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From bargains for beginners to pro-grade powerhouses, here are the best mirrorless cameras of the moment.
Mirrorless cameras have done much to change the idea that a small camera can’t be a powerful one, and it’s in this sector that we’re typically seeing many developments surfacing first.
Since Photokina we’ve seen the mirrorless market explode, with the likes of Nikon and Canon coming into the fray, and Fujifilm launching a fantastic upgrade to its X-T range. Below are some fantastic snappers – whether it’s the best full frame mirrorless camera you’re looking for or a cheap mirrorless camera bargain, this guide it here to help.
And the good news? We’re seeing hundreds of Black Friday cameras deals and Cyber Monday camera deals right now. Our price comparison tool will pull in the very best offers below, so you can rest assured you’re getting the cheapest possible mirrorless camera prices.
So which are the best mirrorless cameras right now? The fact that there are so many manufacturers involved means that variety is great, from selfie-friendly mirrorless cameras you can get into a pocket to models that can handle super-fast burst shooting and pro-level video recording.
The following list rounds up some of the finest options on the market, taking innovation, performance and value for money into account. Whether you just need something portable for casual use, or something that can rival the best DSLRs around, read on to find the best mirrorless camera for your needs.
1. Fujifilm X-T3 review
For its price, this is the best full-frame camera around right now
The Fujifilm X-T3 is and excellent camera and one we found very difficult to criticise in any way. So anything negative said about it in our five-star review, was really scraping the barrel. Okay, we would have loved a bigger buffer depth and some in-body stabilisation. But, at this price and the functionality there is simply no camera like it around at the moment. What you get is a superb 26.1MP sensor, 4K shooting capabilities and a fast burst mode. One of the best things about the camera for us is that it feels like you are shooting on an old-school DSLR with all the benefits of cutting-edge camera technology.
2. Nikon Z7
A superb (and superbly made) mirrorless camera.
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full frame CMOS | Megapixels: 45.7MP | Monitor: EVF, 3,690k dots, 100% coverage | Continuous shooting speed: 9fps | Viewfinder: EVF | Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30p | User level: Enthusiast.
Great handling
Superb electric viewfinder
Pricey lenses
Single XQD card slot
Although the Nikon Z7 didn’t quite get the coveted five stars (it scored 4.5), it did score full fives for features, build & handling and performance. The Nikon Z7 is an instant classic. It’s a superb (and superbly made) mirrorless camera, boasting a massive 45.7MP full frame CMOS, 493-point hybrid phase/contrast autofocus, 4K UHD at 30p and in-camera image stabilisation system (IBIS). Interestingly, the Z7 is a lot like its chief mirrorless rival, the Sony A7 series, in looks and is much smaller than the Nikon D850, the DSLR whose technology it largely shares. If it wasn’t for the pricey lenses and the fact there won’t be a huge amount of them around for a while, this would be a five-star mirrorless camera.
3. Canon EOS R
A fantastic mirrorless camera with one or two niggles.
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full frame CMOS | Megapixels: 30.3MP | Monitor: EVF, 3.69m dots, 100% coverage | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Viewfinder: EVF | Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 29.97p | User level: Enthusiast/professional.
Great cusomisation
Dual Pixel AF
No in-body image stabilisation
Cropped 4K video
Canon has bucked the trend of having separate pro and enthusiast bodies – it is instead pitching the EOS R squarely in the middle. And that’s no bad thing. The Canon EOS R offers a full-frame 30.3MP CMOS sensor, which is on the same level as the EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR. The two sensors share a lot but the biggest difference is that the EOS R features a phase-difference detection system with the 1D X Mark II’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF, This equates to a simply brilliant 5,655 focus positions. The Canon EOS R is a great mirrorless camera but there are one or two niggles. Its cropped 4K and lack of in-body image stabilisation means it doesn’t quite hit top marks.
4. Sony Alpha A7 III
A junior full-frame option that’s a superb camera.
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Exmor R CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Monitor: XGA OLED type, 2,359,296 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Viewfinder: 3in tilting touchscreen, 921,600 dots | Max video resolution: 4K UHD at 30/24fps | User level: Enthusiast/Beginner
Superbly sophisticated AF system
4K video
Burst mode is just okay
Doesn’t win the MP battle
The A7 III doesn’t really put a foot wrong. Its specs actually belittle its price – you are getting a huge amount of camera prowess here for what is a decent price. Granted, its handling and control layout aren’t the best we have ever tried but its autofocus and continuous shooting performance, not to mention its 4K video capabilities are second to none. Okay, there is that 24MP resolution might put a few people off, given we have been spoiled with higher megapixel alternatives but pixels aren’t everything and this camera is a fantastic mix of performance, image quality and price.
5. Panasonic Lumix G9
A high-speed, high-end mirrorless camera that’s packed with quality
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds sensor | Megapixels: 20.3MP | Monitor: EVF, 3.68m dots and 1.66x magnification | Continuous shooting speed: 60fps | Viewfinder: Illuminated top-plate LCD screen | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
4K UHD video
20/60fps continuous shooting
Battery life isn’t the best
Burst mode could be better
The Panasonic G9 is a brilliantly fast and effective camera that is great for both 4K video and things like fast-action sports and wildlife photography. It’s great in the hand, which means that it offers up a good grip, especially when it is equipped with longer lenses. Its image quality is very good and this is despite it having a smaller MFT sensor. The only issue for us is that when it comes to shooting regular static subjects, there are plenty of rivals that deliver the same quality for not as much money.
6. Sony A6000
Great for when the action presents itself – but a capable all-rounder too
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens mount: Sony E | Monitor: 3-inch tilting, 921,600 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 11fps | Viewfinder: Electronic | Max video resolution: 1080p | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Superb AF system
11fps burst shooting with C-AF
Video not 4K
No touchscreen
It may have been launched well over three years ago, and has been updated by the A6300 and A6500 since then, but the significantly cheaper A6000 represents an excellent entry-point into the world of mirrorless photography. With a very capable autofocus system that blends 179 phase-detect AF points and 25 contrast-detect points, together with 11fps burst shooting with focus tracking, the camera is a particularly fine option for anyone shooting action, although the 24MP APS-C sensor, high-resolution OLED viewfinder, tilting LCD screen – sadly without touch functionality – and both Wi-Fi and NFC means that it holds masses of appeal for those shooting in other genres. The fact that it’s not quite the newest camera makes it excellent value for money too.
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
The newest OM-D model gains flagship processing power and 4K video
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 16.1MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds | Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Max burst speed: 8.6fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
4K video recording
Great image stabilisation
16.1MP beaten by competition
Not a huge change from Mark II
The O-MD E-M10 Mark III very much deserves its maximum score. With a similar handsome form as its forebears but a better processing engine, 4K video and a superior autofocus system on the inside, the camera is a much fitter rival to the likes of the Fujifilm X-T20 and Panasonic Lumix G80, although it still maintains so much that we loved from the Mark II version, such as the five-axis image stabilisation system and the partnership of the 2.36million dot OLED viewfinder and tilting LCD. The only mark against it is that its 16.1MP sensor isn’t quite the latest generation, but this isn’t a significant issue for most people. And, of course, as a Micro Four Thirds model, the camera provides access to a raft of lenses from both Olympus and Panasonic, as well as many further capable option from the likes of Samyang, Sigma and even Voigtländer.
8. Fujifilm X-T20 mirrorless camera
Plenty of X-T2-level specs at a keener price
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens mount: Fuji X | Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Enthusiast
Excellent viewfinder
4K video recording
Only one card slot
Minor ergonomic issues
Fujifilm delivered far more than we expected with the X-T20, with much of the same tech as the co-flagship X-T2 inside a smaller and more affordable body. With a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor, 4K video recording, 325 autofocus points and an 8fps burst shooting option, the camera is as capable on the inside as it is elegant on the outside. It’s also compatible with a vast array of high-quality prime and zoom lenses, and many of these offer their own aperture rings, which sit as a perfect complement to the physical dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation on the body. All of this is strengthened by customisable controls and touchscreen operation, as well as Wi-Fi for remote control. Overall, one of the best mid-range options we’ve seen yet, and a very welcome addition to a series that’s become popular for good reason.
9. Fujifilm X-H1 mirrorless camera
A tried-and-tested sensor, masses of video options and superb handling, the X-H1 is a winner
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens mount: Fuji X | Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps (up to 14fps) | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Enthusiast/professional
Body-based image stabilisation
Excellent handling
A little pricey for an APS-C model
Bulky
It’s difficult to know where to start with the X-H1; there’s lots to love. On top of everything that made the X-T2 a winner – from its 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor and expansive AF options through to its three-axis LCD and multitude of physical controls – Fujifilm has ramped up the feature set to include body-based image stabilisation, a huge top-plate LCD and an even wider selection of options for videographers than before, including both DCI 4K and UHD 4K options. The combination of the sensor and previously seen X-Processor Pro translate to very reliable image quality, with speedy autofocus and a clear OLED viewfinder to make the user experience as good as it can be. That image stabilisation and substantial grip do make for a slightly bulkier body than the X-T2, but if you use longer or heavier lenses you may well welcome this.
10. Sony A9 mirrorless camera
Possibly the most exciting camera we’ve seen yet from Sony
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Full frame | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Sony E | Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,440,000 dots | Viewfinder: Electronic | Max burst speed: 20fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Professional
20fps at 24MP is remarkable
Fast and effective AF
Not exactly cheap
Lens range not as wide as DSLR rivals’
Ok, so the Sony A9 is admittedly a camera that only a handful of people will likely ever adopt for their own shooting, and those that do will have to part with the best part of £5000 for the body alone. It is, however, one of the most exciting mirrorless models we’ve seen in recent times, and its advantages over equivalent DSLRs arguably make it far better value for money. Taking the form of the company’s A7 lines as a starting point, it houses a 24.2MP full-frame sensor and a 693-point phase-detect AF system that covers around 93% of the frame, together with blackout-free shooting from the electronic viewfinder when shooting at up to 20fps and even 4K video to boot.
Produce great quality photos that are packed with fine detail.
Powerful DIGIC processing for responsive performance and accurate colours.
Capture all of the action with a maximum 7fps shooting rate
Focus on and track your subjects wherever they are in your frame
Shoot from high and low angles.
Capture movies at up to 1080p resolution and 60fps frame rate.
Enjoy smooth continuous focusing when shooting movies and photos in Live View mode.
Easily connect and share
See shooting and focus information overlaid over your subject as you shoot
Whats in the box.
OUR VERDICT
Canon has created an excellent camera that makes a worthwhile upgrade from the 70D. It’s well-built with sensibly arranged controls, has good ergonomics and an extensive feature set, and can be set up to suit your shooting style. Most importantly, the image quality is superb with lots of details.
The EOS 80D from Canon is intended for dedicated enthusiast photographers, a demanding group of people who want to be able to shoot a huge range of subjects in a variety of conditions. The camera features a new 24-million-pixel sensor along with a DIGIC 6 processing engine; a combination that brings a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000 – a full one-stop higher than the 70D – which you can expand to ISO 25,600 (the same as the 70D).
The maximum continuous shooting rate is the same as the 70D’s at 7fps, but the burst depth has been increased to 110 JPEGs or 25 raw files when a UHS-1 SD card is used. That’s a significant step up from the 65 JPEG or 16 raw files possible with the 70D.
Modern DSLRs have two autofocus systems: one for when using the camera conventionally (in reflex mode), where images are composed in the viewfinder; and a second for use in Live View and video mode.
Canon has improved both of these systems for the 80D in comparison with the 70D. The reflex mode system, for instance, has 45 AF points, all of which are cross-type, whereas the 70D has 19 points.
It can also use colour information from the 7,560-pixel RGB+IR (infrared) metering sensor to help with subject tracking. This and the increased burst depth makes the 80D more attractive to keen sport and action photographers.
Turning to the Live View and video autofocus system, the 80D uses Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology like the 70D, which means it has phase detection points on the imaging sensor itself. The new system is more sensitive and faster than the one in the 70D, but because fast autofocusing often isn’t desirable when you’re shooting video, it’s possible to vary the speed of the 80D’s system over seven steps for slower focus changes.
Build and Handeling
Canon gives touch-control over both the main and Quick Menus, and it can really speed up use. The Quick Menu is very useful, providing a speedy route to some of the most commonly used features. It would be nice, however, if this was customisable so that it only contained the features you use on a frequent basis.
Although the 80D’s screen is very good, the viewfinder is still the more natural option for most photographers to use when shooting stills, especially if the subject is moving. This also provides a bright view – and unlike the 70D’s viewfinder, which only covers 98% of the lens field of view, the 80D’s covers 100%. That means there are fewer surprises around the edge of the frame when you review your shots.
In an update on the 70D, it’s possible to select the Creative Filter mode via the 80D’s mode dial. When this is selected, one of 10 filter effects can be applied to JPEG images as they are shot. If you’re shooting raw files or raw+JPEG files, the camera switches automatically to shooting just JPEGs. Although it’s possible to use Creative Filters when composing images in the viewfinder, their impact can only be previewed on the main screen in Live View mode.
GALLARY
The Competition
Nikon D7200
Like the K-3 II, this SLR’s 24MP sensor lacks an optical low-pass filter, which helps it resolve a higher than average amount of detail.
Pentax K-3 II
Pixel Shift Technology helps reduce noise from this 24MP SLR, but its impact isn’t obvious with most shots at normal viewing sizes.
Sony A77 II
This 24MP SLT has an electronic viewfinder, along with an AF system that’s fast and accurate even in low light.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is official: Specs, Pricing, Availability, and Features
After months of waiting and many leaks, Samsung has finally officially announced the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. The leaks have already unveiled the design, hardware specifications, and most of the new software features, but today, Samsung confirmed everything during its Unpacked event in New York. We also know when the phone will be available, the different configurations, what accessories it will have, and finally how much it will cost.
In a nutshell, this device is pretty similar to last year’s Samsung Galaxy Note 8, besides some hardware upgrades, a major camera upgrade, and the new S Pen. With the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810, you can expect around 30% faster performance compared to last year’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or the Exynos 8895. With the new variable f/1.5 and f/2.4 aperture camera, the camera will take great shots in both good and poor lighting conditions. It will also have the same 2x optical zoom telephoto lens at f/2.4. Launching with Android 8.1Oreo, the phone will offer the best of Google’s software features, such as picture-in-picture mode, support for the Autofill API, notification channels, snoozing, stricter background apps, and service limitations for better battery life and memory usage.
The specifications have been known for the past couple of months thanks to multiple leaks. They are what you would expect with a premium late 2018 flagship. The display remains largely the same with a QHD+ Super AMOLED panel, 128GB base storage expandable via micro-SDHC, 6GB of RAM, and a huge 4,000 mAh battery with Samsung’s Adaptive Fast Charging technology, as well as Qi wireless charging. The Iris scanner and facial recognition are also present. Samsung has chosen to add Intelligent Scan to this device again. Intelligent Scan uses both Iris scanning and facial recognition depending on the conditions. The rear-facing fingerprint sensor also returns, as Samsung had scrapped its plans for an in-display fingerprint sensor awhile back. Love it or hate it, the Bixby button is here to stay on the Samsung Galaxy flagships, but this time it includes Bixby 2.0. Of course, we can’t forget the new smart S Pen with Bluetooth support, which we will get into more below. Finally, IP68 dust and water resistance are also present in the new model, just as last year’s model met the same standard.
Samsung has also opted to keep the 3.5mm headphone jack, something which many other companies like Apple, Google, and HTC have all decided to remove in favor of audio through the USB-C port. Samsung also upgraded their speakers with AKG-tuned stereo speakers. The bottom firing speaker and the earpiece speaker comprise the dual speaker setup, and they also support Dolby Atmos audio enhancements. Overall, the speakers on the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 should be louder and sound better than the current mono speaker on the Galaxy Note 8.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Camera Upgrades
Samsung has been focusing on the camera, and the upgrades they’ve presented are proof of that. The Galaxy Note 9 is using Samsung’s variable aperture technology. This will allow the camera to intelligently switch between an aperture better for daytime shots, f/2.4, an aperture better for low light and night time shots, and f/1.5. Doing so also helps reduce noise in low light pictures, which is currently a problem with many smartphone cameras. It also has a 2x zoom telephoto lens at f/2.4. It uses a 12MP sensor just like the main variable aperture one. The phone also has AI scene detection like the LG G7 ThinQ and Honor 10. It will use AI to detect the scene and change aspects of it for a better picture.
The Galaxy Note 9 also has AR Emoji. These are Samsung’s creepy 3D facial expression tracking things that are included in the Samsung Galaxy S9/S9+ along with the Note 9. Samsung has updated them with better customization options for making the emojis look more like you. This was after the widespread complaints about how terrible and creepy AR Emojis look. Samsung didn’t update their algorithm used for tracking facial expressions though, which is what needed an update the most.
The camera also now has Super Slow Motion which is a 960fps slow-motion burst at 720p resolution. This will be great for slow-motion video as this is far slower than currently available on the Galaxy Note 8.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Software Features
With the Galaxy Note 9, Samsung is unveiling Bixby 2.0, an upgrade to their Bixby Virtual Assistant. Bixby 2.0 is a lot more conversational. You can put more information in a single command like you would if you were talking to a real person. And you don’t have to repeat information from previous commands in the conversation, which is something Google Assistant can do.
Bixby also is smart enough to know more about you now. If you ask for restaurants in an area, it will put places you are more likely to enjoy at the top. Bixby can also fill in reservation information now, but it won’t make a call for you like Google Duplex. In general, Bixby is able to work with more apps now. Even if those apps are not installed on the phone.
Samsung is making DeX a lot easier to use with the Galaxy Note 9. You no longer need a dock or USB hub to jump into the DeX interface. All you need is an adapter to connect an HDMI cable to the USB Type-C port. You can plug the phone into any display and use the phone as a trackpad and keyboard.
The S Pen software was also revamped to include a lot more features. This includes the new Live Drawings that includes new backgrounds, AR Emoji support, and new brush styles.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Accessories
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is going to be launching with a new wireless charger and a bunch of cases. This wireless charger is able to charge both the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and the new Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Samsung is also launching their usual array of cases with the Galaxy Note 9. There will be the clear view case, LED case, and protective standing case. The clear view case allows for you to have the Always On Display show through the flipping front of the case. The LED case has a customizable LED grid on the front that you can set to different options. The last case is a military grade case with a kickstand on the back. The flip view case comes in blue, black, brown, and purple. The LED case comes in blue and gray. The protective standing case comes in gray and black.
Clear View
Clear View
LED
LED
Standing
Standing
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Pricing, Colors, and Availability
The Galaxy Note 9 is coming in 1 new color: Brown. That is in addition to the three colors that existed for the Galaxy S9 and S9+: Midnight Black, Lilac Purple, and Coral Blue, making a total of 4 color variants. The Coral Blue color is the same as the Galaxy S9, instead of the darker Deep Sea Blue color for the Galaxy Note 8. The Coral Blue Note 9 also comes with a yellow S Pen, while every other phone comes with an S Pen in a color that matches the phone.
In the United States, pre-orders will begin on August 10th at 12:01 am EST. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless, and Xfinity Mobile will be carrying the devices in stores starting August 24th, as will Best Buy retail and online, Amazon, Costco, Sam’s Club, Target, and Walmart. At launch, it will be available in Blue and Pink. The 512GB model will only be available at “select” retail locations and online.
If you pre-order the device before August 23rd you can choose free AKG noise-canceling headphones or the Fortnite Galaxy skin with 15,000 V-bucks, or get both for $99.
Pricing starts at $999.99 for the 128GB model. The 512GB model will cost $1,249.99.
OUR VERDICT
Bigger than previous Note phones in every way, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 has a larger 6.4-inch screen, heftier 4,000mAh battery, and a massive 1TB of storage option. The already good camera is slightly better, the stereo speakers are a first for the Note, and the Bluetooth-connected S Pen can activate fun customizable shortcuts remotely. But its price matches (and even tops) what you’ll pay for an iPhone X.
FOR
Beautiful 6.4-inch Infinity Display
Superb camera, even in low light
Battery and storage last and last
Bluetooth S Pen shortcuts are fun
AGAINST
Expensive
A lot of small upgrades
No HDR video recording
We hate the Bixby button
Conclusion by Xda – forums & GSol
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 might not be a major upgrade over the Galaxy Note 8, but it’s certainly a worthy successor to last year’s model. The high price of the phone might scare some people off, but Samsung generally delivers a quality product, so you can rest assured that your money isn’t going to waste. While many of you may continue to call Samsung Experience bloated, it is beloved by its fanbase for the many feature additions that it offers on top of Google’s Android. Due to the immense popularity of these phones, we’ll be keeping an eye out on any developments, mods, apps, and more related to the phone. Stay tuned to the XDA Portal as our Galaxy Note 9 coverage is only just beginning!
The SD Express incorporates the PCIe® and NVMe™ interfaces into SD memory cards alongside legacy SD interface. In anticipation of the next generation of high-performance mobile computing requirements, adding PCIe technology and the advanced NVMe protocol delivers faster access to data files than today’s SD platform, achieving speeds of up to 985 MB/s. An upper-layer protocol allows advanced memory access mechanism, enabling a new world of opportunities for the popular SD memory card. This new protocol allows SD Express memory cards to serve as removable Solid State Drives (SSD). A short video released by SDA describes shortly the features of SD Express.
These speeds are essential for high-resolution content applications such as super-slow-motion video, RAW continuous-burst-mode photography, 8K video capture and playback, 360-degree video, speed-hungry applications running on cards and mobile computing devices, ever-evolving gaming systems, multi-channel IoT devices and numerous automotive storage needs, to name a few.
In addition to the many performance advancements, SD Express maintains the long-standing advantage of SD’s backward compatibility and interoperability. The PCIe interface was added alongside the existing SD (UHS-I) interface, allowing a card with SD Express to operate interchangeably in new SD Express capable hosts as well as in billions of existing SD host products in the market today.
The full-size SD Express card uses the same pins and connectors as defined for existing SD UHS-II. As a result, SD Express will not support UHS-II interface. It features a new PCIe and NVMe interface. The differential interface of single-lane PCIe Generation 3 uses the same pads as the SD UHS-II differential interface pads found in the second row of pins. Next, PCIe REFCLK, along with the side band signals CLKREQ# and PERRST#, are shared with the existing SD UHS-I, leveraging the first row of pins. The first row is also the SD UHS-I interface, delivering full backward compatibility and interoperability with billions of existing SD host devices. Work is now underway on a microSD SD Express card.
SD Express, part of the SD 7.0 specification, defines a full-size form factor using two power supplies: a traditional 3.3 volt and 1.8 volt. SD Express also allows an optional 1.2v supply for future form factors that would require additional pin #18. The future optional 1.2 volt will allow additional power/performance optimization. Cards using SD Express may consume up to maximum of 1.80 Watts from the host, representing the accumulated wattage from the two power supplies.
The figure below shows the bit rate performance levels of SD Express:
SDA’s white paper, SD Express Cards with PCIe® and NVMe™ Interfaces, offers more technical details, along with some of the benefits that card and system manufacturers may get by SD Express adoption. The following SD protocol features are supported partially by the PCIe/NVMe interface, assuming use of NVMe version 1.3. In the future, NVMe may fully support these features:
Password Lock/Unlock: The card may be password locked/unlocked only through the legacy SD interface. A locked card does not allow access to the memory, either through the SD or through the PCIe/NVMe interface.
Write Protect features: The card may be set to write-protected mode through the legacy SD interface. A write-protected card does not allow any write operation to it, either through its SD interface or through the PCIe/NVMe interface.
The following traditional SD features are not supported through the PCIe interface:
SD CPRM Security: If the SD Express host access card includes CPRM encrypted files through the PCIe interface, it will read them as encrypted data, yielding the same result as inserting the card to any SD host that does not support CPRM.
Speed Class, UHS Speed Class and Video Speed Class are not supported through the PCIe interface.
SD Express Benefits
SD Express includes the legacy SD (UHS-I) interface as well as PCIe and NVMe interfaces – both industry-proven successful protocols.
By relying on successful protocols already in the marketplace, the industry can leverage existing PCIe and NVMe designed blocks as well as existing test equipment, saving on development processes. When companies use existing building blocks of existing designs, this translates to cost savings as well as an improved bottom line.
SD Express is eventually combining the best and most popular protocols for removable memory devices into a single, reliable SD card form factor, as shown in the below figure:
With the existing support of major operating systems and the popularity of drivers supporting PCIe and NVMe, the market adoption of SD Express should be seamless.
With the SD 7.0 specification, the SDA extended the limits of traditional SD memory cards’ capacity to meet the ever-growing needs of users everywhere. In addition to SD Express, the SDA also created SD Ultra Capacity (SDUC) to extend the potential maximum SD memory card capacity from 2TB to up to 128TB. SD Express may be implemented on SDHC, SDXC or SDUC memory cards.
The Takeaway
While the sequential and random performance of the existing SD interface may be good enough for most of today’s uses, new applications will require ever-higher performance levels – which may be achieved with the newly released SD Express, using its added higher performance PCIe and NVMe interfaces.
With SD memory cards used for higher capacity as well as for speed-intensive and/or multi-channel applications, there is a growing need for a big jump in random and sequential performance levels as well as more modern protocols. The SD Express feature demonstrates new opportunities for SD memory cards and opens a whole new world of uses while keeping backward compatibility to billions of existing SD hosts, creating benefits for both consumer and industrial users.
Yosi Pinto is Director of standards in the CTO office at Western Digital (former SanDisk) and chairman of the board at SD Association. Pinto can be reached at Yosi.Pinto@wdcsandisk.com.
PCI Express® is a registered trademark of PCI-SIG®.
NVM Express™ and NVMe™ are trademarks of NVM Express, Inc.
THESE CARDS MAY REPLACE THE STORAGE DEVICES USED IN TODAY’S LAPTOPS, PHONES , IOT DEVICES AND MANY OTHER SPEED AND HARDWARE DEMANDING DEVICES, GREATLY BENEFITING IN THE SPEED, PERFORMANCE , SIZE AND DESIGN.
It’s not uncommon for consumer and business behaviors to influence major changes in an industry. Consider the constant demand for more storage. Billions of connected devices are expected to generate 155 yottabytes of data by 2021. Only 0.0013 percent (about two zettabytes) of that is expected to be captured, and only 4.2 percent is going to be transmitted to the cloud1 the rest is going to be stored in various types of local storage. Amazing numbers!
This type of evolution within an industry happens constantly, and a few current market trends are driving new changes in the realm of removable storage:
The endlessly growing needs for storage and higher-capacity cards drive higher-performance capabilities that allow reasonable upload/download time for content.
Client computing is moving quickly from SATA to PCIe Gen3, followed by Gen4, and various memory-related emerging markets – such as autonomous vehicles and connected cars that use multi-sensor data collection as well as 360o and VR/AR cameras; high-resolution gaming; and multi-channel IoT devices – all require high-speed memory interfaces and multi-channel operations.
Mobile computing infrastructure is evolving, spurring growing performance levels of input/output (IO) communication interfaces as well as internal embedded storage.
Google Android devices now can use SD memory cards as embedded memory or extended system storage for video/audio content, as well as for storing and running apps, but running Android applications from a card requires higher random performance and sequential performance capabilities.
These new technology trends signal a demand for memory cards with higher speeds, improved protocols and interfaces, high performance sequential and random access – and to meet this demand, the new SD 7.0 specification introduces SD Express.
by Techradar
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