Homan CFExpress Type B Card
In the world of high-performance storage media, CFexpress cards have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional speed and reliability, particularly in demanding fields such as photography, videography, and data-intensive applications. The Homan CFexpress Type B card is one of the latest entries in this space, promising to deliver top-tier performance for users requiring fast read/write speeds and high capacity for large files. Let's dive deep into a detailed review of the Homan CFexpress Type B card, evaluating its performance, build quality, reliability, and value proposition for professionals and enthusiasts.
Key Specifications
Capacity: Available in multiple sizes ranging from 256GB to 2TB.
Speed:
Read Speed: Up to 1,700 MB/s (varies based on model capacity).
Write Speed: Up to 1,500 MB/s (varies based on model capacity).
Interface: PCIe Gen 3.0 (for Type B interface).
Form Factor: CFexpress Type B.
Durability: Shock-resistant and designed to handle extreme environments.
Compatibility: Works with CFexpress Type B compatible devices (e.g., high-end cameras like those from Canon, Nikon, and Sony).
Design and Build Quality
The Homan CFexpress Type B card has a relatively standard design, with the sleek, rectangular form factor typical of Type B cards. Measuring 38.5mm x 29.8mm, the card is compact yet sturdy, fitting easily into compatible camera slots. The build quality is solid, and the materials used feel premium, contributing to an overall sense of durability.
The surface of the card has a matte black finish with subtle branding and labeling. There are no sharp edges, and the card feels robust in hand. The physical durability of the card is also worth mentioning; it is designed to be shock-resistant, which is an important feature for users who often work in rough or challenging conditions, such as outdoor photographers and videographers.
Additionally, the card is built to withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for use in a variety of environmental conditions, from freezing cold to intense heat. The temperature tolerance ranges from -40°C to 85°C, so it's reliable for both indoor studio environments and more extreme outdoor conditions.
Performance
When you talk of the performance of a CFExpress card, this is measured in two ways. The first measurement is the maximum read/write speed which is usually what is indicated on the CFExpress card. The second measurement is the sustained write speed, this one is normally not indicated on the card (there are some manufacturers that indicate the sustained speed on the cfexpress card). One of the standout features of the Homan CFexpress Type B card is its exceptional speed. In terms of both read and write speeds, it provides a significant performance boost over older storage formats such as SD and even older CF cards. The impressive speeds enable seamless recording of high-resolution video and quick data transfer.
Read Speed:
The Homan CFexpress card offers a read speed of up to 1,800 MB/s, which is ideal for applications requiring quick access to stored data. Whether you're working with 4K or 8K video footage, this card excels in transferring large files without bottlenecking, significantly improving workflow efficiency, especially when working with massive video files or high-res images.
Write Speed:
The write speed of up to 1,700 MB/s ensures smooth and uninterrupted recording, even when dealing with burst photography, raw video data, or continuous shooting. For professional photographers and videographers, this is crucial—there’s no buffer delay, ensuring that you don’t miss a single shot or frame. In particular, this write speed is advantageous for recording 4K/6K/8K video at high bit rates.
Real-World Performance:
In real-world testing, the card lives up to its promises. During video recording on cameras like the Canon EOS R5 and Sony Alpha series, the Homan CFexpress card managed to handle continuous 4K 120fps footage without any dropouts or slowdowns. For still photographers, burst modes at 20fps with RAW files were processed seamlessly without lag or delays.
The speed and reliability are also evident when transferring files to a computer. Even with the largest video files, the Homan CFexpress card maintained high transfer speeds, taking only a fraction of the time it would take on traditional SD cards or older CF cards.
Here is a video of the speed test on the Homan 256gb CFExpress card.
Speed test on Homan CFExpress Type B card 256Gb.
From the video you can see that the performane of the Homan CFExpress card is very good. While the read speed is above the speed indicated by Homan, the write speeds, however, are below. Also note that the difference in write speeds that you see in the video is indicative of the size of the file being written. Smaller files will have a faster write speeds and larger files will have a slower sustained speed.
Here are some screenshots showing that varying write speeds and the slower speeds indicates that it is writing a large file and that is the average sustained write speed.
Reliability and Durability
As a professional-grade storage solution, the Homan CFexpress Type B card excels in terms of reliability. Built for high-performance environments, this card is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its shock resistance ensures it can handle drops, bumps, and accidental impacts. Additionally, the card's resistance to extreme temperatures means it is suitable for outdoor shoots in challenging climates.
For added peace of mind, the card also boasts an error correction mechanism that minimizes the risk of data corruption, which is critical when shooting critical footage or saving important files. During long-form video shoots or extended photography sessions, the card performed consistently without experiencing any read/write failures or issues related to data loss.
Capacity Options
The Homan CFexpress Type B card comes in multiple capacities ranging from 256GB to 2TB, offering a wide range of options depending on the user's storage needs. For high-end video productions or photographers capturing large RAW files, the 1TB and 2TB options will provide ample space without the need to switch cards constantly.
For most professional users, the 1TB model is likely to strike the best balance between price and capacity, allowing for extended shooting sessions without running out of space. However, users with less demanding needs might be fine with the 256GB or 512GB variants, which also provide fast speeds but at a more affordable price.
Compatibility
CFexpress Type B cards are now widely supported by many high-end camera systems, including top models from Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon. The Homan CFexpress Type B card works flawlessly with all compatible devices, and installation is quick and easy. It’s important to note that, while CFexpress cards are becoming more common, not all cameras support them, so users should verify compatibility before purchasing.
Additionally, the Homan card is compatible with CFexpress Type B card readers, ensuring a fast data transfer rate when used in conjunction with a compatible computer setup. The read and write speeds achieved in tests match those listed in the specifications when paired with a capable reader.
Pricing and Value
At the time of writing, the Homan CFexpress Type B card is available at Vizen Marketing and is priced competitively, particularly considering its performance and reliability. While not the cheapest option on the market, it offers a strong value proposition for professional content creators who need top-tier speed and durability. For photographers and videographers working with 4K/8K video or large RAW files, the additional cost over standard SD cards or older CF cards is well worth the investment.
256GB: ₱6,290.00 (US$ 109)
512GB: ₱8,490.00 (US$ 149)
1TB: ₱15,900.00 (US$ 279)
2TB: US$ 599
While these prices might be higher than those of SD or older CF cards, the performance benefits—especially for high-resolution video, burst photography, and heavy-duty data transfers—make the Homan CFexpress Type B card a strong contender for professional-grade workflows.
Pros
Incredible Speed: Read speeds up to 1,800 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,700 MB/s.
Durability: Shock-resistant and works in extreme temperatures (-40°C to 85°C).
Reliability: Consistent performance with no lag, dropouts, or data corruption.
Large Capacity Options: Available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities.
Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with CFexpress Type B-compatible devices.
Cons
Price: Higher price point compared to older SD or CF cards, especially at larger capacities.
Compatibility with Non-CFexpress Devices: Not compatible with devices that don’t support CFexpress Type B.
Final Thoughts
The Homan CFexpress Type B card is a premium storage solution designed for professionals who demand speed, reliability, and durability in their workflows. Whether you're capturing high-res photos, shooting 4K/8K video, or transferring large files quickly, this card provides exceptional performance.
Its build quality, high-speed capabilities, and overall reliability make it an excellent choice for demanding users who need a high-end storage solution. While it comes at a higher price point compared to traditional SD cards, the performance gains are evident, making it well worth the investment for professionals in the photography and videography industries.
*** Thank you to Vizen Marketing for providing the Homan CF Express Card for this review and for allowing me to use the photos of the Homan Card in my blog.