Sony announce blazing fast new CFast 2.0 memory cards

Memory cards just keep getting faster and faster

Users of CFast 2.0 cards will have more choice and faster speeds thanks to Sony.

When Blackmagic Design first released the URSA it has to be said that it took a little bit of criticism for the use of CFast 2.0 cards. One of those criticisms was that the cards were expensive, but the other was that nobody else would be using them. Fast forward to now and CFast cards are used all over the place, from external recorders to cameras such as the Canon C200, as well as the URSA Mini’s.

To this end Sony has now released a new set of CFast 2.0 cards as part of its Pro line-up. The new cards support VPG130 (Video Performance Guarantee), which guarantees a sustained write speed of 130MB/s. The maximum write speeds of 510MB/s and read speeds of 530MB/s compare well with, and exceed the specs of the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 cards. However both support the all important sustained 130MB/s figure. In other words, the new Sony cards can sustain a continuous 1040Mbps write speed.

While it would be true to say that SD cards are getting faster all the time, they have yet to reach the heady heights seen here, especially when it comes to sustained speeds. For professional use, too, CFast cards are nice and chunky, and since they can now be used in a variety of equipment they are a better way to spend money on storage than proprietary types that can only be used in a single manufacturers gear.

There’s no word on the pricing of these new Sony cards, but they are set to be released in the first quarter of 2018. The full press release follows on the next page.

Sony completes Pro memory card line-up with new CFast range

28th November 2017, 3pm: Sony today announced the launch of a range of high performance CFast memory cards designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and videographers. The new G Series CFast responds to the ever increasing capabilities of high-end DSLR and 4K cinema-grade broadcast cameras, offering lightning-fast write speeds of up to 510MB/s and read speeds of up to 530MB/s.

“Joining an established range that includes Professional internal SSDs, XQD and SxS cards, as well as the world’s fastest SD card, the new CFast models strengthen Sony’s position as a leader in professional memory solutions, improving the shooting experience and optimising the workflow.” said Romain Rousseau, Senior European Product Manager.

Step up to industry-leading write speeds

Professional photographers demand faster speed for continuous burst shooting of higher resolution images like RAW. With up to 510MB/s write speed, far outperforming the capabilities of existing CFast cards, G Series supports high-speed burst shooting of high resolution RAW, maximising the capability of high-end DSLR cameras.

Reliable 4K video recording with VPG130 support

As well as ultra-fast write speed, the new CFast cards support VPG130 for reliable recording of Cinema-grade or high-bitrate 4K video. A minimum sustained write speed of 130MB/s is guaranteed, making the new media ideal for stable recording of professional grade 4K video such as Cinema RAW light mode.

Super-fast read speed for ultra-effective workflow

Efficient workflow is essential for professional photographers and videographers working in challenging environments to tight deadlines. With a blazing fast read speed of 530MB/s, G Series CFast dramatically reduces the time it takes to transfer RAW files, long 4K video footage and high-resolution images to a PC.  

Designed for strength and reliability

The new CFast cards have passed a variety of stringent drop, vibration, shock and rigidity tests, making them perfect for shooting in many different locations. They work reliably across a wide range of temperatures and are highly resistant to static. With a hard case and Sony File Rescue software included for recovering accidentally deleted photos such as RAW images and videos, professionals can shoot with confidence in the toughest conditions.

Pricing and Availability

The new G Series CFast 2.0 memory cards will be available in 32GB (CAT-G32), 64GB (CAT-G64) and 128GB (CAT-G128) capacities, and will be available in 1st quarter of CY2018.