Extreme CompactFlash, SD Cards Debut

Flash-memory storage product maker SanDisk has introduced its line of Extreme CompactFlash and SD cards, aimed at photo professionals who use digital cameras in their work.

SanDisk claims the cards offer higher performance than other models and can be subjected to more severe temperature conditions, too.

Card Specs

SanDisk Extreme CF cards are available now in three capacities, ranging from 256MB to 1GB. The 256MB card is priced at $110, a 512MB card costs $230, and the 1GB card is $440.

SanDisk anticipates releasing the Extreme SD card in a 256MB capacity in October, priced at $135. A 512MB SD model is expected to follow in November for $300.

SanDisk Extreme cards can write data at speeds of up to 9 megabytes per second and can read at a minimum of 10 MBps. They're designed to work with high-performance digital cameras from Canon, Kodak, Nikon, Olympus, and other companies.

What's more, the fast read speeds are a bonus when you're transferring files through card readers that support USB 2.0.

Software and Safeguards

SanDisk is also including RescuePRO software with each card. The application, provided in versions for both the Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows operating systems, can recover deleted images and data from CF- and SD-certified cards. It requires no special driver software to function.

SanDisk Extreme cards have been tested to work at temperatures ranging from -13 degrees Fahrenheit (or -25 degrees Celsius) to 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius). Also, each CompactFlash card has been insulated with a layer of RTV silicone to withstand impact if dropped.