The SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B card reader is the ideal device for recording ProRes video on iPhoneIt also has MagSafe and offers super fast transfers.
The SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B recording device is an innovative product designed for professional filmmakers and enthusiasts who want to unleash the full potential of their iPhone 15 and 16 Pro or Pro Max. Max. This MagSafe-compatible card reader easily connects to the back of your iPhone, providing a seamless, high-quality mobile movie-making experience.
Design and construction
The device boasts a metal chassis in a sky blue metallic color, which not only adds an elegant look, but also ensures durability and longevity. Thanks to MagSafe compatibility, the reader can be easily and firmly attached to the back of your iPhone, ensuring a stable connection while filming. This integration eliminates the need for additional brackets or cables, making field work easier.
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The reader comes with a fast USB-C cable in the package, which is just long enough not to get in the way while filming, but to be comfortable to connect. You can of course use your own cable, but make sure it supports high speeds. The cheaper ones are slow, so you would then iPhonem could not shoot in ProRes format and Log space.
On one side there is a slot for a memory card, which you insert and click into place. The other side offers USB-C port to plug in the cable and then there is also a power button. This is useful whenever you want to save energy. The reader is powered directly from the iPhone, so it is more than beneficial when you are filming all day to turn off the reader and save the phone's energy.
Performance and transfer speed
The SanDisk PRO-CINEMA reader supports recording in ProRes 4K format at up to 60 fps directly to a CFexpress Type B card. This is written on the product label, but the truth is that it also supports 120 frames per second with the latest iPhone 16 Pros and Cons Max is supported. In such quality and format Apple ProRes and Log space The size of one minute of recording is approximately 20 GB. This means that for longer recordings, it is essential to have high-capacity memory cards available. 10 minutes of recording will use up to 200 GB.
The device is equipped with a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which supports transfer speeds of up to 20 Gb/s. In real-world conditions, the reader achieves a read speed of around 1400 MB/s and a write speed of approximately 830 MB/s. These values allow for fast transfer of large files, which is key for efficient workflows when processing high-definition video.
Compatibility and flexibility
In addition to seamless integration with iPhonem 15 and 16 Pro and Pro Max The device is also compatible with other cameras and computers equipped with a USB-C port. This means you can use the reader not only for mobile filming, but also as part of your wider ecosystem of devices. Last but not least, this solution is also suitable for those who have a more professional camera for filming and supports the same type of memory cards. For example, Nikon Z7, Canon C500 Mark II or Panasonic Lumix S1. Then you just change the card in the device you want to film with and move it between the big camera and iPhonem, which has a SanDisk reader on the back.
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For professional filmmakers, the possibility of integration into existing camera setups is also important. The SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B is compatible with the ARRI ¼"-20 mount, which allows for easy integration into professional rigs and makes work on set easier. It is actually a standard tripod thread that can be attached to it, so you don't have to buy special clamp holders, but you can make do with a reducer or perhaps a 1/4 double-sided thread.
Practical experiences
The device is powered directly from the iPhone via the bus, eliminating the need for external power sources. This is especially convenient when working in the field where access to electrical outlets is limited. To save energy, the reader is equipped with an on/off button, which allows you to save the iPhone's battery when the device is not in use. I must say that I did not feel a significant drop in power when the reader was inactive and just turned on. On the contrary, if you shoot a lot, the reader heats up and needs more power. In that case, it is definitely advisable to secure additional power in the form of a power bank or the ability to quickly recharge iPhone during filming. It's absolutely necessary for the entire filming day, but I would make sure of this even for a few hours.
In real-world testing, the SanDisk PRO-CINEMA reader has proven to be a reliable tool for recording high-definition video. The MagSafe mount is great and when you don't have iPhone somewhere in a stabilizer or similar device, it is an obvious choice. Otherwise, you will appreciate the possibility of attaching it with a tripod thread.
When you connect the reader and insert the card, when you turn on the Camera app and video mode, information is displayed at the bottom that you have a USB-C device connected. After enabling recording in ProRes format, the video will be saved to the connected memory card. After recording, you can easily access the video from the Files app, where you can view or send the video. However, in the case of high quality, it is better to disconnect the card reader and connect it to the Mac, where you will upload the video files. Through AirYou would have waited a long time for the drop.
It is important to note that for optimal performance, it is essential to use high-quality and fast CFexpress Type B memory cards. SanDisk offers its own line of these cards called Pro-CINEMA, which are designed to provide the high write and read speeds necessary for working with ProRes video. They come in 256GB, 320GB, and 640GB capacities. I have the 320GB version, and you can save up to maxat least 16 minutes of video in the highest possible quality. On the other hand, few people will shoot 4K video at 120 fps. When reduced to 60 fps, this capacity is suitable for storing up to 53 minutes, which is definitely better.
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The SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B is an excellent solution for filmmakers who want to take advantage of their iPhone 15 and 16 Pro or Pro Max na maximum. With easy magnetic MagSafe attachment, fast transfer speeds, and compatibility with professional workflows, this card reader is a valuable addition for anyone involved in mobile filmmaking.
Although the price of the device, which is around CZK 2, may be higher for some users, the investment is worth it thanks to the increased efficiency and recording quality that this product provides. For professionals and enthusiasts looking for a reliable and powerful solution for recording video on their iPhone, the SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B recording device is definitely a recommended choice.
Hmm, with a 1TB drive it takes me a little over 25 minutes.