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Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader

BH #SOSF32CFEX • MFR #SF3-2CFEX
8 reviews
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Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader
Key Features
  • Dual CFexpress 2.0 Type B/XQD Card Slots
  • Dual Thunderbolt 3 Ports
  • Data Transfer Rate: up to 2750 MB/s
  • Daisy-Chain Five Additional Devices
Take advantage of the speed and power of Thunderbolt 3 to transfer content from your CFexpress 2.0 Type B and XQD media to systems running Windows, Mac and iPadOS using the SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader from Sonnet. In addition to Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, Mac users may use this card reader with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt connectivity by way of a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt cable. Windows systems require Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5. iPadOS compatibility is limited to the iPad Pro (M Series) and only works with CFexpress cards.
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Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress Overview

From Manufacturer

Take advantage of the speed and power of Thunderbolt 3 to transfer content from your CFexpress 2.0 Type B and XQD media to systems running Windows, Mac and iPadOS using the SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader from Sonnet. In addition to Thunderbolt 3 compatibility, Mac users may use this card reader with Thunderbolt 2 or Thunderbolt connectivity by way of a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt cable. Windows systems require Thunderbolt 3, 4, or 5. iPadOS compatibility is limited to the iPad Pro (M Series) and only works with CFexpress cards.

Using the 40 Gb/s Thunderbolt 3 bus, Sonnet's CFexpress/XQD card reader can operate at speeds up to 2800 MB/s when downloading one CFexpress card. When simultaneously working with two CFexpress cards, speeds max out around 2600 MB/s, and dual XQD cards deliver speeds of up to 800 MB/s. Sonnet built this reader with dual Thunderbolt 3 ports, one of which connects to your host system and provides up to 15W of power, while the second can be used to daisy-chain up to five additional devices, including additional card readers, two 4K displays at 60 Hz, or one 5K display at 60 Hz. The second Thunderbolt 3 port also provides up to 15W of power for bus-powered Thunderbolt 3 peripherals and supports 10 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices.

Dual Card Slots, Less Waiting
The SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader is fast and able to ingest files from CFexpress and XQD cards at their maximum speeds. Better still, it can ingest files simultaneously from two CFexpress cards to cut your ingest times in half. When working with one CFexpress card, speeds reach 2800 MB/s. Dual CFexpress cards reach speeds up to 2600 MB/s, and dual XQD cards max out around 800 MB/s.
Ready for Racking
Sonnet's SF3 Series pro card readers include threaded mount points that enable you to securely attach two readers side-by-side on a rack tray in just 1U of rack space.
For Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs)
Measuring 5.75 x 3.5 x 1", the SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader is suitable for use in almost any workspace and workflow; for DITs working multi-camera shoots or in a small space, the Sonnet reader's design advantages stand out.
Designed to be Stacked and Daisy Chained
Built with rugged aluminum enclosures, SF3 Series card readers are designed to be stacked and daisy chained, enabling multiple CFexpress/XQD, REDMINI-MAG, SxS, and CFast 2.0 readers to occupy the same footprint, while connecting to your computer through a single cable. Now you can take advantage of Thunderbolt 3's 2800 MB/s bandwidth to ingest four, six, or more cards simultaneously.
Connect Additional Thunderbolt Devices
One port is reserved for connecting to your computer, while the second port enables connectivity for additional Thunderbolt peripheral devices in a daisy chain.
10 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 Support
The reader includes 10 Gb/s USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, meaning you can connect a USB device to the second port using the proper cable or adapter.
Provides 15W of Power
For peripherals requiring extra power, 15W is provided to bus powered devices through the secondary Thunderbolt port.
Supports Connecting up to One 8K Display
Maximize the utilization of one computer Thunderbolt port, connecting the largest display supported by your computer.
Thunderbolt Cable and ThunderLok Included
Sonnet includes a Thunderbolt cable that supports Thunderbolt's maximum bandwidth and is fully compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, and 3 computers. Sonnet also provides ThunderLok, a Thunderbolt connector cable lock, that prevents accidental cable disconnections.
Compatibility
  • M Series and Intel Macs with Thunderbolt 3 running macOS 10.12.6 and later
  • Macs with Thunderbolt 2 using an Apple Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt cable
  • Windows 10 or 11 with Thunderbolt 5, 4, or 3
  • iPad Pro (M Series) for CFexpress cards only
UPC: 732311012952

Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress Specs

Key Specs
USB I/O
1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) / Supports 15 W Power Delivery
Audio I/O
No
Network I/O
No
Host Connection
USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) Supporting USB Power Delivery up to 15 W via Detachable Cable
Power Source
Included AC Adapter with Barrel Connector: 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (60 W)
USB I/O
1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) / Supports 15 W Power Delivery
Audio I/O
No
Network I/O
No
Media Card Reader
2x CFexpress Type B / XQD (CFexpress 2.0 / PCIe 3.0 x4)
Host Connection
USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) Supporting USB Power Delivery up to 15 W via Detachable Cable
Power Source
Included AC Adapter with Barrel Connector: 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (60 W)
OS Compatibility
Computer: Windows 10 or Later / macOS 10.12 or Later
Mobile: iPadOS Only
Operating Conditions
32 to 95°F / 0 to 35°C
Enclosure Material
Aluminum
Lock Slot
No
Certifications
IEC62368-1/2, RoHS 3
Cable Length
1.6' / 0.5 m
Dimensions
5.75 x 3.5 x 1" / 14.61 x 8.9 x 2.5 cm
Weight
1.35 lb / 0.61 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.1 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.8 x 5.1 x 3.1"

Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress Reviews

Love this card reader

By Jim
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-27

High speed card reader. Using it with CF Express type B card and a Nikon Z9. Really speeded up my download process.

Not bus powered apparently

By H Whitwell
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2020-09-22

This unit apparently doesn't work unless using the power supply, not a solution for offloading cards on the road, not bus powered!

See any errors on this page?

Can this reader ingest from both CFexpress Type A ...

Can this reader ingest from both CFexpress Type A and Type B? XQD are essentially Type A, so I'm assuming yes...?
Asked by: Christopher
CF Express Type A cards are different from both CF Express Type B and XQD Cards. The Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader can only take CF Express Type B and XQD Cards.
Answered by: Ejona G
Date published: 2024-05-02

I wonder why this model requires an external ...

I wonder why this model requires an external power source? The Sonnet SF3 Series CFast 2.0 does not.
Asked by: rafael
The Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader requires an external power source due to the high power consumption of CFexpress and XQD cards during data transfer. In contrast, the SF3 Series CFast 2.0 reader operates within lower power requirements. The additional power allows the CFexpress/XQD reader to support simultaneous high-speed ingestion from two cards and provide up to 15 watts for connected peripherals, ensuring optimal performance.
Answered by: Nick Y
Date published: 2024-12-18

Is this compatible with new M1 Max MacBook Pro ...

Is this compatible with new M1 Max MacBook Pro laptops?
Asked by: Rick
The Sonnet SF3 Series CFexpress/XQD Pro Card Reader would be compatible for reading CFexpress cards with the M1, but not for reading XQD cards.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2021-11-24
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