Other World Computing Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A 960GB review

The Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A is a high-capacity, 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 and at present Sony is currently the only adopter of the smaller Type A format, while Canon and Nikon favour the larger Type B.

A nice touch from Other World Computing is the inclusion of a CFExpress Type-A to B adapter that’s included with the card in the box, however it’s worth noting that this is not intended to be used in CFExpress Type-B compatible cameras and is instead design to be used in compatible Type B card readers such as the Atlas USB 4 Atlas CFExpress Type B 4.0 Card reader.

Despite being smaller and offering slightly slower transfer rates compared to Type B cards, the speeds of the OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A  cards 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 solid 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 Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A card is crafted to endure the rigours of professional use. It features a robust metal casing, providing excellent durability and protection against physical damage. Measuring 20mm x 28mm x 2.8mm and weighing only 10g, the card is compact and lightweight. It fits seamlessly into the Sony A7 IV’s CFexpress Type A slot.

Moreover, the metal casing enhances durability and aids in heat dissipation, ensuring reliable performance even during extended sessions. Its compact size and lightweight nature make it ideal for professionals frequently on the move.

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

This highly versatile card is designed for use in Sony Alpha and FX cameras, including the a9 III, a1, a7SIII, a7IV, a7rV, FX3, FX6, FR7, and FX30, as well as CFexpress Type A memory card readers or using the Type-A to Type-B adapter that’s supplied in the box with the Other World Computing Atlas USB 4.0 CFExpress Card reader. It is VPG200 certified, ensuring it works with all Sony camera modes and enables the highest allowable settings in Sony Alpha, FX, and FR7 cameras.

The card delivers a minimum sustained write speed of 400MB/s, ensuring dependable performance during continuous shooting or video recording. This is crucial for professionals who require consistent speed and reliability.

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.

The 960GB version can store a significant amount of data, including high-resolution 45MP stills and extensive 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.

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The OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A card excels in performance, providing high-speed data transfer rates that meet the demands of professional photography and videography. I was able to benchmark test the Atlas CFexpress Type A card using AJA System Test Lite and Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, which showed impressive results using Other World Computing’s Type-A to Type-B adapter in the  Atlas USB 4 CFExpress Type B Card reader, with read speeds of 1490MB/s and 1483MB/s, respectively, and write speeds of 1242MB/s and 2232MB/s. CrystalDiskMark recorded even higher speeds, with 1667.82MB/s read and 1331.55MB/s write. These results demonstrate 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 ensures that even with high-resolution cameras such as the Sony A7R V, 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: 1483MB/s
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: Read: 1242MB/s, Write: 2232MB/s
CrystalDiskMark: Read: 1667.82MB/s, Write: 1331.55MB/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 not be used with a Type-B camera. Other World Computing cannot guarantee that the Atlas Type A card combined with the Type-B adapter will work with all Type-B camera settings .

The OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A  960GB is an outstanding choice for videographers needing a high-capacity, portable storage solution. The card’s high-speed transfer rates ensure that even when working with large files, such as 4K video, as well as the high-resolution images produced by the Sony A7 IV.

This card is highly versatile and primarily designed for use in Sony Alpha and FX cameras, including the a9 III, a1, a7SIII, a7IV, a7rV, FX3, FX6, FR7, and FX30, as well as CFexpress Type A memory card readers and reader slot-equipped devices. It is VPG200 certified, ensuring it works with all Sony camera modes and enables the highest allowable settings in Sony Alpha, FX, and FR7 cameras.

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

Overall, the OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type A  960GB stands out as a high-performing, versatile, and reliable memory card that meets the needs of demanding videography professionals. Its combination of speed, capacity, and build quality makes it an invaluable tool for videographers looking to maximize their camera’s potential and streamline their workflow. For stills photographers, the 480GB version remains an excellent and cheaper alternative, providing ample capacity and high performance tailored to their specific needs.