Angelbird CFexpress Type A Cards Available for Sony Cameras

Angelbird has just introduced two new CFexpress Type A memory cards, aimed specifically at Sony camera users. These new offerings include a 160GB card priced at €221.39 and a 330GB card at €307.49. This isn’t Angelbird’s first venture into CFexpress Type A territory; they previously released a 1TB card last year, which was later withdrawn from the market.

The newly launched cards, while smaller in capacity, come with VPG200 certification, which ensures sustained write speeds of at least 200MB/sec (1,600mbps). They also boast transfer speeds up to 820MB/sec, making them a solid choice for photographers and videographers who need reliable performance.

Angelbird CFexpress Type A 160GB and 330GB

While 160GB and 330GB might not seem like massive capacities by today’s standards, they offer ample storage for most Sony users, particularly those engaged in photography and video production. Given that Sony is currently the only manufacturer using Type A slots, these cards have been rigorously tested to ensure full compatibility, including adherence to the VPG200 standard.

A Look Back at Angelbird’s CFexpress History

Last year, Angelbird introduced a 1TB CFexpress Type A card, which was later pulled from the market. Though no official reason was given, there was speculation it might have been related to issues surrounding VPG certification.

Understanding VPG Certification

The Video Performance Guarantee (VPG) certification is a standard set by the CompactFlash Association (CFA) to ensure memory cards can consistently handle high data rates necessary for video recording. For instance, a VPG200 certification guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 200MB/sec, while VPG400 certifies at least 400MB/sec. These ratings are crucial, particularly for Sony cameras, which can restrict certain video formats if the memory card doesn’t meet VPG standards.

It’s worth noting that the CFA doesn’t conduct the testing themselves. Instead, card manufacturers must use a CFA-certified tester to evaluate their cards. The test results are then verified by an approved lab before the card can officially carry the VPG logo.

With the new 160GB and 330GB cards, Angelbird appears to have met all these requirements, ensuring their products deliver the performance promised.