OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB memory card review

OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: 30-second review

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. At present, Sony is the only manufacturer to adopt Type-A cards, with most other manufacturers opting 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've seen from all models of CFexpress. This new Atlas Pro card offers some of the fastest transfer rates that we've seen for the format, with read speeds of up to 1700MB/s and 1500MB/s write speeds, which makes it a solid choice for shooting 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 enables the card to be used in standard Type-B readers. However, this doesn't enable the card to be used in cameras that accept the Type-B format of CFexpress even though the card will fit the slot

Aside from the speed and capacity that the CFexpress cards offer over SD cards when it comes to durability, there's just no comparison. To cope with the increased demands of the latest cameras, the memory cards' build quality is on another level, with the metal casing boosting protection against physical damage and also aiding with heat dissipation. The 480GB version of the card that we've looked at in this review offers a decent amount of storage, which is ideal for capturing images on the Sony A7 IV and plenty of 4K video. If you are looking for a card primarily for video, then the larger-capacity card would probably be a good idea.

When it comes to cost, the price is higher compared to similar-sized SD cards, which balances out when you take into consideration the boost in performance and quality that the card offers. While it is only Sony that utilises the Type-A format at present, with Sony's line of still and video cameras leading the field in many sectors, there is a huge market for decent Type-A cards, and at present, there is a small amount of choice out there. However, backed by OWC quality, a robust performance throughout the test and the OWC software suite that helps to maintain the health and integrity of the card, if you're a professional photographer or videographer using one of Sony's latest cameras, then this should be your number one go-to.

OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Price & availability

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro is available through OWC's official website and select online retailers.

• Score: 4/5

OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Design & build

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro is designed for the latest Sony Alpha and Cinema Line cameras. It is tailored towards professionals rather than enthusiasts, enabling that camera to process high-resolution video and still at the camera's full potential. At the same time, enthusiasts will still benefit from the enhanced performance compared with the SD equivalent that most cameras will also accept, such as the Sony A7 IV that was used through this test, the rugged metal casing and robust build of the OWC type-A card help to ensure the additional durability that will reassure professionals and helps to protect the card against physical damage.

As professional photographers and videographers will testify, this additional durability offered by CFexpress cards is important when working in demanding environments where equipment can be subjected to all sorts of conditions and not always delicately handled.

The card's compact size adheres to the standard design profile of Type-A cards, and as such, it fits perfectly into the Sony A7 IV's CFexpress Type-A slot without issue. A nice touch from OWC is the inclusion of the Type-A to B adapter, which means that you can utilise the OWC Type-B card readers without needing to purchase a dedicated reader for this single card type.

• Design & build: 5/5

OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Features

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A Atlas Pro offers read speeds up to 1850MB/s, write speeds up to 1700MB/s, and a minimum sustained write speed of 400MB/s, making it ideal for storing high-resolution image and video files.

The card is also VPG200 certified, which means that it will enable compatible Sony Alpha, FX, and FR7 to work at their maximum settings for video capture using an internal storage solution rather than an external one. This means that it can withstand the capture of 4 and 8K video, with the durable metal casing protecting it from damage while also helping to maintain decent heat dissipation when put under load.

The card also meets all CFexpress Type-A 4.0 specifications, which is an upgrade from the more common Type-A 2.0 specifications, but remains fully backwards compatible. One of the big features of the card is the partnership with OWC's Innergize software that enables you to maintain the health and integrity of the cards; it also means that if compatible updates are released for the card and technology, it's possible to upgrade the cards firmware often boosting the cards performance.

Along with the Type-A cards, the box includes a Type-B adapter. This helps to boost the cards' compatibility with standard readers and means that you can use any OWC Type-B reader or one from another manufacturer with the card. It's also worth highlighting that while the card will fit into cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 C, the technology doesn't enable it to be used.

• Features 5/5

OWC Atlas Pro CFExpress Type-A 480GB: Performance

When it comes to the performance of the OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type-A, we tested it in the Sony A7 IV and trialled it with the Sony FX6. In both cameras, the card was instantly recognised and ready to go. Compared to using a standard SD card, the speed of the card was instantly apparent as higher resolutions and colour profiles were selected in the cameras.

On the Sony FX6, with the camera quality settings were set to shoot 4K 60fps at 600 Mbps in XAVC-I, S-Cinetone, the card and camera worked without issue. I switched to the Sony A7 IV, and again, the results were impressive. We were able to shoot video at all quality settings without restriction, something that isn't possible with standard SD cards.

Not only was the speed able to keep up with the cameras' demands, but the capacity, even at 480GB, gave plenty of space for footage. However, for these high-quality settings, the 960GB card might be a better option for longer recording period.

Once the real-world tests were 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 in the OWC Atlas 4.0 CFexpress Type-B card reader.

While the quoted speeds are impressive, we didn't quite meet those in our benchmarking tests. However, the transfer rates were still impressive and far exceeded the speeds that we recorded, which is even possible with the highest-quality SD cards.

Using CrystalDiskMark, the transfer rates hit 1669.89MB/s read and 1457.29MB/s write. The results in the other applications were equally impressive but varied depending on the technologies. Most importantly, the sustained read and write speeds in the AJA System Test recorded write speeds of 1228MB/s and read Speeds of 1495MB/s over 30 minutes.

The real-world test, along with the benchmarks, prove that the OWC Atlas Pro is a great card for your Sony camera. However, what gives the card the edge over other Type-A cards is the Innergize software that helps you to keep an eye on the health of the card. This software download essentially only works with the OWC cards and readers. Once the card is inserted, you'll be able to get a complete health report on that card, erase it, reset it to factory conditions, and upgrade the software. The app is simple to use but can make a huge difference to your workflow, and if you're working professionally, it just gives you that additional piece of mind knowing what your memory card's condition is like.

• Performance: 5/5

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 are able to offer a small edge on usability that most other manufacturers just can't meet. 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 is just part of the course with this format of card. Realistically, if you need to use the potential speed and abilities of this card, then you're more than likely going to be using it in a professional capacity, so that price really does make sense. The card more than coped with the ability to record 4K RAW and all the Log3 and other formats that we chose to select with the Sony cameras that we had to hand.

Ultimately, the card is exceptional, but what pushes this card beyond the abilities of most is the fact that it comes with the Innergize software and all that entails for the health and integrity of the card. At present there's no other manufacturer that offers anything like this software that essentially helps you to ensure that your card is always fit and ready for action as well as being able to upgrade the firmware, if and when, updates are released.

If you're in the market for a CFexpress Type-A card, while there are other options, the OWC Atlas Pro currently offers the best balance of price, speed, and support.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

For more storage solutions, we reviewed the best microSD cards.