External SSD for iPhone 17 Pro – How to Record ProRes RAW HQ Like a Pro

If you’ve got an iPhone 17 Pro and you’re filming seriously, you’ve probably heard the buzz: yes, you can record ProRes RAW HQ. But you can’t just point and shoot—you need the right external SSD.

In short: Without an external drive, your phone’s internal storage won’t keep up with the massive data-rates of RAW video.

Here’s what you need to know — and how to pick the right SSD for ProRes RAW HQ on the iPhone 17 Pro.

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Why You Can’t Record ProRes RAW HQ Internally

Even if your iPhone 17 Pro has 2 TB of storage, Apple restricts ProRes RAW (and especially RAW HQ) to external SSDs. The reason? The read/write speeds and sustained data-rates are huge — too much for the internal flash to handle without risking performance, overheating or data errors.

That means: if you want true ProRes RAW HQ capture, you’ll need to plug in an external SSD that can write fast enough and hold enough data.

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What Data-Rates Are We Talking About? (Nerd Alert)

Let’s get a little technical — because if you understand the numbers, you’ll pick the right gear.

• ProRes RAW HQ is very close in bitrate to the finishing codec ProRes 4444 (used in professional film houses).
• In HD 30fps, ProRes 4444 runs around 330 Mbps. Most SSDs can handle that.
• But at 4K 30fps, that jumps to about 1,300 Mbps (~1.6 Gbps).
• And at 4K 60fps, you’re looking at roughly 2,650 Mbps, which translates to ~1.2 TB of footage per hour.

So your drive must sustain ≈1000 MB/s write speed (or higher), and have enough capacity and cooling to handle hours of filming.

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Top External SSDs for Filmmakers Using iPhone 17 Pro

Here are the drives I’ve researched and see being used by serious creators:

1. Lexar Professional Go Portable SSD (with Hub)

• 2 TB model with hub for connecting mics, lights, power input.
• Speeds: up to ~1050 MB/s read, ~1000 MB/s write → ~10,000 Mbps.
• More than enough for 4K 60fps ProRes RAW HQ.
• Price at time of writing: ~$300.
• Great all-round mobile rig option.

2. Lexar SL500 Portable SSD (MagSafe Set)

• MagSafe built-in — ideal if you’re going minimal (no cage).
• Speeds: ~2000 MB/s read, ~1800 MB/s write — even faster.
• 4 TB version gives over 3 hours of 4K 60fps RAW capture.
• Price: ~$200 for 2 TB, ~$300 for 4 TB (roughly at time of writing).
• Stylish, fast, mobile-friendly.

3. OWC Envoy Pro Elektron (2 TB)

• Best for full rig/cage setups (BeastGrip/BeastCage etc).
• USB-C, high reliability, metal build, off-the-shelf SSD mounting.
• Price: ~$300 for 2 TB (not including hub/magsafe).
• If budget allows and you’re rigging seriously — this is the pro choice.

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How to Choose Your Setup (And Work Smarter)

• If you’re mobile, handheld, minimal kit → go Lexar SL500 MagSafe.
• If you have a hub, lights, mics, power bank → go Lexar Go with Hub.
• If you’re building a full rig/cage and capturing long takes → go OWC Envoy Pro Elektron.
• Always check sustained write speed, not just peak read/write.
• Offload footage early — these files are huge.
• Monitor phone heat, SSD temperature, ensure you have good ventilation/power pass-through.

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Final Thoughts

You can shoot cinematic-grade RAW footage on your iPhone 17 Pro — but only if you pair it with the right external SSD setup.

Pick a drive that matches the data-rate demands of ProRes RAW HQ, rig it properly, and you’ll free yourself to create — not fight tech.

At DigiProTips, we believe: work smarter, not harder. Let gear serve your creativity, not hold you back.

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✅ Quick Checklist (for your next shoot)

• Plug in external SSD before switching codec.
• Choose ProRes RAW HQ mode (if your workflow supports it).
• Monitor SSD write speed/connection stability.
• Offload footage + backup immediately after shoot.
• Keep rig cool, avoid heat soak.

Stay creative, stay nimble — and let your iPhone 17 Pro become the powerhouse rig it’s capable of being.

If you found this article useful, check out our guide on “Best SSDs for 4K Video Editing” for more workflow-insight.