What is the NextoDI NPS-10?

The NPS-10 is a portable backup device designed to directly transfer data from memory cards to internal storage. Last year I transitioned my primary camera from the Fuji XT-2 to the Nikon Z7. I moved from a camera with two memory card slots to a camera with one. This presented a problem for me, I had always set my second card to be a backup. Backing up the work I do is vital: I shoot unrepeatable moments and clients expect me to have fail-safes in place.

The NextoDI NPS-10 is the best solution I have found to this problem. The device allows me to make regular, fast and reliable backups on the go. It isn’t perfect, but it fills an important gap in my workflow.

Here is what the manufacturer has to say.

‘The NPS-10 is engineered for professional and enthusiastic photographers and video shooters who are going places for shooting and require a filed backup solution. With the built-in memory card slots and USB port, the NPS-10 provides instant and fast copying of files directly to the internal storage (SSD or HDD) without external power or a computer.’

This device has transformed my workflow whilst shooting away from the studio.

The internal memory relies on SATA drives. I find that purchasing SATA drives works out cheaper than purchasing portable hard-drives. When I start a new photography job I expense the cost of a SATA drive for the NPS-10. At the end of a job I remove the drive and label it with the project name, dates and client contact details. This drive then goes into a pelicase in my office. I have a SATA drive dock attached to my main computer. If a client contacts me about their production I place the relevant drive into the dock. This drive contains all the RAW files. I also use a 16TB RAID array for cataloguing images.

The NPS-10 fits in my hand. It also fits the front grab pockets on my Billingham 555 or Hadley Pro bags perfectly. The combined power and size of the NPS-10 often allows me to leave my laptop behind: saving my back and alleviating security concerns.

At the point of purchase you configure the device to your primary media type, XQD, CFast or CFlash. All models feature two SD card slots and a micro SD slot. It’s also possible to attach a portable drive and copy to both the internal drive and the portable drive at once.

The NPS-10 can copy multiple cards simultaneously at high speed (350MB /s). For example copying two SD cards and one XQD to the internal drive. One of the most useful features for my workflow is ‘incremental copy’.

‘The NPS-10 supports the “Incremental copy” function which enables you to back up a memory card multiple times without erasing the card. You can back up only the added files that are added after the last backup. This speeds up the backup process and save storage space.’

My typical workflow with the NPS-10 is as follows. (Click image to enlarge)

What could be better

Build quality: The NPS-10 ships in a removable rubber skin (it’s like an old iPod classic case). This takes the majority of knocks and bumps. However I’d like the build quality of the unit itself to be more rugged. The screen scratches too easily. If ‘NextoDI Co.’ ever release an updated NPS-10 It would ideally incorporate gorilla glass. An internal shock mount for the hard-drive would be a worthy upgrade (though low impact drops are less of an issue with SSDs than HDDs).

The screen: The screen on the NPS-10 is not designed as a primary viewing device. It’s for checking data and naming files. Having said that, a higher resolution screen would make previewing 2K and 4K footage easier.

Highlights

Fast data transfer
4K compatible
Cheap, swappable storage
Incremental backup
Sequential backup
Transfer verification and corrupt file flagging
Small size
Battery powered
Browse and edit all data via Iphone & Android (USB-C only) in real time.

Conclusion

When I decided to switch to the Nikon Z7 I started searching for a standalone backup solution. I found the NPS-10 was the only product that met all my requirements. No other product at the time offered me a visual indication of a successful file transfer. The NexttoDI NPS-10 gives me peace of mind.

If you only work from SD cards (Sony shooters for example) then there’s more choice. A hard-drive with an integrated SD slot such as the Western Digital My Passport Wireless may be suitable for you.

Priced at £406.08 including VAT this isn’t cheap, especially when you factor in the cost of storage media. However depending on the needs of your photo/video business it may be excellent value over time.

I bought mine in the UK from CVP - NextoDI - NPS10 XQD