The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show has concluded, marking another year where imaging professionals discovered cutting-edge solutions amid the broader consumer technology landscape. While major camera manufacturers have scaled back their presence at the event, the show still delivered substantial innovations for photographers and videographers focused on storage, mobility, and workflow optimization.
Enterprise-Grade Storage Solutions
Storage remains a critical infrastructure concern for modern content creators, particularly those working with uncompressed video formats. OWC unveiled significant advancements in professional-tier storage architecture this year, addressing the escalating capacity demands of Raw video production.
The company’s ThunderBolt 5-enabled ThunderBlade X12 RAID now reaches 192TB capacity—double its original specification—delivering peak transfer rates of 6600MB/s and sustained write performance of 5990MB/s. This engineering achievement positions it as the first compact Thunderbolt 5 RAID shuttle drive at this capacity level. Availability is targeted for mid-2026, with pricing anticipated to reflect the 96TB variant’s $16,800 positioning.
For mobile professionals, OWC’s enhanced Envoy Ultra lineup introduces an 8TB Thunderbolt 5 bus-powered portable SSD—a first-to-market specification. Rated IP67 for environmental durability, it promises sustained 6000MB/s performance alongside ruggedized construction. The $1,700 price point positions it within professional investment ranges, with immediate availability.
Consumer-Focused Storage Innovations
Lexar commemorated three decades in the storage sector with an expanded product ecosystem. The Professional Silver Plus microSDXC UHS-I card reaches 2TB capacity with 255MB/s read and 180MB/s write specifications, though its V30 certification guarantees only 30MB/s sustained performance.
The brand’s Air Portable SSD emphasizes minimalist design—weighing just 17 grams with integrated carabiner attachment—while delivering 400MB/s transfer rates across 512GB to 2TB configurations. Drop protection to two meters adds durability assurance for field applications.
Security-conscious creators will appreciate the TouchLock Portable SSD, which integrates NFC-based authentication with 128-bit AES hardware encryption. Its magnetic design accommodates iPhone mounting, while the ultra-compact 7mm profile maintains portability. Both Air and TouchLock variants launch in matching capacity tiers, though pricing remains unannounced.
Mobile-First Storage Architecture
Hohem, traditionally recognized for affordable gimbal and audio solutions, entered the storage sector with its SSD-01—purpose-built for smartphone video workflows. The drive features a flip-up USB-C connector optimizing connection reliability for on-device ProRes Raw and Open Gate recording on compatible iPhone models.
Available in 1TB and 2TB capacities, the SSD-01 targets mobile videographers requiring rapid offloading and extended shooting sessions. Performance specifications indicate 2000MB/s transfer capabilities, positioning it competitively within the smartphone-adjacent storage category.
Looking Ahead
While traditional camera announcements diminished at this year’s show, the storage and mobility innovations demonstrate that content creation infrastructure remains a priority within the broader consumer electronics ecosystem. Creators should anticipate availability windows throughout 2026 as manufacturers finalize production timelines.