Sony Electronics has unveiled the world's first XQD memory cards that comply to the recently adopted XQD specification for high-speed, high-performance digital image capture. Although the new memory cards provide unprecedented speeds and capabilities for professional photographers, they cost quite a lot.

The key features of the XQD format of NAND flash memory cards include PCI Express 2.5GHz speed today with 125MB/s and higher transfer speed as well as and PCIe 5GHz interface in future. Thanks to extremely high 125MB/s write speed, XQD compatible high-end DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera, such as Nikon D4, can capture up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode.

"Advanced shooters want to capture the moment in the highest quality possible, and that often means dealing with massive files like RAW images. Memory card technology has done a great job of keeping pace, but these new cards give an entirely new meaning to speed and performance," said Viviano Cantu, director of consumer media for Sony Electronics.

Sony is also introducing a USB 2.0/3.0 compatible XQD card reader (model MRW-E80) so users can quickly and easily transfer large quantities of very high capacity data to their PC. Also, an XQD ExpressCard Adapter (QDA-EX1) will be available for use with computers with an ExpressCard 34 card slot.

The new Sony products are planned to be available in February and are estimated to sell at the following retail prices:

• QD-H16 card - 16 GB - $129.99
• QD-H32 card - 32 GB - $229.99
• Card Reader - MRW-E80 - $44.99
• ExpressCard Adapter - QDA-EX1 - $44.99

Tags: Sony, XQD