SanDisk unveils 'fastest memory card', Extreme Pro CFast 2.0

SanDisk has announced its new Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 memory card, which is primarily aimed at professionals in the broadcast, cinematography and next-generation professional photography industries. The memory card, with a capacity of 120GB, claims the title of “world’s fastest memory card” with read speeds of up to 450MB/s and write speeds of up to 350MB/s. In practice, it essentially means up to double the shot speed of today's fastest cards. Industry professionals can also manage large files faster than before. For example, a 100GB file takes nearly 20 minutes to transfer from CompactFlash at 90MB/s. With the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 memory card, it takes only four minutes to transfer at 450MB/s, according to SanDisk.

The Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 has the fastest read/write speeds out there

The SanDisk Extreme Pro CFast card is the first to utilise the CFast 2.0 specification, which was a collaboration of leading CompactFlash Association members. Early adopters and endorsers include SanDisk, Canon, ARRI and Codex.

Motion picture equipment manufacturer Arri will be the first to implement CFast 2.0 as recording media in a camera. The new documentary-style Arri Amira will record to in-camera CFast 2.0 cards, and Alexa XT camera users will be able to use a new CFast 2.0 adapter, allowing it, as well as Alexa Classic cameras upgraded with the XR Module, to do the same.

According to SanDisk, the Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 cards are created to withstand real-world exposure to temperature, shock and vibration, and include a pinless design, which lessens the chance of damaging the card or camera while changing cards. The cards will also be marked with a unique individual serialisation number that can be registered into SanDisk Pro Care Customer Support.

Right now, the Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 memory cards are only available in the US and Europe at select specialty stores. They come in 60GB and 120GB capacities.