Manfrotto, the Italian renowned maker of tripods, bags and all kind of camera accessories has launched a range of memory cards that it claims is the strongest on the market. Comprising of SD, MicroSD and CompactFlash models, the Pro Rugged series is claimed to combine high-speed performance with waterproof, crush-proof and temperature-proof build quality that can withstand extremes of use and conditions.

Sony also claims that it’s Tough line of memory cards are the strongest on the market, but these cards seem to be very performant in terms of weather resistance, therefore the name Pro Rugged.

Manfrotto’s cards are available in SD, CF, and microSD formats, and seem to be aimed at pro photographers.
Both lines feature one-piece, solid molded designs that seal off internal components from the outside world by omitting connector ribs and write-protection switches — Manfrotto says its waterproof and dustproof SD/microSD cards keep liquid and foreign debris out when submerged for up to 72 hours (the CF cards aren’t waterproof).

The SD cards particularly are sealed against the ingress of water and dust and can remain underwater for up to 72 hours without suffering damage. They are made from a solid molded piece of plastic and are said to be three times stronger than normal cards and able to survive a 20kg impact. Tested in temperatures of between -25 degrees C to 85 degrees C, the SD cards come in 64 and 128GB capacities and have a V90 rating that sees 280MB/s and 250MB/s read/write speeds.

SD XC II UHS-II Cards

• Read/Write speed: 280MB/s (read), 250MB/s (write)
• V90 rating (up to 90MB/s, good for 4K and 6K video)
• Temperature range: -25°C – 85°C
• Payload: up to 20kg
• Waterproof

The Pro Rugged MicroSD cards are V30 rated, offer 90MB/s read/write speeds and come in 64 and 128GB capacities, while the CompactFlash cards are UDMA 7 rated, offer 160MB/s and 130MB/s read/write speeds and also come in 64/128GB varieties.

microSD XC-I Cards

• Read/Write speed: 90MB/s (read), 90MB/s (write)
• V30 rating (up to 30MB/s, good for 4K video)
• Temperature range: -25°C – 85°C
• Payload: up to 20kg
• Waterproof

The CF cards aren’t waterproof but Manfrotto claims they are made from tougher materials than most cards, that they will last longer and that they can withstand a 35kg impact. They are suited to use in temperatures of between freezing and 70 degrees C.

CF UDMA 7 Cards

• Read/Write speed: 160MB/s (read), 130MB/s (write)
• UDMA 7 (Ultra Direct Memory Access) rating (up to 167MB/s and 12ns cycle time, good for 4K video)
• Temperature range: 0°C – 70°C
• Payload: up to 20kg
• Not Waterproof

“Industrial strength, reliable, with unparalleled speed; Manfrotto Pro Rugged Memory Cards are the essential accessory every photographer should be carrying,” Manfrotto says. “Providing professionals with the toughest memory cards on the market, the Pro Rugged range is […] designed to ensure peak performance from your DSLR, CSC, camcorder, drone, action camera, gimbal and more!”

All three types of Manfrotto’s Pro Rugged line of memory cards are available now. Prices are as follows:

• 64GB SD: $115
• 128GB SD: $225
• 64GB microSD: $32
• 128GB microSD: $42
• 64GB CF: $80
• 128GB CF: $150

Visit Manfrotto’s website for more information.