Dell remains top of our list of the best laptops for photo editing, and the reason is simple its screen. XPS 15 configurations include an option for a Full HD resolution, an IPS display with 4K. Buying guide for best laptops for photo and video editing. Technology has changed everything for us especially how we document our lives. We take hours of video and thousands of pictures with our phones, tablets, and 4K video cameras, and they all make sure everything comes out in stunning detail. The system comes preloaded with Windows 10 Home Editon. In addition, for this price class, it is the best laptop for Photoshop under 500 that has long battery life (up to 13.5 hours), good sound quality and connectivity (Wi-Fi, USB3 and USB-C). View more Best Laptops for Photo Editing on a Budget.
Jump to a Section Introduction
The second most crucial item besides your camera is a computer to see the results and make fine-tune adjustments. And while the laptop was historically not a primary tool in a photographers arsenal, things have changed. And once a device reserved for casual browsing has evolved into a full-fledged replacement for large and clunky desktop PCs.
Now, these days, the laptop you choose is equally as important as your camera, as youll spend a vast amount of time processing and editing images there. And its not an area to overlook. Thankfully, todays laptops boast the highest specifications seen to date, with ever-increasing speeds and capabilities that easily match equivalent high-end desktops. And todays photographer has plenty of powerful options well-suited for editing in the field or on the go.
Many even offer high resolution 4K displays with stunning color and detail to match a discerning eye while weighing less than 4 lbs. But, purchasing the best laptop for your needs will prove to be no less than a Herculean task. And it doesnt help that the top manufacturers are continually releasing new models, with ever confusing model numbers and subtle differences. There are also several significant factors to consider when looking for a laptop dedicated to photography. In todays post, weve compiled a detailed guide covering the main factors to consider between laptops. And well also cover the top ten best laptops for editing photos in the current market. Why Choose a Laptop for Photo Editing? Laptop vs Desktop, which is best?
Many assume that power-hungry applications such as Photoshop, Luminar, and Exposure require a dedicated desktop PC. But these days, the gaps between notebooks and PCs are relatively marginal, particularly when photography is concerned. Even so, there are pros and cons to choosing a laptop over a desktop.
The main reason to opt for a laptop, ultimately, is if you value portability and versatility. Many current laptops feature convertible designs, which flip, rotate, or transform into tablets. And considering they weigh less than 4.5 lbs, theyre more portable and versatile than any desktop. However, the con is that desktops will always offer more power and better raw performance for the same price. Theyre also easy to upgrade if you want a different configuration, which isnt always possible with laptops. So, comparing a notebook to a desktop at the same price, the desktop will always provide a better hardware configuration. Nevertheless, having the freedom to work wherever you prefer is an enormous advantage in practical applications.
In short, youll comprise a small amount of processing power for the added portability. Though as a whole, laptops are advantageous to photographers. But, how advantageous depends on your working style. How to choose a laptop for Photo Editing
Well, this is where the complications start. Editing RAW photos requires a relatively powerful computer as you stack on effects or perform advanced merging. And, in general, choosing the best laptop for photography isnt about weighing the price to performance ratio, then picking the most powerful. Theres a lot of major manufacturers making high-end well-configured laptops right now. And unless youre computer savvy, you may not easily understand the difference between a multimedia laptop and a photo editing one, especially if theyre the same price.
So, when it comes to a laptop for editing photos, specifically, youll want to weigh the factors differently. Below, we will cover which components are most crucial in order. This will give you a better understanding of what will satisfy your needs without making sacrifices or spending unnecessarily.
But first things first. How will you use this laptop?
Laptops for photo editing can mean various things, from viewing photos to performing complex AI-assisted photo manipulations. But luckily, most of the photography-related tasks require similar hardware capabilities.
So, the next question here is, what else are you doing? Do you also film and produce videos? Do you also want a general productivity-based computer that would double in 3D design, rendering, or other mediums? Or do you have different needs such as gaming or media consumption requiring high-end graphics and sound capabilities?
These are the kinds of questions to consider beforehand, as finding the right computer across all the mediums will vary based on these questions. What should you look for in a laptop for photography?
Once you have a proper understanding of how you plan on using the laptop, then we can begin assessing the factors. But know, a laptop for photography has different requirements than one aimed at video editing, gaming, or 3D design. Below are the most critical factors for photography laptops ranked in order. Operating System
Until recently, MacOS was considered the unofficial standard for photographers and creatives. And many would happily pay a premium for their high-end design, luxurious screens, and long term reliability. And while Apples lineup of laptops remains a powerful choice, Windows has thoroughly closed the gap. And many Windows-based devices offer similar capabilities at a much lower starting price. So, the once widely believed myth is no longer factual. And theres little difference between Mac and Windows today. Both platforms are equally intuitive, powerful, and user friendly. And both support all of the leading photo editing applications, be they free or paid.
But, if youre not already tied to a particular ecosystem, this is a top consideration. However, this decision is ultimately a personal preference. So choose whichever platform you find the most attractive and user-friendly. CPU Processor
The CPU is the brains and the primary controller of a computer. And it single-handedly determines the overall computing performance of a device.
When we edit RAW files, these images can easily exceed 50 MB in size, which is a lot of data to process. And the faster the processor, the better it handles complex batch editing, HDR merging, and photo manipulation. It also will help, not hinder, the real-time rendering and export process, speeding up workflow. Additionally, a fast processor speeds up image culling, preview, and applying effects.
Todays processors come in four variants, Core i3, i5, i7, or i9. In general, the highest processor in the latest generation is the fastest. With that, a 10th generation Core i7 processor is better than an 8th generation, and the Core i7 is better than the Core i5. Many photo editing applications take advantage of multiple cores to boost general performance and responsiveness. So its well worth getting a higher-end CPU if its within budget. Right now, this would be an Intel Core i9 equipped laptop in an ideal world, but theyre quite expensive. So, Core i7 options are the next best. However, if you do go with a Core i5 model, look for ones that offer a 7th generation or newer CPU. An example of how far to go back would be the mid-2017 MacBook Pro, as the difference between these latest three generations is quite striking during day to day use. For this, get the highest processor with the latest generation you can afford. Display
The next most crucial area to consider is the display. But this particular factor has several subsections, so weve ranked them in order below.
The first thing youll want to consider here, above all else, is the color accuracy. Display Color Accuracy
Most people throw around specifications regarding size and resolution when talking about displays. And while these factors are important, they pale in comparison to color accuracy.
Every display has a set supported color range, known as a gamut. And the gamut refers to the range and percentage of colors it accurately displays. And the two biggest industry-standards are sRGB and Adobe RGB.
Most displays focus on producing vivid, saturated colors, but not the accuracy needed for professional work. And color accuracy is what ultimately determines whether the colors you see are what your viewers see. For most photographers, you want a display that offers 100 coverage over the sRGB color gamut. Thankfully, this is the most widely used color range used on nearly every device. So for those concerned accuracy, having a display offer 100 sRGB coverage is not negotiable. But, if youre too worried, look for options with a minimum of 90 sRGB coverage. Otherwise, skip getting a laptop altogether and consider editing on a tablet instead. Theyre several affordable options with DCI-P3 support, which is a slightly larger gamut than sRGB. Type of Display
Todays laptops generally have one of two majorly display types. They have either IPS (in-plane switching) or TN (twisted nematic).
IPS panels are the most expensive but are the recommended display panels for photographers. With an IPS panel, youll get the most accurate color rendering and the best viewing angles. Additionally, they also provide better contrast and more vivid colors. TN panels, however, are the cheapest panels and the default choice. They offer superior refresh rates, which makes them well suited for video games and timing-critical applications. But, theyre not nearly as color accurate as IPS panels. So theyre generally not recommended. Brightness
The brightness of the display is another area to take note. Brightness is measured in Nits, usually ranging from 300-600 nits. At a minimum, look for laptops with 300 nits. Otherwise, youll have difficulty editing in direct sunlight. 500 nits and up works well outdoors. Resolution
The resolution, measured by the number of pixels displayed, is another area of consideration. Although, its not necessarily a deal-breaker. Most laptops offer 1080p full HD (1920x1080p) displays as standard. But, you can quite easily find ones offering 2.6K or 4K displays. But, do know, larger screens require higher resolutions to look as sharp as a smaller screen. And they also consume more battery power. Nevertheless, higher resolution displays do provide more fine details and deliver a clearer view.
In general, 1080p screens are great for smaller laptops between 13-14. While 2.6K or higher is recommended for 15-17 laptops. Size
As a factor, this ultimately becomes a personal preference based on how you work. Its the least important consideration, but it could prove useful if you enjoy using multiple windows or tabs without eye strain. In that case, 17-inch laptops give you the most screen real estate and are ideal for multi-tasking. RAM
When editing photos, your laptop will move large chunks of data, and adequate RAM (access memory) is invaluable here. RAM is where your computer temporarily stores open software and ongoing files. And its a substantial factor in determining how well a laptop responds to constant demands, especially when running other programs alongside a photo editor. Simply put, the more memory you have, the better the computer will run when multitasking. And the more smoothly itll perform without lagging or crashing.
If your computer doesnt have enough RAM, itll slow and eventually crash the most consuming application when full. Alternatively, it may freeze, forcing you to restart the computer manually. Photoshop suggests a minimum of 2 GBs of RAM. However, we recommended 8 GBs at a minimum, which is typically the standard across todays laptops as the default configuration.
The only time youll need more than 8 GBs is if you plan on multitasking while doing advanced photo manipulation with 50 or more layers. Or youre using a medium format camera and working with HDR. But, almost all laptops provide the option to upgrade the RAM after the fact. So its not a deal-breaker. Hard Disk
Hard drives come in two varieties, traditional disks (HDD) and solid-state disks (SSD). We have a detailed post discussing these differences in depth. But, in short, SSD drives are better across all measures of speed, responsiveness, and reliability. Sure, editing single images in isolation wouldnt prove to be significantly slower on an HDD. But, considering how they improve overall speed in loading assets by upwards of 4x, theyre a massive advantage. The downside, however, is that theyre more expensive than traditional HDDs. Even so, theyre a must. For this, getting a 256 GB SSD or a hybrid storage configuration that uses both an HDD and SSD is recommended. Ports
Depending on your workflow, the input/output (I/O) setup on a laptop could be of particular concern. For example, a full-sized HDMI port to allow you to connect a secondary display. Or having older USB 3 ports to interface with external hard drives, phones, and other devices. For this, consider the devices that you use. And look for a laptop that offers the inputs that best suit them. For some, this will be only USB C. For those, it may include USB 3, MicroSD, Ethernet, to name a few. External Displays
Eventually, as you hone your skills, youll want to get your works most accurate representation before printing or publication. And in this case, an external color-accurate display is a must. Very few laptops offer high-end displays that match a dedicated monitor. And at best, they can only get you 90 of the way. For this, consider checking out our Best Monitor for Photo Editing post and researching the specific options that best suit your needs. Graphics card/GPU
The graphics card (GPU) is responsible for what appears on screen. But, you may be surprised to know that photography doesnt require a powerful GPU. However, that doesnt mean that having one doesnt help and isnt a valuable tool. Several photo editing applications can capitalize on a GPU via hardware acceleration. And they leverage the GPUs processing power to assist the CPU to speed up rendering and asset loading. But, even so, the effect isnt drastic enough to make it a deal-breaker or necessity. So, a powerful graphics card is best suited for 3D animation, CAD, gaming, or video editing instead. Or if you want to run dual 4K monitors via USB C or HDMI. But otherwise, the benefits are relatively marginal. And you wont see a substantial improvement.
Do know, most laptops come with integrated graphic cards built into the CPU, which handles all visual related tasks. So, if you use a graphics-intensive 3D effect or AI-tool, it will load slightly slower. For this, if a dedicated GPU meets your budget, consider adding one. Otherwise, save the money and invest in the higher-end CPU, display, or RAM instead. Size
Size is a personal preference and will vary based on the portability you want. If you prefer a large screen to avoid zooming unnecessarily, you may find a 13-inch laptop too small. Larger laptops also provide better internal cooling, reducing thermal throttling. And their added size also affords better hardware configurations. Poor temperature regulation is an issue that plagues smaller ultra-compact laptops. So its an area of consideration if you want the best possible performance available.
However, if you want maximum portability and are willing to compromise slightly on performance, then a 13-inch laptop is perfect. But for many, a 15-inch laptop is the best, as they strike the right balance between size, portable, and performance. For this, not all laptops offer the full selection of sizes. So its essential to consider the portability and performance you want and get the appropriate size. 13-inch laptops provide ample power to get the job done. But for higher-resolution and more intensive work, 15-17 inches is preferred. Battery life:
Higher-end laptops will consume more power than a compact ultrabook with lower specifications. And that means theyll typically have substantially lower battery life. So much so that spending a full day away from an outlet isnt realistic. In general, expect 7-8 hours for a high-end laptop or 14 hours for a lower-end one. For this, consider how much you plan on traveling with the laptop. If battery life is of utmost importance to you, you may want to consider getting an entry-level or mid-range model. Extras
Some of the extras here include convertible form factors that transform into tablets, touchscreens, stylus support, fingerprint readers, IR sensors, to name a few. If some of the bonus features mentioned are important, look for them while shopping around. 10 LG Gram 17
Released in 2020, LGs Gram 17 is their latest ultra-slim laptop that unveils a new standard. LG offers this laptop in sizes ranging from 13-17 inches.
With this release, they set out to push the bounds below the 3 lb gold standard in the ultraportable segment. And with a running weight of 2.98 lbs, theyve done just that. And the Gram 17 marks the lightest laptop in the class. Indeed, its measurements even match that of several 13 and 14-inch rivals. But, its 17-inch screen offers superior screen real estate and a more comfortable experience. This laptop uses a dark-silver magnesium carbon alloy frame with military-grade durability.
And it features a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16 GBs RAM, and up to a 1 TB SSD. Additionally, it houses a 17-inch WQXA 2K IPS display with brilliant color rendering and razor-sharp details. Other bonuses include a full-sized HDMI, three USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, a MicroSD card slot, a headphone jack, a fingerprint reader, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. LG also includes a one year warranty and rates the battery life at 17 hours.
Overall, while pricey, the Gram 17 offers several highlights features few other notebooks of its size can match. And its an excellent choice for those wanting a lighter than average 17-inch laptop or travelers who prefer a big-screen view. 9 HP Envy 13
Released in 2019, HPs Envy 13 is their latest release in the upscale Envy brand positioned just above the Pavillion line. And it replaces their highly-acclaimed Spectre 13 laptop. HP offers this laptop in sizes ranging from 13-17 inches.
The Envy 13 uses a classic clamshell design. And it uses a sleek anodized aluminum chassis available in two color combinations, either Natural Silver or Pale Gold. But, at only 2.88 lbs, its supremely lightweight. The laptop features a 10th generation Intel Core i7, NVIDIAs GeForce MX GPU, up to 16 GBs RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. And it also has a 13-inch 4K IPS touchscreen with 100 sRGB coverage and 400 nit brightness. Theyve also mounted the display to a cantilever hinge, which props up the keyboard at a more comfortable typing angle. Other features include two USB 3.1 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, a MicroSD card slot, IR camera, a fingerprint reader, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. HP also includes a 3-year limited warranty and rates the battery life at 12 hours.
Overall, HPs Envy 13 is quite the bargain considering its feature set. And compared to similarly configured rivals, it offers an excellent proposition. Its not perfect, but its a powerful contender in the ultra-portable segment. And its a solid choice for those wanting an all-rounder thats a stylish alternative to other ultraportables that cost hundreds more. 8 Razer Blade 15
Released in 2020, Razers Blade 15 is their latest high-end gaming ultrabook. And a release thats made quite a name for itself given its hardware configuration, elegant design, and balance between power and portability.
The base model sports the same premium unibody design with a CNC aluminum chassis and anodized black finish. In many ways, its reminiscent of recent Apple devices. But, considering the primary target demographic, its easily the most handsome design available. It also obtains the Chroma backlit keyboard, allowing you to change the keyboard accent color freely for an added flair. The laptop itself also features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIAs GeForce GTX GPU, up to 16 GBs RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.
And it has a factor calibrated 1080p full HD display with 100 sRGB coverage and 300 nit brightness. Other features include two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI, a headphone/microphone combo jack, IR webcam for Windows Hello, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Razer also rates the battery life at 7.5 hours.
Overall, the Razer Blade 15 not only dominates the latest triple-A titles, but it does so in style. And its an excellent option for those wanting a more gaming-oriented machine as a bonus. But one that carries forth this lines legacy and is easily attractive enough to show off in public. 7 HP Spectre x360
Released in 2020, HPs Spectre x360 marks their latest flagship release in the Spectre lineup. And it aims to impress with quality, style, and a high-end feature set. HP offers this laptop in sizes ranging from 13-15 inches.
It sports an anti-glare aluminum chassis resisting flexing and fingerprints available in either Nightfall Black or Poseidon Blue. This laptop shines in its 2-in-1 convertible design, which flips, converting it into a tablet. And this design is ideal for presentations or working in tight spaces such as airlines or cars where traditional clamshell designs are limiting. HPs also slimmed things down a bit from earlier models to 4.24 lbs, making it one of the lightest convertible laptops around. The laptop itself features a 10th generation Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce MX GPU, 16 GBs RAM, and a 512 TB SSD. Alternatively, you can upgrade to get the latest 11th generation Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU. But, easily the highlight feature, without a doubt, is the optional 4K AMOLED touchscreen with 10-point touch support.
The AMOLED technology sets this display apart, delivering intense and rich blacks and excellent contrast. And its also bright at 340 nits and covers 100 of the DCI-P3 gamut. But, you can switch color spaces via HPs Display Control App, if needed. Other features include two USB-C ports, both supporting Thunderbolt 3, 1 USB 3.1 port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, a MicroSD card reader, IR camera, webcam kill switch, a fingerprint reader, HDMI, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. HP also offers a one year warranty and rates the battery life at 7.5 hours.
Overall, HPs Spectre stands alone as the only 15-inch 2-in-1 laptop with a high-end AMOLED screen and latest processor. And it offers unmatched functionality thats a must for those wanting the added versatility with plenty of performance that refines this entire niche. And its their best iteration yet. 6 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
Released in 2019, Lenovos ThinkPad X1 Yoga, now on its 5th generation, is lighter and even more flexible. And it shows the lineup doesnt need carbon fiber to compete while putting a new spin on the traditional business laptop.
It sports a CNC aluminum and magnesium chassis rather than the previous models traditional carbon fiber. However, this change has allowed Lenovo to make the laptop both thinner and lighter. And weighing only 3 lbs, its lighter than many other 13-inch rivals. Yet, it remains equally as durable and robust, still passing 12 MIL-STD tests across various extreme conditions. The new Iron Grey color is also a nice change of pace in their design, instead of the traditional matte-black. However, compared to their X1 Carbon, which uses a classic clamshell design, the Yoga uses a convertible 2-in-1 design. And this allows it to transform into a tablet or tent for easier viewing. The laptop itself features a 10th generation Intel Core i5, a 1080p IPS touchscreen, up to 16 GBs RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. You can also add the optional WQHD 2.6K IPS display with 100 sRGB coverage and 400 nit brightness. Or really step things up to the 2020 model, which debuts a 10th generation Core i7, 4K IPS panel, and a 1 TB SSD. Other features include stylus storage, two USB 3.1 ports, a Kensington lock, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a network extension port, HDMI, a headphone/microphone combo jack, a fingerprint reader, optional IR camera, and 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Lenovo also includes a one year warranty and rates the laptop for 10 hours of battery life.
Overall, Lenovos X1 Yoga provides several conveniences and a high-end feature set not offered by rivals. Plus, it does so, boasting a sleek, durable design with everlasting battery life. And its quite a powerhouse if you want a better than average 2-in-1 laptop. 5 Acer Aspire 5
Released in 2020, Acers Aspire 5 is aimed at budget-conscious users wanting a no-fuss option with a simple design. This laptop is available in a single 15-inch size.
The Aspire 5 uses a classic old-school design, which remains simple and unobtrusive. And it sports a sandblasted aluminum chassis, which is on par for the entry-level price point, with five color variations. But, at 4.19 lbs, its reasonably lightweight given its size. And the laptop itself houses a Ryzen 7 processor, integrated Radeon Graphics, a 1080p IPS display, 8 GBs RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. However, you can configure the laptop with the latest Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX card, 12 GB ram, and a 1 TB SSD. Other features include an HDMI port, three USB 3 ports, a USB-C port, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. And Acer rates the laptop to deliver 10 hours of battery life.
Overall, while the Aspire 5 may not be the most existing design around, its an excellent everyday option. And its the ultimate laptop for budget-conscious shooters that can deliver hardcore CPU muscle when the going gets tough. 4 ASUS Zenbook 13
Released in 2020, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is their best and most recent entry into the long-standing high-end ZenBook lineup.
This latest release comes to market as the worlds smallest 13-inch laptop, weighing only 2.6 lbs and smaller than an A4 sized paper. It also sports a new frameless NanoEdge design for more immersive visuals, the ErgoLift hinge for more comfortable typing, and Screenpad for a second display, handwriting input, or shortcut keys. And while its handsome in either Royal Blue or Icicle Silver, it also meets several demanding MIL-STD standards for reliability and durability. The laptop itself features a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX GPU, a 1080p IPS display with 100 sRGB coverage, up to 16 GBs of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Other features include two USB ports, a USB-C port, a MicroSD card reader, a headphone/microphone combo jack, HDMI, an IR camera, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. And ASUS rates the battery at 14 hours per charge.
Overall, the Zenbook 13 substantially improves earlier models and heralds a new era of ultraportable designs. And its a laptop traveling photographers will find proud to own. 3 Microsoft Surface Book 3
Released in 2020, Microsofts Surface Book 3 is their ultimate 2-in-1 device to blend flexibility, portability, and power. Microsoft offers this device in two sizes ranging from 13-15 inches. Best Laptops For Photo Editing 2018
Book 3 sports a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis with a platinum-silver color scheme. And it merges a conventional clamshell, a 2-in-1, and a detachable PC into a single unit. And this configuration allows you to use the laptop as a standard notebook, an easel, kiosk, v tent, or a standalone tablet. And combined with the optional Surface Pen stylus, its arguably the strongest platform for the digital artist. This design also allows the device to sport two additional batteries and a discrete GPU for added power. However, the base model features a 10th generation Intel Core i5, Iris Plus graphics, a 3K IPS touchscreen, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. But, you can configure the device up to a 10th generation i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU, 32 GB RAM, and a 2 TB SSD. Other features include two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, an IR camera, a headphone jack, an SDXC card reader, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Microsoft also includes a one year warranty and rates the battery at 15.5 hours.
Overall, the Surface Book 3 is quite an ambitious device. And given its extensive technical specifications and versatility, it defies the traditions of this category. Sure its expensive, but its a powerful device with enormous capabilities and the ideal jack of all trades. 2 Dell XPS 15
Released in 2020, Dells XPS 15 is their latest flagship model, now boasting a fresh new design and the latest hardware.
With the 2020 model, Dells given this line a facelift. And it uses a CNC machined aluminum chassis, which is 8 thinner without sacrificing essential functionality. They also added diamond cut sidewalls, which are anodized to create a scratch-resistant surface to prevent repeated unplugging damage. This laptop is available in a large range of parts and features. But, the base model offers a 10th generation Intel Core i5, Intel UHD graphic, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. But, you can easily step things up to a 10th generation Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU, 64 GB Ram, and a 2 TB SSD. Additionally, there are several display options of either 1080p or 4K with touch support, offering 94 DCI-P3 coverage, HDR 400, and 500 nit brightness. Other features include a USB 3.1 port, 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports, an IR camera, an SD card reader, a headphone/microphone combo jack, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Dell also rates the battery at 17 hours.
Overall, its clear why the XPS line is such a popular option amongst many creators. Its a near-perfect premium 15-inch laptop and true desktop replacement. This latest model simply ups an already well-respected platform. 1 Apple MacBook Pro
Released in 2020, the MacBook Pro ditches the long-standing keyboard, adds more speed, storage, and debuts an industry setting processor. Apple offers this laptop in two sizes, either 13 or 16 inches, with two colors and a sleek aluminum finish.
With this release, Apple unveiled their brand new M1 8-core CPU and GPU, designed specifically for Mac. And this combination delivers up to 2.8x faster general performance and 5x faster graphics processing. Theyve also added their latest Neural Engine, which provides 11x faster machine learning. And this engine assists various automated tasks such as video analysis, image processing, and recognition. The base model features the M1 chip, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. But, you can opt for a higher-end configuration with 16 GBs RAM and up to a 2 TB SSD.
Both setups, however, feature their gorgeous 13-inch Retina Display with a 2.6K resolution, DCI-P3 support, and 500 nit brightness. They also have Apples True Tone display, which optimizes the white balance based on the current ambient light to ensure white remains consistent. Other features include two Thunderbolt ports, a fingerprint reader, a headphone jack, 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Apple also rates the laptop at 20 hours of battery life, their longest yet.
Overall, the MacBook Pro has long been a status symbol and the inspiration that has given rise to legions of similar windows devices. And with their latest release, theyve taken their highly acclaimed series to an entirely new level. Sure, its expensive, lacks a touchscreen and a convertible design. But, as it stands, the MacBook Pro remains the ideal choice for photographers. And its the long-standing top choice for a good reason. What are the best accessories for these laptops? SD Card Reader: Printer: External Hard Drive: External Monitor: Graphics Drawing Tablet:
It is not too hard to choose the right or best laptop for photo editing purposes. All you need is one, that is powerful enough to allow you to work and show your creativity with all the software you need for arranging and editing photos.
Once you buy one of these laptops, it will most certainly serve you for many years as they are top of the line in quality, durability and performace.
To help you choose the best for your work, were highlighting the top laptops for photography according to performance, brand, and budget.
Our top choices are MacBook Pro 15 and the Dell XPS 15! Both are incredible and astonishing machines, so the choice is up to you, depending on your preferred operating system. If you Love Windows gor for Dell XPS 15 and if you are fond of MAC then there is no better choice than MacBook Pro 15. Model Model Name Specification Buy Now lenovo legion Y540 Intel i7-9750H up to 4.5 GHz
32GB RAM
1TB PCIe SSD + 1TB HDD
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
15.6 Inch FHD IPS Screen Dell xps 7590 touch Intel i7-9750H up to 4.5 GHz
16 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
15.6 Inch 4K screen Apple MacBook pro Intel i7-9750H up to 4.5 GHz
16 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
15.6 Inch retina display Dell Precision 7740 Intel i5-9400H
16 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
radeon Pro wx3200
17.3' Inch screen FHD dell inspiron 13.3 Intel i5-10210u
8 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
13.3' screen Best Laptop For Photo Editing Reviews by Category
Lets take a look at a few that especially shine in hardware or performance parts like IPS panel, screen size, etc. 1. Lenovo Legion Y540
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.5GHZ
GPU: NVIDIA Geforce 1660Ti
RAM: 32GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB NVME SSD and 1TB HDD
Screen: 15.6 IPS 19201080
Pros and Cons
Monster amount of memory
Supports up to FHD
Might be overkill for some users
If youre looking for a monster performing laptop with an IPS panel and a LOTS of RAM, this Lenovo Legion Y540 is definitely for you.
Photo editing requires a lot of RAM as we use heavy filter s and Raw images, and this Lenovo laptop has a solution for this. It has more RAM than you can even need for. An IPS panel that gives you wider viewing angles for better Editing and color viewing.
The Lenovo ThinkPad series is always known for very well constructed and durable laptops. This is an insanely powerful laptop, has an Intel 9th generation Core i7 processor in it, and 32 GB of RAM. This provides you with more than enough power and performance to keep your productivity and creativity levels at the top for a number of years.
The unique keyboard of Lenovo Legion makes navigating through your photo editing software a piece of cake as it has some customization for easy productivity.
This laptop supports FHD resolution. This will allow you to view a clearer and more detailed picture, which is most needed and crucial when it comes to photo editing, video editing, or animation production.
Overall, this laptop is complete in its nature for your business. Its very well-reviewed. Its known for durability. Its long-lasting battery, multiple port choices, and high speed are all packed into a well-built laptop. Lenovo Legion Y540 is perfect for all professionals in this industry. 2. Dell XPS 15 7590 4K
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.5GHZ
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB NVME SSD
Screen: 15.6 InfinityEdge 38402160
Pros and Cons
Unit has a touchdisplay
4K resolution for crisp images
Webcam positioned below screen
Bang for Buck
This Dell XPS 15 is definitely one of the best laptops you will discover, and that is the reason we consider it to be the best laptop with 15 screen too.
It comes with 512 GB of SSD, 16 GB of RAM , and an Intel Core i7 processor . You can upgrade your RAM up to 32 GB if you want to.
Also, you will get a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card in this laptop, which is very good for your work.
The laptop has a very comfortable and ergonomic keyboard with a touchpad, and the touchpad is very accurate and smooth. It also has all the necessary connections and ports, such as a USB 3.0, SD card slot, Thunderbolt 3, and HDMI.
The screen has a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 px, great for editing purposes. Its screen has a bezel thats only 5.7mm thick.
The only thing we dont like on this laptop is the camera. The camera is positioned below the screen, more to the left side, which is not good as per our review. This can lead to some unwanted angles while youre on a video call. 3. MacBook Pro 15
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.5GHZ
GPU: Radeon Pro 5300M
RAM: 16GB LPDDR3
Storage: 512GB SSD
Screen: 15 Retina 28801800
Pros and Cons
Perfect for Editing
Multimedia Powerhouse
Amazing Display
Will put a hole in your wallet
Most cases require a USB dongle
The MacBook Pro 15 is one of the best laptop you can get for photo editing at the moment and also best for MAC lovers.
If you land on Apple in the PC vs MAC debate, youll enjoy smooth processing and multitasking, very fast file access, and quick-loading and running programs without any lag, all thanks to the 16 GB of RAM included in this laptop model.
This experience is further improved with an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and 512 GB SSD for storage.
screen quality is comparable to an IPS panel, the MacBook Pro features Retina Display, with a resolution of 2880 x 1800. Retina display technology works by doubling the number of pixels in each location.
It has only two Thunderbolt 3 USB ports which the drawback of this laptop, and this may not be enough for your other equipments.
On a positive note, the ports that are in this laptop has the best quality youll find. 4. Dell Precision 7740
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.3GHZ
GPU: Radeon Pro Pro WX3200
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Screen: 17.3 IPS 19201080
Pros and Cons
Compact for its size
Upgradeable and customizable
Specs are better elsewhere
Base specs may not be for everyone
We recommend that you must configure this laptop model as per your need, as the basic configuration might not meet your requirements for Photoshop or other photo editing software programs.
You can do this as this Dell Precision 7740 device is able to be customized like other Dell products.
after improving the GPU, screen, and the processor of this laptop, you will have the best 17-inch laptop out there for editing photos and even doing some video editing.
Thanks to the amazing 17-inch screen size, editing photos is easier just like a cup of cake. You can also upgrade your screen to 4K resolution but not necessary.
It is very compact even it has a large screen of 17 inch and weight too light as per its hardware. It also has very good specifications, including 16 GB of RAM (can be upgraded) and Intel Core i7 processor.
You will also get a 512 GB to SSD) and AMD Radeon Pro graphics card. Overall, these are decent specifications, but you can always upgrade and customize the laptop to make it even better. 5. Dell Inspiron 13 7000 13.3
Specifications
CPU: Core i5 @ 3.4GHZ
GPU: Intel UHD 620
RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Screen: 15.3 IPS 19201080
Pros and Cons
Unit has a touch display
The screen may be too small for some
Dedicated ventilation
No dedicated graphics card
This Dell Inspiron laptop is specifically designed for gaming. Being a budget-friendly laptop which you can definitely use it for any photo editing related work smoothly. It has a decent intel core i5 processor that lets all your programs run quickly and smoothly.
This Intel Core i5 quad-core processor runs on 3.4 GHz which is quite good at work. performance is impressive considering its less than $750 price. Depending on the model, you will be getting either 8 or 16GB of RAM, but it is upgradeable up to 32 GB RAM as per your need. Best Laptop For Photo Editing 2018
You will get an 512 GB of SSD in it, it will work quite well for storing your data.
Another great thing about this model is that it has specially designed vents that will protect it from getting too hot and either slowing it down or damaging its components.
Remember, as a gaming computer, this will run your photo editing software without a glitch or lag. Thats what we need while working.
With its specs and speed, its a bang for buck option. The only thing we dont appreciate in this laptop is its screen which is only 13.3, not so good for professional use. Top Brands
If you are fond of a particular brand, these are the top photography models from 5 of the top laptop companies. DELL Dell XPS 15 7590 4K
This Dell XPS 15 model is one of the best laptops in quality, durability, and one of the best in appearance 15-inchers laptops you can buy for editing photos. It has 4K screen resolution with full Adobe RGB support.
You are going to love its strong and premium build. Its slimness, absolutely borderless screen, and touch-desk all make it a beautiful device.
You are going to love its strong and premium build. Its slimness, absolutely borderless screen, and touch-desk all make it a beautiful device.
Considering performance, there are a few different laptop models you can choose from, but it all depends on your budget and need. You will have to pay more for a Dell laptop than for some other brands in the same laptop category, but thats because of the build and component quality that youre getting.
This model will cost you around $1500 and it includes an Intel Core i7 processor. There are less expensive options available too such as a model with an intel i3 processor that will cost you around $1,000 and a model with an intel i5 processor for a little less than $,1,350.
You should always go for the best option that is i7 one, though, if it fits your budget. In that way, youll get the highest processing power and longest service life before the processor becomes too slow to run newer programs.
The less expensive models include an HDD which runs at 7200RPM. You could definitely go for this for photo editing, but if you want something really fast, youll be glad to know that the slightly more expensive model comes with an SSD included which will give a boost in performance.
Being upgradeable to 32 GB RAM, you will neveer be in a problem with the XPS 15, which is more than enough for photo editing. There are a lot of ports for USB and other work and the connectivity will never be an issue for you either.
This is a solid performer that has a great design, look and a nice, perfect size display. Its incredibly powerful and the more expensive models have best graphics cards that will be helpful to you if you do video editing, Audio production or gaming. Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina Display and Touchbar
If you want to get really serious with your photo editing job/ business, you must have to avoid MacBook Air and MacBook 12 models.
A 12-inch screen will only help you slightly with your work. Instead, you have to make sure to buy a MacBook Pro 15 model as its more powerful, better performance and can handle any photo editing software.
The cost of this model is near about $2,400 (may vary little bit). Some people will find this costly, but it is actually a perfect price compared to any other laptops with these specifications and performance. You have to consider that this is a Mac product. What youre getting is the Mac Retina Display with 2880 x 1800 screen resolution and a more accurate color gamut than sRGB.
Any photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop normally requires a lot of RAM and processing power, and this laptop is able to provide both. It has an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and 16 gigabyte of RAM. This is perfect to run multiple windows of any photo editing software.
Being a photographer, You know very well that high-resolution photos take a lot of space on your computer. So, this model will help you with this as it has 512 GB of SSD in it, and you can upgrade HDD Drive whenever you want. With these specifications, youll never face any problem like picture freezing, etc while youre adjusting the brightness or performing any other photo editing functions. Acer Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a powerful laptop under the Acer brand. Acer has done a great job of combining all the features youll need for any work. You will get a very good graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660ti for a decent price.
The display is a little dimmer than other laptops but good on power mode. If youre okay with this, you will get an awesome laptop for videos editing photos, photo editing, and good gaming.
It is also a good built for colorful gaming, it has an IPS panel and full sRGB functionality.
The overall design is the same as other Acer performance series laptops. It has a Predator logo, a metal lid with two red stripes, and its matte black.
Under the lid, theres a 15.6-inch display with screen resolution of 1080p. It is surrounded by a bezel with a Predator logo on it. The keyboard has red WASD keys, a metal deck, and a number pat utilizing red backlighting, that looks awesome.
This model has an Intel Core i7 processor that works on a 4.5 GHz with boost functionality. It has 512 GB SSD as storage and 16 GB of RAM for multitasking. This is more than enough for photo editing or any other graphics or video editing related works. There will be no lag while working with multiple windows or tabs open at a time. Asus Asus Vivobook FHD 15.6
The Asus Vivobook FHD 15.6 combines powerful hardware with the latest premium class looks, that feels awesome. If youre looking fairly powerful and yet looks fab laptop, this model is for you. You will get a Ryzen 7 3700U processor and FHD screen. This one weighs very light on you. You will be able to use it up to 8 hours if youre not plugged in.
The display includes Asus Eye Care technology, which cares for your eyes and allows you to work for long periods without stressing your eyes. It also has Vivid Mode to make your colors more visible
The power consumption is very low as it has in built graphics card, and compatibility issues with shifting from discrete to integrated are removed. It comes with preinstalled Windows 10 OS if you buy this laptop.
The laptop is very portable thanks to its lightweight and small bezel. It has 12GB GB DDR4 RAM, which is great for photo editing and multitasking. It also has fingerprint scanning technology to increase your security. You will be getting a 512 GB SSD available in it.
You should definitely get this device if youre looking for something thats affordable and best for photo editing but offers decent specifications. You will get everything from extended hours of use to lightweight portability. The processor it has will allow you to edit photos, make music, and do some video editing very smoothly.
This laptop will cost you around $650. How to Choose the Perfect Laptop for Your Works?
If you are looking for the best laptop for photo editing, these are the most important features that you must look at if youre looking for a professional decision.
Screen
A minimum resolution that a laptop should have for photo editing work is 1920 x 1080. The MacBook Pro 15 models have this resolution, so theyll do well for photography related work. However, creative professionals usually go for laptops with a higher resolution up to 4K (3840 x 2160) if possible for editing photos and videos.
Thats why we recommend you to go for devices with a wider color gamut and those with more accurate colors. That means that you should never go for a TN panel, but rather one with an IPS panel. This will allow you to have much better color reproduction(easy for color correction) and viewing angles, as colors needed to be perfect while editing.
Some key features to look for are whether the screen youre considering is supporting the full gamut of sRGB and Adobe RGB color accuracy, as major software, we use for photo editing are of Adobe inc like Adobe Photoshop /Adobe Lightroom, etc. Having both is especially important if you use Adobe products.
Processor
The minimum requirement for any creative task is a Quad-core processor these days. However, its recommended that you buy a machine with at least a quad-core or more core processor. This will allow you to handle more multitasking, 3D modeling work, and rendering 4K videos apart from photo editing. Intel and AMD both are coming with more core processors these days.
Memory
If youd like to have a very smooth performance while youre Photo editing or doing multitasking work, we recommend getting a laptop with at least 16 GB of RAM (Beginners can go for 8GB). Keeping this in mind, especially if you plan to use software like Photoshop or lightroom, these are very RAM-hungry programs.
Some of the creative individuals that work with 3D modeling and 4K video editing usually render large images as output, so they prefer to have even 32 GB of RAM. You can also find laptop models with this much memory if you want to take your work to the next level.
Storage
You should go for the laptop which has SSD as primary storage. SSDs are able to write and read data a lot faster than traditional hard drives(HDD), which results in fast working and handling work. If you want to speed up almost all tasks that require accessing data, such as rendering a video, applying heavy filters for photos, saving and loading files, or even booting up your computer, you should definitely get an SSD.
These drives also dont vibrate and work without noise, put out less heat, and use a lot less power than hard drives. Another benefit is that theyre less prone to mechanical failures that saves your data for better. And, of course, the more storage space you have, the better, more data you can store. The most cost-effective option is a 512 GB SSD But go for 1 TB SSD if you have a very large media collection.
Graphics Card
You need to have a very good graphics card if youre professional in your business. A good graphics card has its own memory(mostly 2 GB to 8GB) and processor that handles graphics processing work or load and allows your laptops memory and processor to manage other concurrent workloads.
A good graphics card is very crucial if youre doing animations, VFX works, 3D rendering, or 4K video editing related work along with image editing.
Size
Usually, you will see that most professional laptop comes with 15 screen or higher. A larger screen is better for you, as it goves more room to see details and also generally come with higher resolutions.
Weight is another factor to consider before buying a laptop for your work. A laptop with 15 screen size or higher and that has low weight, will provide you with the best portability and balance of your work.
Battery Life
These days all major laptop comes with great battery life as most hardwares are optimised for low power usage but high performance.
These laptops have more than enough battery life to get you through an 8 hrs or more shift. Mostly, professionals keep plugin their laptops with current as they on power laptops gives better performance than on battery and it helps to go for last moment of work too.
You can also read best laptop for artist article here.
Jump to a Section Introduction
The second most crucial item besides your camera is a computer to see the results and make fine-tune adjustments. And while the laptop was historically not a primary tool in a photographers arsenal, things have changed. And once a device reserved for casual browsing has evolved into a full-fledged replacement for large and clunky desktop PCs.
Now, these days, the laptop you choose is equally as important as your camera, as youll spend a vast amount of time processing and editing images there. And its not an area to overlook. Thankfully, todays laptops boast the highest specifications seen to date, with ever-increasing speeds and capabilities that easily match equivalent high-end desktops. And todays photographer has plenty of powerful options well-suited for editing in the field or on the go.
Many even offer high resolution 4K displays with stunning color and detail to match a discerning eye while weighing less than 4 lbs. But, purchasing the best laptop for your needs will prove to be no less than a Herculean task. And it doesnt help that the top manufacturers are continually releasing new models, with ever confusing model numbers and subtle differences. There are also several significant factors to consider when looking for a laptop dedicated to photography. In todays post, weve compiled a detailed guide covering the main factors to consider between laptops. And well also cover the top ten best laptops for editing photos in the current market. Why Choose a Laptop for Photo Editing? Laptop vs Desktop, which is best?
Many assume that power-hungry applications such as Photoshop, Luminar, and Exposure require a dedicated desktop PC. But these days, the gaps between notebooks and PCs are relatively marginal, particularly when photography is concerned. Even so, there are pros and cons to choosing a laptop over a desktop.
The main reason to opt for a laptop, ultimately, is if you value portability and versatility. Many current laptops feature convertible designs, which flip, rotate, or transform into tablets. And considering they weigh less than 4.5 lbs, theyre more portable and versatile than any desktop. However, the con is that desktops will always offer more power and better raw performance for the same price. Theyre also easy to upgrade if you want a different configuration, which isnt always possible with laptops. So, comparing a notebook to a desktop at the same price, the desktop will always provide a better hardware configuration. Nevertheless, having the freedom to work wherever you prefer is an enormous advantage in practical applications.
In short, youll comprise a small amount of processing power for the added portability. Though as a whole, laptops are advantageous to photographers. But, how advantageous depends on your working style. How to choose a laptop for Photo Editing
Well, this is where the complications start. Editing RAW photos requires a relatively powerful computer as you stack on effects or perform advanced merging. And, in general, choosing the best laptop for photography isnt about weighing the price to performance ratio, then picking the most powerful. Theres a lot of major manufacturers making high-end well-configured laptops right now. And unless youre computer savvy, you may not easily understand the difference between a multimedia laptop and a photo editing one, especially if theyre the same price.
So, when it comes to a laptop for editing photos, specifically, youll want to weigh the factors differently. Below, we will cover which components are most crucial in order. This will give you a better understanding of what will satisfy your needs without making sacrifices or spending unnecessarily.
But first things first. How will you use this laptop?
Laptops for photo editing can mean various things, from viewing photos to performing complex AI-assisted photo manipulations. But luckily, most of the photography-related tasks require similar hardware capabilities.
So, the next question here is, what else are you doing? Do you also film and produce videos? Do you also want a general productivity-based computer that would double in 3D design, rendering, or other mediums? Or do you have different needs such as gaming or media consumption requiring high-end graphics and sound capabilities?
These are the kinds of questions to consider beforehand, as finding the right computer across all the mediums will vary based on these questions. What should you look for in a laptop for photography?
Once you have a proper understanding of how you plan on using the laptop, then we can begin assessing the factors. But know, a laptop for photography has different requirements than one aimed at video editing, gaming, or 3D design. Below are the most critical factors for photography laptops ranked in order. Operating System
Until recently, MacOS was considered the unofficial standard for photographers and creatives. And many would happily pay a premium for their high-end design, luxurious screens, and long term reliability. And while Apples lineup of laptops remains a powerful choice, Windows has thoroughly closed the gap. And many Windows-based devices offer similar capabilities at a much lower starting price. So, the once widely believed myth is no longer factual. And theres little difference between Mac and Windows today. Both platforms are equally intuitive, powerful, and user friendly. And both support all of the leading photo editing applications, be they free or paid.
But, if youre not already tied to a particular ecosystem, this is a top consideration. However, this decision is ultimately a personal preference. So choose whichever platform you find the most attractive and user-friendly. CPU Processor
The CPU is the brains and the primary controller of a computer. And it single-handedly determines the overall computing performance of a device.
When we edit RAW files, these images can easily exceed 50 MB in size, which is a lot of data to process. And the faster the processor, the better it handles complex batch editing, HDR merging, and photo manipulation. It also will help, not hinder, the real-time rendering and export process, speeding up workflow. Additionally, a fast processor speeds up image culling, preview, and applying effects.
Todays processors come in four variants, Core i3, i5, i7, or i9. In general, the highest processor in the latest generation is the fastest. With that, a 10th generation Core i7 processor is better than an 8th generation, and the Core i7 is better than the Core i5. Many photo editing applications take advantage of multiple cores to boost general performance and responsiveness. So its well worth getting a higher-end CPU if its within budget. Right now, this would be an Intel Core i9 equipped laptop in an ideal world, but theyre quite expensive. So, Core i7 options are the next best. However, if you do go with a Core i5 model, look for ones that offer a 7th generation or newer CPU. An example of how far to go back would be the mid-2017 MacBook Pro, as the difference between these latest three generations is quite striking during day to day use. For this, get the highest processor with the latest generation you can afford. Display
The next most crucial area to consider is the display. But this particular factor has several subsections, so weve ranked them in order below.
The first thing youll want to consider here, above all else, is the color accuracy. Display Color Accuracy
Most people throw around specifications regarding size and resolution when talking about displays. And while these factors are important, they pale in comparison to color accuracy.
Every display has a set supported color range, known as a gamut. And the gamut refers to the range and percentage of colors it accurately displays. And the two biggest industry-standards are sRGB and Adobe RGB.
Most displays focus on producing vivid, saturated colors, but not the accuracy needed for professional work. And color accuracy is what ultimately determines whether the colors you see are what your viewers see. For most photographers, you want a display that offers 100 coverage over the sRGB color gamut. Thankfully, this is the most widely used color range used on nearly every device. So for those concerned accuracy, having a display offer 100 sRGB coverage is not negotiable. But, if youre too worried, look for options with a minimum of 90 sRGB coverage. Otherwise, skip getting a laptop altogether and consider editing on a tablet instead. Theyre several affordable options with DCI-P3 support, which is a slightly larger gamut than sRGB. Type of Display
Todays laptops generally have one of two majorly display types. They have either IPS (in-plane switching) or TN (twisted nematic).
IPS panels are the most expensive but are the recommended display panels for photographers. With an IPS panel, youll get the most accurate color rendering and the best viewing angles. Additionally, they also provide better contrast and more vivid colors. TN panels, however, are the cheapest panels and the default choice. They offer superior refresh rates, which makes them well suited for video games and timing-critical applications. But, theyre not nearly as color accurate as IPS panels. So theyre generally not recommended. Brightness
The brightness of the display is another area to take note. Brightness is measured in Nits, usually ranging from 300-600 nits. At a minimum, look for laptops with 300 nits. Otherwise, youll have difficulty editing in direct sunlight. 500 nits and up works well outdoors. Resolution
The resolution, measured by the number of pixels displayed, is another area of consideration. Although, its not necessarily a deal-breaker. Most laptops offer 1080p full HD (1920x1080p) displays as standard. But, you can quite easily find ones offering 2.6K or 4K displays. But, do know, larger screens require higher resolutions to look as sharp as a smaller screen. And they also consume more battery power. Nevertheless, higher resolution displays do provide more fine details and deliver a clearer view.
In general, 1080p screens are great for smaller laptops between 13-14. While 2.6K or higher is recommended for 15-17 laptops. Size
As a factor, this ultimately becomes a personal preference based on how you work. Its the least important consideration, but it could prove useful if you enjoy using multiple windows or tabs without eye strain. In that case, 17-inch laptops give you the most screen real estate and are ideal for multi-tasking. RAM
When editing photos, your laptop will move large chunks of data, and adequate RAM (access memory) is invaluable here. RAM is where your computer temporarily stores open software and ongoing files. And its a substantial factor in determining how well a laptop responds to constant demands, especially when running other programs alongside a photo editor. Simply put, the more memory you have, the better the computer will run when multitasking. And the more smoothly itll perform without lagging or crashing.
If your computer doesnt have enough RAM, itll slow and eventually crash the most consuming application when full. Alternatively, it may freeze, forcing you to restart the computer manually. Photoshop suggests a minimum of 2 GBs of RAM. However, we recommended 8 GBs at a minimum, which is typically the standard across todays laptops as the default configuration.
The only time youll need more than 8 GBs is if you plan on multitasking while doing advanced photo manipulation with 50 or more layers. Or youre using a medium format camera and working with HDR. But, almost all laptops provide the option to upgrade the RAM after the fact. So its not a deal-breaker. Hard Disk
Hard drives come in two varieties, traditional disks (HDD) and solid-state disks (SSD). We have a detailed post discussing these differences in depth. But, in short, SSD drives are better across all measures of speed, responsiveness, and reliability. Sure, editing single images in isolation wouldnt prove to be significantly slower on an HDD. But, considering how they improve overall speed in loading assets by upwards of 4x, theyre a massive advantage. The downside, however, is that theyre more expensive than traditional HDDs. Even so, theyre a must. For this, getting a 256 GB SSD or a hybrid storage configuration that uses both an HDD and SSD is recommended. Ports
Depending on your workflow, the input/output (I/O) setup on a laptop could be of particular concern. For example, a full-sized HDMI port to allow you to connect a secondary display. Or having older USB 3 ports to interface with external hard drives, phones, and other devices. For this, consider the devices that you use. And look for a laptop that offers the inputs that best suit them. For some, this will be only USB C. For those, it may include USB 3, MicroSD, Ethernet, to name a few. External Displays
Eventually, as you hone your skills, youll want to get your works most accurate representation before printing or publication. And in this case, an external color-accurate display is a must. Very few laptops offer high-end displays that match a dedicated monitor. And at best, they can only get you 90 of the way. For this, consider checking out our Best Monitor for Photo Editing post and researching the specific options that best suit your needs. Graphics card/GPU
The graphics card (GPU) is responsible for what appears on screen. But, you may be surprised to know that photography doesnt require a powerful GPU. However, that doesnt mean that having one doesnt help and isnt a valuable tool. Several photo editing applications can capitalize on a GPU via hardware acceleration. And they leverage the GPUs processing power to assist the CPU to speed up rendering and asset loading. But, even so, the effect isnt drastic enough to make it a deal-breaker or necessity. So, a powerful graphics card is best suited for 3D animation, CAD, gaming, or video editing instead. Or if you want to run dual 4K monitors via USB C or HDMI. But otherwise, the benefits are relatively marginal. And you wont see a substantial improvement.
Do know, most laptops come with integrated graphic cards built into the CPU, which handles all visual related tasks. So, if you use a graphics-intensive 3D effect or AI-tool, it will load slightly slower. For this, if a dedicated GPU meets your budget, consider adding one. Otherwise, save the money and invest in the higher-end CPU, display, or RAM instead. Size
Size is a personal preference and will vary based on the portability you want. If you prefer a large screen to avoid zooming unnecessarily, you may find a 13-inch laptop too small. Larger laptops also provide better internal cooling, reducing thermal throttling. And their added size also affords better hardware configurations. Poor temperature regulation is an issue that plagues smaller ultra-compact laptops. So its an area of consideration if you want the best possible performance available.
However, if you want maximum portability and are willing to compromise slightly on performance, then a 13-inch laptop is perfect. But for many, a 15-inch laptop is the best, as they strike the right balance between size, portable, and performance. For this, not all laptops offer the full selection of sizes. So its essential to consider the portability and performance you want and get the appropriate size. 13-inch laptops provide ample power to get the job done. But for higher-resolution and more intensive work, 15-17 inches is preferred. Battery life:
Higher-end laptops will consume more power than a compact ultrabook with lower specifications. And that means theyll typically have substantially lower battery life. So much so that spending a full day away from an outlet isnt realistic. In general, expect 7-8 hours for a high-end laptop or 14 hours for a lower-end one. For this, consider how much you plan on traveling with the laptop. If battery life is of utmost importance to you, you may want to consider getting an entry-level or mid-range model. Extras
Some of the extras here include convertible form factors that transform into tablets, touchscreens, stylus support, fingerprint readers, IR sensors, to name a few. If some of the bonus features mentioned are important, look for them while shopping around. 10 LG Gram 17
Released in 2020, LGs Gram 17 is their latest ultra-slim laptop that unveils a new standard. LG offers this laptop in sizes ranging from 13-17 inches.
With this release, they set out to push the bounds below the 3 lb gold standard in the ultraportable segment. And with a running weight of 2.98 lbs, theyve done just that. And the Gram 17 marks the lightest laptop in the class. Indeed, its measurements even match that of several 13 and 14-inch rivals. But, its 17-inch screen offers superior screen real estate and a more comfortable experience. This laptop uses a dark-silver magnesium carbon alloy frame with military-grade durability.
And it features a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, up to 16 GBs RAM, and up to a 1 TB SSD. Additionally, it houses a 17-inch WQXA 2K IPS display with brilliant color rendering and razor-sharp details. Other bonuses include a full-sized HDMI, three USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, a MicroSD card slot, a headphone jack, a fingerprint reader, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. LG also includes a one year warranty and rates the battery life at 17 hours.
Overall, while pricey, the Gram 17 offers several highlights features few other notebooks of its size can match. And its an excellent choice for those wanting a lighter than average 17-inch laptop or travelers who prefer a big-screen view. 9 HP Envy 13
Released in 2019, HPs Envy 13 is their latest release in the upscale Envy brand positioned just above the Pavillion line. And it replaces their highly-acclaimed Spectre 13 laptop. HP offers this laptop in sizes ranging from 13-17 inches.
The Envy 13 uses a classic clamshell design. And it uses a sleek anodized aluminum chassis available in two color combinations, either Natural Silver or Pale Gold. But, at only 2.88 lbs, its supremely lightweight. The laptop features a 10th generation Intel Core i7, NVIDIAs GeForce MX GPU, up to 16 GBs RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. And it also has a 13-inch 4K IPS touchscreen with 100 sRGB coverage and 400 nit brightness. Theyve also mounted the display to a cantilever hinge, which props up the keyboard at a more comfortable typing angle. Other features include two USB 3.1 ports, a Thunderbolt 3 port, a MicroSD card slot, IR camera, a fingerprint reader, a headphone/microphone combo jack, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. HP also includes a 3-year limited warranty and rates the battery life at 12 hours.
Overall, HPs Envy 13 is quite the bargain considering its feature set. And compared to similarly configured rivals, it offers an excellent proposition. Its not perfect, but its a powerful contender in the ultra-portable segment. And its a solid choice for those wanting an all-rounder thats a stylish alternative to other ultraportables that cost hundreds more. 8 Razer Blade 15
Released in 2020, Razers Blade 15 is their latest high-end gaming ultrabook. And a release thats made quite a name for itself given its hardware configuration, elegant design, and balance between power and portability.
The base model sports the same premium unibody design with a CNC aluminum chassis and anodized black finish. In many ways, its reminiscent of recent Apple devices. But, considering the primary target demographic, its easily the most handsome design available. It also obtains the Chroma backlit keyboard, allowing you to change the keyboard accent color freely for an added flair. The laptop itself also features a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIAs GeForce GTX GPU, up to 16 GBs RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.
And it has a factor calibrated 1080p full HD display with 100 sRGB coverage and 300 nit brightness. Other features include two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 3 port, HDMI, a headphone/microphone combo jack, IR webcam for Windows Hello, Gigabit Ethernet, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Razer also rates the battery life at 7.5 hours.
Overall, the Razer Blade 15 not only dominates the latest triple-A titles, but it does so in style. And its an excellent option for those wanting a more gaming-oriented machine as a bonus. But one that carries forth this lines legacy and is easily attractive enough to show off in public. 7 HP Spectre x360
Released in 2020, HPs Spectre x360 marks their latest flagship release in the Spectre lineup. And it aims to impress with quality, style, and a high-end feature set. HP offers this laptop in sizes ranging from 13-15 inches.
It sports an anti-glare aluminum chassis resisting flexing and fingerprints available in either Nightfall Black or Poseidon Blue. This laptop shines in its 2-in-1 convertible design, which flips, converting it into a tablet. And this design is ideal for presentations or working in tight spaces such as airlines or cars where traditional clamshell designs are limiting. HPs also slimmed things down a bit from earlier models to 4.24 lbs, making it one of the lightest convertible laptops around. The laptop itself features a 10th generation Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce MX GPU, 16 GBs RAM, and a 512 TB SSD. Alternatively, you can upgrade to get the latest 11th generation Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU. But, easily the highlight feature, without a doubt, is the optional 4K AMOLED touchscreen with 10-point touch support.
The AMOLED technology sets this display apart, delivering intense and rich blacks and excellent contrast. And its also bright at 340 nits and covers 100 of the DCI-P3 gamut. But, you can switch color spaces via HPs Display Control App, if needed. Other features include two USB-C ports, both supporting Thunderbolt 3, 1 USB 3.1 port, a headphone/microphone combo jack, a MicroSD card reader, IR camera, webcam kill switch, a fingerprint reader, HDMI, and 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. HP also offers a one year warranty and rates the battery life at 7.5 hours.
Overall, HPs Spectre stands alone as the only 15-inch 2-in-1 laptop with a high-end AMOLED screen and latest processor. And it offers unmatched functionality thats a must for those wanting the added versatility with plenty of performance that refines this entire niche. And its their best iteration yet. 6 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
Released in 2019, Lenovos ThinkPad X1 Yoga, now on its 5th generation, is lighter and even more flexible. And it shows the lineup doesnt need carbon fiber to compete while putting a new spin on the traditional business laptop.
It sports a CNC aluminum and magnesium chassis rather than the previous models traditional carbon fiber. However, this change has allowed Lenovo to make the laptop both thinner and lighter. And weighing only 3 lbs, its lighter than many other 13-inch rivals. Yet, it remains equally as durable and robust, still passing 12 MIL-STD tests across various extreme conditions. The new Iron Grey color is also a nice change of pace in their design, instead of the traditional matte-black. However, compared to their X1 Carbon, which uses a classic clamshell design, the Yoga uses a convertible 2-in-1 design. And this allows it to transform into a tablet or tent for easier viewing. The laptop itself features a 10th generation Intel Core i5, a 1080p IPS touchscreen, up to 16 GBs RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. You can also add the optional WQHD 2.6K IPS display with 100 sRGB coverage and 400 nit brightness. Or really step things up to the 2020 model, which debuts a 10th generation Core i7, 4K IPS panel, and a 1 TB SSD. Other features include stylus storage, two USB 3.1 ports, a Kensington lock, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a network extension port, HDMI, a headphone/microphone combo jack, a fingerprint reader, optional IR camera, and 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity. Lenovo also includes a one year warranty and rates the laptop for 10 hours of battery life.
Overall, Lenovos X1 Yoga provides several conveniences and a high-end feature set not offered by rivals. Plus, it does so, boasting a sleek, durable design with everlasting battery life. And its quite a powerhouse if you want a better than average 2-in-1 laptop. 5 Acer Aspire 5
Released in 2020, Acers Aspire 5 is aimed at budget-conscious users wanting a no-fuss option with a simple design. This laptop is available in a single 15-inch size.
The Aspire 5 uses a classic old-school design, which remains simple and unobtrusive. And it sports a sandblasted aluminum chassis, which is on par for the entry-level price point, with five color variations. But, at 4.19 lbs, its reasonably lightweight given its size. And the laptop itself houses a Ryzen 7 processor, integrated Radeon Graphics, a 1080p IPS display, 8 GBs RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. However, you can configure the laptop with the latest Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX card, 12 GB ram, and a 1 TB SSD. Other features include an HDMI port, three USB 3 ports, a USB-C port, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. And Acer rates the laptop to deliver 10 hours of battery life.
Overall, while the Aspire 5 may not be the most existing design around, its an excellent everyday option. And its the ultimate laptop for budget-conscious shooters that can deliver hardcore CPU muscle when the going gets tough. 4 ASUS Zenbook 13
Released in 2020, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is their best and most recent entry into the long-standing high-end ZenBook lineup.
This latest release comes to market as the worlds smallest 13-inch laptop, weighing only 2.6 lbs and smaller than an A4 sized paper. It also sports a new frameless NanoEdge design for more immersive visuals, the ErgoLift hinge for more comfortable typing, and Screenpad for a second display, handwriting input, or shortcut keys. And while its handsome in either Royal Blue or Icicle Silver, it also meets several demanding MIL-STD standards for reliability and durability. The laptop itself features a 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce MX GPU, a 1080p IPS display with 100 sRGB coverage, up to 16 GBs of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. Other features include two USB ports, a USB-C port, a MicroSD card reader, a headphone/microphone combo jack, HDMI, an IR camera, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. And ASUS rates the battery at 14 hours per charge.
Overall, the Zenbook 13 substantially improves earlier models and heralds a new era of ultraportable designs. And its a laptop traveling photographers will find proud to own. 3 Microsoft Surface Book 3
Released in 2020, Microsofts Surface Book 3 is their ultimate 2-in-1 device to blend flexibility, portability, and power. Microsoft offers this device in two sizes ranging from 13-15 inches. Best Laptops For Photo Editing 2018
Book 3 sports a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis with a platinum-silver color scheme. And it merges a conventional clamshell, a 2-in-1, and a detachable PC into a single unit. And this configuration allows you to use the laptop as a standard notebook, an easel, kiosk, v tent, or a standalone tablet. And combined with the optional Surface Pen stylus, its arguably the strongest platform for the digital artist. This design also allows the device to sport two additional batteries and a discrete GPU for added power. However, the base model features a 10th generation Intel Core i5, Iris Plus graphics, a 3K IPS touchscreen, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. But, you can configure the device up to a 10th generation i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU, 32 GB RAM, and a 2 TB SSD. Other features include two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, an IR camera, a headphone jack, an SDXC card reader, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Microsoft also includes a one year warranty and rates the battery at 15.5 hours.
Overall, the Surface Book 3 is quite an ambitious device. And given its extensive technical specifications and versatility, it defies the traditions of this category. Sure its expensive, but its a powerful device with enormous capabilities and the ideal jack of all trades. 2 Dell XPS 15
Released in 2020, Dells XPS 15 is their latest flagship model, now boasting a fresh new design and the latest hardware.
With the 2020 model, Dells given this line a facelift. And it uses a CNC machined aluminum chassis, which is 8 thinner without sacrificing essential functionality. They also added diamond cut sidewalls, which are anodized to create a scratch-resistant surface to prevent repeated unplugging damage. This laptop is available in a large range of parts and features. But, the base model offers a 10th generation Intel Core i5, Intel UHD graphic, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. But, you can easily step things up to a 10th generation Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX GPU, 64 GB Ram, and a 2 TB SSD. Additionally, there are several display options of either 1080p or 4K with touch support, offering 94 DCI-P3 coverage, HDR 400, and 500 nit brightness. Other features include a USB 3.1 port, 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports, an IR camera, an SD card reader, a headphone/microphone combo jack, 802.11ax, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Dell also rates the battery at 17 hours.
Overall, its clear why the XPS line is such a popular option amongst many creators. Its a near-perfect premium 15-inch laptop and true desktop replacement. This latest model simply ups an already well-respected platform. 1 Apple MacBook Pro
Released in 2020, the MacBook Pro ditches the long-standing keyboard, adds more speed, storage, and debuts an industry setting processor. Apple offers this laptop in two sizes, either 13 or 16 inches, with two colors and a sleek aluminum finish.
With this release, Apple unveiled their brand new M1 8-core CPU and GPU, designed specifically for Mac. And this combination delivers up to 2.8x faster general performance and 5x faster graphics processing. Theyve also added their latest Neural Engine, which provides 11x faster machine learning. And this engine assists various automated tasks such as video analysis, image processing, and recognition. The base model features the M1 chip, 8 GB RAM, and a 256 GB SSD. But, you can opt for a higher-end configuration with 16 GBs RAM and up to a 2 TB SSD.
Both setups, however, feature their gorgeous 13-inch Retina Display with a 2.6K resolution, DCI-P3 support, and 500 nit brightness. They also have Apples True Tone display, which optimizes the white balance based on the current ambient light to ensure white remains consistent. Other features include two Thunderbolt ports, a fingerprint reader, a headphone jack, 802.11ac, and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Apple also rates the laptop at 20 hours of battery life, their longest yet.
Overall, the MacBook Pro has long been a status symbol and the inspiration that has given rise to legions of similar windows devices. And with their latest release, theyve taken their highly acclaimed series to an entirely new level. Sure, its expensive, lacks a touchscreen and a convertible design. But, as it stands, the MacBook Pro remains the ideal choice for photographers. And its the long-standing top choice for a good reason. What are the best accessories for these laptops? SD Card Reader: Printer: External Hard Drive: External Monitor: Graphics Drawing Tablet:
It is not too hard to choose the right or best laptop for photo editing purposes. All you need is one, that is powerful enough to allow you to work and show your creativity with all the software you need for arranging and editing photos.
Once you buy one of these laptops, it will most certainly serve you for many years as they are top of the line in quality, durability and performace.
To help you choose the best for your work, were highlighting the top laptops for photography according to performance, brand, and budget.
Our top choices are MacBook Pro 15 and the Dell XPS 15! Both are incredible and astonishing machines, so the choice is up to you, depending on your preferred operating system. If you Love Windows gor for Dell XPS 15 and if you are fond of MAC then there is no better choice than MacBook Pro 15. Model Model Name Specification Buy Now lenovo legion Y540 Intel i7-9750H up to 4.5 GHz
32GB RAM
1TB PCIe SSD + 1TB HDD
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
15.6 Inch FHD IPS Screen Dell xps 7590 touch Intel i7-9750H up to 4.5 GHz
16 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650
15.6 Inch 4K screen Apple MacBook pro Intel i7-9750H up to 4.5 GHz
16 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
15.6 Inch retina display Dell Precision 7740 Intel i5-9400H
16 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
radeon Pro wx3200
17.3' Inch screen FHD dell inspiron 13.3 Intel i5-10210u
8 GB RAM
512 GB SSD
13.3' screen Best Laptop For Photo Editing Reviews by Category
Lets take a look at a few that especially shine in hardware or performance parts like IPS panel, screen size, etc. 1. Lenovo Legion Y540
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.5GHZ
GPU: NVIDIA Geforce 1660Ti
RAM: 32GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB NVME SSD and 1TB HDD
Screen: 15.6 IPS 19201080
Pros and Cons
Monster amount of memory
Supports up to FHD
Might be overkill for some users
If youre looking for a monster performing laptop with an IPS panel and a LOTS of RAM, this Lenovo Legion Y540 is definitely for you.
Photo editing requires a lot of RAM as we use heavy filter s and Raw images, and this Lenovo laptop has a solution for this. It has more RAM than you can even need for. An IPS panel that gives you wider viewing angles for better Editing and color viewing.
The Lenovo ThinkPad series is always known for very well constructed and durable laptops. This is an insanely powerful laptop, has an Intel 9th generation Core i7 processor in it, and 32 GB of RAM. This provides you with more than enough power and performance to keep your productivity and creativity levels at the top for a number of years.
The unique keyboard of Lenovo Legion makes navigating through your photo editing software a piece of cake as it has some customization for easy productivity.
This laptop supports FHD resolution. This will allow you to view a clearer and more detailed picture, which is most needed and crucial when it comes to photo editing, video editing, or animation production.
Overall, this laptop is complete in its nature for your business. Its very well-reviewed. Its known for durability. Its long-lasting battery, multiple port choices, and high speed are all packed into a well-built laptop. Lenovo Legion Y540 is perfect for all professionals in this industry. 2. Dell XPS 15 7590 4K
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.5GHZ
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1650
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB NVME SSD
Screen: 15.6 InfinityEdge 38402160
Pros and Cons
Unit has a touchdisplay
4K resolution for crisp images
Webcam positioned below screen
Bang for Buck
This Dell XPS 15 is definitely one of the best laptops you will discover, and that is the reason we consider it to be the best laptop with 15 screen too.
It comes with 512 GB of SSD, 16 GB of RAM , and an Intel Core i7 processor . You can upgrade your RAM up to 32 GB if you want to.
Also, you will get a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card in this laptop, which is very good for your work.
The laptop has a very comfortable and ergonomic keyboard with a touchpad, and the touchpad is very accurate and smooth. It also has all the necessary connections and ports, such as a USB 3.0, SD card slot, Thunderbolt 3, and HDMI.
The screen has a screen resolution of 3840 x 2160 px, great for editing purposes. Its screen has a bezel thats only 5.7mm thick.
The only thing we dont like on this laptop is the camera. The camera is positioned below the screen, more to the left side, which is not good as per our review. This can lead to some unwanted angles while youre on a video call. 3. MacBook Pro 15
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.5GHZ
GPU: Radeon Pro 5300M
RAM: 16GB LPDDR3
Storage: 512GB SSD
Screen: 15 Retina 28801800
Pros and Cons
Perfect for Editing
Multimedia Powerhouse
Amazing Display
Will put a hole in your wallet
Most cases require a USB dongle
The MacBook Pro 15 is one of the best laptop you can get for photo editing at the moment and also best for MAC lovers.
If you land on Apple in the PC vs MAC debate, youll enjoy smooth processing and multitasking, very fast file access, and quick-loading and running programs without any lag, all thanks to the 16 GB of RAM included in this laptop model.
This experience is further improved with an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and 512 GB SSD for storage.
screen quality is comparable to an IPS panel, the MacBook Pro features Retina Display, with a resolution of 2880 x 1800. Retina display technology works by doubling the number of pixels in each location.
It has only two Thunderbolt 3 USB ports which the drawback of this laptop, and this may not be enough for your other equipments.
On a positive note, the ports that are in this laptop has the best quality youll find. 4. Dell Precision 7740
Specifications
CPU: Core i7 @ 4.3GHZ
GPU: Radeon Pro Pro WX3200
RAM: 16GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Screen: 17.3 IPS 19201080
Pros and Cons
Compact for its size
Upgradeable and customizable
Specs are better elsewhere
Base specs may not be for everyone
We recommend that you must configure this laptop model as per your need, as the basic configuration might not meet your requirements for Photoshop or other photo editing software programs.
You can do this as this Dell Precision 7740 device is able to be customized like other Dell products.
after improving the GPU, screen, and the processor of this laptop, you will have the best 17-inch laptop out there for editing photos and even doing some video editing.
Thanks to the amazing 17-inch screen size, editing photos is easier just like a cup of cake. You can also upgrade your screen to 4K resolution but not necessary.
It is very compact even it has a large screen of 17 inch and weight too light as per its hardware. It also has very good specifications, including 16 GB of RAM (can be upgraded) and Intel Core i7 processor.
You will also get a 512 GB to SSD) and AMD Radeon Pro graphics card. Overall, these are decent specifications, but you can always upgrade and customize the laptop to make it even better. 5. Dell Inspiron 13 7000 13.3
Specifications
CPU: Core i5 @ 3.4GHZ
GPU: Intel UHD 620
RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Screen: 15.3 IPS 19201080
Pros and Cons
Unit has a touch display
The screen may be too small for some
Dedicated ventilation
No dedicated graphics card
This Dell Inspiron laptop is specifically designed for gaming. Being a budget-friendly laptop which you can definitely use it for any photo editing related work smoothly. It has a decent intel core i5 processor that lets all your programs run quickly and smoothly.
This Intel Core i5 quad-core processor runs on 3.4 GHz which is quite good at work. performance is impressive considering its less than $750 price. Depending on the model, you will be getting either 8 or 16GB of RAM, but it is upgradeable up to 32 GB RAM as per your need. Best Laptop For Photo Editing 2018
You will get an 512 GB of SSD in it, it will work quite well for storing your data.
Another great thing about this model is that it has specially designed vents that will protect it from getting too hot and either slowing it down or damaging its components.
Remember, as a gaming computer, this will run your photo editing software without a glitch or lag. Thats what we need while working.
With its specs and speed, its a bang for buck option. The only thing we dont appreciate in this laptop is its screen which is only 13.3, not so good for professional use. Top Brands
If you are fond of a particular brand, these are the top photography models from 5 of the top laptop companies. DELL Dell XPS 15 7590 4K
This Dell XPS 15 model is one of the best laptops in quality, durability, and one of the best in appearance 15-inchers laptops you can buy for editing photos. It has 4K screen resolution with full Adobe RGB support.
You are going to love its strong and premium build. Its slimness, absolutely borderless screen, and touch-desk all make it a beautiful device.
You are going to love its strong and premium build. Its slimness, absolutely borderless screen, and touch-desk all make it a beautiful device.
Considering performance, there are a few different laptop models you can choose from, but it all depends on your budget and need. You will have to pay more for a Dell laptop than for some other brands in the same laptop category, but thats because of the build and component quality that youre getting.
This model will cost you around $1500 and it includes an Intel Core i7 processor. There are less expensive options available too such as a model with an intel i3 processor that will cost you around $1,000 and a model with an intel i5 processor for a little less than $,1,350.
You should always go for the best option that is i7 one, though, if it fits your budget. In that way, youll get the highest processing power and longest service life before the processor becomes too slow to run newer programs.
The less expensive models include an HDD which runs at 7200RPM. You could definitely go for this for photo editing, but if you want something really fast, youll be glad to know that the slightly more expensive model comes with an SSD included which will give a boost in performance.
Being upgradeable to 32 GB RAM, you will neveer be in a problem with the XPS 15, which is more than enough for photo editing. There are a lot of ports for USB and other work and the connectivity will never be an issue for you either.
This is a solid performer that has a great design, look and a nice, perfect size display. Its incredibly powerful and the more expensive models have best graphics cards that will be helpful to you if you do video editing, Audio production or gaming. Apple MacBook Pro 15 with Retina Display and Touchbar
If you want to get really serious with your photo editing job/ business, you must have to avoid MacBook Air and MacBook 12 models.
A 12-inch screen will only help you slightly with your work. Instead, you have to make sure to buy a MacBook Pro 15 model as its more powerful, better performance and can handle any photo editing software.
The cost of this model is near about $2,400 (may vary little bit). Some people will find this costly, but it is actually a perfect price compared to any other laptops with these specifications and performance. You have to consider that this is a Mac product. What youre getting is the Mac Retina Display with 2880 x 1800 screen resolution and a more accurate color gamut than sRGB.
Any photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop normally requires a lot of RAM and processing power, and this laptop is able to provide both. It has an Intel Core i7 quad-core processor and 16 gigabyte of RAM. This is perfect to run multiple windows of any photo editing software.
Being a photographer, You know very well that high-resolution photos take a lot of space on your computer. So, this model will help you with this as it has 512 GB of SSD in it, and you can upgrade HDD Drive whenever you want. With these specifications, youll never face any problem like picture freezing, etc while youre adjusting the brightness or performing any other photo editing functions. Acer Acer Predator Helios 300
The Acer Predator Helios 300 is a powerful laptop under the Acer brand. Acer has done a great job of combining all the features youll need for any work. You will get a very good graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660ti for a decent price.
The display is a little dimmer than other laptops but good on power mode. If youre okay with this, you will get an awesome laptop for videos editing photos, photo editing, and good gaming.
It is also a good built for colorful gaming, it has an IPS panel and full sRGB functionality.
The overall design is the same as other Acer performance series laptops. It has a Predator logo, a metal lid with two red stripes, and its matte black.
Under the lid, theres a 15.6-inch display with screen resolution of 1080p. It is surrounded by a bezel with a Predator logo on it. The keyboard has red WASD keys, a metal deck, and a number pat utilizing red backlighting, that looks awesome.
This model has an Intel Core i7 processor that works on a 4.5 GHz with boost functionality. It has 512 GB SSD as storage and 16 GB of RAM for multitasking. This is more than enough for photo editing or any other graphics or video editing related works. There will be no lag while working with multiple windows or tabs open at a time. Asus Asus Vivobook FHD 15.6
The Asus Vivobook FHD 15.6 combines powerful hardware with the latest premium class looks, that feels awesome. If youre looking fairly powerful and yet looks fab laptop, this model is for you. You will get a Ryzen 7 3700U processor and FHD screen. This one weighs very light on you. You will be able to use it up to 8 hours if youre not plugged in.
The display includes Asus Eye Care technology, which cares for your eyes and allows you to work for long periods without stressing your eyes. It also has Vivid Mode to make your colors more visible
The power consumption is very low as it has in built graphics card, and compatibility issues with shifting from discrete to integrated are removed. It comes with preinstalled Windows 10 OS if you buy this laptop.
The laptop is very portable thanks to its lightweight and small bezel. It has 12GB GB DDR4 RAM, which is great for photo editing and multitasking. It also has fingerprint scanning technology to increase your security. You will be getting a 512 GB SSD available in it.
You should definitely get this device if youre looking for something thats affordable and best for photo editing but offers decent specifications. You will get everything from extended hours of use to lightweight portability. The processor it has will allow you to edit photos, make music, and do some video editing very smoothly.
This laptop will cost you around $650. How to Choose the Perfect Laptop for Your Works?
If you are looking for the best laptop for photo editing, these are the most important features that you must look at if youre looking for a professional decision.
Screen
A minimum resolution that a laptop should have for photo editing work is 1920 x 1080. The MacBook Pro 15 models have this resolution, so theyll do well for photography related work. However, creative professionals usually go for laptops with a higher resolution up to 4K (3840 x 2160) if possible for editing photos and videos.
Thats why we recommend you to go for devices with a wider color gamut and those with more accurate colors. That means that you should never go for a TN panel, but rather one with an IPS panel. This will allow you to have much better color reproduction(easy for color correction) and viewing angles, as colors needed to be perfect while editing.
Some key features to look for are whether the screen youre considering is supporting the full gamut of sRGB and Adobe RGB color accuracy, as major software, we use for photo editing are of Adobe inc like Adobe Photoshop /Adobe Lightroom, etc. Having both is especially important if you use Adobe products.
Processor
The minimum requirement for any creative task is a Quad-core processor these days. However, its recommended that you buy a machine with at least a quad-core or more core processor. This will allow you to handle more multitasking, 3D modeling work, and rendering 4K videos apart from photo editing. Intel and AMD both are coming with more core processors these days.
Memory
If youd like to have a very smooth performance while youre Photo editing or doing multitasking work, we recommend getting a laptop with at least 16 GB of RAM (Beginners can go for 8GB). Keeping this in mind, especially if you plan to use software like Photoshop or lightroom, these are very RAM-hungry programs.
Some of the creative individuals that work with 3D modeling and 4K video editing usually render large images as output, so they prefer to have even 32 GB of RAM. You can also find laptop models with this much memory if you want to take your work to the next level.
Storage
You should go for the laptop which has SSD as primary storage. SSDs are able to write and read data a lot faster than traditional hard drives(HDD), which results in fast working and handling work. If you want to speed up almost all tasks that require accessing data, such as rendering a video, applying heavy filters for photos, saving and loading files, or even booting up your computer, you should definitely get an SSD.
These drives also dont vibrate and work without noise, put out less heat, and use a lot less power than hard drives. Another benefit is that theyre less prone to mechanical failures that saves your data for better. And, of course, the more storage space you have, the better, more data you can store. The most cost-effective option is a 512 GB SSD But go for 1 TB SSD if you have a very large media collection.
Graphics Card
You need to have a very good graphics card if youre professional in your business. A good graphics card has its own memory(mostly 2 GB to 8GB) and processor that handles graphics processing work or load and allows your laptops memory and processor to manage other concurrent workloads.
A good graphics card is very crucial if youre doing animations, VFX works, 3D rendering, or 4K video editing related work along with image editing.
Size
Usually, you will see that most professional laptop comes with 15 screen or higher. A larger screen is better for you, as it goves more room to see details and also generally come with higher resolutions.
Weight is another factor to consider before buying a laptop for your work. A laptop with 15 screen size or higher and that has low weight, will provide you with the best portability and balance of your work.
Battery Life
These days all major laptop comes with great battery life as most hardwares are optimised for low power usage but high performance.
These laptops have more than enough battery life to get you through an 8 hrs or more shift. Mostly, professionals keep plugin their laptops with current as they on power laptops gives better performance than on battery and it helps to go for last moment of work too.
You can also read best laptop for artist article here.
