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IRL: oStylus Dot, Sansa Clip+ and SanDisk's Extreme Pro 128GB CompactFlash Card

Engadget staff — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST

Welcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

This week's IRL is a quirky mix of vintage and modern, with Billy getting comfy with a new iPad stylus and Jason clinging to the Sansa Clip+ player he's owned since 2009. Rounding things out, Darren's decided to put all his digital media in one proverbial basket: a 128GB CompactFlash card.

Continue reading IRL: oStylus Dot, Sansa Clip+ and SanDisk's Extreme Pro 128GB CompactFlash Card

IRL: oStylus Dot, Sansa Clip+ and SanDisk's Extreme Pro 128GB CompactFlash Card originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexar launches its first 1000x CF memory cards

Mat Smith — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:20:00 EST

You can never get enough speed when it comes to flash storage. Lexar appears to think the same way, because it's introduced a new series of CF cards that pack a whole load of impressive numbers. Boasting 150MB per second read speeds and tested to capture streams at up to 20MB per second, it's sounding like a portable videographer's dream. The cards will be out in February, arriving in sizes 16GB ($170), 32GB ($300), 64GB ($530) and 128GB ($890).

Continue reading Lexar launches its first 1000x CF memory cards

Lexar launches its first 1000x CF memory cards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CompactFlash Association readies next-gen XQD format, promises write speeds of 125 MB/s and up

Dana Wollman — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:47:00 EST

We don't need to tell you CF is one of the few memory card formats that's managed to survive the SD tidal wave (remember when you needed Memory Stick to use a Sony point-and-shoot?). But if you're the kind of serious shooter who uses CF, you might be tickled to know its high-speed successor is just about good to go. The CompactFlash Association said it's finished work on XQD, a next-gen format that promises faster speeds, along with a smaller footprint than current-gen CF cards. As for transfer rates, the included PCI Express interface promises theoretical write speeds as high as 5 Gb/s, though the association is quick to peg real-world writes at 125 MB/s and up. Still, that's plenty fast for processing RAW stills and 1080p video, and it's a clear bump over the 100 MB/s write rates (max) you'll get from today's CF cards. No word on availability or partnerships, though we know Nikon led XQD's development, and that Canon endorsed it, so it's safe to say we'll see this in some major releases sometime after the association starts licensing the technology in early 2012.

CompactFlash Association readies next-gen XQD format, promises write speeds of 125 MB/s and up originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber

Sharif Sakr — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:47:00 EST

Delkin sneers at wimps who sit around all day debating whether it's worse to be too hot or too cold. Its new 32GB and 64GB rugged CompactFlash cards relish both extremes, with a claimed operating temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. They achieve this by eschewing the cheaper multi-level cell design of namby-pamby mainstream cards in favor of single-level cells that last for up to two million cycles and max out at 105MB/s reads and 95MB/s writes. We wouldn't stick anything else in our SnoMote. Full details in the PR after the break.

Continue reading Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber

Delkin's CF cards handle all weathers, so quit yo' jibber jabber originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 09:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sigma SD1 starts shipping in June for $9,700, has its sights set on medium format lovers

Vlad Savov — Fri, 20 May 2011 09:05:00 EST

Sigma knows that $9,700 is a lot of money to pay for, well, anything, so it's couching the hefty price tag on its new flagship DSLR, the SD1, in the context of it competing against medium format digital cameras -- whose prices don't generally fall below five figures. Trouble is, as professionally inclined, well designed, and durably built as the SD1 may be, it still only packs a 15.3 megapixel CMOS sensor that spans 24mm x 16mm (or APS-C size). That means it'll have to earn its stripes on the battlefield of image quality, which it'll be ready to march onto in less than a month's time. Sigma promises to start shipping units in early June, so if you have the cash to spare (plus a little extra to fund a suitably awesome lens), you can start building up your anticipation today. Full PR and camera specs can be found after the break.

Continue reading Sigma SD1 starts shipping in June for $9,700, has its sights set on medium format lovers

Sigma SD1 starts shipping in June for $9,700, has its sights set on medium format lovers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexar dual-slot CF / SD reader packs USB 3.0, downloads cards six times faster (video)

Zach Honig — Fri, 20 May 2011 04:11:00 EST

For professional photographers, every second counts when downloading images on a deadline -- especially when you throw enormous HD video files into the mix. With the $50 Lexar Professional USB 3.0 Dual-Slot Reader, photogs now have a fast transfer option to compliment their pricey high-capacity CF and UHS-I SDXC cards, theoretically enabling downloads at up to 500MB per second (though current cards max out at one-fifth of that). You'll need to have a USB 3.0 port and high-speed flash to take advantage of faster transfers, though the reader is backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 and older cards -- you'll even be able to use that 32MB CF that came bundled with your DSLR. And what about appearance? Lexar Director of Marketing Jeff Cable sums it up: "It looks similar to our older card reader, the USB 2.0 reader, except that it says USB 3.0 right here on the front." Bam!

Continue reading Lexar dual-slot CF / SD reader packs USB 3.0, downloads cards six times faster (video)

Lexar dual-slot CF / SD reader packs USB 3.0, downloads cards six times faster (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP tries to sneak CFast slot by us in EliteBook 8560w

Terrence O'Brien — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:43:00 EST

HP must have thought it could sneak this one by us -- and it would have succeeded too, if it wasn't for those meddling tipsters. A close examination of the recently announced EliteBook 8560w's press shot reveals it has a CFast slot, an interesting tidbit not mentioned in the release or the spec sheet. This is, to our knowledge, the first notebook to ship with a slot for the updated CompactFlash format, though the lack of cameras and other devices using the medium makes it a somewhat superfluous feature at the moment. Still, with transfer rates significantly faster than current CompactFlash cards and twice that of SDXC cards (with room to grow), we assume its only a matter of time before Nikon and Canon slap these bad boys in a few high-end shooters. Closeup shot after the break.

[Thanks, Reznov]

Continue reading HP tries to sneak CFast slot by us in EliteBook 8560w

HP tries to sneak CFast slot by us in EliteBook 8560w originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPad, iPad 2 get unofficial CF card compatibility (video)

Christopher Trout — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:49:00 EST

Given the impressive knockoffs and official camera kits we've seen, we'd say the iPad's definitely got the stuff to help out most shutterbugs, but up until now, uploading content from a CF card wasn't exactly easy. Well, our friends over at MIC Gadget recently showed off an iPad / iPad 2-compatible card reader that fixes that on the cheap. Simply called the CF card reader for iPad and iPad 2, the thing slips right into the slate's dock connector port and, as you can see from the video below, it transfers HD video and high-res images in a snap -- it also sports USB connectivity. Like its predecessor, the reader's available from MIC for $29.90, but you'll have to wait at least a month to get your hands on one. Oh, and a word of warning, you might want to make sure the iPad supports your camera's video format before shelling out the dough, as MIC found the slab couldn't playback video from a Canon EOS 5D Mark II.

Continue reading iPad, iPad 2 get unofficial CF card compatibility (video)

iPad, iPad 2 get unofficial CF card compatibility (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk reveals $1500 128GB Extreme Pro CF card, Ultra / Cruzer Edge USB drives

Darren Murph — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST

The world's fastest high-capacity CompactFlash card? Yes, please! SanDisk has just taken the CF game to an entirely new level, doubling the capacity of its current highest Extreme Pro offering by dishing out a 128GB model here at CES. The Extreme Pro is definitely the card of choice for the high-speed cameras here at Engadget HQ, and for those who've outgrown their twin 64GB setup within their D3S, you can soon pop in a pair of these bad boys for a nominal fee. The card touts performance as high as 100MB/sec (write), a Power Core controller and a UDMA-7 interface, perfectly suited for capturing hours of 1080p footage. Oh, and speaking of that nominal fee -- it's expected to hit retail "later this year" for $1499.99. Yeah, a grand and a half. But hey, you get what you pay for. In less enticing news, a pair of new flash drives are also being launched this evening, the SanDisk Ultra and Cruzer Edge. The Ultra offers transfer rates as high as 15MB/sec, ships in capacities ranging from 8GB to 32GB and will cost between $44.99 and $109.99. The Cruzer Edge reaches from 2GB to 16GB and will set you back between $12.99 and $79.99. Check out the full releases after the break, and though we shouldn't need to advise you, we'd recommend you start pinching those ~~pennies~~ dimes soon.

Gallery: SanDisk reveals $1500 128GB Extreme Pro CF card, Ultra / Cruzer Edge USB drives at CES 2011

Continue reading SanDisk reveals $1500 128GB Extreme Pro CF card, Ultra / Cruzer Edge USB drives

SanDisk reveals $1500 128GB Extreme Pro CF card, Ultra / Cruzer Edge USB drives originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sandisk, Sony, and Nikon propose 500MBps memory card with more than 2TB capacity

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:40:00 EST

While the CompactFlash Association scoots along at a maximum transfer rate of 167MB per second under its just released CF6.0 specification, Sandisk, Sony, and Nikon are already looking to the future. The trio have just officially proposed a new memory card format that switches from PATA to the PCI Express serial interface to achieve data transfer rates of up to 500 megabytes per second with a potential to extend maximum storage capacities beyond 2 terabytes. The proposed set of specifications hints at the high performance requirements we'll soon face as DSLRs and camcorders are updated to capture continuous burst shooting of massive RAW images and ever higher definition video. Naturally, the spec also enables photogs to transfer their troves of data more quickly to computers for post processing and combines high-speed transfer with a scaling system to extend battery life. The CompactFlash Association has already announced a new workgroup to study the proposal. Canon's Shigeto Kanda, CFA chairman of the board, had this to say about the proposal:

Future professional photography and video applications will require memory cards with faster read/write speeds. The development of a new high-performance card standard with a serial interface will meet the needs of the professional imaging industry for years to come and open the door for exciting new applications.

Sounds like tacit approval to us. And really, anything that brings Sony and Sandisk together on a future storage format should be seen as a positive step. Unless, of course, you're the SD Card Association or anyone who recently purchased a CFast card.

Continue reading Sandisk, Sony, and Nikon propose 500MBps memory card with more than 2TB capacity

Sandisk, Sony, and Nikon propose 500MBps memory card with more than 2TB capacity originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Trimble enhances its Nomad 900 series rugged computers, takes WinMo further into the field

Tim Stevens — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST

Windows Phone 7 may be the talk of the town, but good 'ol Windows Mobile is still gettin' 'er done in industrial devices around the country, gadgets like the Trimble Nomad 900 series. These rugged and suitably yellow handhelds are now even better at finding their way through the wilderness with improved GPS circuitry to decrease the time it takes to pull coordinates from the heavenly bodies above. Also new is a 5 megapixel camera with flash, paired with the same 806MHz processor, and 3.5-inch VGA display, 128MB of RAM, and 6GB of flash storage. Not enough for you? CompactFlash expansion is on offer, and you know how cheap CF cards are these days.

Continue reading Trimble enhances its Nomad 900 series rugged computers, takes WinMo further into the field

Trimble enhances its Nomad 900 series rugged computers, takes WinMo further into the field originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transcend issues four new CFast 500 memory cards, promises 108MB/sec transfer rates

Darren Murph — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:51:00 EST

February 2010 has come and gone, and we're still not seeing a heck of a lot of traction with regard to CFast. Hailed as the next major leap in the CompactFlash standard, CFast cards rely on the SATA interface versus UDMA / IDE, with Transcend's latest expected to boast transfer rates of 108MB/sec. As with other CFast cards, these too are shaped exactly like existing CompactFlash units, and while it seems as if the company is pushing these towards enterprise and industrial applications right now, it's just a matter of time before they make the jaunt to your local camera shop. Expect four sizes (2/4/8/16GB) to pop up in the next few months, and feel free to let your imagination run wild with respect to prices.

Continue reading Transcend issues four new CFast 500 memory cards, promises 108MB/sec transfer rates

Transcend issues four new CFast 500 memory cards, promises 108MB/sec transfer rates originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera

Vlad Savov — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:44:00 EST

We know you're a hardy crowd and aren't impressed by mere megapixels, but how about this: the 50MP sensor inside Hasselblad's new CFV-50 digital back is physically twice as large as a full-frame imager. Yeah, now we've got your attention. Intended as the attachment that finally makes film shooters break down and go digital, the CFV-50 comes with Hasselblad's DAC lens correction features that'll hunt down and ruthlessly obliterate any distortion, vignetting, lateral chromatic aberrations, or stray feelings of buyer's remorse. Yours for only €11,990 ($15,750) plus whatever taxes your local bureaucrat elects to slap on top. Full press release and a closeup of the CFV-50 await after the break.

Update: We managed to stop by the outfit's booth here at Photokina and snag a quick hands-on. Man, does this thing feel retro.

Gallery: Hasselblad CFV-50 hands-on at Photokina 2010

Continue reading Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera

Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sigma SD1 has a 15.3MP sensor, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, and no video mode at all (update: eyes-on!)

Vlad Savov — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:08:00 EST

It'd be too easy to describe this as "one for the purists," but it really rather is. The Sigma SD1 eschews any pretenses of being a video camera and gets right on with the business of taking gorgeous stills instead. Employing a 24mm x 16mm X3 CMOS sensor -- you know, the one with three stacked layers, one each for absorbing red, green and blue light -- dual TRUE II image processors, and an 11-point autofocusing system, the SD1 is eager to sweep up enthusiast photographers into its magnesium alloy embrace. 98 percent viewfinder coverage, a 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD and CompactFlash compatibility fill out the spec sheet, while price is indicated as somewhere in the neighborhood of the Canon EOS 7D. Without any live view or video options, Sigma had better have some truly spectacular image quality to show us when this thing ships in February of next year.

Update: Our hopes and dreams of caressing this rugged beast were dashed upon learning that the only SD1 at Photokina was held behind a glass box of emotion, but that didn't stop us from pointing our own camera at it and firing off a few shots. Trust us, it looks just as beastly in person as it does in the press shots. Have a gander below, won't you?

Gallery: Sigma SD1 eyes-on at Photokina 2010

Continue reading Sigma SD1 has a 15.3MP sensor, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, and no video mode at all (update: eyes-on!)

Sigma SD1 has a 15.3MP sensor, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, and no video mode at all (update: eyes-on!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PhotoFast GM-7300 SDXC-to-CF adapter gives your pro DSLR another storage option

Darren Murph — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:36:00 EST

You're probably wondering how you'll get 2TB or so into a single CF slot of your D3S. Or even if you're not, you're probably wondering how you can strap a trio of CF cards together for a 6TB slab of flash storage. So far as we can tell, PhotoFast's the first with an adapter that enables devices with CompactFlash slots to accept those minty fresh SDXC cards, which would theoretically allow anything that understands CF to now recognize. The GM-7300 SDXC-to-CF adapter is expected to ship next month in Japan for ¥2,980 ($35), but there's no word yet on when it'll be headed up over the Bering Strait and down into the US of A.

PhotoFast GM-7300 SDXC-to-CF adapter gives your pro DSLR another storage option originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: the field review

Darren Murph — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST

Nikon's D3S didn't exactly emerge out of nowhere, but the DSLR's boosted ISO ceiling of over 100,000 (102,400, if we're being precise) has certainly shaken up the industry. Nikon claims that it's set a new bar for low-light performance and raw speed in the crowded DSLR arena, and we were tickled pink when given the chance to see if this thing was worth its weight in gold. Now, the master photogs over at DP Review have already broken down the nitty-gritty details in an exhaustive 34 page critique, but for those just looking for a little insight -- and perhaps a short answer to "should I buy this?" -- we've got exactly what you're looking for. Head on past the break for two distinct takes on Nikon's most capable shooter yet -- and some thoughts on how Nikon's latest monster professional cam will radically change the consumer camera as well.

Gallery: Nikon D3S unboxing and hands-on

Continue reading Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: the field review

Shooting around with the Nikon D3S: the field review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RED Station makes modular storage look good

Donald Melanson — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:29:00 EST

ARRI may have attracted the majority of attention from camera nerds at this year's NAB show with its ALEXA camera, but RED is making a respectable showing itself, and has now introduced its new RED Station modular storage unit. That consists of a typically RED-looking base station, along with either a CompactFlash card reader module or a 2.5-inch SSD / hard drive reader, or both. Each of those modules also naturally packs an ample supply of ports, including not one but two FireWire 800 ports, and a single eSATA and mini USB port. Of course, all that doesn't exactly come cheap, with each piece of the puzzle set to run about $250 when they roll out on April 16th. RED isn't quite done with NAB just yet, however, as it also plans to show off a working EPIC camera at the show.

RED Station makes modular storage look good originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canon debuts XF305, XF300 pro camcorders with direct-to-CF recording

Donald Melanson — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:33:00 EST

Looking for a pro-level video camera that's somewhere south of an ARRI ALEXA or RED ONE but still impressive-looking enough (and feature-packed) to not be mistaken for an average, off-the-shelf prosumer camera? Then you might want to consider Canon's new XF305 and XF300 models, which both come in under $8,000 and not only offer the usual native 1080p recording, but support for recording directly to CompactFlash cards as well. Both cameras also use the same MPEG-2 4:2:2 50Mbps codec and DIGIC DV III image processor, and pack the same 4-inch LCD, 0.52-inch electronic viewfinder, built-in stereo microphone and dual XLR audio inputs, while the XF305 adds support for multi-camera or 3D setups as well. Hit up the gallery below for a closer look, and look for both cameras to be available in later June.

[Thanks, Stephen C]

Gallery: Canon XF305, XF300 press shots

Canon debuts XF305, XF300 pro camcorders with direct-to-CF recording originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CompactFlash 5.0 specification promises faster speeds, crazy 'theoretical' storage

Donald Melanson — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:51:00 EST

If there's one thing that sounds more impressive than actual capabilities, it's theoretical capabilities -- and it looks like the CompactFlash Association has come through on both counts with its new CF5.0 specifications. While any actual cards or cameras supporting the spec are still a ways off, the new standard does pave the way for 48-bit addressing (up from 28-bit), along with an increased data transfer unit size of 32MB/s (up from 128KB/s) and, best of all, a theoretical maximum capacity of 144 petabytes (up from a mere 137GB with the current spec). Other advancements include a so-called "Video Performance Guarantee" aimed at professional video cameras, and a new Interface Electrical Specification that complies better with the ATA standard, and promises to allow for "easier and better" card design.

CompactFlash 5.0 specification promises faster speeds, crazy 'theoretical' storage originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Silicon Power crams 128GB into 400x Compact Flash card: a world's first

Thomas Ricker — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:04:00 EST

Whoa, we just hit yet another major performance milestone in removable storage. Silicon Power is touting the world's first 128GB 400x Compact Flash card with write speeds of 90MBps and support for PIO Mode-6 (as defined by CompactFlash spec 2.0) and Multi-Word DMA 4 (as defined by CompactFlash spec 2.1) transfer mode in quad-channel configurations. In other words, it'll play nice with new HD video capable DSLR shooters. Unfortunately, the card is only being announced today -- no price or ship date in the press release. Sigh.

Silicon Power crams 128GB into 400x Compact Flash card: a world's first originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey

Darren Murph — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:14:00 EST

Naw, it ain't the quickest CompactFlash card our eyes have ever seen, but it's certainly up there. SanDisk's new Extreme Pro CF line packs an impressive 600x rating, which is twice that of the Extreme IV CompactFlash card that it shipped right around this time last year. Available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB flavors, this unit promises 90MB/sec read and write performance, guaranteed operation at extreme temperatures and a thumbs-up from Chase Jarvis. Also introduced is the 8/16/32GB SanDisk Extreme, which features 60MB/sec of read and write performance (400x) while going a little easier on the wallet. Both families should be available any day now, with the Extreme gang ranging from $130 to $375 and the Extreme Pro crew starting at $300 and stopping at around $800. Oh, and if you're scouting an ExpressCard reader to handle the new speeds, the Extreme Pro ExpressCard Adapter will splash down next month for $49.99. Enthralling demo is after the break.

Gallery: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey

Continue reading Video: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey

Filed under: Storage

Video: SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card does 600x, the hokey pokey originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: PhotoFast CR-7000 SDHC to CF adapter takes on 5D Mark II, lives to burst about it

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:37:00 EST

While we love those fast, high-capacity CompactFlash cards guaranteed to capture every frame of HD video shot by modern DSLRs, occasionally it would be nice to process those pixels to an SDHC card. The convenience of SD or the fact that you likely have more than a few unused cards lying around is enough justification to switch, at least temporarily. Fortunately, Akihabara News did a quick hands-on demonstration of the PhotoFast CR-7000 doing the SDHC-to-CF adapter thing inside of Canon's ultra-quick 5D Mark II. Sure, it won't capture 1080p video, but it seems to handle bursting reasonable well in a pinch. Check the full read over at Aki after peeping the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: PhotoFast CR-7000 SDHC to CF adapter takes on 5D Mark II, lives to burst about it

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Storage

Video: PhotoFast CR-7000 SDHC to CF adapter takes on 5D Mark II, lives to burst about it originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PhotoFast GMonster SSD gets wrestled open, found to contain compact flash cards

Joseph L. Flatley — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:49:00 EST

Looks like those crazy kids from PhotoFast are putting out another do-it-y'self SSD kit, as this charming hands-on proves. Inside its unassuming shell, the GMonster Quad holds up to (you guessed it!) four 32GB CF memory cards, and a JMicron controller described by our man in Taipei as "awesome fast." No word on price yet, but we're sure to find out before this bad boy goes on sale in the next few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy the award-winning video after the break.

Continue reading PhotoFast GMonster SSD gets wrestled open, found to contain compact flash cards

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PhotoFast GMonster SSD gets wrestled open, found to contain compact flash cards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maxell launches flash storage line

Joshua Topolsky — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST

Could this mean the death of the Cassingle?

Continue reading Maxell launches flash storage line

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Maxell launches flash storage line originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PhotoFast CR-7100 MicroSDHC adapter helps obsolete CF cards

Vlad Savov — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:16:00 EST

That noise you hear is the sobering death rattle of the CompactFlash memory format. Allegiance to the now decidedly less than compact memory sticks seems to keep crumbling away bit by bit. The latest assault comes in the form of this here converter, capable of utilizing a MicroSDHC card in the high-end camera of your choice. The CR-7100 is available in Japan now for ¥2,980, or about 31 greenbacks. Here's hoping this agent of memory interoperability nirvana shows up in US and European markets sooner rather than later.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Storage

PhotoFast CR-7100 MicroSDHC adapter helps obsolete CF cards originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pretec 32GB SDXC, 666x CF card and 64GB ExpressCard SSD eyes-on

Darren Murph — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 16:17:00 EST

We first caught wind of SDXC back at CES, and just today Pretec announced the world's first SDXC card. Much to our pleasure, said card was on hand at the outfit's booth at CeBIT. Sadly, we were forced to photograph the one behind the glass bubble, as some incredibly evil individual managed to swipe the product sample from the outfit's booth last night (seriously, the Polizei are out for you!). Also on hand was a devilishly fast 666x CompactFlash card along with a mighty capacious 100GB CF card that hums along at 233x. Last, but certainly not least, was the 64GB ExpressCard SSD, which looked suspiciously like most every other ExpressCard we've ever seen. Unfortunately, these newcomers were so new that pricing information wasn't yet available, though all of the devices mentioned will be shipping this year. We'll keep you posted on further deets, but till then, feel free to meander around in the gallery below.

Gallery: Pretec 32GB SDXC, 666x CF card and 64GB ExpressCard SSD eyes-on

Filed under: Storage

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SanDisk, Toshiba hype up X3 and X4 flash tech

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:36:00 EST

We've been following the perambulations of SanDisk and Toshiba's joint efforts for quite some time now -- from their work with "3D" memory technology to their renegotiation after the Samsung buyout debacle -- and all that love resulted in two announcements today: first, the X4 tech that SanDisk acquired when it purchased Msystems in 2006 will be used, alongside the companies' 43nm manufacturing process, to develop 64GB Compact Flash cards as early as the first half of this year. Second, it looks like 32nm X3 MLC NAND is a go, meaning we should see some seriously jacked SDHC and microSD cards in the future. Yes, but will they ever learn to make this exciting?

[Via Electronista]

Read - X4 flash
Read - X3 flash

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SanDisk, Toshiba hype up X3 and X4 flash tech originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pretec debuts CFast storage card, proclaims it world's smallest SATA SSD

Donald Melanson — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:08:00 EST

Pretec has already pushed standard CompactFlash cards pretty far, and it now looks to be branching out beyond the confines of the format, with it today announcing its new CompactFlash-sized (but apparently not CompactFlash-compatibile) CFast storage card. Helping the card earn that title is its use of a high-speed SATA interface, which boosts the maximum transfer speed to a blistering 375MB per second, or roughly 300% faster than the speediest CompactFlash card on the market today. In a bit of a twist to these usual announcements, Pretec says the the first 32GB cards are actually available starting today (albeit not directly to consumers), with some 64GB card promised to be following "soon."

Filed under: Storage

Pretec debuts CFast storage card, proclaims it world's smallest SATA SSD originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TDK trots out industrial CompactFlash cards / SSDs

Darren Murph — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST

Not just everyone can get away with consumer-level kit, and if you plan on keeping that Counter-Strike server running for another four years without so much as a hiccup, you should probably look into some industrial-strength materials. To that end, we present to you a new pair from TDK: a U.DMA 6-compatible CompactFlash card and a line of PATA SSDs, both of which boast a maximum capacity of 16GB. Both lines combine the original GBDriver RA8 U.DMA 6-compatible NAND Flash memory controller with a high-frequency SLC NAND Flash memory module for read speeds of up to 50MB/sec and write speeds up to 30MB/sec. You'll also find an error correction function scalable to 15 bit/sector ECC to provide high data reliability -- remember, zero hiccups -- and a static wear leveling function to greatly increase the write life span. Sadly, no pricing figures are disclosed, but both crews should start shipping next month.

[Via SlashGear]

Filed under: Storage

TDK trots out industrial CompactFlash cards / SSDs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Synchrotech's CFMulti adapter brings Eye-Fi support to CF cameras

Darren Murph — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST

Been longing for Eye-Fi support in your Sony a350? Or any CompactFlash-lovin' camera, for that matter? Meet Synchrotech, your new best friend. The company famous for making incredibly useful adapters has just pumped out its latest stroke of genius, the CFMulti. As you'd expect, this card fits into traditional CF slots but enables Secure Digital cards to be read, including Eye-Fi's range of wireless SD cards. In addition to that, the device accepts standard SD / SDHC and MMC / MMC+ cards. You know you'd pay $28 for all that functionality in one tight package, right?

[Via MacsimumNews, thanks Robert]

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Peripherals, Wireless, Storage

Synchrotech's CFMulti adapter brings Eye-Fi support to CF cameras originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk ships 16GB 300x Extreme IV CompactFlash card

Darren Murph — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:27:00 EST

If you're jonesing for the quickest, most nimble CF card this planet has to offer, you'll be hard pressed to find one quicker and more nimble than this. Following up on Pretec's launch, SanDisk has started shipping its 16GB 300x (45MB/sec) Extreme IV CompactFlash card, which marks a 12.5% increase in speed and 50% boost in capacity compared to its predecessor. Oh, but then there's the $399.99 price tag. We know, right?

Filed under: Storage

SanDisk ships 16GB 300x Extreme IV CompactFlash card originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pretec breaks records, banks with 100GB, 64GB, and ultra-fast 32GB CF cards

Stephanie Patterson — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:58:00 EST

Remember the days when 64GB sounded huge for a CompactFlash card? Well, now you can pick up the world's largest CF: a 100GB Pretec 233x operating at a zippy 35MB/sec. And if that's not big enough for you, through some kind of crazy voodoo magic (aka Pretec Q-SATA) four 64GB cards can be transformed into a 256GB SATA drive -- assuming you have $1,596 burning a hole in your pocket. And if speed is your game, Pretec can outfit you with a 333x 32GB CF card running at a record-breaking 50MB/sec for merely $630 -- chump change, right?

[Via Business Wire]

Filed under: Storage

Pretec breaks records, banks with 100GB, 64GB, and ultra-fast 32GB CF cards originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SanDisk introduces 32GB Extreme III CompactFlash card

Nilay Patel — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST

SanDisk's 30MB/s Extreme III line of flash cards keeps growing -- the company just announced the 32GB Extreme III CompactFlash card for $299. Pretty steep, but if you're shooting high-speed RAW images or filming an HD masterpiece, we bet your ears just perked up. Out in October, we're told.

Filed under: Storage

SanDisk introduces 32GB Extreme III CompactFlash card originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nervian's CardReader Pro fits right in with PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro

Darren Murph — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:53:00 EST

As your never-ending quest to find peripherals specifically made to match beautifully with your PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro continues, we've one that'll surely shoot right to the top of your must-have list. Nervian's CardReader Pro slips just under the front handle of your tower, providing (almost) integrated card reader functionality without putting a damper on your rig's style. Better still, the USB 2.0 unit supports 52 different flavors of flash memory, ensuring that just about every card you toss in there will mount in short order. There's no word on how costly this will be when it ships in October, but those definitely interested can nab 15% off by signing up for details at the outfit's website.

[Thanks, choco]

Filed under: Desktops, Peripherals, Storage

Nervian's CardReader Pro fits right in with PowerMac G5 / Mac Pro originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A-DATA unveils speedy Turbo Series 350X CompactFlash cards

Darren Murph — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:35:00 EST

A-DATA's latest CompactFlash cards were designed to be looked at longingly by even the most demanding photographer, and while the average joe probably won't have the kit to appreciate just how speedy these things are, we'll do our best to explain. The Turbo Series CF 350X memory card features a read speed of 52MB/sec and a write speed of 47MB/sec, whereas Delkin's "world's fastest" model packs a sustained read / write rate of 45MB/sec. Regrettably, A-DATA isn't handing out pricing details just yet, but we do know they'll soon be available in 8GB and 16GB editions.

[Via Electronista]

Filed under: Storage

A-DATA unveils speedy Turbo Series 350X CompactFlash cards originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microdia beats Samsung to market with world's first 64GB CF card

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:19:00 EST

At long last and a full year and a half after Samsung first touted a 64GB Compact Flash card, Microdia steps onto the scene with the world's first product. Almost. By the end of June, Microdia will begin shipping its 64GB XTRA ELITE CF card to the photog masses. The UDMA card brings a sustained read / write speed of 300x or 45MBps making it perfectly suited to high-burst rate DSLRs. Now if only we had a price to calculate the cost of our new 192GB SSD. Full press release after the break.

[Via PC Authority]

Continue reading Microdia beats Samsung to market with world's first 64GB CF card

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Storage

Microdia beats Samsung to market with world's first 64GB CF card originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sans Digital's CS1T and CR2T turn CF cards into 2.5-inch enclosures

Joshua Fruhlinger — Sat, 24 May 2008 17:04:00 EST

We've seen CF-SATA converters before, but what if you were to create a SATA shaped, sized, and interfaced enclosure and allow users to throw Compact Flash cards in there to make their own SSDs for more standard installs? Sans Digital's CS1T is a single-card Compact Flash CF to 2.5" SATA enclosure and the CR2T is a dual-card enclosure that uses RAID to support up to 64GB. Both utilize IDE and, when closed, look and act just like 2.5-inch HDDs for your various installation needs.

Filed under: Storage

Sans Digital's CS1T and CR2T turn CF cards into 2.5-inch enclosures originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 May 2008 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Century's Compact Flash SSD SATA adapter reviewed

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 22 May 2008 03:18:00 EST

Akihabara News managed to snap up Century's 3x Compact Flash adapter for review. As expected, the do-it-yourself SATA adapter aggregates a trio of CF cards and presents them as a single solid state disk to your computer in either RAID 0 (better capacity) or RAID 5 (better integrity) modes. The one caveat is this: the speed of the SSD is determined by the slowest CF in the mix. Regardless, this is without a doubt the most inexpensive way to create a quick and dirty SSD at about half the cost of an off-the-shelf, retail model. Check the action after the break.

Continue reading Video: Century's Compact Flash SSD SATA adapter reviewed

Filed under: Storage

Video: Century's Compact Flash SSD SATA adapter reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 May 2008 03:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Century's SATA adapter supports 3 CF cards: cheap SSDs for all

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:24:00 EST

While we patiently wait 18 to 24 months for the CFast CompactFlash cards to arrive, there's always this: the DIY Century Compact Flash to SATA adapter. We've seen these adapters before of course, but this is the first we recall supporting 3x cards. That's a quickie 96GB SSD for about $450 (plus $192.57 for the adapter plus shipping) given current on-line prices. Not bad when you consider the $1,000+ price tag for a smaller 64GB SSD. Better yet, performance should be rock solid based on earlier reviews. In stock with RAID 0 / 5 support starting May 1st.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Storage

Century's SATA adapter supports 3 CF cards: cheap SSDs for all originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CFast CompactFlash cards now said to be coming in "18 to 24 months"

Donald Melanson — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:40:00 EST

We've already heard a little bit about the new and improved CFast CompactFlash card standard developed by the CompactFlash Association, but it looks like things are now starting to firm up, including word as to when the cards might actually be available. As CNET's Underexposed blog reports, a Lexar rep says he "predicts" that the cards should start showing up in "18 to 24 months," and that companies will "want to start working on prototype samples as soon as the specification is finalized." The big advantage to the cards, as we've mentioned, is their use of an SATA interface, which not only boosts the transfer rate to a speedy 375MB/sec but, of course, also makes them incompatible with current CompactFlash-based cameras. And you thought that 55-in-1 memory card reader was future proof.

Filed under: Digital Cameras, Storage

CFast CompactFlash cards now said to be coming in "18 to 24 months" originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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