SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash Memory Cards
The latest in the race for "state of the art" memory cards are the 600x (90 MB/s) UDMA mode 6 cards from SanDisk. According to the manufacturer, these are not only the fastest cards currently available, but they have been internally redesigned for maximum reliability and incorporate a new controller which gives:
- High-Performance: The SanDisk® Power Core™ Controller's dual-lane architecture and software algorithms double card performance, enabling the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards' read/write speeds of up to 90MB/s over a UDMA-6 bus.
- Increased-Reliability: The SanDisk Power Core Controller's firmware algorithms and 42-bit ECC engine maintain data integrity and extended card endurance through optimized wear leveling.
- Simplified Design:To further increase overall card durability, the SanDisk Power Core Controller features an integrated design that requires fewer individual components on the card's printed circuit board.
SanDisk Extreme cards guarantee operation at extended temperatures ranging from minus 13 F (minus 25 C) to 185 F (85 C). SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards feature RTV Silicone coating for added protection against moisture and humidity. The cards can withstand accidental drops of up to nine feet, and carry a lifetime limited warranty.
In order to take full advantage of the card's speed for downloading to a PC SanDisk are also offering the SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter which is optimized to take advantage of the SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash card's up to 90MB/s read speed. The reader carries an MSRP of $49.99 and should be available very soon (SanDisk say "late October").
The Extreme Pro series cards aren't cheap, at around $235 for the 16GB, $415 for the 32GB and $650 for the 64GB versions. However if you want the ultimate in CF card memory, currently these cards are it.
I briefly had a chance to try the 16GB card in an EOS 7D (which can utilize the UDMA mode 6 capability of the cards). While Canon specify a JPEG buffer size of around 130 images using a fast UDMA card, with the Extreme Pro card I gave up trying to fill the buffer after shooting for 60 seconds at 8 frames/sec (480 frames). These cards really fly - if you have a camera that can take advantage of their speed. That would include the new EOS 7D and well as the new EOS 1D MkIV. With slower cameras you likely see less of a difference since they may be probably limited more by the camera's speed than the speed of the memory card. However downloading large amounts of data would still be significantly faster if the SanDisk Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter was used.
Not to be outdone, Lexar have announced their own line of 600x UDMA mode 6 cards and reader. They should be available in a few weeks and I'll write more on them later.
Overall I'd give the SanDisk Extreme Pro cards a 5 star rating on everything but cost (which I'm sure will come down in time). If you don't need the ultimate in speed, Sandisk also have a new series of 60MB/s (400x) UDMA enables CF cards, which are also pretty fast and quite a bit cheaper. Their 16GB Extreme card is currently selling for around $150. The SanDIsk 16 GB Extreme III
