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OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB: 30-second assessment
Specs
Storage Capacity: 1TB
Read Speed: Up to 3650MB/s
Write Speed: Up to 3000MB/s
Minimum Sustained Write Speed: 1500MB/s
Software Compatibility: OWC Innergize App for well being and upgrades
Build Quality: UV, shock, drop, and excessive temperature resistant
Warranty: 2 years
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1.0TB card has been round for some time, though this newest model is transport with the up to date 4.0 firmware, which has unlocked the total potential of the cardboard. What’s extra, for those who already personal an OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress, the chances are high that, as soon as linked to the OWC Innergize app, it’s best to be capable of improve the firmware of the cardboard, which is able to once more give the switch charges a lift. The card is, in essence, the identical card—it is simply the firmware that has modified, leading to an enormous leap in efficiency.
As the cardboard is of the usual CFexpress design and construct high quality, it is extraordinarily strong and supreme to be used within the newest vary of high-resolution cameras and camcorders that utilise the Type-B format. The switch charges are vital and much exceed what we now have been used to with the likes of the SD card format; even the newer UHS-II playing cards appear decidedly sluggish as compared. You may also really feel the distinction within the dealing with of some digital camera options versus an SD card. In the Canon EOS R5, the taking pictures pace and AF efficiency make a marked enchancment.
In use, the cardboard performs with out subject, recording high-resolution stills and video on the Canon EOS R5 C. The pace of the cardboard merely implies that there isn’t any noticeable buffering as recordsdata are saved; the digital camera simply works, and the cardboard allows it to fulfil its full potential.
The card’s use within the digital camera is the first focus for any reminiscence card, however being from OWC, an organization with an extended historical past of working with the inventive trade, has taken issues a step additional. Alongside the cardboard is an ecosystem of different merchandise, together with the cardboard reader and Innergize software program. Together, these not solely allow you to obtain your recordsdata to your machine but additionally monitor and handle the well being of your reminiscence playing cards.
It’s all very intelligent and joined up, making this among the best options for professionals on the market.
OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB: Price & availability
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 2.0TB is on the market instantly from OWC and authorised retailers. While priced at a premium, it is available in at an identical worth to different premium branded merchandise providing this efficiency and capability.
OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB: Design & construct
The design of the OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB card adheres to the same old CFexpress Type B requirements, and as such, the load and dimensions of the cardboard make sure that it matches easily into cameras that settle for this format of card. As we have seen with different CFexpress playing cards, the construct and design are strong, comprised of high-quality plastics and metals that assist shield the cardboard from shocks, drops, and excessive temperatures.
OWC has additionally added safety towards UV rays and electrostatic discharge, making it travel-friendly and lowering the chance of harm throughout safety scans. As the cardboard should adhere to requirements, the outer casing’s label is the one design component that actually differentiates it from different CFexpress playing cards.
OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB: Features
When wanting on the Atlas Ultra and its CFexpress 4.0 capabilities, a number of options stand out. The first is the switch charges this card can facilitate, with learn speeds of as much as 3650MB/s and write speeds of as much as 3000MB/s. These speeds immediately spotlight the cardboard as an ideal resolution for 4K and 8K video, in addition to for taking pictures in skilled video settings.
Our assessment pattern is the 1TB model of the cardboard, however it is usually out there in 325GB, 650GB, 1TB, and 2TB variations. The two smaller-capacity playing cards have barely decrease switch charges however are nonetheless extremely quick and consistent with nearly all of playing cards available on the market.
Alongside the cardboard, two different elements from OWC are wanted to unlock the cardboard’s potential absolutely. The first is the cardboard reader. While the corporate gives a couple of completely different choices, the one to pair with the Atlas Ultra CFexpress 4.0 is the Atlas CFexpress Card Reader, which utilises a USB4 connection. On paper, this connection gives a switch fee of 5000MB/s.
The OWC reader is required to make use of the OWC Innergize software program, which is a free obtain however can solely be used alongside OWC merchandise. This software program allows you to monitor and handle the situation of your CFexpress card, highlighting any potential points earlier than they happen.
OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB: Performance
Test outcomes
Read Speed: 3324.37MB/s
Write Speed: 2807.3MB/s
CFexpress playing cards are slowly being adopted by digital camera producers, and for professionals, the upper speeds, capacities, and strong design are a big improve over the favored SD card format. To complicate issues, there are two important kind elements for CFexpress: Type-A, which is barely utilized by Sony, and Type-B, which has been adopted by virtually everybody else. Both provide excessive speeds and efficiency, with Type-B playing cards main by way of capability and pace.
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB gives a beneficiant quantity of storage, greater than sufficient for many mirrorless cameras taking pictures RAW and video. Using an ordinary recording format of MP4 (HEVC, YCC422 10-bit), you’ll be able to seize roughly 11 hours and 10 minutes of 4K footage, which is spectacular. Stepping as much as RAW ST reduces this to 80 minutes, which remains to be good. At 8K decision, the usual recording setting permits for 4 hours and 28 minutes, with 4K being the utmost for the digital camera when utilizing RAW ST. In all these settings, the cardboard retains up with the calls for of the digital camera with none points.
Should you purchase the OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB?
While the cardboard’s excessive pace is especially useful for video recording, switching to nonetheless images reveals some extra, sudden benefits. For instance, within the Canon EOS R5, utilizing a UHS-II SD card may end up in decreased autofocus speeds with some zoom lenses. Switching to a CFexpress card immediately boosts focusing efficiency.
Throughout testing, the cardboard delivered excellent efficiency at each stage. A test of switch speeds utilizing the Blackmagic Speed Test confirmed simply how briskly this card is. Ultimately, suppose you are utilizing a CFexpress Type-B suitable digital camera that shoots high-resolution footage and takes benefit of the newest speeds. In that case, it is a nice possibility and vital for professionals.
While the construct high quality and efficiency alone make this card interesting, it is when it is partnered with the Innergize software program and OWC card reader that you simply actually begin to see the advantages of the system. The capability to sanitise, test well being, and improve the firmware of the cardboard may end up in vital efficiency boosts.
Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
Value |
Offers premium efficiency at a premium worth. |
4.5 |
Design |
Durable and dependable – matches the usual for CFExpress |
5 |
Features |
Reliable and quick with backing from the innergize software program. |
5 |
Performance |
Exceptional in all checks |
5 |
Total |
Leading CFexpress card efficiency. |
5 |
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