First test
ProGrade gear PRICES: VARIOUS
PROGRADEDIGITAL.COM
We check out one of the most popular producers of storage solutions TESTED BY WILL CHEUNG
ProGrade Digital SDXC/microSDXC dual-slot mobile card reader £38.99
This small dual-format card reader accepts SDXC UHS-II and microSD cards and features a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface. The USB-C connector inserts in either orientation to pair with desktops, laptops and tablets.
Each unit has a laser-etched serial number, which you can register with ProGrade to receive product updates. Claimed transfer rate is 625MB/s. Using an M1 Mac Mini as well as the ProGrade SD card also tested here, I ran this test with a folder containing 25GB of data. It was written to card in 137secs – which is 187MB/s – and the return read journey was 113secs and 226.5MB/s. With the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, I received results of 238MB/s write and 211MB/s read speeds, respectively. “AT THIS PRICE, I HAVE NO PROBLEM RECOMMENDING”
Verdict ProGrade’s Digital PGM0.5 card reader does a fine job, with decent performance figures on my kit. It also provided reliable service over a couple of weeks of testing. At this price, I have no problem recommending it whatsoever. PROS Compact, robust build, good price CONS Gets warm in use
SPECS › Price £38.99 › Compatibility SDXC UHS-II and microSDXC › Interface USB 3.2 Type C › Rated transfer speed Up to 625MB/s › Weight 12g › Dimensions 48x38x9mm
ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II 128GB £157.99
mechanical shutter, that gives 12fps, and I got 86 full-size Raws before the card showed any sign of hesitation. The buffer cleared in 10secs. With the electronic shutter, I got 55 shots at 20fps before the camera paused for breath with the buffer clearing in the same time. That’s very good going for an SD card, so sustained long bursts, with some shutter finger management, are no issue. With GFX 100S, I got 50 frames in continuous shooting before a hesitation. I can’t picture wanting to shoot so many 102-megapixel Raws in one burst – but if I did, I’d pick this card.
I tested the 128GB card on a Canon EOS R5 and Fujifilm GFX 100S, then transferred data using an M1 Mac Mini with 16GB RAM. With the EOS R5 in high- speed continuous shooting and
The ProGrade SDXC UHS-II card is available in four sizes, from 64GB to 512GB, and claims impressive performance with a quoted 300MB/s read and 250MB/s write speed.
SPECS › Prices 64GB £86.99, 128GB £157.99, 256GB £293.99, 512GB £543.99 › Max read 300MB/s › Max write 250MB/s › Compatibility SDXC UHS-II, V90, U3, Class 10 › Dimensions 32x24x2.1mm
Verdict From one retailer, this ProGrade SDXC 128GB card costs £157.99; a comparable Sandisk card is £202. Based on that, the ProGrade is excellent value, with a level of performance you’ll enjoy.
PROS Very swift read/write performance, buffer clears quickly CONS Nothing
RACE PACE Great performance for an SDXC – as this speed test shows
36 Photography News | Issue 105
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook