CFMulti adapter opens up CF-only DSLRs to SD memory

[David Rasnake]

SD memory has largely become the standard for consumer cameras, but many older digicams, as well as most pro/semi-pro DSLRs, still use Compact Flash memory. If you're heavily invested in SD memory but looking to move into a CF-only camera, a new, affordable adapter from Synchrotech may make your compatibility concerns a thing of the past.

The Synchrotech CFMulti converts SD/SDHC and MMC memory types to Compact Flash, allowing users to plug in cheap, high-capacity, high-speed SDHC memory into their D3 or EOS 40D – or any other camera with a CFII slot.

Another obvious application of the CFMulti is using wireless SD cards like the Eye-Fi line – which allow images to be offloaded directly to a computer or an internet destination via a Wi-Fi network – in cameras that only support CF. The folks over at Macsimum News, who first reported on the new adapter, caution that while not all CF-equipped cameras will support the adapter Eye-Fi conversion, the system has been tested on several Nikon and Canon bodies with good results.

For $28 direct from the manufacturer, the CFMulti seems like a pretty good deal to us. Certainly cheaper than buying all new memory for a new system, anyway.

Macsimum News via Engadget

[f4ding]

I was wondering whether the speed will be affected using this kind of adapter.

[CalebSchmerge]

I was wondering about speed too. That might be a nice little investment, though I barely touch the amount of memory I already have.

[David Rasnake]

I was wondering whether the speed will be affected using this kind of adapter.

I don't believe it would. CF interface rev. 4 has a maximum theoretical speed of 133 MB/s, which is in line with the maximum speeds of Class 6 SDHC at the moment. Hence, unless there's a lot "going on" in the adapter - which there shouldn't be - it's doubtful that you'll notice a speed loss compared to shooting on a native SDHC camera, at least.

If anything, it seems to me that making sure you have a fast enough SD to keep up with CF speeds would be the limiting factor.

dr