OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro 480GB review

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro is a high-performance memory card specifically designed for use in Sony cameras. As a CFexpress Type A card, it is smaller and slightly slower than the larger CFexpress Type B cards used by Nikon and Canon. Currently, Sony is the primary adopter of the smaller Type A format, while Canon and Nikon favour the larger Type B.

A handy addition to the package is the CFExpress Type-A to B adapter, this is designed for use in card readers such as the USB 4.0 Atlas CFExpress Card reader rather than adapting the card for cameras, but is handy if you use both types of card and only want to carry the one reader.

Despite being smaller and offering slightly slower transfer rates compared to Type B cards, the speeds of the OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro are still impressive and exceed the requirements of the Sony A7 IV. This makes it suitable for high-resolution photography and 4K video recording. The card is aimed at professional photographers and videographers who demand reliable, high-speed storage for their workflows. Its robust build quality and high transfer speeds ensure that it can handle the demands of professional use, making it a valuable tool for those who require efficient and dependable performance.

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro is built to withstand the rigours of professional use. It features a robust design with a metal casing that provides excellent durability and protection against physical damage. The card measures 20mm x 28mm x 2.8mm and weighs just 10g, making it compact and lightweight. It fits perfectly into the Sony A7 IV’s CFexpress Type A slot without any issues.

Moreover, the metal casing not only enhances durability but also aids in heat dissipation, ensuring reliable performance even during extended use. The compact size and lightweight nature of the card mean it can be easily carried around, making it ideal for photographers and videographers who are frequently on the move.

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro offers several features that make it an excellent choice for both photography and video work. Its high-speed performance, with read speeds up to 1700MB/s and write speeds up to 1500MB/s, ensures fast data transfer and an efficient workflow. This high performance is particularly beneficial when dealing with large files, such as high-resolution images and 4K video footage.

The metal casing provides excellent protection, making the card suitable for use in various environments. It also helps to disperse heat when the card is in use, preventing overheating and ensuring reliable performance even during extended sessions. This robustness makes the Atlas Pro ideal for professionals who work in demanding conditions.

The 480GB version can store a significant amount of data, including high-resolution 45MP stills and 4K video footage. The exact amount of storage depends on the quality settings chosen, but this capacity ensures that photographers and videographers can capture extensive shoots without worrying about running out of space. This makes the OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro a reliable and versatile choice for professionals in both fields.

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro excels in performance, providing high-speed data transfer rates that meet the demands of professional photography and videography. Benchmark tests using AJA System Test Lite and Blackmagic Disk Speed Test showed impressive results using the Type-A card in the  Type A to B adapter in the  USB 4.0 Atlas CFExpress Card reader, with read speeds of 1490MB/s and 1482MB/s, respectively, and write speeds of 1242MB/s and 2271MB/s. CrystalDiskMark recorded even higher speeds, with 1678.83MB/s read and 1459.59MB/s write. These results show the card’s ability to handle high-resolution image and video capture, making it suitable for sports, wildlife, burst shooting, and 4K video recording.

This performance should ensure that even with high-resolution cameras such as the Sony A7 IV, you can shoot continuously without buffering delays, which is critical for capturing fast-paced action in sports and wildlife photography.

Similarly, if you’re looking to shoot video, the transfer rates will enable you to record high-bitrate 4K videos. The impressive transfer speeds will also enable you to quickly offload large files, which will inevitably help you speed up workflows.

Benchmark Results using the Atlas CFExpress Type B 4.0 Reader with Type A to B adapter 

AJA System Test Lite: Read: 1490MB/s, Write: 1242MB/s
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read: 1482MB/s, Write: 2271MB/s
CrystalDiskMark: Read: 1678.83MB/s, Write: 1459.59MB/s

NOTE: The supplied CFExpress Type A to B adapter is designed for use with the USB 4.0 Atlas CFExpress Card reader and should be used with a Type-B camera. OWC CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL WORK WITH ALL CAMERA SETTINGS.

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers needing a high-capacity, portable storage solution. Its slim design and lightweight build make it incredibly portable, while its performance is robust enough to handle demanding tasks. The card’s high-speed transfer rates ensure that even when working with large files, such as high-resolution images or 4K videos, you can maintain a smooth workflow without bottlenecks or dropped frames.

While the card’s premium price may be a consideration, its exceptional performance and build quality justify the investment.

The OWC CFexpress 4.0 Type A Atlas Pro is a high-performing, versatile, and reliable Type-A memory card that has the transfer speeds to meet the needs of demanding professionals using the Sony Alpha, FX and FR7 cameras. The Atlas Pro’s combination of speed, capacity, and build quality makes it a great choice anyone looking to maximize the potential of their Sony camera. It’s worth noting that at present Sony are the only manufacturer to have adapted the CFExpress Type-A format and the OWC card has been optimised for use in the present line-up of compatible Somy camera especially the Sony Alpha, FX and FR7 ranges.