In the US Sony has release a 5GB drive that connects via a Compact Flash Type II slot. The Compactvault is designed for photo enthusiasts and so-called “prosumers”.

The Compactvault is only about 4cm square but can hold up to 1,600 JPEG images (at 3MB each) or 200 minutes of MPEG4 video. The new drive also features high transfer speeds of up to 12MB/sec.

“The Compactvault drive signifies a marked advancement in hard disk media for digital cameras, with its increased storage capacity and very reasonable cost,” Mike Lucas, Sony Director of Consumer Media and Data said.

Shipping will begin in the US later this month with a suggested retail price of US$199.99. The Compactvault drive will be available online at SonyStyle.com.

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