instructions on requesting the RAW output options activation service (www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo).
*Pricing and availability of the service will vary by region

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon’s XQD memory cards can now be preordered in the US despite rise of CFexpress

12 Dec

More than a year after it announced them, Nikon has officially launched its XQD memory cards in the United States. This is unfortunate timing for Nikon, which must compete with the new wave of CFexpress cards being released by a number of major competitors, including SanDisk and ProGrade.

Nikon offers a number of camera models that support XQD cards, which are physically smaller than CF with ample storage space, rapid speeds and a high level of durability. Here to challenge them is the CFexpress successor, which has largely eclipsed XQD due to its faster speeds.

A number of CFexpress memory cards are already available to preorder and, in the case of SanDisk, to purchase. That hasn’t stopped Nikon from bringing its branded XQD cards to the U.S. through B&H Photo, however, where they’re now available to preorder in 64GB capacity at $ 129.95 each.

Given the availability of similarly-priced CFEXpress media, this release casts doubt on whether we’ll see a promised firmware update for CFE support to Nikon’s XQD-compatible models in the near-term future.

CFexpress Type B cards feature the same form factor as XQD cards, meaning they physically fit in cameras made for XQD. However, in order to actually use CFE cards in these XQD cameras, manufacturers must release firmware updates that add support for the newer cards. Nikon promised that CFExpress compatibility would be added to key models in an announcement earlier this year, but the update has yet to become available.

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SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B cards hit the market in Europe

04 Sep

Earlier this year, the CompactFlash Association unveiled the new CFexpress 2.0 specification that’ll be available in three form factors: Type A, Type B and Type C. A number of manufacturers revealed plans to offer these next-generation cards and it now appears SanDisk is one of the first off the line with its new SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress 2.0 Type B card, which is currently for sale in various European markets.

As we previously reported, the CFexpress 2.0 Type B card features the same dimensions as the existing XQD card, bringing with it a Gen3, 2 lane interface and a maximum theoretical speed of 2,000MB/s. According to SanDisk, its new Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B card gets close to that limit with read speeds of up to 1700MB/s and a write speed up to 1400MB/s.

SanDisk says this model can capture ‘raw 4K video with sustainable, low-latency performance,’ and it can be used with the data recovery software RescuePRO Deluxe. The model has appeared for sale in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB and 512GB capacities on Amazon for several European markets, including the UK, for £174.99 to £691.99. It’s unclear when the card will arrive for sale in the US.

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CFexpress 2.0 cards will be offered in three sizes with different maximum speeds

15 Mar

In February, the CompactFlash Association announced the CFexpress 2.0 specification, a follow-up to the CFexpress 1.0 specification first revealed in late 2016. The new 2.0 spec update brings two more form factors to CFexpress, both targeting industrial and professional imaging markets, according to the association. The two new form factors join the original, ushering in Type A, Type B and Type C cards.

CFexpress 2.0 Type A cards are the smallest of the three form factors at 20mm x 28mm x 2.8mm, which is a bit smaller than a standard SD card. The Type A cards feature a Gen3 PCIe interface with 1 lane and a maximum theoretical performance of 1000MB/s.

The Type B card has the same dimensions as XQD cards at 38.5mm x 29.8mm x 3.8mm; this variety has a Gen3, 2 lanes interface and max theoretical performance of 2000MB/s. Finally, the Type C form factor is largest at 54mm x 74mm x 4.8mm with a Gen3, 4 lanes interface and max theoretical performance of 4000MB/s.

The different form factors offer manufacturers flexibility in choosing which card type their devices will utilize, such as the small card with a priority on compact size instead of transfer speeds, or the largest card with a focus on speed at the expense of compactness. Japanese publication DC.Watch shared images of these different card form factors earlier this month.

According to the CF Association, the CFexpress 2.0 specification is designed for a variety of needs, including imaging, which specifically includes DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, drone cameras and video cameras.

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