Best Storage for RED DSMC1/2? Meet the Cinelux Nexa-Mag

It’s really frustrating to get ready for a shoot and then find out that your old Mini-Mag is not performing well. The very first RED Mini-Mags have been around for more than a decade, and over time, their SSDs get worn out. It looks like Cinelux wasn’t ready to fire these powerful options. Instead, they created a new solution: the Cinelux Nexa-Mag, which could be considered the best storage for RED DSMC1/DSMC2.

Cinelux is a small business run by David Morgan Jones, a camera operator. Over the past year, it seems he has improved his replacement for RED’s old media. By deconstructing the Mini-Mag and recreating it from the ground up with new internals, Nexa-Mag seems to bring new life to cameras. I’ve always been fond of projects like this, especially when they offer the best storage for RED DSMC1/DSMC2. These cameras seem to create amazing movies, but they have storage problems.

I think manufacturing and support for DSMC1 and DSMC2 accessories have decreased dramatically. Maybe because RED diverted more attention to its DSMC3 series in 2021. This is exactly when the Cinelux Nexa-Mag is needed as the best storage for RED DSMC1/DSMC2.

Cinelux Nexa-Mag is Faster and Built to Last

Why Nexa-Mag? Let’s dissect it:

• Upgraded SSD Technology: I can relate how it feels when your camera gets overheated, specially while filming. Maybe that’s why Nexa-Mag seems to ensure ultra-cool operating Toshiba parts and high-conductivity thermal pads to enhance heat dissipation. It’s a good way to minimize the chances of overheating during long shoots.

• Lightning-Fast Speeds: With a read rate of up to 570MB/s (stretching SATA III boundaries), Nexa-Mag appears to be 25% faster than RED’s initial Mini-Mags.

• Longer Lifespan: The 960GB model features an incredible 3000TBW (terabytes written), more than four times longer than the life of a normal Samsung 1TB SSD (720TBW). I was blown away by this figure. Normally, I’m super cautious with my SSDs because I’m always worried they’ll fail on me right in the middle of a shoot. But, this drive is changing my mind.

• Better Design: Cinelux didn’t merely improve the insides—it rethought the whole enclosure. With precision machining, ergonomic ridges for comfortable handling, and a slightly bigger build, Nexa-Mag provides a snug fit within your camera, doing away with the wobble and uncomfortable grip of Mini-Mags. It clearly stands as the best storage for RED DSMC1/DSMC2.

Pricing and Availability

• 480GB Nexa-Mag – $385
• 960GB Nexa-Mag – $560

Shipping is expected to begin in mid-May. It looks like this is a good time to refresh your RED storage before your Mini-Mags expire. The Nexa-Mag is the best storage for RED DSMC1/DSMC2.

Wrapping Up

If I used RED camera, I’d consider getting the 960GB version for myself. Seriously, who wants to gamble with important footage? Don’t you want increased speeds, improved durability, and a wiser design make it the ideal replacement for older Mini-Mags? Grabbing one now is a guarantee to keep your camera rolling for years to come.

[via CineD; Image credits: Cinelux]