SmallRig launches multifunctional SSD to solve mobile 4K storage bottlenecks
SmallRig has launched a new Multifunctional SSD designed for mobile filmmaking, which integrates directly into smartphone cages to address storage and thermal issues for high-bitrate 4K video recording. This product aims to streamline workflows for mobile content creators by offering a more ergonomic solution than traditional external SSDs, while also providing passthrough charging and expanded connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- Integrated form factor fits into cage-mounted accessory ecosystems for stabilized, cable-managed use
- Provides passthrough charging and expanded connectivity to power smartphones during 4K recording
- Available in 1TB ($269.99) and 2TB ($495.00) configurations with 10Gbps transfer speeds
- Dual UHS-II SD and microSD card slots allow simultaneous reading and direct backups via the Kocard app
- Built-in thermal silicone pad reduces device heat during sustained high-bitrate ProRes capture
Why It Matters
The shift toward mobile ProRes and 120fps video has made internal storage a primary technical bottleneck for field production. SmallRig’s solution moves mobile video beyond consumer limitations by treating the smartphone as a modular hub rather than a standalone device. By combining high-speed storage, 100W PD charging, and card readers into a single magnetic unit, SmallRig is centralizing the mobile filmmaking DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) workflow. This launch reinforces the trend of third-party hardware manufacturers professionalizing the mobile ecosystem to compete with traditional dedicated cinema cameras. Watch for whether Apple and Samsung introduce similar proprietary storage peripherals or further optimize OS-level support for high-speed external I/O.
Additional Context
The launch of SmallRig’s multifunctional SSD, revealed at Cine Gear 2026, coincides with the increasing hardware demands of mobile videography. Performance benchmarks from late 2025 indicated that 4K 60fps ProRes files on the iPhone 16 and 17 Pro can exceed 6GB per minute, requiring sustained write speeds of at least 220MB/s. Per Zike surveys of over 150 mobile professionals in December 2025, 78% of filmmakers reported that external drives doubled their shooting session lengths by preventing thermal overheating and 'storage full' notifications. This product follows Apple’s iOS 19 update, which per AppleInsider (September 2025) expanded support for high-bandwidth external recording via USB-C.
SmallRig’s move into integrated storage also reflects a broader competitive push to own the mobile production stack. While rivals like Tilta and Neewer have focused on ergonomic cages and cooling systems, SmallRig is expanding its 'Co-Creation Initiative' to develop vertically integrated tools that combine card reading and data management. According to Newsshooter (June 2026), the new SSD features a 'triple backup' system with hash verification via its Kocard app, providing the data integrity checks usually reserved for professional broadcast equipment. This signals a transition in the B2B streaming and production market where smartphones are increasingly viewed as viable primaries for high-end content, provided the accessory ecosystem can handle the logistical load of 10-bit Log and 4K 120fps workflows.
Read full article at nofilmschool.com
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