I edited 4K video from a flash drive – and it actually kept up

The PNY Pro Elite V3 is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive that essentially takes on the usual stick-type form. However, where it differs from most other USB sticks is the fact that it includes ultra-fast SSD storage, capable of read/write speeds of up to 1,000MB per second.

The drive itself is available in four different capacities, ranging from a relatively small 256GB all the way up to a large 2TB drive. This means it can be used for a variety of different tasks.

At home or in the studio, I found that it was quick and easy way to back up data and files with teh USB Type-C drive now pretty universal between Mac and PC systems. If you just want a drive for a little peace of mind, then this speed and capacity means that it can be used with your computer, in my case a Mac and Time Machine to back up the drive to one of these keysfrom . You can also use it alongside other online backup services such as Backblaze. Likewise, if you’re on a PC, you might want to use Acronis Image.

Another way to use this drive is out in the field. If you shoot plenty of images and your memory card is getting full, you can plug it straight into your computer, download all your images to this USB key, and, because of its capacity and speed, it won’t take too long. While it could be used just to free up a bit of space on your memory cards, you can also use it in the field as a secure backup solution. If you’re taking pictures or video and want to make sure you have a secondary copy, then again, this USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive is an ideal solution.

What’s more, compared to other USB sticks with similar capacities, the ultra-fast interface means you can transfer files at an incredible speed. If you think that, on average, you’re going to transfer between 64GB and 128GB from a memory card such as the PNY 128 GB EliteX-PRO60, then transferring them to this drive shouldn’t take too long compared with far cheaper and smaller-capacity drives.

Then there’s the fast performance, combined with a metal casing that makes it nice and robust. With a lanyard loop, you can easily attach it inside a pocket of your camera backpack, so it should always be easy to locate. As long as it’s securely attached, you can make sure it’s always there, ready to use if and when you need backup storage.

USB keys and memory sticks are always handy, and this one is particularly so. It’s very small, compact, and durable. Of all the memory sticks I’ve tested over the years, this is probably one of the nicest designs I’ve come across yet.

Let’s start with the build quality of the PNY Pro Elite V3. The first thing you notice when you remove it from the packaging is just how solid it is, with that metal casing surrounding the delicate electronics. It feels good and robust, so if you’re going to carry it in your pocket or kit bag, it’s should be absolutely fine other than a possible scratch or two.

Another thing I like about the design is the small lanyard loop. Even though there’s no lanyard cord included in the small blister pack, it’s easy enough to thread some nylon cord through and attach it to your bag. It’s just a nice, solid design. Then there’s the USB Type-C connector which is easily covered, and there’s no cap to lose. It’s integrated into the design—just push back the cover section of the USB stick, and the USB Type-C connector is revealed. Pull that cover back, and it protects the connector, ensuring it stays safe.

The only thing I would say about the design of this cap is that the end of the connector, or the opening of the USB Type-C port, is exposed. If you have dust or fluff in your bag or pocket, there is some potential for the port to get clogged, so that’s something to be mindful of.

When it comes to handling, you just push back the cap to reveal the connector and plug it directly into your computer. It’s worth noting that if you’re using a laptop, the width of the key means it will partially cover or possibly block another USB port. On the MacBook Pro Max that I tested this with, that was the case. However, since this is a key you’re probably going to be using in the field, that shouldn’t matter too much.

Another important point is that this is USB Type-C only—there’s no adapter included. You must ensure that you have a USB Type-C port on your laptop or computer to make the most of this particular drive.

The PNY Pro Elite V3 is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 flash drive, designed to store files on the move and is compatible with a huge range of devices, from desktop PCs and laptops to smartphones and even tablet computers. As long as there is a USB port available, this drive should be compatible.
What makes it stand out from other USB keys is that it features the latest solid-state memory, which enables read speeds of up to 1,000MB per second and write speeds of up to 800MB per second. PNY, quoting their marketing material, claims this is 256 times faster than standard USB 2.0, so pretty fast.

Another major feature of this USB key is its durable metal housing, giving it the feeling of durability as well as helping to disipate the heat when being used for more intensive tasks.

The other great advantage of such fast transfer rates is that if you’re in the field and want to do a quick edit, the speed will makes it possible. Additionally, the metal body offers a certain amount of heat dissipation, enabling you to use this as a working drive as well as simply for data storage.

Finally, alongside the drive, it also comes with a two-year limited warranty, so if anything does go wrong with the manufacturers build quality, it should be covered.
Unlike some other solutions, this PNY drive is purely hardware-based and doesn’t ship with any software for backup or security, so you will need to rely on your own options for these.

First and foremost, PNY has kept things simple with the Pro Elite V3. Essentially, it is USB Type-C storage—plug it in, and it will be recognised by the computer. There’s no software to install, so if you want to add any levels of security or backup potential, you’ll need to look at your own solutions.

Compatibility wise as long as your computer has a USB Type-C port, this drive will be recognised. Plug it in, reformat it to the file system of your choice, and then use it as you would with any other drive. It’s all nice and simple.

In terms of performance, transferring images over from a UHS-II card using the MacBook Pro’s built-in SD card reader directly to the PNY drive was relatively quick. Transferring almost 24GB of images and video files from a PNY UHS-II SD card took around two minutes. This was essentially all of the files from a day’s shoot, so not bad at all.

Next, I ran a few benchmark tests. Using AJA System Test Lite, I recorded 844MB per second for both read and write speeds. I also tested it with the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, which showed read speeds of 794.3MB per second. For reasons unknown, the drive was rated all the way up to 1,489MB per second write speed, which is well above what’s quoted by PNY.

After running the benchmark tests and rewriting data several times—getting similar results each time on the MacBook Pro Max—it was time for real-world testing. First, I opened up the images from the day’s shoot and edited them, first in Bridge, then in Adobe Camera RAW, and finally in Adobe Photoshop.

Opening Adobe Bridge and loading image files from the Sony A7 IV and the file load time was relatively quick, with thumbnails produced at a decent speed. Selecting the files I wanted and opening them in ACR also proved to be fast. Overall, I was impressed with how fast this drive processed and handled the data for both Bridge and ACR. When the selected files were opened in Photoshop, I was able to edit them quickly and save them down. While the saving process took slightly longer than if I were working directly on the internal hard drive, it was still quick and didn’t really interrupt my workflow.

After adjusting the images, I had a few short social media videos to edit. Again, opening up Premiere Pro, loading in the 4K footage, and editing it down were all well within the capabilities of this memory key, which was impressive. There was a slight slowdown compared to using the internal hard drive, but considering that this is a 1TB flash drive and not an internal or portable hard drive, its features and performance are extremely impressive.

At the end of the test, I have to say that I’m extremely impressed with the PNY Pro Elite V3. As a tool for a videographer out in the field, having a portable flash drive like this that you can quickly save your files to is a huge advantage. What I really like is the fact that you can also utilise it as a makeshift working drive. To be honest, you could probably use it as a main working drive without too much trouble—it handled all the 4K edits I did for social media with ease.

The fact that there’s a whole TB of storage also means that, if I wanted to, I could use this drive as a Time Machine backup for my entire MacBook Pro. Considering the price of this flash drive, that’s not a bad option at all.

Back to using it out in the field—as a tool for a videographer, the small lanyard loop means I can keep it in a pocket of one of my bags, making it always accessible and easy to find. It’s also small and lightweight enough not to add too much bulk or weight to my bag.

I also like the fact that it’s made of durable metal. It feels good and solid, like it’s going to withstand more than just occasional use. My only slight reservation is that the end of the USB Type-C port is exposed, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

As USB keys go, it’s extremely impressive, and it feels like it wouldn’t be too much of a leap to make a fully waterproof version, which would make this one of the best USB flash drives out there.

As it stands, for the price, there’s little to quibble about regarding the performance and value of this flash drive. So, if you’re in the market for a fast form of storage that’s small, lightweight, and ultra-fast, then this is a perfect option. I would highly recommend it.