Global computer hardware, accessories, and software solution provider Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the launch of the latest instalment to their Atlas product line, an Atlas USB4 CFexpress Type B memory card reader. This new offering, introduced at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan, is currently touted as the fastest USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Reader in the sector. If coupled with OWC's Atlas CFexpress 4.0 memory cards, users could experience transfer speeds of more than 3300MB/s, offering crucial time savings during or after shoots.
Data transfer speeds of this magnitude would observe substantial reductions in transfer times compared to USB-C (10Gb/s) readers. For instance, transferring 15,000 RAW 45 Megapixel images and 15,000 JPEG images with Canon R5C (approx. 1.02TB) would take only 6min 19sec. Similarly, 68 minutes of 6K Blackmagic BRAW video in Q0 compression at 30fps from BMPCC 6K Pro (approx. 1.02TB) could be processed in just 5min 38sec. And 23 minutes of 8K N-RAW HQ video at 60fps with Nikon Z9 (approx. 1.02TB) could be transferred in a flat 5min 51sec.
The Atlas USB4 card reader, compactly designed to fit easily in a camera bag, offers more than speed enhancement. The rugged aluminium enclosure packs advanced features like a new heatsink to prevent thermal throttling and ensure fast, reliable transfers. A novel design feature is the Innergize Switch, which allows the user to benefit from the powers of the OWC Innergize software that can potentially boost USB 3.2 transfer rates by over 30% compared to the previous iteration of USB 3.2 products.
Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO of OWC, highlighted the innovative features of the new Atlas series aimed at professional photographers and videographers. He emphasised the product's ability to overcome common challenges faced by creative professionals, particularly in terms of saving time. O'Connor noted a unique switch integrated into the reader, enabling it to connect with different computers while allowing users to leverage the benefits of OWC Innergize software consistently.
Larry O'Connor stated, "Our Atlas series of professional photography and videographer tools continue to break down barriers and address creative professionals' challenges, namely, critical time savings. We have implemented a unique switch that will allow this reader to interface with various computers and, in all instances, still allow the user to benefit from the OWC Innergize software."
The Atlas USB4 CFexpress card reader supports both CFexpress 4.0 Type B and 2.0 Type B cards at their maximum speed capabilities and boasts high compatibility, whether with USB4, USB3, Thunderbolt 4 and 3 on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers or iPads, iPhones, and Chromebooks.
Furthermore, this innovative product forms part of the comprehensive 'Atlas ecosystem' developed by OWC to offer hardware and software solutions supporting any creative process from capture to completion. The Innergize software, explicitly built for OWC Atlas memory cards and readers, checks the health of an Atlas card, cleans and restores performance, and enables firmware upgrades in the field to maximise card improvements and achieve optimal performance with cameras.