Lexar Announces the ARMOR GOLD and SILVER UHS-II SDXC Memory Cards
Lexar has just introduced two new UHS-II SDXC memory card series: ARMOR GOLD and ARMOR SILVER.
The Lexar ARMOR GOLD and SILVER UHS-II SDXC cards come in five different capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. Their main selling feature is the stainless steel construction, which Lexar claims makes these cards around 37 times stronger than ordinary SD cards.
While CFexpress Type B has become the de facto standard for high-end mirrorless and cinema cameras, SD cards remain a popular option for entry-level to prosumer equipment.
Though SD cards are widely available and inexpensive, their plasticky nature can cause rapid wear and tear, putting your valuable photographs at risk. However, Lexar appears to have discovered an alternative.
Unlike conventional SD media, these reinforced cards lack the plastic write-protect switch on the side and have removed the plastic ribs on the back, which can shatter. Furthermore, to avoid scratches over time, Lexar’s branding and technical specifications are laser-engraved into the front surface rather than printed on a label.
The cards have an IP68 rating, which means they are dust, dirt, and water resistant. Furthermore, the tough steel design is said to provide anti-magnetic, anti-static, X-ray, and UV protection. It should also survive high impact (up to 5 meters) and extreme temperatures (-25°C to 85°C / -13°F to 185°F).
However, not everything that glitters is gold. Indeed, the cards trail slightly behind the competition in terms of speed. According to Lexar, both series can achieve a maximum read speed of up to 280MB/s, while the ARMOR GOLD cards are faster at writing data (up to 210MB/s against 160MB/s for some of the fastest SILVER cards). Nonetheless, the ARMOR GOLD and SILVER cards have a V60 rating for Video Speed Class.
Currently, little is known about the price and availability of the new Lexar ARMOR GOLD and SILVER SDXC cards.
More info on Lexar’s website.
