14 DAY TRIAL // Regardless of how high a resolution a professional camera can reach, its effectiveness at capturing images, especially in rapid succession, is completely dependent on how quickly the memory card can record data. Knowing this, those that conduct research in the domain of this storage media are constantly putting effort into improving not just the maximum capacity, but especially the maximum transfer rates achievable. Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX marks the latest progress that the company has made in this endeavor.
“Consumers quickly will see the benefit of the high-speed HX series when using features like burst shooting for DSLR or shooting HD video, said Shane Higby, director of the consumer media business at Sony Electronics. It is the recommended media format for both professionals and enthusiasts, delivering high performance and a range of unique benefits,” the official announcement states.
Most current HX models can only manage to write data at 20MB/s at most. This limits the effectiveness of certain photo and video-camera features, such as burst shooting and recording in High Definition (HD). With a 32GB HX series Memory Stick, however, a camera user can shoot about 260 JPEG mode/Large [14MB] images in just one minute. Compared with Pro Duo Memory Stick cards, this shows a 160-Percent improvement. Also, a 30GB file taken in 1920 x 1080p or HDRCX110 format (the equivalent of 175 minutes of video) can be transferred in 17 minutes.
Of course, as with all kinds of components, results may vary according to the camera used and its hardware settings. The new Memory Stick cards are bundled with the x-Pict Story software, which enables easy online photo sharing, data recovery and file rescue. With capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB, they will be available starting this summer, through major electronic retailers and Sony's own website.