Fastest Ever CF Cards from Lexar

Just when you thought you knew what a 'fast' memory card was, Lexar upped the ante by releasing a truly eye-popping performer in its CFast CF class of camera memory cards (note that these are CF cards and are definately only for the fastest pro cameras on the market).

I  have not tried one of these - they cost more than $700 a pop but produce a read transfer speed up to 540MB/s (3600x) - the cards are supposedly designed for 4K shooters and "next-generation, cinema-grade video cameras".  Interestingly, no cameras can actually shoot still images fast enough to justify one of these mega-fast accessories - although downloading date from card to computer would be almost instantaneous...

Capacities:

128GB—Up to 540MB/s read, 445MB/s write
256GB—Up to 540MB/s read, 445MB/s write

This is what Lexar says about its new high speed card:
"New speed thresholds for cinema-quality 4K video and beyond Designed to address the exacting demands of today’s top content innovators, the Lexar® Professional 3600x CFast™ 2.0 card provides new thresholds of high-speed performance and large capacity options to easily capture the highest-quality 4K video and beyond. And with a read transfer speed up to 540MB/s*, the card dramatically accelerates post-production workflow. Lights. Memory card. Action. Whether shooting broadcast-quality videos, professional-league touchdowns, or feature-length blockbusters, today’s cinematographers, filmmakers, and content creators need a card that delivers the quality expected at the highest level of cinematography. Powerful high-speed capture and transfer. The high-speed performance of the card maximises the capabilities of next-generation, cinema-grade video cameras, allowing you to capture the highest-quality RAW, ProRes, and 4K video, and beyond. And with an industry-leading read transfer speed up to 540MB/s, you’ll quickly power through post-production.* Record longer with high-capacity options. The card is offered in large capacity options to address the requirements of professionals to capture lots of footage, and keep shooting. So from the first take through to post-production, you’ll have the speed and space you need to capture the highest cinema-quality video for your next masterpiece. Specifically optimised for ARRI® cameras. The card has been developed to meet the intense demands of cameras capable of capturing 4K video and beyond. It’s optimised to work with ARRI cinema-grade cameras based on their unique recording design.** Recover files with Image Rescue® software. All Professional line memory cards include version lifetime copy of Image Rescue® software. Image Rescue recovers most photo and select video files, even if they’ve been erased or the card has been corrupted.*** The software is available for free download with purchase of the card. Warranty and support. All Lexar Professional line memory cards come with a limited lifetime warranty and are backed by expert technical support. Rigorously tested. All Lexar product designs undergo extensive testing in the Lexar Quality Labs, facilities with more than 1,100 digital devices, to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability."

I think I'll stick with my Lexar 94Mb/s cards for the time being - at least till the prices come down and I can afford a 4K camera...