cond when used on UMDA-compatible cameras. Most pro-level and many prosumer DSLRs are UMDA-compatible. The cards will be available in 2, 4, 8 and 16GB capacities, and will be avialable next month.
Adorama had a chance to test a sample card and while no speed difference was noticed on a non-UMDA camera (which is to be expected), we did see the transfer speed nearly double when we used a pro camera. For instance, we were able to download a 100MB file in under 4 seconds, while the same file took around 7 seconds to download from a slower card. When transferring a full 8GB card, this would have an impact on production time. Internal in-camera fuffer time was similarly reduced.
For details, read the Lexar press release:
Lexar Enhances Digital Photography Experience of Popular Professional 133x Line Memory Cards to 233x
New CompactFlash Cards Deliver Workflow-Enhancing Benefits for the Growing Number of Photographers Who Have Embraced Digital SLR Cameras
Fremont, CA, September 23, 2008 – Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, announced today that it has enhanced the performance of its Professional line of CompactFlash® (CF) memory cards to 233x, a significant speed advancement over the line’s previous speed-rating of 133x. The Lexar Professional 233x CF memory cards are now UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) enabled and capable of minimum-sustained read and write speeds of 35MB per second – a considerable improvement over the previous read and write speeds of 20MB per second. These exceptionally fast cards are available in three popular capacities, including 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB, and deliver professional-level performance for a wider range of digital SLR users, including professionals and photo enthusiasts seeking high-capacity and high-speed performance. Lexar Professional 233x CF cards also greatly improve digital imaging workflow and convenience by reducing the time needed to transfer images from the card to the host computer. The new cards are also complemented by the line of Lexar Professional UDMA-compatible high-speed card readers. For more information about Lexar Professional 233x CF cards, please visit www.lexar.com.
“With the recent surge in popularity of digital SLR cameras, professional photographers and photo enthusiasts require flash memory cards that not only safely store all of their images, but also are fast enough to keep pace with rapid shooting,” said Greg Agustin, senior product marketing manager, Lexar. “The new Lexar Professional 233x CF cards provide the reliability, speed, and capacity photographers require to shoot continuously and confidently, while improving post-production workflow capabilities.”
The Professional 233x CF line enhances the performance of the broad Lexar Professional line, which includes Lexar Professional 300x CF products ranging from 2GB to 16GB in capacity, and Lexar Professional Secure Digital 133x products ranging from 2GB to 8GB. With this enhancement to the line, Lexar provides improved performance and choice of capacity throughout its Professional memory card offering.
The new Lexar Professional 233x CF cards include a limited lifetime warranty, free dedicated technical support, and the full version of Lexar Image Rescue™ 3, Lexar’s award-winning image recovery software. Lexar Professional 233x CF memory cards will be available in October.
