Angelbird AV PRO 1TB & 330GB CFexpress Card Review

[@ytr8989]

Photography has really turned into an expensive hobby. Glad there are companies like Angelbird helping us out.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Agreed. My first card cost $550 and that was on sale giving me 325 GBs of storage. To get the lowest price per GB and yet still be high end is a great thing.

[@norbertholzmann8653]

Bought a 1 TB Angelbird card two days ago at my local dealer for my R5C. Works flawlessly with 8k60 for 52 min. of 3D VR180 recording.

[@nexttvc]

1TB Card SE now 199 dollars. Thank you for this amazing detail review.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

My pleasure!

[@tjc]

I used to be hardcore Sandisk for any memory card needs. Now I'm 100% Angelbird all the way. They are quite simply the best quality at any price from what I've seen.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I was 100% Sandisk for the Canon 70D. All my V30 cards were Sandisk, but when I went to CFexpress, I found the Sandisk cards very expensive compared to the competition.

[@ErisedMediaCo]

Love my angelbird cards. All I own for Cfast express. I own the 512 and I think I’d love a 1TB for my R5c

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I think I have about 11 of them between CFexpress Type B, Type A and their AtomX SSDs.

[@cathco9]

I must be the last dinosaur still using 64GB cards. I don't do video. When I'm out shooting, I can do 1200 photos on my R5 (CRAW CFEB card + JPEG on the SD card) and come home with plenty of room left over. I guess the choice for me would be 128GB if that's the smallest capacity they make. I'm hoping the R5 II will have 2 CFEB card slots. If so, I'll be in the market for 2 new cards. This was a very informative video. Thanks, Simon!

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Nah, you're just a photographer. Us videographer types could not possible work for that little. This video along was in the he 100s of GBs. For you, the $129 cards might be worthwhile. 160GB would last you a while. I don't recommend the 512GB, its for videographers and isn't fast enough for continuous stills.

[@johnclay7644]

informative review thanks Simon.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Thanks as always for watching John!

[@WernerBirdNature]

Hey Simon, I knew the Angelbird cards from your channel, and when I got the R5 about 11 months ago, I opted for the AV Pro SE 512 Gb. Shooting stills in cRaw (and just occasional video), the sustained 800MB/s still has margin even shooting 20 fps electronic. And the price was a stunner indeed, it was even cheaper than the 256 Gb SD V30 card I had purchased just a year earlier ! Today, I can testify I shot beyond 150k cRaw images on this single AV Pro SE card .. and it had not a single glitch.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Thanks for the feedback. Since I started my first video, I've been suing Angelbird for everything. Every video shot for the channel on the atomX 1TB and 512GB, I use multiple CFexpress cards to shot run and gun. I did have a few cracked shells on the MK1, but they sent me replacements quickly. Angelbird is now my standard. I'm excited to see what comes next from them.

[@WernerBirdNature]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker *LMAO* your lawyer would be extremely rich when your typo wasn't a typo, heheh 😛 I knew Angelbird is your standard, but shooting video or still place a different type of stress to the cards, which is why I wanted to share my use case with you. When the R5ii brings what we expect, I would need a faster Angelbird (and use my current one for fallback jpgs in the second slot). But I think I should enjoy my current R5 for a few more years before swapping to the R5ii.

[@DroseMr]

Def best product ,warranty and service in any lineup. Compatibilites are limited but only by camera manufactures and recording monitor companies everchanging firmware in my oppinion. But that does not stop Angelbird. I was using a 4Tb CF Express by Angelbird in the Gh6 until i updated to fw 2. As now im using dual .1 Tb v60 Sd cards in The S5iix upto 600 Mbs and weary of the first round of fw for same reason that may show some sort of exceed capacity warning. Not in a hurry unless 6k60 will be availible and maybe worth getting smaller cards wich makes no sense🎉Thank You

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Thanks for your feedback. I continue to use their cards every day :)

[@EPXPhotography]

SOLD! Thanks Simon. You really came through with this review.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I just an ordinary guy looking for value at a time when most things are going up. Was out shooting the 1TB Se again this weekend. I'll continue to shoot with for the next few months. But one thing of note, the 1TB SE is essentially the same as the old 1TB MK2 that sold for $479.

[@dinkobilic9078]

The only thing keeping me from buying one is the reports I keep reading about Angelbird cards being stuck in Nikon Z bodies...and I need one for my Z8.

[@MysticApertureStudios]

Just ordered the 1TB one, for Indian National Rupee 15, 715 which is approximately $190. This includes shipping.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

They are my default card. Never lost data on them and they are fast.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

I heard about the dimensions of the Angel Bird cards are slightly bigger and the build quality is not good. There were instances of the cards getting stuck in the card slot and damaging the card. I have the 1 TB AV PRO and the 512 GB AV PRO SE cards. I am now using them as my last resort cards. My main cards are ExAscend Essential 1 TB, Sabrent Rocket CFX PRO 1 TB, and Prograde Cobalt 325 GB on my Z8. I hope Angel Bird addressed the issues in these newly released cards.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

The card size meets the standard for CFexpress Type B. They have never gotten stuck in the EOS R5, and never gotten stuck in any card reader I have used from the Angelbird, Pergear or Prograde. I've used dozens of CFexpress cards since 2020 from many manufacturers and have never noticed this. The information you are hearing sounds a little suspect. Do you have any articles reviews that you could post?

[@ThePinoyAggie]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker Amazon reviews and I learned it from the Cameraville. He does really good reviews and comparisons. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inTGqmqjYtWgpdU. So far, I have not gotten any issues with my Z8. But, I have not used my Angel Bird cards that much since I have enough capacity with my other cards.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I'll look into it, but I am very suspicious of a lot of online reviews these days due to farming. It's too bad, the reviews were great when they started, but farming has really ruined it.

[@Stevelarge1]

Hi Simon, Would have been nice to have a bit of info on the new Angelbird CF Express type A for us Sony shooters out here. I understand that they have a 1TB solution for us at around $500 Canadian. Perhaps in a future video? Steve Large - The Owl Man

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I already did a review of that card on announcement day Steve. Check it out in the Angelbird playlist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIjVmXaMbteLntk

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

I tried Angelbird thanks to thorough testing/ review from Alik Griffin. So far so good. Must use an Angelbird reader though

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Not true. One does not need to use an Angelbird card reader. I have used the cards with Pergear and Prograde card readers. One only needs to use an Angelbird card reader if you want to update the firmware.

[@RSteuermann]

you only need a angelbird card reader for firmware updates for the card. I will buy the OWC Atlas FXR Thunderbolt (USB-C) + USB CFexpress Card Reader with Thunderbolt 1600 M/S download. (for updates i use the AB reader from a friend.

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

ah. good to know ! @@OrdinaryFilmmaker

[@petersuvara]

Although I can record 8k 60p NRAW on my pergear 1tb. Uploading on my Mac is nowhere near as fast as my cobalt ProGrade card. Never tried angel bird.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I've used Purger and had no issues, thought there speed is not as fast, it won't impact recording, just offloading and transcoding. If you aren't having any issues with your coal or purger, stay with them. I do recommend sticking with one card maker and use their own card reader for best performance.

[@petersuvara]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker that's actually something I noticed also. My Pergear cards only work with their reader. While the Prograde cards seem to work across different readers. I thinking of getting the 325 gb cobalt prograde card now, since from what I have researched, these are by far the fastest and most reliable cards, better than the San-Disk Extreme PRO cards also. It's quite an outlay though. Still have a lot of footage to put up on our @shotsuvara channel that's waiting for Color Grading on Davinci.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I had no issues with purger in Angelbird or Prograde readers. I've tried their 1TB 512GB cards. The Angelbird MK2 AV Pro cards have a maximum sustained 1480 MB/s, the prograde Cobalt is 1400MB/s so Angelbird has the slight edge. But it also depends on your camera. The R7 won't be able to maximize the 1480 card like the R3 can because the buffer, main bus, etc are slower on the R7 versus the R3. I see it with the R5. It cannot push as much data as the 1DX III. I first bought the prograde cobalt thinking I needed the speed and sacrificed capacity - it was my mistake. Today I'm fine with 1300 MB/s with more capacity. Do you shot a lot of continuous stills on a high end camera? If yes, then definitely go for the 1480MB/s cards. There are so many variables to getting the speed... It's crazy...

[@canilalphahusky795]

Friend, thanks for sharing, I'm Brazilian and I admire your channel, I'm studying to import a Cf card here in Brazil, I'm going to buy a Canon R3. I want to take some pictures and record some videos in 6K RAW of my dogs, it will be to put it on the social network or on KZbin. Maximum 10 or 20 minutes of recording. Which would you recommend? The CFexpress 512GB or 1T?

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Any card can handle the video. My concern is the continuous high speed shooting. I'd recommend the 1TB as it is 1,300MB/s versus 800MB/s. You can shoot stills faster and can even transcode on card if needed. The 330GB gives more, but unless you are always shooting high speed, the 1TB SE card is my recommendation. Thanks for watching my channel!

[@canilalphahusky795]

Please 1T SE card would be Cartão Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress MK2 Tipo B??? My English is not so good, I'm Brazilian and I still have a little difficulty understanding. I will be very grateful 🙏🙏

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Angelbird AV PRO 1TB SE Type B CFexpress card. The one I have in my links.

[@canilalphahusky795]

Tranks tranks 🙏

[@grumblewoof4721]

It is a pity that Adorama ship all over the world but NOT to the UK, Ireland and many EU countries (but they do ship to some and not others ! curious). They ship to over 100 countries including; Ukraine, Yemen, Belarus (Putin is happy about this), Switzerland and Norway to name a few. Angelbird themselves are selling the 1TB directly from their website for Euro 369 inclu. VAT and shipping to UK or £319, this is $410 US. So far the best price I can find in the UK is £304 (includes VAT and shipping) or $390 US. I could buy 2 x 512GB SE cards for £260, despite the attractiveness of not having to change cards mid shoot I think the 2 x cards makes more economical sense, at £130 each that seems a good deal considering I paid about £450 for my first 512 GB Angelbird type B card.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Did you try B&H? I think a lot of times, these retractions are manufacturer enforced. I see the same for Canada. Some, not all products are restricted from shipping to Canada. I'd like to see dual cards on the R5 too.

[@grumblewoof4721]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker I will check out B&H and see where they ship, thanks. It would indeed make more sense to have dual CF Express type B cards on the R5 II since it is more in the professional domain than hobbies now, the R5 II will likely have the higher price than the original R5 had when it is released. Since the cost of Type B cards is coming down thanks in no small part to AngelBird, then having a SD card slot seems to offer no benefits. All the benefits are in having a Dual Type B and dual writing and best speed.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

You can also order directly from Angelbird. I don't think it makes sense to hold back dual cards on the five series anymore.

[@Ultrarmx]

Is SanDisk coming out with a new CFexpress? B&H is out of stock of CFexpress Type B.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Not sure, Sandisk never responded to my requests. All I know is what they issued in press releases.

[@bbfoto7248]

@OrdinaryFilmaker Simon, what USB-C/Thunderbolt CFexpress B CARD READER are you using and/or recommend???

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

It's best to use the same brand reader as the cards you're using. It delivers the best performance, and permits firmware updates.

[@bbfoto7248]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker Thanks for the quick reply. Appreciated. I'll use your links if I purchase. Cheers

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Thanks so much. I appreciate that. I use Angelbird in all my gear. I use their readers only. When I use a purger, I use their reader. You'll often find companies offering performance or other improvement to use their readers. Plus, if there is an issue, there is only one neck to choke ;)

[@57rayk]

Got the 330 to use in my R3

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

How do you find it Ray? I'm currently filling up the 1TB SE.

[@johnyip9927]

I need to know when we get canon r5 major firmware updates almost two months already

[@six66red14]

+1

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

No kidding. I keep asking and keep getting told that it will be ready when it's ready. CR hasn't said anything further either. This is a slow time of year with people ogling on vacation. It might take a little longer. I'd be surprised if this rumour wasn't true so its just a matter of time.

[@heynow2880]

BH Photo has the 512gb for $129. I would rather buy 2 of those.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Yes, I said that in the video. The 512GB has a 800 maximum sustained write speed. The 1TB has a maximum sustained write speed of 1300 MB/s. For that reason, I use the 1TB instead.

[@heynow2880]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker I’ve use the 512 for almost a year and is flawless in even 8K raw.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

It can handle everything the R5 or Z8 can toss at it, but if you transcode on the cards like I do, having the faster 1TB makes a big difference. It's 500 MB/s faster. Still that 512GB card is amazing value at 129.99.

[@heynow2880]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker I’m good with 4K Fine and when the R5m2 comes would I can’t wait for 4K Fine 60fps as well a better dynamic range.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Same here. I'd also like to see more detail in 4K120.

[@MadManTnT]

did they fixed the slow wake up time after the camera went to sleep found in the 512 card ?

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

The slow wake up time was fixed in a firmware update and subsequent cards some time ago.

[@MadManTnT]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker not really on Nikon. Z8 and z9 still suffer from it to this day. I have the latest firmware on all my ab cards and the behaviour is the same.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I'd reach out to their support to see if there is something they can do. Keep me posted MadMan. My R5 boots up very quickly, but the camera can take time once in a while when I switch power or attachments or memory cards. It's as though it is doing some sort of check. But most of the time, the camera is ready to shoot within seconds of power on - nothing I would consider a concern.

[@MadManTnT]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker on power on is fast but after the camera goes to sleep, when i wake it up i have to 4-5s per card. There is also a slow boot time for the cfexpress cards type a on the sony a7s3.I test it this weekend .

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Do you have the same performance when using non Angelbird cards? This occurred years ago on the R5, then Angelbird released a firmware update. I'd definitely contact support describing what you have said here.

[@xabierlanda8998]

I can’t found that prices not even in AliExpress

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

I put links in the description so you can easily find them.

[@Onewiththesauce8]

Do you or anyone have any tips or where to go to figure out to update the firmware on the 1TB se cf express card? i downloaded the firmware from angelbird but im on windows and having a hard time updating my card. Any help would be appreciated.

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Make sure you have their card reader. I don't use windows so I don't know how that works.

[@Onewiththesauce8]

@@OrdinaryFilmmaker thank you, I did some research online and yes even their website ses to use their card reader. The excleron I got isn’t working. So I ordered a new card reader and I’ll update here when I receive

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Always wise to use the OEM card reader with the OEM cards. If there's a problem during the update, you have a single neck to choke ;)

[@altonmarsh]

Nah. I’ve read one bad Angelbird review too many. You get what you pay for…etc. I’m sticking with Sony Tough until my camera store says it’s safe to do otherwise.

[@EverythingCameFromNothing]

I’ve never read a bad Angelbird review and read lots of reviews!! What was the particular issue you have read? 🤔

[@OrdinaryFilmmaker]

Specifics Alton, specifics. I shoot with Angelbird consistently for this channel and it is true - one does get what one pays for. They use high quality flash, engineer and fabricate themselves. 1300 MB/s sustained write speed on the 1TB and 1480MB/s on the 330 GB... Should me someone else that does that for that price. And it includes three year warranty and data recovery service.