Shooting pro-grade video on the go: Lexar’s portable SSD review

Lexar Professional Go SSD. Pictures: Lexar.

Capturing cinematic-quality footage with the iPhone 15 Pro or newer and the demanding ProRes codec used to mean choosing between storage limits and limited connectivity. The Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD with Hub is a game-changer, giving mobile video creators the freedom to record professional-grade, massive data files without compromising their setup or running out of power.

Design

The Lexar Professional Go SSD is ridiculously small and light, weighing just 13g. It barely registers when attached to your iPhone. It’s designed with an ultra-portable form factor, making it feel like an extension of the iPhone rather than a bulky accessory.

With the included protective case, the unit boasts an IP65 rating, meaning it can withstand dust and splashes, which is essential when you’re shooting in unpredictable weather. The inclusion of 1m of drop resistance gives me confidence that even if I drop it in a rush of movement, the drive is built to handle the impact.

While the overall build quality is first class, I did note that connecting it directly to the phone’s port, while simplest, makes the entire setup look a little bit clumsy and bulkier when held in the hand. Lexar does help here with the adapter and the hub solution, which is a smart fix that keeps the look streamlined.

Features and performance

The performance is stellar, delivering fast read and write speeds of up to 1050MB/s and 1000MB/s, respectively. This level of speed is crucial, guaranteeing smooth, frame-drop-free recording, even when capturing demanding 4K 60fps footage. The drive is available in 1TB or 2TB capacities in an incredibly sleek, portable package. Crucially, it supports direct external recording of Apple ProRes video when connected to the latest flagship models, including iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max. This capability enables creators to capture professional-grade footage using Apple's ProRes video codec.

However, the real genius, and the feature that completely changes the game for mobile videographers, is the integrated hub. When you’re recording ProRes, your phone’s port is taken, leaving your microphone, power bank, and gimbal controls stranded. The hub solves this nightmare. It expands connectivity with multiple Type-C ports, allowing you to run essential accessories like external mics and power sources simultaneously without compromising the main recording connection. This means you can adapt to almost any shooting scenario, making the entire process feel incredibly professional and highly refined.

The full kit, including various adapters and the cool shoe mount, shows that Lexar has thought through the entire workflow, ensuring you have everything you need right out of the box.

Verdict

The Lexar Go Portable SSD is a great piece of kit, combining professional-grade speed with a lightweight design. The integrated hub is a welcome addition, providing extra connectivity and true freedom within a fixed-port ecosystem. Despite minor aesthetic compromises with the direct connection, this drive is an absolute must-have.

€238 (1TB) Amazon.ie