There will be a range of three 66x transfer speed cards with capacities of 1GB, 2GB and 4GB. In addition, two higher-end, value added 133x transfer speed cards with 2GB and 4GB capacity, which are supported by Sony's image recovery service, are targeted at the more ambitious amateur and semi-professional photographer.

"With the addition of CompactFlash cards to its product range, Sony widens the choice for users of D-SLR cameras, such as the Sony α (pronounced alpha) 100 model, that are looking for fast and reliable recording media from a leading brand", said Renaud Isnard from Sony Europe's Network Media division. "Our first product line-up is designed to handle the demanding speed and performance requirements of ambitious amateur and semi-professional photographers."

The 66x transfer speed CompactFlash cards offer a data transfer rate of 10MB/s (read) and 9MB/s (write), while the 133x CompactFlash cards offer a data transfer rate of 20MB/s (read and write). A 4GB CompactFlash card can hold up to 1,508 JPEG photos taken with 10 Megapixel resolution in 'Standard' image setting, or up to 968 photos in 'Fine' mode. Even if both RAW and JPEG image data are recorded, the 4GB card offers enough space for more than 200 digital photos.

The new Sony CompactFlash cards are compatible with a wide range of products featuring a CompactFlash slot, including many digital cameras, printers and other imaging and computer peripherals. Also, they come complete with a 5 year warranty.