CompactFlash 5.0 standard supports up to 144PB

The CompactFlash Association released version 5.0 of the CF specification. The new standard uses a 48-bit addressing system that raises the maximum storage capacity from 137GB to a humongous 144PB (1PB = 1,000 terabytes). Other improvements include more efficiency data transfer, more efficient cleanup of unused space, ATA standard update, optional "Video Performance Guarantee", and new electrical specification to enable easier and better card design.

Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon and the CFA chairman of the board said, “The higher capacity and higher performance of CF cards enabled by the 48-bit addressing feature in the CF5.0 specification will further increase the value of DSLR cameras. The Video Performance Guarantee feature of the CF5.0 specification will help CF cards to expand into new markets such as high-speed movie equipment like professional video camcorders.”

To help manufacturers and consumers differentiate the new CF5 cards, the CompactFlash Association has created an evolutionary CF5 compatibility mark. Additionally, since the Video Performance Guarantee feature is optional, the CompactFlash Association has created a Video Performance Guarantee compatibility mark that host and card manufactures can use to help end users choose the right card.