PGYTECH CreateMate Card Reader & Case for CFexpress Type A, Type B, and SD Media Unveiled

Accessory News

by Francesco AndreolaMarch 20^th, 2024

PGYTECH has just launched a rugged case – called CreateMate – that combines a media storage solution with a fast card reader for different combinations of CFexpress Type-A, CFexpress Type-B, SD, and Micro SD cards. It is now available for $99.95.

At the end of the day, whether the budget of your project is just a few thousand or even tens of thousands of dollars, the entire value of a photo or video production flows into the files generated by your camera(s) and saved on your memory cards. So, when you’re out in the field, you’d better have a strategy to quickly offload and securely store your media once it’s full.

Camera accessories manufacturer PGYTECH recently came up with a 2-in-1 reader/case solution that allows you to store a mixture of CFexpress and SD cards, while also offering the ability to transfer files with blazingly fast speeds. Let’s take a closer look!

PGYTECH CreateMate Card Reader/Case for CFexpress and SD cards

The PGYTECH CreateMate card reader/case exists in two versions: CFexpress Type-A and CFexpress Type-B. Depending on the model you choose, you can simultaneously store up to:

• 3x CFexpress Type-A or 2x CFexpress Type-B cards;
• 3x SD cards;
• 4x Micro SD cards;
• 2x Nano SIM cards.

Additionally, an eject pin is slotted inside the case. This can come in handy to eject cards from their slots, but can also act as a tiny screwdriver in case you need to tighten the screws on your camera setup.

When it comes to transferring files, the reader has two slots – one for CFexpress (again, Type-A or Type-B) and the other one for SD cards. However, keep in mind that you will need an SD to Micro SD Card Adapter if you want to offload your Micro SD cards.

The device connects to a laptop, or even some of the latest iPhone/iPad models, via a built-in USB-C cable. The connection relies on USB 3.2 Gen 2 technology to ensure maximum theoretical transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps for CFx cards (or 312MB/s for SD and Micro SD cards). The reader doesn’t normally require external power to work, but you can still feed it a 5V/2A power input if you want to be 100% sure of having stable data transfer speeds.

Overall, this hybrid solution by PGYTECH seems to be a “must-have” item for outdoor photographers and filmmakers shooting with multiple cameras in remote locations. For example, if you’re a videographer traveling with a Sony Alpha/FX-line camera and a drone, then you can store and offload all your CFx Type-A, SD, and Micro SD cards using a single device with minimal footprint.

Size, weight, and design

The core structure of the case is made of aluminum wrapped by a black or moss-green silicon protection layer on the outside. The accessory measures 130x75x27mm / 5.12×2.95×1.06in. weighs 198g / 6.98oz, and is claimed to be IP54 rated – which should make it drop-, dust-, and splash-resistant.

The case also has a little carabiner that enables you to clip it to a backpack, for example. Honestly, I would never attach a card case on the outside of my camera bag, as shown in the picture below. But still, this can be an extra safety feature if you have a velcro loop inside your backpack, for instance.

Price and availability

The new PGYTECH CreateMate card reader/case for CFexpress Type-A/Type-B and SD/Micro SD media is now available to order on B&H for $99.95.

For more information, please visit PGYTECH’s website here.

How do you store and offload your memory cards when you’re out in the field? What do you think of this hybrid solution by PGYTECH? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!