The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB: A Deep Dive
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB card has been a reliable option for quite some time. The latest iteration ships with updated 4.0 firmware, unlocking the card’s full potential. Existing OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress owners are likely able to upgrade their card’s firmware via the OWC Innergize app, resulting in a substantial performance boost. The hardware remains consistent; the performance leap stems entirely from the firmware enhancement.
Design and Build Quality
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB adheres to the standard CFexpress Type B specifications. Its dimensions and weight ensure compatibility with cameras accepting this card format. The build quality, as with other CFexpress cards, is robust, employing high-quality plastics and metals to safeguard against shocks, drops, and extreme temperatures.
Furthermore, OWC has incorporated protection against UV rays and electrostatic discharge, enhancing its travel-friendliness and minimising damage risks during security screenings. The card’s outer casing features a label as the primary design element distinguishing it from other CFexpress cards.
Key Features
The Atlas Ultra’s CFexpress 4.0 capabilities unlock several notable features. The most prominent is the impressive transfer rates, boasting read speeds of up to 3650MB/s and write speeds reaching 3000MB/s. These speeds position the card as an ideal solution for professional video settings and shooting in 4K and 8K.
While this review focuses on the 1TB version, the card is also available in 325GB, 650GB, and 2TB capacities. The smaller capacity cards offer slightly reduced transfer rates but remain exceptionally fast and competitive within the market.
To fully realise the card’s potential, the OWC card reader and Innergize software are essential. The recommended reader, the Atlas CFexpress Card Reader, utilises a USB4 connection offering a theoretical transfer rate of 5000MB/s.
The OWC Innergize software, a free download exclusively for OWC products, allows users to monitor and manage their CFexpress card’s health, proactively identifying potential issues.
Performance in Practice
CFexpress cards are gaining traction among camera manufacturers, offering professionals significant improvements over the widely used SD card format, especially in speed, capacity, and durability. The CFexpress landscape includes two primary form factors: Type-A (primarily used by Sony) and Type-B, adopted by most other manufacturers. While both offer high performance, Type-B cards excel in capacity and speed.
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB provides ample storage, suitable for most mirrorless cameras shooting RAW and video. Using a standard MP4 (HEVC, YCC422 10-bit) recording format, users can capture approximately 11 hours and 10 minutes of 4K footage. RAW ST recording reduces this to around 80 minutes, still a respectable duration. At 8K resolution, standard recording allows for 4 hours and 28 minutes, with 4K being the maximum when using RAW ST. Throughout these various settings, the card consistently meets the camera’s demands without any noticeable issues.
Real-World Benefits
While the card’s speed is particularly advantageous for video recording, still photography also benefits. For example, using a UHS-II SD card in a Canon EOS R5 can sometimes lead to reduced autofocus speeds with certain zoom lenses. Switching to a CFexpress card immediately improves focusing performance.
Testing consistently demonstrated outstanding performance. A speed test further confirmed the card’s impressive capabilities. For professionals using a CFexpress Type-B compatible camera that shoots high-resolution footage and leverages the latest speeds, this card is a valuable asset.
The true benefits of the system become apparent when combined with the Innergize software and OWC card reader. The ability to sanitise, monitor health, and upgrade the card’s firmware can lead to significant performance enhancements.
Should You Invest?
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Buy it if…
- You need speed for 4K and 8K video: CFExpress 4.0 provides incredibly fast transfer rates for both recording and post-shoot downloading. If you’re using the latest equipment, this card will help it reach its full potential.
- You require substantial capacity: Modern cameras produce high-resolution imagery and video, and the 1TB version is well-suited to manage those storage demands. Other capacities are also available to accommodate varying data requirements.
Don’t buy it if…
- You’re on a tight budget: This card delivers professional performance with speed and capacity, and its price reflects that.
- You don’t need CFExpress 4.0: While some cameras can fully utilise CFExpress 4.0, verify your camera’s compatibility. If not, older cards might suffice.
Final Verdict
The OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress 1TB offers premium performance at a premium price. It’s a durable and reliable card that adheres to the standard for CFExpress. It’s reliable and fast, with the added support of the Innergize software. Performance is exceptional across all tests.
Overall, this is a leading CFexpress card that delivers incredibly fast transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for professionals working with high-resolution video and photography.
