A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Best Portable SSD for Video Recording

Are you in the market for a portable SSD to use with your camera, HyperDeck recorder, or ATEM switcher? If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various SSD options, provide recommendations, and share essential tips to help you make an informed decision. Plus, we’ll address a common mistake that many users make and suggest some budget-friendly alternatives.

The Samsung T7 Debacle: A Common Mistake

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away—the Samsung T7 portable SSD. While this drive is incredibly popular for general use with computers, it’s not the best choice for video recording. In fact, it’s notorious for causing issues like lost footage, dropped frames, and aborted recordings when used with cameras, recorders, or switchers.

Samsung T7’s Video Recording Pitfalls

To understand why the Samsung T7 falls short in video recording scenarios, let’s dive into some performance data:

Samsung T7 Performance
Max Write Speed	Inconsistent
Average Write Speed	Unpredictable
Standard Deviation	High
Minimum Write Speed	Variable
5% Performance	Unreliable

As the chart illustrates, the Samsung T7’s write performance is highly inconsistent, especially when it comes to sustained write speeds. The 5% performance number, which indicates how often the drive can maintain a certain write speed, is unreliable. This inconsistency can lead to problems during video recording, where a consistent and fast write speed is essential.

So, if you’ve been using the Samsung T7 for video recording and experiencing issues, it’s not just you. Many others have faced the same challenges.

Recommended Portable SSDs for Video Recording

Now that we’ve addressed the Samsung T7 debacle, let’s explore some recommended portable SSD options that are better suited for video recording. We’ll discuss their performance, reliability, and affordability.

1. Crucial X6 SSD

The Crucial X6 SSD is our top recommendation for video recording. It offers impressive performance, consistency, and affordability. Here’s a closer look at its key features:

• Performance: The Crucial X6 consistently delivers write speeds of around 739.4 megabytes per second. This level of performance is more than sufficient for handling video recording tasks with ease.
• Reliability: The X6 maintains its write speed consistently throughout the entire drive, ensuring that your recordings are uninterrupted and free from dropped frames.
• Affordability: Surprisingly, the Crucial X6 is one of the most budget-friendly options among its competitors, making it an excellent choice for those looking to get the best value for their money.

Crucial X6 Performance Summary

Crucial X6 Performance
Max Write Speed	Consistent
Average Write Speed	Stable
Standard Deviation	Low
Minimum Write Speed	Reliable
5% Performance	Consistent

The Crucial X6 stands out as a reliable and budget-friendly option for video recording. Its consistent performance and affordable price tag make it a top choice for content creators.

2. Sabrent USB-C NVMe Enclosure with Samsung 980 Pro SSD

If you prefer a DIY approach or want more control over your setup, consider using the Sabrent USB-C NVMe enclosure paired with a Samsung 980 Pro SSD. This combination provides exceptional performance and flexibility. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Performance: The Samsung 980 Pro SSD is known for its blazing-fast speeds, capable of sustaining up to five gigabytes per second. When coupled with the Sabrent enclosure, you get unmatched performance for your video recording needs.
• Flexibility: With this DIY setup, you can choose the SSD capacity that suits your requirements, making it easy to upgrade or swap drives as needed.
• Affordability: While the Samsung 980 Pro SSD itself is a high-performance drive, its recent drop in price has made it surprisingly affordable. Coupled with the reasonably priced Sabrent enclosure, you get top-tier performance at a competitive cost.

DIY Setup Performance Summary

DIY Setup Performance
Max Write Speed	Exceptional
Average Write Speed	Consistent
Standard Deviation	Low
Minimum Write Speed	Reliable
5% Performance	Consistently High

The DIY setup with the Sabrent enclosure and Samsung 980 Pro SSD offers unmatched performance and flexibility. It’s ideal for those who want the best of both worlds—stellar performance and the ability to customize their storage solution.

Making the Right Choice

When choosing a portable SSD for video recording, consider your specific needs and budget. Here are some key takeaways to help you make the right choice:

1. Avoid the Samsung T7: If you’re serious about video recording, steer clear of the Samsung T7, as it’s prone to performance inconsistencies and may lead to recording issues.
2. Crucial X6: The Crucial X6 SSD stands out as a reliable and budget-friendly option for video recording. Its consistent performance and affordability make it an excellent choice.
3. DIY Setup: For those who prefer a DIY approach and want top-tier performance, the Sabrent USB-C NVMe enclosure paired with a Samsung 980 Pro SSD is a winning combination.
4. Consider Your Capacity Needs: Determine the storage capacity you require for your video projects, as both the Crucial X6 and DIY setup allow you to choose the SSD capacity that suits you best.
5. Budget Wisely: While performance is crucial, it’s also essential to stay within your budget. Fortunately, there are cost-effective options that deliver exceptional results.

In conclusion, your choice of a portable SSD can significantly impact the quality and reliability of your video recordings. By avoiding the Samsung T7 and exploring alternatives like the Crucial X6 and DIY setup, you can ensure smooth and uninterrupted video recording experiences. Tailor your selection to your specific needs and enjoy the benefits of reliable and high-performance storage solutions.

Now that you have the knowledge to make an informed decision, it’s time to elevate your video recording game with the right portable SSD. Happy recording!