It used to be hard to get into video and photo editing. Equipment was bulky and software was expensive. Thankfully, today you can take excellent photos or videos on phones, tablets, and the latest generation of digital cameras. You can edit from your phone, tablets, or computer. But with an increase in photos and videos comes an increased need for storage, especially for those aspiring editors working on 4K video files.

In the past, hard disk drives (HDD) were too slow, and solid state drives (SSD) didn’t have enough storage or were too expensive. With the Crucial X8 and Crucial X6 portable SSDs, creatives have affordable and powerful storage that fits in the palm of their hand. Crucial portable SSDs are compact enough to carry on even the most remote shoots, yet powerful and fast enough for directly storing, backing up, and editing photos and video files.

For some, having compact gear is crucial. For others, it’s a novelty. No one can argue against the convenience of smaller gear. Sure, it can be stylish and look great, but it also needs to get the job done. The Crucial X8 and X6 feature both form and function. For those who venture far off the beaten path, size, weight, and performance can be key to getting the shot, backing up files, and editing on the go.

If you are a creative who is space and weight conscious, choosing the right drive can make or break your setup. Gear adds up, and for action sports enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, vloggers, or amateur photographers, the weight you carry can take a toll. Sure, you can make do without certain items, but others are required no matter the task. At 3.52 ounces and just 4.33 x 0.50 x 2.1 inches, the X8 can fit in your pocket or luggage. The Crucial X6 is even smaller at 11 x 69 x 64 millimeters and weighing in at less than 42 grams.  You’ll hardly notice either the X8 or X6 are there.

Pairing a portable drive with your camera set up gives you the option to shoot and store more files. Crucial portable SSDs are universally compatible, adding storage and speed to nearly any desktop or laptop, Mac or PC, tablet, or phone. The Crucial X8 and X6 are built with an aluminum unibody core with a 6.5-foot drop rating, are shock and vibration proof, and even work in the most extreme temperatures. Crucial portable SSDs can withstand pressure from almost all elements that even the most adventurous creative might encounter. In 2019, scientists researching Greenland’s ice sheets even used Crucial SSDs due to their reliability in the extreme cold.

Choosing the right storage device can be tough for even the most seasoned creatives. No matter how large, your drive will eventually fill to capacity. Large drives are not always the fastest, nor are the smallest. How the drive interfaces directly with your machine can influence its speed. Choosing a drive requires understanding  what you will be doing, and what equipment you use. Will you be editing on a laptop or tablet when you are getting started, or connecting via USB-A or USB-C? Crucial portable SSDs come with adapters for either setup.

The Crucial X8 has read speeds of up to 1050MB/s, which is up to 1.8x faster than most portable SSDs and up to 7.5x faster than a hard drive. The X6 has read speeds up to 540MB/s, about 3.8x faster than HDDs. The Crucial X8 and X6 offer faster boot times, instant-load performance, and extremely fast read and write speeds. With portable Crucial SSDs in the field, you can back up your photos or videos faster, which gets you back to shooting and creating.

For creatives on the go or starting out, one of the best features of the X8 and X6 is the ability to back up while in the field. Depending on the file size, bitrate, or resolution, you can even edit certain files directly from the drive. Once home, you can plug your X8 or X6 into a more powerful machine and finish editing your work without needing to transfer the files to that machine. This is hugely beneficial when traveling or if you work from multiple workstations. Your time is valuable. The X8 and X6 help squeeze the most out of it.

Video editing is demanding for storage devices. Not only are video files huge, but the software requirements can also present challenges. While not designed for hardcore editing, Crucial portable SSDs can be the solution for amateur creatives needing additional storage in the field or simply needing to transport files. Universally compatible and incredibly fast, the X8 and X6 offer those just starting out with a storage option that will work with their equipment, even if that equipment changes. And its common knowledge that creatives need speed, and Crucial portable SSDs will get you started in video editing.

At some point your portfolio is going to start growing and require more and more storage. The Crucial X8 and X6 give you the ability to store, encrypt, and transport your portfolio wherever and whenever you go. You can transport and curate your portfolio when, where, and with whom you want. The X8 and X6 give you options you need, when you need it.