With the rise in reputation of CFexpress Sort B playing cards within the photograph trade, it wasn’t too shocking that Manfrotto launched their very own branded CF categorical Sort B playing cards again in 2020. Just lately, they’ve launched a complimentary product onto the market: The Skilled USB 3.2, CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader.
Now that almost all of my images is completed with the Canon EOS R5, I exploit CFexpress Sort B reminiscence playing cards virtually completely. I shoot loads of sports activities, usually in burst mode, and these playing cards can sustain in a fast-paced surroundings with large file sizes. For sure, I used to be thinking about attempting out this new reminiscence card reader from Manfrotto.
Be aware: Manfrotto despatched us a Skilled USB 3.2, CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader to evaluate and preserve. Nonetheless, that is an unbiased evaluate. All ideas about this product are our personal. We have now not been influenced in any means. We let you know this as we all the time wish to be clear with you.
First impressions
I’ll be trustworthy: I wasn’t anticipating to get too fired up when pulling a reminiscence card reader out of its field. Nonetheless, the Skilled USB 3.2, CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader had an excellent first impression.
Primarily, it was noticeably smaller than the Sony card reader I used to be utilizing beforehand. Its design felt sturdy and rugged in my palm, because of the anodized aluminum building. Manfrotto has marketed this product as “compact and journey pleasant” which is precisely what I would like with the kind of images I do. I felt like its first impressions lived as much as this assertion.
Upon inspection, I additionally seen that there are additionally 4 little grips on the underside of the reader. These elevate it barely off the desk and preserve it from sliding round. I discovered this to be a pleasant function.
Most notably, the reader has a protecting rubber finish cowl that I really like. Whether or not the reader is empty or holding a card, I like the concept of the unit being closed and contained from any outdoors mud or particles. On this sense, the reader itself can be utilized as a protected storage spot for a CFexpress Sort B card.
Testing out the Manfrotto CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader
Let me begin out by saying that I’m not a technical particular person; In the event you’re in search of an in-depth knowledge evaluation, you could be disenchanted. However, I did give it a take a look at utilizing my on a regular basis workflow.
To check the reader, I grabbed my SanDisk Excessive Professional CFexpress Sort B 128GB card that also had my earlier photoshoot on it. In complete there have been 710 RAW information, totaling 40GB. I transferred the information to my 2019 iMac utilizing my Sony card reader (USB 3.1 Gen 2), after which transferred the identical information utilizing the Manfrotto card reader. The Sony card reader took 181 seconds to switch, whereas the Manfrotto card reader took 165 seconds, for a distinction of 16 seconds.
I additionally examined transferring 10 GB of RAW information from a Manfrotto CFexpress Sort B card by way of each the Sony and Manfrotto card readers to see if the Manfrotto model carried out higher when used collectively. The Manfrotto reader with Manfrotto card took 49 seconds, whereas the Sony reader with Manfrotto card took 51 seconds.
I additionally ran the identical card by way of each readers on a BlackMagic Disk Velocity Check. The outcomes are proven beneath:
Professionals
- Compact and sturdy
- Can be utilized as card storage with the rubber finish cowl
- A number of warmth sinks to help cooling of the unit
- Plug in and use immediately with Mac or Home windows, no setup or driver downloads
- The offered 32” USB Sort C to Sort C and Sort C to Sort A cables present loads of attain
- 2-year guarantee
Cons
- The attachment level of the rubber finish cowl will pop off if the duvet is opened too far
- Switch velocity wasn’t a lot completely different for the arrange I used to be testing it on
Technical specs of the Manfrotto CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader
All the technical specs for the Skilled USB 3.2, CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader are from the product itemizing on the Manfrotto web site:
- Helps CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card
- USB 3.2 Sort C Interface (10 Gb/s)
- Constructed-In Card Storage with Protecting Rubber Finish Cowl
- USB C to A and USB C to C Cables Included
- Anodized aluminum construct, compact and travel-friendly
Last ideas
General, I’m impressed with the Manfrotto Skilled USB 3.2, CFexpress Sort B Reminiscence Card Reader. Whereas the switch speeds didn’t blow me away on the testing I did, its different options imply it can develop into my go-to card reader transferring ahead. I really like that it’s sturdy and compact, excellent for days on the street. I additionally look ahead to testing it out when my new MacBook Professional arrives.
