Recent advances in Digital SLR technology require a similar upgrade in the capabilities of memory cards. Faster burst speeds and High Definition video recording can only be utilised to their full extent if you have a memory card capable of handling the speed requirements. With an increasing number of megapixels still being the order of the day and an increasing tendency to use RAW mode it is not only speed of capture, but storage capacity that is coming under pressure.
SanDisk has recently announced a new series of memory cards aimed at the very top end of the market. The new line has been named SanDisk Extreme® Pro™. These are a range of CompactFlash cards. The top of the range card has a capacity of 64GB. It has a transfer rate of 90mb per second. This doubles the performance from previous SanDisk high-end memory cards. At the lower end of the range is a 16BG card.
The fast processing speeds speak for themselves, but the large capacity of the cards also increases the time interval before you need to change cards. This can make a difference between getting the shot that pays money and missing it. You also have the advantage of reduced download times after you have taken the shot too.
The people most likely to benefit from the capabilities of this card are likely to be pro sports or wildlife photographers. These disciplines are the most likely to be able to make the most of the high speeds of the card. Other areas are likely to benefit too. For example if you are a wedding photographer who now offers some integrated video footage the speed of the card and also the high capacities available are also likely to come in handy.
SanDisk Extreme cards are able to operate in extreme conditions, through a temperature range of minus 25 degrees centigrade to 85 degrees centigrade. They also have a silicone coating to protect them against moisture and humidity. Durability is further enhanced by the cards being able to cope with being dropped from heights of up to nine feet. For peace of mind the cards come with a lifetime guarantee, although the small print does say that this guarantee may vary from country to country.
The SanDisk Extreme Pro CompactFlash cards are fully compatible with any camera, card reader or other device that supports CompactFlash cards. Be aware though that although your camera body may be compatible with the card it may not be able to take full advantage of the write speeds available.
As you would expect there is a premium to pay for these cards with the 64GB version likely to cost in the region of £750. The 16GB card should retail at around £250. As ever prices should fall over time.
SanDisk are also launching the Extreme Pro ExpressCard™ Adapter. This is a reader optimised to speed up download times from the memory card. The reader should be available in late October 2009.
With more and more Digital SLRs switching to SDHC memory cards there had been speculation that CompactFlash cards faced an uncertain future. The technological advances the SanDisk Extreme memory cards make suggest that there is plenty of life in the old dog yet. As companies find it a challenge to come anywhere near these capabilities with SDHC or any other type of memory card CompactFlash cards are likely to remain the first choice for top level professionals for the foreseeable future.
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