ARRI have announced that they are the first to implement SanDisk’s new CFast 2.0 recording media in a camera, with a Codex adapter which allows for in-camera CFast 2.0 recording with ALEXA XT models and ALEXA Classic cameras upgraded with the XR Module.
“With the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 card, we are enabling a next generation card format to meet the needs of high-end professional cinematographers,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president, product marketing, SanDisk.
“These cards will enable new digital solutions for professional filmmakers looking to embrace technologies such as high-quality 4K video, and are another example of SanDisk’s innovation and leadership in flash memory storage.”
ARRI, an active member of the CompactFlash Association, collaborated with SanDisk to develop the CFast 2.0 standard for professional applications that require high data rates in a card that is robust, reliable and cost-effective.
Durable Memory Cards The Extreme Pro CFast 2.0 cards will be available in 60 GB and 120 GB capacities with write speeds up to 350 MB/s, supporting the highest ALEXA frame rates for the highest quality codecs. The card’s rugged, durable form factor is created to withstand real-world exposure to temperature, shock and vibration, and includes a pinless design, which lessens the chance of damaging the card or camera while changing cards.
Easy Workflow The combination of ALEXA and CFast 2.0 cards offers the same efficient workflow as SxS PRO cards and the same codec options: ProRes in 16:9 HD, 16:9 2K or 4:3 2K, and DNxHD in 16:9 HD. CFast 2.0 card recording also supports the same safety features as SxS PRO recording: files are closed continuously, so accidentally removing the card or suffering a power loss during recording results in a readable, uncorrupted file. With Software Update Packet SUP 9.0, both SxS PRO and CFast 2.0 cards will also support pre-recording and self-healing metadata.
Higher Speeds, Longer Recording Because of their high data rate, CFast 2.0 cards support higher frame rates than SxS PRO cards, enabling recording of ProRes 4444 up to 120 fps. The 120 GB CFast 2.0 cards have about twice the recording capacity of 64 GB SxS PRO cards. ALEXA XT/XR cameras now offer an unprecedented choice of professional, robust and reliable recording media: XR Capture Drives, CFast 2.0 cards and SxS PRO cards.
For more information please visit ARRI, SanDisk and Codex.