Archival Note (February 2026): Since I first published this review, NextoDI has gone out of business. While this model has been succeeded by the NPS-10, the NVS2801 remains a unique tool because it handles pro video formats like SxS and P2 via its ExpressCard slot.
I am maintaining this detailed guide for those looking for technical specs or troubleshooting help for units found on the used market.
Like the NextoDI ND2901 I’ve relied on for years, the NVS2801 combines a memory card reader with an internal drive and a battery. It’s a self-contained way to safeguard your work when you’re away from a computer. While this model is labeled as a “video storage device,” the line between stills and video is increasingly blurred. For photographers using high-end bodies that shoot CFAST 2.0 or XQD, this device offers a level of speed and specialized compatibility that the more consumer-oriented backup drives lack.
Natively supported memory cards
The NVS2801 exists to bridge the gap for professional formats. It works with a few slots natively, but its flexibility comes from how you can extend it. The built-in slots are:
- SDXC / SDHC: The most common format. It supports UHS-II and works with cards 32GB and under (FAT32) as well as larger exFAT cards.
- CFAST 2.0: Common in high-end Canon and Phase One bodies. Note that you cannot fit a standard CompactFlash card into this slot — they look similar, but the pins and sizing are different.
- SxS: This is a Sony pro video standard that uses the ExpressCard slot on the side.
Extended compatibility (CompactFlash and XQD)
Natively, there is no CompactFlash or XQD slot. For my workflow, I had to use one of two methods to get those cards backed up:
1. ExpressCard Adapters: This is the fastest method. I’ve used the NextoDI CompactFlash adapter, and while it sticks out a bit from the side, it provides a very solid connection. For XQD, I found that the Sony ExpressCard adapter works perfectly well.
2. External USB Card Reader: You can plug a regular USB 3.0 reader into the dedicated port on the bottom. One thing I discovered: when backing up SD cards, using a fast USB 3.0 reader was actually much faster than using the built-in SD slot. I have the benchmarks for that below.
Interface and video preview
The screen is a 2.4″ color LCD. It’s not a touchscreen — you navigate using a small joystick on the front. It’s not high-resolution by modern standards, so I don’t use it to check critical focus, but it is great for peace of mind. It supports previews for common RAW formats (NEF, ARW, CR2, etc.) and a wide range of video codecs including ProRes 4K, XAVC, and H.264.
Real-world speed tests
I ran several tests using a Samsung 850 EVO SSD installed in the NVS2801 to see how it handles my most used formats. For comparison, I also ran the same tests on the older ND2901.
NVS2801 benchmarks (fast copy mode)
- CompactFlash (via ExpressCard): 19 mins for 128GB (107 MB/s)
- CompactFlash (via USB Reader): 19 mins 30 secs (105 MB/s)
- SDXC UHS-II (Built-in Slot): 8 mins for 32GB (62 MB/s)
- SDXC UHS-II (via USB 3.0 Reader): 4 mins 10 secs (120 MB/s)
Comparison: NVS2801 vs. ND2901
When I tested the older ND2901 with the same cards, the NVS2801 came out on top across the board. For CompactFlash, the NVS2801 was about 18% faster. For SD cards, the jump was massive — the newer model is significantly faster when paired with a good reader.
Internal drives and power
Installing a drive in this unit is much easier than the old four-screw method on the ND2901. It has a single screw lock on the back that I can open with a coin. It takes any 2.5″ SATA drive up to 9.5mm height. I strongly recommend an SSD — while they were more expensive when I first bought this, the durability for travel is worth the extra cost.
Power Logistics: The internal battery gives you about 2 hours of runtime. You can charge it via the AC adapter (5 hours) or USB (12 hours — painfully slow). A critical note: if you want to use the MCopy feature (backing up to an internal and external drive at the same time), you must have the AC adapter plugged in.
Technical specifications archive
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Supported File Systems | FAT32, exFAT, UDF, HFS+ |
| Internal Drive Support | 2.5″ SATA (HDD or SSD) < 9.5mm |
| I/O Ports | USB 3.0 (Host), USB 3.0 (Device), micro-USB, ExpressCard/34 |
| Video Codecs | ProRes, XAVC, H.264, AVCHD, DNxHD (up to 4K) |
| Weight | 366g / 12.9 oz (configured with SSD) |
| Dimensions | 15.4 x 9.1 x 3.3 cm (6 x 3.6 x 1.3 inches) |
Wrap up
The NVS2801 is a solid, functional approach to the backup problem. It isn’t a direct replacement for the ND2901, especially if you shoot primarily CompactFlash and want a native slot. However, as cameras move more toward CFAST and XQD, the NVS2801 becomes a much more attractive piece of hardware. It’s an all-business device that prioritizes safeguarding your images and footage over modern bells and whistles.
Looking for more on portable backups? You can find my hands-on tests of the ND2901 here or the newer NPS-10 here.
Been using a Colorspace Hyperdrive 2, but now need an XQD solution. This looks nice, but too rich for my pocketbook, especially considering I can get a laptop for that price and I would still need to use a reader. Thanks for the review though, it did answer some questions I had.
Thanks for the review, sounds like a eat device for me. I found a web shop of a Germany-based professional videographer shop that already list the device: . It is priced at 799 EUR excl. VAT at the moment (list price 818 EUR) with a 1 TB HDD, and marked as ready-to-ship within 2-3 business days. If this holds true, this would of course be a significant price increase compared to the ND2901…