Samsung: Built for rough stuff
Posted on Feb 6, 2026 by Pro Moviemaker
When the action hits hard and the clock’s ticking, the rugged Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield keeps your footage moving fast
Advertisement feature
In off-road bicycle racing, nothing stands still. Riders move at speed, conditions change by the second and moments worth capturing last fractions of time. For image maker Mark Henry, that reality has defined an entire career spent chasing elite cyclists across demanding environments. In that world, reliability matters as much as creativity.
Henry cut his teeth in the early days of BMX and downhill mountain biking, learning to anticipate chaos and translate speed, precision and commitment into powerful images for sports he loves. While the technology around him has transformed – from film to digital, CF cards to Raw video – the demands of the job have only intensified. Today, content isn’t just captured but edited and delivered as close to real time as possible.
At the heart of that workflow sits a very small but absolutely critical piece of kit – the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield.
“Speed is everything,” Henry says. “I can be filming one minute and editing the next. I’m a true digital nomad, working out of the back of my campervan that’s been across Europe so many times. But if I can’t move data quickly, the whole project grinds to a halt.”
Built for speed and pressure
Modern action filmmaking generates vast amounts of data, and waiting around for files to transfer isn’t an option. With support for USB 3.2 Gen 2, the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield delivers sequential read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds up to 1000MB/s, turning what used to be downtime into productive moments.
For Henry, that means offloading full camera cards in minutes, reviewing footage instantly and beginning edits before the dust has even settled.
“The portable drive keeps everything flowing,” he explains. “It’s not just storage but the trusted hub of the whole shoot.”
That speed also allows Henry to co-ordinate teams of photographers and filmmakers working simultaneously, pulling in all the footage, backing it up and preparing content while the events are still unfolding. In fast-paced, client-driven environments, that responsiveness is invaluable.
Tough enough for the real world
But speed alone isn’t enough when your office is a race paddock, a mountain trail or the back of a van in a storm. What truly separates the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield is its durability.
Rated IP65, the portable drive is resistant to dust and water – essential protection when working trackside in wind, rain, mud or snow. Its rubberised outer shell and aluminium unibody construction also provide drop resistance up to 3m, giving peace of mind in crowded press areas and unpredictable conditions.
“Often everything gets covered in a layer of dust,” Henry says. “If I accidentally drop the portable drive, I know it can handle it. That takes away a big worry.”
That resilience allows Henry to focus on capturing the action rather than protecting his gear: a small but meaningful difference when working under pressure.
Compact power
Despite its rugged build, the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield stays impressively compact. Measuring 59x88x13mm and weighing only 98g, it slips easily into a pocket or kitbag. Yet it offers generous storage options, with capacities of 1TB, 2TB and up to 4TB, ensuring there’s room for high-res stills and even 8K video thanks to the high sustained bandwidth.
“It disappears into my kit,” Henry adds. “But it’s always there when I need it.”
Protecting footage is just as important as capturing it, especially when working with clients, sponsors and broadcasters. The portable drive includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption, with optional password protection via Samsung Magician software. The app also enables drive health monitoring, performance optimisation and firmware updates, keeping it operating at peak efficiency.
Crucially, the Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield integrates seamlessly into mixed workflows. Compatible with Mac, Windows and Android, the portable drive also supports direct recording from select SSD-compatible cameras and ships with both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables. This means it works straight out of the box.
“There’s no delays, no corrupt files and no excuses – just smooth handoffs and fast results,” Henry beams. “That’s what my clients expect, and that’s what this portable drive delivers.” From BMX tracks to mountain trails, Henry’s work demands tools that match the intensity of the action. The Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield delivers exactly that: speed for modern workflows, toughness for harsh environments and reliability when it matters most.
Specifications at a glance
- Read speed: Up to 1050MB/s
- Write speed: Up to 1000MB/s
- Connectivity: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Durability: IP65 rated for dust and water; shock resistant up to 3m
- Weight: 98g
- Dimensions (wxhxd): 59x88x13mm
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB (blue, beige, black); 4TB (black only)
- Security: AES 256-bit hardware encryption, password protection via Samsung Magician software
- Compatibility: Windows, MacOS, Android, SSD-enabled cameras
- Cables included: USB-C to C, USB-C to A
Big capacity from small Micro SD
There’s more to capturing action sport than shooting fast-moving athletes doing their thing – there’s also behind-the-scenes B roll shots that add variety to the project. That’s why Mark Henry always carries a pocket camera with him.
His compact requires SD cards, so he’s started using Samsung’s PRO Plus micro SD as it’s fast and packs a huge 1TB capacity. It comes with an SD adapter which goes straight into his camera.
With a read speed of 180MB/s and write speed of 130MB/s – and V30 rated for 4K capture – it stores tons of data with ease.
For more information, visit samsung.com/uk/memory-storage/all-memory-storage
This article was first published in the March/April 2026 issue of Pro Moviemaker
