Summary
- ProGrade announced new CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium cards.
- The cards are available in 512GB and 1TB capacities.
- They feature dual VPG400 and VPG800 certification.
- They offer read speeds up to 1,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,700 MB/s.
- Pricing is $569.99 and $949.99.
ProGrade Digital announced new CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium cards with dual VPG400 and VPG800 certification.
The company introduced two new models with 512GB and 1TB capacities, expanding the Iridium line and effectively moving beyond the previous 480GB and 960GB options.
The announcement is important for professional video creators, as the new cards promise sustained performance for demanding RAW and high-resolution recording, while also supporting specifications that today’s cameras do not yet fully use.
Dual VPG400 and VPG800 certification
The new ProGrade Digital CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium cards feature both VPG400 and VPG800 certification, meaning they have been tested for sustained data recording without dropping below the required performance thresholds.
VPG800 certification is especially important for future video applications, as it guarantees a minimum sustained write speed of 800 MB/s, even under heavy stress. According to ProGrade, the cards are designed for professional imaging applications and upcoming capture standards.
Speeds and technical specifications
The new cards use a PCIe Gen 4 interconnect and an NVMe 1.4c controller interface. ProGrade lists read speeds up to 1,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,700 MB/s.
Sustained write speeds reach up to 1,500 MB/s, placing these cards in the category of media designed for demanding workflows, including RAW video, high-bitrate recording, and fast file transfers to a computer.
Ahead of today’s cameras
Although the cards comply with the CFexpress 4.0 standard, cameras using CFexpress Type A currently do not fully take advantage of that standard.
In practice, the biggest benefit of CFexpress 4.0 speeds today is mostly seen during file transfers, provided that a compatible card reader and a fast USB cable are used. The cards remain backward compatible with the CFexpress 2.0 standard used by current cameras.
Durability and reliability
ProGrade says the new Iridium cards include thermal throttling to protect against overheating, laser-etched serial numbers for improved tracking of internal components, and construction that is X-ray-proof and shockproof.
The cards are covered by a three-year warranty.
Pricing and availability
The new ProGrade Digital CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium cards are available now. The 512GB version costs $569.99, while the 1TB version costs $949.99.
What we think
ProGrade’s new CFexpress Type A cards are more of a future-facing investment than an immediate necessity for every user. For professionals working with demanding video workflows who want durable cards with high performance headroom, dual VPG certification is a strong advantage. For most photographers, however, the price remains high, and today’s cameras still do not fully exploit what these cards can offer.
Frequently asked questions
What capacities do the new ProGrade Iridium CFexpress Type A cards offer?
The new cards are available in 512GB and 1TB capacities.
What does VPG800 certification mean?
VPG800 certification means the card can maintain a minimum write speed of 800 MB/s under demanding conditions.
Do current cameras support CFexpress 4.0?
Current cameras do not yet fully use CFexpress 4.0. The benefits are mainly visible during file transfers with a compatible card reader.
Are they compatible with CFexpress 2.0 cameras?
Yes, the cards are backward compatible with the CFexpress 2.0 standard.
How much do they cost?
The 512GB version costs $569.99 and the 1TB version costs $949.99.
