The D1x's buffer is about 72MB and holds nine 8MB files shot at 3fps. The data is dumped into the CF card at about 1.5MB/sec, so a full buffer can be emptied in less than 30 sec. 2000x3000 pixel jpeg files (fine) are about 2.5MB each in size, and can be written to the CF card in 1.666 seconds. For most shooting scenarios other than sports photography, there is practically no limitation with respect to burst/write speed.
8x10 prints from the D1x are gorgeous and easily beat prints made from 35mm negatives. The D1x inspires picture taking - though the learning curve for becoming proficient in photo imaging software and hardware is very steep, digital photography is positive addicting.
I believe that high-density flash memory economics are skewed heavily towards oversupply (relative to demand), causing prices to plunge faster than what has been previously anticipated, and wreaking havoc on those companies who anticipated better pricing power through claims of superior reliability or performance.
The OEM "no name" brands are not only substantially cheaper than the premier brands, they are faster than SNDK's cards and are just as fast as LEXR's "high performance" cards. Toshiba (or Hitachi) controllers are built-in, and perform on par with the best from LEXR.
LEXR will probably cease to be a viable business entity because the price premium for their cards are not justified. SNDK has hung an anvil + noose around its own neck for its high-capital commitment to build a fab with TSEM, and has no sustainable competitive advantage over competitors. As SNDK's margins remain negative for the next few quarters, I would not be surprised to see it trade below its cash value (somewhere south of $7 a share).
Recently, in Hong Kong, I bought a 512MB and 256MB EagleTec CF card for US$315 and US$105, respectively. They perform flawlessly, and are much faster than my 9-month old SNDK 128MB card.
Those in the USA - what are the best retail prices for 512MB and 256MB type 1 CF cards from SNDK and LEXR? I believe that by keeping tabs on pricing trends on this thread, we can gain insight into the trajectory of future price declines, and extrapolate the top-line and bottom-lines for both companies. |
