CINELUX NEXA-MAG for RED DSMC1 and DSMC2 Cinema Cameras Released

British RED-specialized camera accessories manufacturer CINELUX has just released an interesting product designed explicitly for RED DSMC1 and DSMC2 cinema cameras: the NEXA-MAG. Available in two sizes, 480GB and 960GB, these RED MINI-MAG alternatives claim to be faster, with a longer SSD lifespan, better heat management, and a design that makes inserting/removing them from the camera easier. So, let’s take a closer look at these!

RED moved from the DSMC2 to the DSMC3 ecosystem in 2021 with the launch of the V-RAPTOR (or 2020 if you consider the KOMODO, but that’s another debate). With this third generation of cameras, the American cinema camera manufacturer slowly stopped manufacturing and supporting their previous second and first generation camera. Indeed, some of the cameras, displays, storage options, or accessories can no longer be purchased or repaired.

Back in 2019, UK-based company Jinni Tech made some waves on the Internet by publishing RED MINI-MAG teardown videos. This long debate and polemic caused a price drop of RED proprietary storage solutions. Even if third-party storage solutions for RED cameras are still a complex topic, CINELUX is giving it a go with a new product: the NEXA-MAG.

CINELUX NEXA-MAG – features

The CINELUX NEXA-MAG is a CNC-machined aluminum SSD drive specifically made for RED DSMC1 and DSMC2 cinema cameras. It is available in two capacities: 480GB and 960 GB. According to the company, it uses “ultra-cool running Toshiba components” and is rated up to 3,000TB written.

If you have ever shot with a RED DSMC1/DSMC2 camera, you probably remember how hot the MINI-MAG can get. To improve heat management, CINELUX uses high-conductivity thermal pads inside its drives. A drive that runs cooler lasts longer and has improved transfer speeds. In terms of speed, the NEXA-MAG is claimed to be 25% faster than a MINI-MAG, with read speeds up to 570MB/s, which maxes out SATA III limitations.

In terms of design, CINELUX created little recesses around the top of the drive, which should make loading/offloading inside your camera, as well as handling them, much easier and convenient. Lastly, the NEXA-MAG is slightly larger and thicker than a regular MINI-MAG, which, according to the company, “ensures a tighter, more stable fit.”

Price and availability

The CINELUX NEXA-MAG is available to preorder now and should start shipping in mid-May. The 480GB version retails for $545, and the 960GB version is $795. During the preorder period, you can get a 30% discount that will end when the first 100 drives are sold or after 8 weeks (May 15th), whichever comes first.

For more information, please visit CINELUX’s website here.

What do you think about this alternative to RED MINI-MAG? Would it be worth the upgrade compared to RED drives? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!