Media startup Uniport Solutions addresses a need that has been long overdue … eliminating the need of having to bring along a card reader to import footage to edit it. Their new X-Driver CFExpress card is designed with a USB-C plug built right in so that all that needs to be done is pull the card out of the camera and plug it right into the computer.
Spending the last three years designing and fine-tuning the fit and finish of The X-Driver Type B CFExpress media card, Uniport worked precisely within the narrow dimensions of a CFExpress card slot and still crafted the card to fit perfectly into cameras without losing any storage space or causing the USB-C plug to stick out.
Image Credit – Uniport Solutions
“The X-Driver is the ultimate all-in-one device for storing your media files and then transferring the files to your computer, tablet, or phone,” states the crowdfunding pitch on IndieGoGo. “The X-Driver is designed to smoothly integrate into your existing arsenal of camera gear by replacing your current CFexpress and getting rid of your CFexpress to USB-C converter.”
The X-Driver is built pretty robustly, as well, with a design that incorporates high-impact plastic and SUS304 stainless steel. The result is a media card that Uniport claims is 2x faster than other CFExpress cards, with read/write speeds approaching over 1700 MB/s. That makes it capable of working with 8K video at frame rates approaching 60 frames per second.
The card has been tested within a Canon R5 mirrorless camera, and the promotional materials on IndieGoGo state compatibility with Canon C300 Mk. II and C500 Mk. II Cinema Cameras, and Nikon Z 6 Mk. II and Z7 Mk. II mirrorless cameras with updated firmware, so there’s a good chance it’ll work in the 8K Z9 as well.
There Are even photos of the card with RED Cinema Cameras, but the crowdfunding pitch doesn’t mention that camera by name.
Image Credit – Uniport Solutions
Currently, in the crowdfunding phase, the company is seeking to raise $20,000 to bring X-Driver to market. Consequently, a 128GB X-Driver CFExpress Card can be backed for an early bird rate of 20% off the retail price of $180, a 256GB model for 20% off $320, or a 512GB card for 20% retail price of $480. There are also 3-card packages for the 128GB and 256GB cards that yields a 30% discount.
Judging from the response, however, it seems that the majority of content creators are taking a wait-and-see approach. This could largely be the nature of the crowdfunding beast, which all too often results in a failure of delivery or slipped delivery dates.
However, in all fairness to Uniport, the X-Driver’s innovative design is an idea whose time has come, and if they can pull it off, it could be a gamechanger for production. The card is expected to ship in November of 2022.
[source: IndieGoGo]
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