New OWC Atlas card reader moves data just as fast as Thunderbolt

Posted:
in General Discussion edited February 22

The new OWC Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Reader can dramatically speed up data transfer times for photographers and other professionals.

A compact external storage device connected to a computer with a DSLR camera and an SD card lying next to it.
New OWC Atlas card reader



With a data transfer speed limited only by Thunderbolt, the OWC Atlas CFexpress Card Reader significantly reduces transfer times. Its performance is further enhanced when paired with an OWC Atlas Ultra memory card, delivering real-world speeds over 3300MB/s.

The OWC Atlas CFexpress Card Reader is not only powerful but also portable. Similar in size and weight to an iPhone, it easily fits into a pocket or gear bag. It's bus-powered and comes with a USB-C cable, eliminating the need for external power supplies.

The reader is equipped with Innergize technology, enabling users to verify the health status, restore peak performance, and update the firmware of OWC Atlas memory cards. Innergize, a free app from OWC, ensures that the cards are continually operating at their best.

OWC's card reader remains securely positioned during operation thanks to its non-skid rubber feet, while the inclusion of an OWC ClingOn, a stabilizing device, ensures the USB-C connecting cable is firmly attached. The ClingOn attaches to the cable and device port through an adhesive, ensuring a snug and stable connection.

Comparison table showing file transfer times for different types of media files across three CFexpress card readers.
Over 4x Faster Ingest vs USB 3 Readers



The reader is fanless, with a thermally efficient design for silent operation. Moreover, users can easily confirm the card reader's use status through an integrated LED.

The card reader supports a wide range of devices and systems, including USB4 and USB-C-equipped Macs, Windows PCs, iPads, Chromebooks, tablets, and smartphones.

System requirements



The OWC Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B Card Reader is designed to be highly compatible. It supports macOS versions starting from 10.13.4 and onwards, ensuring Mac users can use its full capabilities.

For Windows users, the device is compatible with Windows 10 and later versions. Additionally, the card reader enhances its utility by supporting Thunderbolt 3 on macOS devices running version 11.1.0 or higher.

Black and silver external card reader with CFexpress B 4.0 label on the front.
The OWC Atlas CFexpress Card Reader is powerful and portable



The Innergize software package requires at least macOS 11 Big Sur or Windows 10 and later. Innergize is compatible with a variety of OWC memory cards, including the OWC Atlas Pro SD, OWC Atlas Ultra SD, OWC Atlas Pro CFexpress, and OWC Atlas Ultra CFexpress.

Additionally, it supports OWC memory card readers, docks equipped with memory card readers, and storage solutions that incorporate memory card readers

Pricing & Availability



Starting at just $99.99, the Atlas USB4 CFexpress 4.0 Type B card reader is engineered to transform workflows with its fast data speeds, extensive compatibility, and the convenience of a compact, bus-powered design.



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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    sflocalsflocal Posts: 6,111member
    Would it have killed OWC to include SD and MicroSD into this as it obviously has the space?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 5
    I’ve had a ProGrade Digital Thunderbolt reader for 2-3 years now. This looks about the same. Does this also need a driver for XQD?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 5
    sflocal said:
    Would it have killed OWC to include SD and MicroSD into this as it obviously has the space?
    I think the answer would be similar to "Why didn't they put a 3.5" floppy drive in with the Blu-ray burner?"


    If you have a workflow using CFexpress 4.0 memory cards, SD and microSD aren't really on your radar.
    And, honestly, there is a good chance you have an SD reader already build into your laptop or desktop.
    If you are an enthusiast/hobbyist get their much slower combo device for less:
    https://www.owc.com/solutions/atlas-dual-cfexpress-sd-card-reader

    Chances are you aren't burning money @ work waiting for multiple TB of video to transfer from your camera card.

    OWC had a wonderful habit of building fast, streamlined devices for professionals, and this is exactly that. 



    edited February 23 watto_cobraStrangeDays
  • Reply 4 of 5
    sandor said:
    sflocal said:
    Would it have killed OWC to include SD and MicroSD into this as it obviously has the space?
    I think the answer would be similar to "Why didn't they put a 3.5" floppy drive in with the Blu-ray burner?"


    If you have a workflow using CFexpress 4.0 memory cards, SD and microSD aren't really on your radar.
    And, honestly, there is a good chance you have an SD reader already build into your laptop or desktop.
    If you are an enthusiast/hobbyist get their much slower combo device for less:
    https://www.owc.com/solutions/atlas-dual-cfexpress-sd-card-reader

    Chances are you aren't burning money @ work waiting for multiple TB of video to transfer from your camera card.

    OWC had a wonderful habit of building fast, streamlined devices for professionals, and this is exactly that. 




    Agree with @sandor. ; Everyone who needs SD, microSD, CF, and others, almost certainly has one or more readers to handle those.  I have two readers that handle all those formats and more.  It's not fast, but my income doesn't depend on a photo/video workflow.  But for a professional whose income does depend on that workflow, saving the almost 20 minutes, or even the 5, shown in the chart can add up quickly over time.

    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 5
    sdw2001sdw2001 Posts: 18,020member
    sandor said:
    sflocal said:
    Would it have killed OWC to include SD and MicroSD into this as it obviously has the space?
    I think the answer would be similar to "Why didn't they put a 3.5" floppy drive in with the Blu-ray burner?"


    If you have a workflow using CFexpress 4.0 memory cards, SD and microSD aren't really on your radar.
    And, honestly, there is a good chance you have an SD reader already build into your laptop or desktop.
    If you are an enthusiast/hobbyist get their much slower combo device for less:
    https://www.owc.com/solutions/atlas-dual-cfexpress-sd-card-reader

    Chances are you aren't burning money @ work waiting for multiple TB of video to transfer from your camera card.

    OWC had a wonderful habit of building fast, streamlined devices for professionals, and this is exactly that. 




    Agree with @sandor. ; Everyone who needs SD, microSD, CF, and others, almost certainly has one or more readers to handle those.  I have two readers that handle all those formats and more.  It's not fast, but my income doesn't depend on a photo/video workflow.  But for a professional whose income does depend on that workflow, saving the almost 20 minutes, or even the 5, shown in the chart can add up quickly over time.

    My second career is as a professional drone pilot. I have had some larger transfers that end up taking five or 10 minutes. But honestly, it’s really not a big deal. Rarely is it that time critical. And I can do other work in the background while it transfers.  
    edited February 25
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