In the ever-evolving world of data storage, speed is king, and Lexar’s latest innovation in SD card technology exemplifies this with its Professional Gold Pro SDXC Express Card. This groundbreaking card utilizes the new Secure Digital 8.0 standard, boasting maximum write speeds of up to 1GB/s and impressive read speeds reaching 1.7GB/s. However, while these numbers are exciting, practical usage reveals a significant limitation: currently available devices cannot harness these remarkable speeds.
The Lexar Professional Gold Pro SDXC card can indeed be utilized in any device with a standard SD card slot. Still, as of now, no cameras, computers, or external card readers are capable of achieving the card’s maximum potential speed, despite the SD standard being finalized in May 2020. The SD Association is already working on version 9.1, indicating ongoing advancements in the technology.
So, who exactly benefits from such lightning-fast storage? Primarily, it’s photographers and videographers handling substantial amounts of 8K resolution video footage. Even though they can’t fully exploit the card’s speed with existing hardware, investing in this technology could be a wise decision for those looking toward future capabilities. For everyday users seeking speed and ample capacity, however, a portable SSD remains the more practical option.
Interestingly, Lexar showcased other innovative products at IFA in Germany, including their durable “ARMOR” SD cards crafted from stainless steel. Given the fragility of traditional plastic cards and their often high costs for large capacities and exceptional speeds, enhancing durability is a significant advancement worth considering.
As for the release date and pricing of the Lexar Professional Gold Pro SDXC card, those details remain undisclosed. Lexar has yet to provide specific dates or costs for their new hardware, which means interested buyers may need to wait until later this year or early 2025, potentially at a premium price point.