Sony has announced that it is to start making CompactFlash memory cards even though up until now the company has always insisted that its Memory Stick format will be the main format used it is consumer electronic products.

The first product line-up, to be announced shortly, is designed to handle the demanding speed and performance requirements of digital SLR cameras and is available with up to 4GB of storage capacity for the most demanding user.

“High end digital camera enthusiasts, from consumers to professional photographers, have a huge and growing demand for storage capacity”, said Renaud Isnard from Sony Europe’s Network Media division. “With the addition of CompactFlash cards to its product range Sony widens the choice for users of DSLR cameras, such as the new Sony alpha 100 model, that are looking for fast and reliable recording media from a leading brand.”

Last year Sony's alpha 100 10-megapixel DSLR camera co-developed with Konica Minolta was the first digital camera from the company to accept non-Memory Stick cards.

At the time, the company supplied the camera with a CF adapter so users could see predominately use Sony’s Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/MagicGate card.

The initial line-up will include CompactFlash Type I cards with 66x and 133x transfer speeds and capacities between 1GB and 4GB.

The products will be branded as part of Sony’s alpha 100 D-SLR camera system.