OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: 30 Second Review
Specs
Available capacities: 480GB
Size: 20mm x 28mm x 2.8mm
Weight: 10g
Enclosure material: Metal casing
Connector: CFexpress type A to B adapter included
Technology: CFexpress 4.0
Warranty: 3 years
Nominal read/write speeds (MB/s): Up to 1850 MB/s read, 1700 MB/s write
Software package: Free software package
The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro memory card is designed for the latest Sony Alpha and Cinema Line cameras that support the CFexpress Type-A card format. Currently, Sony is the only manufacturer to adopt Type A cards, while most other manufacturers opt for the larger CFexpress Type B cards.
The format is closer in size to the common SD card format, but with the build quality, speed and capacity that we have seen in all CFexpress models. This new Atlas Pro card offers some of the fastest transfer speeds we've seen for the format, with read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds of 1500 MB/s, making it a solid choice to make. High resolution images and video on the latest cameras. While its smaller size limits compatibility with CFexpress Type-A slots, OWC includes a CFexpress Type-B adapter that allows the card to be used in standard Type-B readers. However, this does not allow the card to be used in cameras that accept CFexpress type B format even though the card fits the slot.
Aside from the speed and capacity that CFexpress cards offer compared to SD cards, when it comes to durability, there is simply no comparison. To cope with the increasing demands of the latest cameras, the build quality of the memory cards is on another level, with the metal casing increasing protection against physical damage and also helping with heat dissipation. The 480GB version of the card we look at in this review offers a decent amount of storage, ideal for capturing images on the Sony A7 IV and a lot of 4K video. If you're looking for a card primarily for video, then the higher capacity card is probably a good idea.
Cost-wise, the price is higher compared to similarly sized SD cards, which balances out when you consider the increase in performance and quality that the card offers. While only Sony currently uses the Type A format, with Sony's line of stills and video cameras leading the field in many sectors, there is a huge market for decent Type A cards, and there is currently a small number of available options. However, backed by OWC quality, solid performance throughout the test, and the OWC software suite that helps maintain the health and integrity of the card, if you are a professional photographer or videographer using one of the latest Sony cameras, then this should be your number one choice.
OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Price and availability
The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro is available through the official OWC website and select online retailers.
OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Design and build
The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro is designed for the latest Sony Alpha and Cinema Line cameras. It is designed for professionals rather than enthusiasts, allowing the camera to process high-resolution video still at its full potential. At the same time, enthusiasts will continue to benefit from the improved performance compared to the SD equivalent that most cameras will also accept, such as the Sony A7 IV used in this test, the sturdy metal casing and the robust OWC-type construction. A card helps ensure additional durability that will put professionals at ease and helps protect the card from physical damage.
As professional photographers and videographers will attest, this extra durability offered by CFexpress cards is important when working in demanding environments where equipment can be subject to all types of conditions and not always handled gently.
The card's compact size adheres to the standard design profile of Type A cards and as such fits perfectly into the CFexpress Type A slot of the Sony A7 IV without issue. A nice touch from OWC is the inclusion of the Type A to B adapter, meaning you can use OWC Type B card readers without needing to purchase a dedicated reader for this single card type.
OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Features
The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro offers read speeds of up to 1850 MB/s, write speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and a minimum sustained write speed of 400 MB/s, making it ideal for storing files from High resolution images and videos.
The card is also VPG200 certified, meaning it will allow compatible Sony Alpha, FX and FR7 to operate at their maximum settings for video capture using an internal rather than external storage solution. This means it can support 4 and 8K video capture, with a durable metal casing that protects it from damage while also helping to maintain decent heat dissipation when under load.
The card also meets all CFexpress Type-A 4.0 specifications, which is an upgrade to the more common Type-A 2.0 specifications, but remains fully backwards compatible. One of the great features of the card is the partnership with OWC's Innergize software that allows you to maintain the health and integrity of the cards; It also means that if supported updates are released for the card and technology, it is possible to update the card's firmware, often increasing the card's performance.
Along with the Type A cards, the box includes a Type B adapter. This helps increase the cards' compatibility with standard readers and means you can use any OWC Type B reader or one from another manufacturer with the card. It's also worth noting that while the card fits cameras like the Canon EOS R5 C, the technology doesn't allow it to be used.
OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Performance
Reference points
CrystalDisk Brand: Read: 1031.21 MB/s Write: 971.73 MB/s
Aha: reading: 899 MB/s Writing: 914 MB/s
ATTO: reading: 984.62 MB/s Writing: 952.85 MB/s
AS SSD: 915 MB/s Write: 901.10 MB/s
Blackmagic Drive Speed Test: Reading: 668.2 MB/s Writing: 921.2 MB/s
When it comes to the performance of the OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A, we tested it on the Sony A7 IV and tested it with the Sony FX6. In both cameras, the card was instantly recognized and ready to go. Compared to using a standard SD card, the speed of the card became instantly apparent when higher resolutions and color profiles were selected on the cameras.
On the Sony FX6, with the camera's quality settings set to record 4K at 60fps at 600Mbps in XAVC-I, S-Cinetone, the card and camera performed without issue. I switched to the Sony A7 IV and again the results were impressive. We were able to record video at all quality settings without restrictions, something not possible with standard SD cards.
Not only was the speed able to meet the demands of the cameras, but the capacity, even at 480GB, provided plenty of space for footage. However, for these high-quality setups, the 960GB card might be a better choice for longer recording periods.
With real-world testing complete, it was time to check the performance of our benchmarking software on an Intel Ghost Canyon Nuc 9 i9. Again, the results were impressive with the card installed in the A to B adapter of the OWC Atlas 4.0 CFexpress Type-B card reader.
While the quoted speeds are impressive, we didn't hit them in our benchmark tests. However, transfer rates were still impressive and far exceeded the speeds we recorded, which is possible with even the highest quality SD cards.
With CrystalDiskMark, transfer speeds reached 1669.89 MB/s read and 1457.29 MB/s write. The results in the rest of the applications were equally impressive, but varied depending on the technologies. Most importantly, sustained read and write speeds in the AJA system test recorded write speeds of 1,228 MB/s and read speeds of 1,495 MB/s for 30 minutes.
Real-world testing, along with benchmarks, prove that the OWC Atlas Pro is an excellent card for your Sony camera. However, what gives the card the edge over other Type A cards is the Innergize software that helps you monitor the status of the card. Basically, this software download only works with OWC cards and readers. Once the card is inserted, you will be able to get a full status report for that card, erase it, reset it to factory conditions, and update the software. The app is easy to use but can make a big difference to your workflow and, if you work professionally, it gives you the added peace of mind of knowing the status of your memory card.
Should you buy the OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB?
OWC works closely with the creative industry and through their hardware and software solutions, they can offer a small advantage in usability that most other manufacturers simply cannot match. The quality of the CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro stands out for its high performance over a sustained period, which few other CFexpress Type A cards are able to match.
While the card is expensive, that's just part of the course with this card format. Realistically, if you need to use the speed and potential capabilities of this card, you'll most likely be using it at a professional level, so that price point really makes sense. The card stood up to the ability to record 4K RAW and all the Log3 and other formats we chose to select with the Sony cameras we had on hand.
Ultimately, the card is exceptional, but what takes it beyond the capabilities of most is the fact that it comes with Innergize software and all that that implies for the health and integrity of the card. Currently, there is no other manufacturer that offers anything like this software which essentially helps you ensure that your card is always healthy and ready for action, as well as being able to update the firmware whenever updates are released.
If you are looking for a CFexpress Type-A card, although there are other options, the OWC Atlas Pro currently offers the best balance of price, speed and support.
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Row 0 – Cell 1 | Row 0 – Cell 2 |
| Worth | Great performance but at a premium price | 4 |
| Design | Robust and compact construction for professional use | 5 |
| Characteristics | High speeds with an included versatile adapter | 5 |
| Performance | Fast and efficient, great for high resolution and 4K | 5 |
| Total | Great choice for Sony users who will benefit from the speed and capacity. | 4.5 |
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