There is a new contester in the CFast realm of memory Cards. Following the release of SUP3.0 the ARRI AMIRA and the ARRI ALEXA MINI can now also support Lexar CFast 2.0 cards. This feature in conjunction with Lexar’s release of their 3600x series enables the two ARRI cameras to record up to 256GB of content per card! In short, the recording time of either camera has simply…doubled!
The release of this greater capacity card from Lexar does not in any way mean that the Sandisk 128GB cards which were used until now are obsolete or in any way out of the market! They are, and will be, still available for the foreseeable future, it just that now there is a competitor, hence widening the choice for the end user. At this point, one should also note that the Lexar 3600x also has a 128GB option, not only the 256GB.
Both branded CFast cards have been rigorously tested by ARRI to ensure that their performances meet the high demands of the professional motion picture industry. Both brands have been able to have their cards achieve this extremely high level of quality, robustness and realiability to match the ARRI cameras for which they are destined for. As a reslut then these cards in now way limit the ARRI units in terms of enviromental factors or modes of use.
Another point to make here is regarding the Lexar Card reader which features a great little option, which amazingly enough is not that wide spread. This card reader features two connection options, USB-3 and Thunderbolt! It comes in a nice box and also features a plastic front cover for when the reader is not in use.
Regardless of brand, as noted above both firms have developed these specific cards in conjunction with ARRI and are to be used in the same rugged and demanding environment as the cameras. Reliability and Service are also a integral aspect of the cards and all serial numbers are noted in the event of a malfunction, there is also a possibility of material retrieval, but only to cards purchased via an official outlet.