Austrian company Angelbird has introduced a new generation of CFexpress 4.0 Type A memory cards, expanding its AV PRO range with models aimed primarily at Sony Alpha and Cinema Line cameras. The lineup consists of the 200GB AV PRO SE and the higher-performance AV PRO models in 400GB, 800GB and 1.6TB capacities, with the latter designed to accommodate higher-data-rate video formats, including those supported by the Sony FX5.

All four cards use the CFexpress 4.0 Type A standard and a PCIe 4.0 x1 interface. Maximum read speed reaches 1,870 MB/s across the range, although write performance varies considerably depending on capacity. The 200GB AV PRO SE reaches a maximum write speed of 570 MB/s and sustains 500 MB/s, while the standard AV PRO cards provide progressively higher performance. The 400GB version sustains writes at 1,000 MB/s, increasing to 1,500 MB/s for the 800GB model and 1,600 MB/s for the 1.6TB card.

The distinction between the two series also extends to their Video Performance Guarantee ratings. The AV PRO SE carries VPG200 certification, whereas the AV PRO models are certified for VPG400 and VPG800. As a result, the higher-capacity cards are intended for more demanding video workflows, including 8K RAW and Sony’s X-OCN recording on compatible cameras such as the FX5. The cards remain backward-compatible with cameras using the previous CFexpress 2.0 specification.

Angelbird also uses its Stable Stream technology to maintain sustained read and write performance as the cards fill, rather than focusing exclusively on peak transfer rates. Thermal management is handled through an integrated temperature sensor and a low-power mode intended to reduce heat generation when the card is not actively being used. Other supported functions include TRIM, ECC, SMART and power management.

Compatibility extends across a range of Sony Alpha and Cinema Line bodies, including the Alpha 1 and Alpha 1 II, Alpha 7 IV, Alpha 7R V, Alpha 7S III, Alpha 9 III, FX2, FX3, FX5, FX6 and FX30, although support varies between models and recording formats. Angelbird also provides firmware updates for the cards, which require one of the company’s compatible CFexpress Type A readers.