Is the XQD memory format dead already? (XQD 2.0 specification announced)
Do you know what is missing from all of the leaked and official Photokina announcements so far? XQD memory cards. Not a single new camera with XQD support was announced. Not even the new, top of the line, Sony a99 and RX1 cameras. This is strange, considering that Sony was the first company to support the XQD standard. Currently the Nikon D4 ($5999) is the only camera to support XQD memory cards.
Today the CompactFlash Association announced "the development of the XQD 2.0 specification, sponsored by Sony Corporation":
Cupertino, California – September 15, 2012 – The CompactFlash Association (CFA) is pleased to announce the development of the XQD 2.0 specification, sponsored by Sony Corporation. The XQD 2.0 specification will be developed in the XQD Technical Workgroup and will leverage the XQD 1.0 specification which was released October 2010. Additional participation in this specification development will be welcomed.
XQD 1.0 cards and connectors are already available in the marketplace. XQD 2.0 will leverage the same connector interface as XQD 1.0 interface for higher performance and backward compatibility. Host manufacturers and media manufacturers will be able to leverage the next generation of PCI Express technology to serve the high performance requirements of this market. The new format will have VPG (Video Performance Guarantee) capability with profiles capable of supporting digital intermediate formats such as ProRes, DPX, and DNXhd.