Pixiq

Timed to coincide with the announcement of the Nikon D4, which has both CompactFlash and XQD CompactFlash card slots, Sony has now revealed its plans to launch a pair of XQD memory cards, in 16GB and 32GB capacities, as well as a USB 3.0 reader and ExpressCard/34 adapter for the new memory card format.

The CompactFlash Association announced the new CompactFlash standard and format in early December, 2011; details can be viewed here.

Sony states that its XQD cards will be faster than cards of existing CompactFlash stand when used in Nikon's new flagship D-SLR.

The Sony QD-H16 (16GB) and QD0H32 (32GB) XQD cards, MRW-E80 USB 3.0 reader and QDA-EX1 ExpressCard/34 adapter are due to be available during February (Nikon has said the D4 should go on sale from 16th February 2012).

So far only prices for the USA market have been announced: 

• QD-H16 16GB: US$129.99
• QD-H32 32GB: US$229.99
• MRW-E80 USB 3.0 card reader: US$44.99
• QDA-EX1 ExpressCard/34 adapter: US$44..99

Full details of the Sony products can be viewed here: