Lexar has launched two new high-capacity CFexpress Type A memory cards. The 2 TB cards are available in both the company’s Professional Silver and Gold range. Lexar says that the cards can capture seamless cinema-quality 8K video.
CFexpress Type A
CFexpress Type A memory cards are used by Sony Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless cameras. You need to use CFexpress Type A cards to take advantage of the highest frame rates and best quality recording modes on the cameras. Unfortunately, CFexpress Type A cards are also less common than the more widely used CFexpress Type B cards.
Lexar Gold
The Lexar Professional Gold CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards deliver maximum read speeds of 1,800 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 1,650 MB/s. However, Lexar does state that these speeds are obtained when paired with the Lexar Professional CFexpress Type A USB 4.0 Reader. The 2TB Gold CFexpress cards also have a sustained write speed of 1,400 MB/s and a VPG400 rating.
Lexar Silver
The Lexar Professional Silver CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards Max have maximum read speeds of 1,750 MB/s and maximum write speeds of 1,650 MB/s. Again, these speeds are quoted when the cards are paired with Lexar’s card reader. The Silver cards also have slightly slower sustained write speeds of up to 1,300 MB/s. Accordingly, they only achieve a VPG200 rating.
Rugged design
Both the Lexar Gold and Silver CFexpress Type A memory cards are temperature-proof, vibration-resistant, and shock-resistant. The cards also come with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. In addition, they rated as 5-meter drop-proof and 150N pressure-proof.
What we think
Sony’s Cinema Line and Alpha mirrorless cameras are very popular with independent video makers. However, there has always been a limited choice of CFexpress Type A cards for shooters who want to use the highest frame rates and best image quality settings on their cameras. It’s therefore great to see Lexar expanding its range of CFexpress Type B cards with these 2 TB models. The new cards aren’t cheap, but if you use a compatible Sony camera, they are a great option for longer shoots.
Pricing and availability
The 2TB Lexar Professional Gold and Silver CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards are available now. They are priced at $699 and $599, respectively. Lexar says that both cards are compatible with Sony Alpha cameras and Sony FX Series cameras.
