SAMSUNG T7 SSD Review

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SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD Review

When it comes to photography, one thing is certain: you can never have too much storage. Whether you’re shooting high-resolution images, editing massive RAW files, or archiving years of creative work, reliable and fast storage is an absolute must. This is why I’m sharing my favorite storage solution: the SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD. The T7 is a compact and durable solid state drive designed to meet the demands of photographers and creators alike.

Let’s dig into the Pros and Cons of the Samsung T7. I’ll share my personal experiences backing up my life’s creative work on these external drives. (Hint: I use it as my main backup for my YouTube Channel!)

How Fast is the Samsung T7?

For photographers, workflow efficiency is key. The SAMSUNG T7 delivers blazing-fast speeds, with read speeds up to 1,050 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,000 MB/s, thanks to its PCIe NVMe technology. These speeds are nearly double those of its predecessor, the T5, meaning you’ll spend less time waiting and more time creating.

Transferring a library of high-resolution images or 4K videos is no longer a chore. Whether you’re moving files from your camera to your laptop or backing up an entire shoot on location, the T7 ensures your data is transferred quickly and securely, keeping your creative process uninterrupted. This drive is so fast, I can edit 4K video directly off the T7, so I’m not clogging my iMac with hundreds of gigabytes of B-Roll footage.

t7 ssd filled with photography raw files in a folder
85GB of RAW neon portrait NEF files stored on my T7 after a photoshoot. (Run N Gun Photography)

Size is EVERYTHING!

Despite its small size, the T7 offers massive storage options, with capacities ranging from 500GB to an impressive 4TB. For photographers who deal with thousands of RAW files or need a dedicated drive for their video projects, this drive offers ample space without weighing down your gear bag. The T7 is about the size of a credit card and weighs just a few ounces, making it a perfect travel companion for on-the-go creatives.

JT holds a red 2TB Samsung T7 SSD for Review (Run N Gun Photography)

Is the T7 SSD Reliable?

Reliability is non-negotiable when it comes to storing your life’s work, and the T7 delivers. Its solid aluminum unibody construction provides shock resistance and fall protection from heights up to 6 feet. Whether you’re working in the controlled environment of a studio or capturing landscapes in rugged conditions, you can trust the T7 to withstand the occasional bump or drop.

For extra peace of mind, the Samsung T7 SSD also supports optional password protection with AES 256-bit encryption, keeping your files safe from unauthorized access. This is particularly valuable for professionals handling sensitive client work or personal archives.

Lumix GH6 Cinema Rig with Red and Blue Lights

Seamless Compatibility

One of the T7’s standout features is its versatility. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and even cameras capable of recording directly to external drives. Photographers using devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, which supports ProRes 4K recording, can capture and store high-resolution video files directly onto the T7, avoiding the constraints of internal storage.

I personally use mine in conjunction with my Lumix GH6 to record high bitrate files directly to the external drive. Recording directly to a SSD, off which I’ll be editing later, is a huge time saver!

My Samsung T7 red ssd hard drive lays on a black table
2 TB Samsung T7 Portable SSD in Red

Why the Samsung T7 Stands Out for Photographers

For photographers, the Samsung T7 SSD is more than just a storage solution—it’s a reliable partner that adapts to the demands of modern creative workflows. Its combination of speed, durability, and portability makes it ideal for professionals and enthusiasts who value efficiency and reliability.

The T7 comes in Red, Blue or Grey finishes. You can also get the upgraded T7 Shield which has an added layer of protection from a rubber coating.

The T7 is normally $269 USD, but currently almost 50% off on Amazon via my link below ($139!!).

Whether you’re in the field, at your desk, or traveling between shoots, the T7 ensures your photographs are securely stored and ready whenever inspiration strikes. If you’re in search of a storage solution that keeps up with your creative ambitions, the SAMSUNG T7 deserves a spot in your kit.

Until next time, get out and go shoot.

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