As you know laptops are an important equipment for a photography career. So today’s article is about the “best laptops for photographers” in 2022. Professional photography requires an assortment of equipment, both directly related to the filming process and indirectly. So, for example, now it is simply impossible to do without your digital laboratory, a file keeper in the form of a personal computer or laptop.
Main Characteristics of Best Laptops
Before directly choosing a suitable laptop, you should disassemble the essential components. First of all, when buying, you should pay attention to:
Processor: The processor is the heart of any computer. The processor is installed on the motherboard, and netbooks usually do not possibly dismantle. Also, sometimes motherboards of computers allow you to install more than one processor.
The speed of the processor depends on the number of cores and the clock frequency. However, many pitfalls can significantly affect this parameter. For example, information is transferred between the RAM and the processor through a cache, a kind of buffer with three levels.
The best manufacturers at the moment are AMD and Intel. A lower class will be subspecies of Intel – Atom, Celeron, Pentium. The power series Core i is widespread – Core i3, i5, i7, i9. However, you should pay attention to the generation in addition to the model. More current generations are 10 and 11.
The popularity of AMD models is due to the focus on laptops. So the Ryzen series is considered a direct analog and competitor to Core i. In addition, AMD products are a little more affordable, so it may be of interest to those interested in how much a good laptop costs. The disadvantages of AMD include a less advanced integrated graphics chipset.
Monitor: Dimension and resolution directly affect the comfort of work competent color reproduction. The latter is especially critical for a device for photographers and designers. The first thing to consider is manufacturing technology. Common technologies are IPS, MVA, SVA.
The difference between MVA technology and IPS is only in the response speed of the matrix, which is more important if the criteria for choosing a gaming PC. Much more striking difference between SVA and IPS. First of all, the SVA has an excellent viewing angle for the better.
When changing the position, the image is transmitted without distortion. Whereas monitors with an IPS matrix are sensitive in this parameter. Therefore, it is necessary to sit in front of them strictly in the center, carefully choosing the viewing angle.
Another plus of SVA technology is an image with good color reproduction, brightness, and contrast characteristics. In this case, it should be considered that the SVA display can be called differently, depending on the manufacturer. In addition, Hewlett Packard, under the term SVA, offers outdated TN technology.
The second most important parameter is resolution. The higher the parameter measured in pixels, the clearer the resulting image will be, the viewing angle will become less critical. However, the speed of the hardware and the consumption of the battery is directly proportional to the resolution. Therefore, the optimal ratio of screen size – resolution, the following figures are considered –
- 1366×768 (HD) for 15 inch monitors,
- 1600×900 (HD+) – 17 inch monitors,
- 1920×1080 (Full HD) – Over 17 inches,
- 2560×1440 (2K) – 15 to 17 Inches (average price),
- 3840×2160 (4K, Ultra HD) – 15 to 17 Inches.
RAM: It affects performance the ability to multitask. Budget systems are equipped with about 4 GB of RAM, which is enough only during everyday office work. The RAM of a desktop computer can be increased by purchasing and installing additional brackets.
Accordingly, the maximum possible volume depends only on the number of RAM slots on the motherboard and the latter’s capabilities. However, inexpensive laptops do not have such capabilities. Often budget devices are directly placed on top of the motherboard due to the lack of slots. Laptops of the average premium price allow replacement of strips.
ROM: Read-only memory (hard drive) that stores user files. ROM is divided into HDD, the same hard drive, and SSD (solid-state drive). The latter type is distinguished by data processing speed, which allows you to download software more quickly than HDD.
However, be aware that with repeated writing deleting files, the life of the SDD will be reduced to zero. Therefore, experienced users write only the operating system to the SDD. But so that the files that change over time, are stored separately on the hard drive. It also stores photos, videos, and other documents.
Graphics Cards: These are divided into discrete, wired, and external. Discrete is only enough to watch videos edit photos amateurishly. More power-intensive tasks will require a separate graphics card. Moreover, a laptop can have two video cards. For example, the Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with two video chipsets, an internal card that works all the time and an external one that is loaded automatically when solving large tasks.
The choice of the video chipset is equal in importance to the consideration of the processor. After all, if the video card burns out, it will be easier to purchase a new PC. After all, most laptops do not allow changing the video chipset to a new one. When choosing a manufacturer, users’ recommendations are almost always unambiguous. The popular models of NVIDIA are most optimally designed for wearable electronics.
Ports: Ports allow you to connect an external monitor, USB drive, SD cards, cable Internet. The minimum number of USB ports required for everyday use is two. Otherwise, you will have to carry a docking station with you, which will reduce the mobility of wearing an electronic gadget.
The same threatens if the ultrabook is equipped with a mini RJ-45 connector. Then you will have to carry an adapter to connect the cable in the absence of a Wi-Fi connection.
Battery: It determines the operating time of the device without recharging. It should be noted that the time indicated usually refers to daily work. After starting the graphic editor program, the battery charge will be consumed more intensively.
What to Look Out in Best Laptops for Photographers?
First of all, the photographer should decide for what purpose the laptop is being purchased. Even an office model will store photos and publish them via the Internet. A gadget with more than 4 gigabytes of RAM, a good chip, and an external video card for photo processing. And most importantly – the SVA display with a resolution of over 2K, a glossy surface. Although it does not glare, the matte display has a certain degree of distortion, although it does not glare.
Also important is the PPCP parameter (percentage of color space coverage) of the NTSC or sRGB format. Devices of the initial, average cost have a percentage of sRGB of about 62 units (45 percent of NTSC). In comparison, the pro screens cover the PPP range of 85-100 percent and above.
For photographers and videographers working outside the studio, weight, compactness, and battery life will be more important. Here you may need a transformer that acts as a tablet. But it should be borne in mind that compact notebooks, even after connecting an external monitor, cannot produce a picture of an acceptable resolution.
For this reason, the question often arises a laptop or a computer. Indeed, with the same parameters as a notebook, a computer will cost much more than acceptable general price. Plus, we must not forget about the main problem of all easy to carry electronic devices – overheating.
After all, the dense grouping of heat-producing nodes, chipset, video chipset deprives the manufacturer of the opportunity to design a cooling system competently. Moreover, the manufacturer of thin, compact models often cuts down the power parameters of the nodes listed above.
Finally, I would like to say separately about the processors and the operating system. For graphics applications video editors, the best choice would be Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, Intel Core i9 or AMD analogs, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9.
The operating system is represented by three options, Windows, macOS, Linux. As a rule, software, including professional software, is sharpened for all three operating systems at once. Therefore, there are no special dances with a tambourine here for the user.
Which Company is Better?
The question of which brand to choose is far from simple. After all, if we discard companies that, according to buyers, deserve little attention, such as Macbook, then only a few brands remain, each of which has its pros and cons:
Hewlett-Packard (HP) – The company’s product equipped with previous-generation wireless modules (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) with reduced bandwidth. At the same time, the lineup of even the initial price category is fitted with a pair of slots for RAM and two video chipsets.
ASUS is a brand that can be of interest if you buy gadgets over 800 dollars. Up to $800, the company’s products are equipped with stripped-down iron since the cooling system simply lacks power.
Lenovo – The situation is similar to ASUS, up to 750 dollars the brand’s equipment is difficult to praise. The lack of RAM slots or the presence of one slot (the second memory bar is placed on top of the motherboard) makes the products unattractive.
Huawei – The company’s laptops are with attractive displays. Color reproduction, the range of colors here is decent. Unfortunately, almost all company models are equipped with “RAM,” tightly soldered on top of the motherboard. Therefore, it is simply impossible to increase memory or even repair it.
The rating contains models of the brands noted above and those that many users do not take into account.
Rating of Best Laptops for Photographers
1. DELL G5-5590
It is a model that is optimally suited for photographers and gamers due to its technical characteristics. Six cores with a frequency of 2.6 GHz, a ninth-generation Core i7 processor, two types of drives (HDD, SDD) with a total capacity of 1.2 Terabytes, 16 GB of RAM, expandable up to 32 GB. Plus, and not least, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 video chip (6 GB), IPS screen, sRGB of which is 91 percent.
This value is true in relation to models whose configuration exceeds the amount of 800 dollars. To connect peripheral equipment, the case is equipped with USB connectors (3), three Type-A outputs, one HDMI each, Mini DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3.
You can buy it on Amazon for $1650/-
Advantages:
- performance;
- Price;
- Expandable memory;
- Display.
Flaws:
- Weight 2.7 kilograms;
- Overloaded cooling system.
2. DELL XPS 13 7390 2-in-1
The disadvantage of tablets is the lack of a keyboard, as a result of which typing on the screen reduces the comfort of typing, and the screen gets dirty. Laptops are deprived of such disadvantages; the touch displays make it possible to make point changes, for example, when editing photos. However, the presence of the keyboard allows comfortable, dynamic typing.
The DELL XPS 13 7390 2-in-1 laptop model has a tenth-generation Intel Core i7 chip on board, four of which have a clock speed of 1.30 GHz. Moreover, thanks to the Turbo mode, the processor can be overclocked to 3.9 GHz. Speed is also provided by 8 GB of RAM, which can be increased up to 32 GB, and 256 GB SSD drive.
The 13.4″ monitor is coated with an anti-reflective compound. The picture is transmitted without distortion. The body material is a kind of alloy of aluminum and carbon fiber. The case acquires wear resistance and the ability to look aesthetically pleasing even after prolonged use. Unfortunately, the number of ports on the case is relatively small.
You can buy it on Amazon for $1299/-
Advantages:
- Keyboard with backlight function;
- Image quality;
- Functional;
- Weight.
Flaws:
- Number of ports;
- ROM volume;
- Discrete video card;
- Battery capacity.
3. DELL XPS 15
A description of the advantages of the presented gadget will take more than one page. Suffice it to say that many experts consider the Dell XPS 15 the best answer to which is better to buy an analog of a Mac running Windows.
Dell offers various assembly options, but the following is considered optimal for a photographer or designer profile. 3840×2400 pixels (4K) resolution screen, tenth generation Intel Core i9 chip, 32 gigabytes of RAM (minimum available number 16, maximum 64), one terabyte SSD (minimum 256 gigabytes, maximum two terabytes).
The body measures 34.4 x 23 x 1.8 centimeters and weighs less than two kilograms. Thunderbolt 3, USB-C 3.1, HDMI adapters, USB-A are available.
You can buy it on Amazon for $2249/-
Advantages:
- Speaker quality;
- Decent display;
- Range of configurations;
- Operating system Windows 10;
- Ergonomic keyboard.
Flaws:
- Price;
- Performance.
4. APPLE MACBOOK AIR 13″ M1
The difference between the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 and the older brothers, which will be discussed below, is compactness and weight, which increases the mobile qualities of the device. Moreover, miniaturization does not affect performance in any way. After all, the base of the hardware of the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 was the same technical process as that of the MACBOOK PRO 16 series.
The highlight of the products of engineers is the Retina monitor, which is distinguished by color reproduction, brightness, and the fact that it practically does not require calibration. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M1 is best suited to process multimedia files, called on the knee.
USB connectors are two, plus you can connect Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C. You can buy it on Amazon for $1169/-.
Advantages:
- Compactness;
- Appearance;
- Three color options;
- Autonomy;
- Minimum noise level.
Flaws:
- There is no active cooling system.
5. MACBOOK PRO 16″
The ultrabook continues the rating of apple products, practically sharpened for working in Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator, and other programs. After all, the apple placed the Touch Bar over the keyboard. In essence, the Touch Bar is a 2170 x 60 mm touchscreen mini-monitor that can be customized to suit the program being downloaded. For example, if you run the software mentioned above, you can call up the color palette, the most popular tools, photo slides, and correct color and brightness.
And given the speed provided by the Intel Core i7 processor, there are no brakes. Considering the combination of qualities of the MACBOOK PRO 16, it can be recommended as a portable photo lab. Moreover, the appearance that deserved the best reviews will make a good impression on others. You can buy it on Amazon for $2449/-.
Advantages:
- Autonomy;
- Number of ports;
- Functionality;
- Color rendition;
- Appearance.
Flaws:
- Price.
6. MACBOOK PRO 14″
The comfort of editing multimedia files directly depends on the accuracy of the tools used. The mouse touch screen, especially the touchpad, has a specific deviation, sometimes critical. Therefore, Apple developed Force Touch technology, making a mouse or even an electronic pen almost unnecessary.
Force Touch is the same touchpad, a touch panel under the keyboard, which in PRO 14 can respond to gestures, touches, and pressure. Now, the designer, the artist, has the opportunity to vary the brush, the corrective tool, simply by pressing the finger harder.
Editing multimedia files will be accessible due to the power available. Eight cores of the Apple M1 Pro processor (optionally ten cores, M1 Max), a discrete video chip, Apple graphics 14-core (or Apple graphics 32-core), RAM 16 GB (64 GB in the TOP version).
In addition, in various trim levels, the model is relatively easy to order online in an online store in almost any city.
Advantages:
- Functionality;
- Touchpad Force Touch;
- Appearance.
Flaws:
- Price.
7. LENOVO THINKPAD X1 CARBON GEN 9
The X1 Carbon series, which has earned the trust of users of a wide range, continues in the form of a new Gen 9. The laptop has several types of assembly, but it is worth remembering that RAM cannot be replaced. It is better not to take basic assemblies with 8 GB of RAM. Moreover, the video card is integrated SMA format. This means that Intel Iris XE Graphics will work partially due to the video chip.
The device is interesting with the use of an Intel Core i5 processor of the eleventh generation, a screen with a dimension of 14 inches, a resolution of 3840 x 2400 (top model) with sRGB coverage of 100 percent.
Considering the speed of work, the quality of color reproduction, the price, and the quality of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is one of the most exciting options. You can buy it on Amazon for $2040/- only.
Advantages:
- Performance;
- Screen;
- Number of ports;
- Appearance.
Flaws:
- Weak graphics card.
8. MICROSOFT SURFACE BOOK 3
Another model can be unmistakably called a portable color laboratory. Firstly, MICROSOFT SURFACE BOOK 3 has a touch screen that allows you to work with an electronic pen. Plus the variation of RAM (8-32 GB), display (13.5 or 15 inches), physical storage (256 GB – 2 TB) at the request of the buyer.
The heart of the machine is Intel Core i7, tenth generation or Intel Core i5. And although the body of the model is metal, the weight is 1.9 kilograms.
You can buy it on Amazon for $2999/- only.
Advantages:
- No problem where to buy;
- Can be used as a game;
- Ergonomic keyboard;
- Appearance;
- Screen.
Flaws:
- Performance;
- Touchpad panel;
- Columns.
9. HP SPECTRE X360
The versatility of the presented model is due to the use of the Intel Core i5 series 1135G7 Intel Whiskey Lake chip with a clock frequency of 2.4 GHz. Unfortunately, the choice of RAM is small, 8 or 16 gigabytes. But to edit multimedia materials, this is quite enough.
Given the size of the display, 13″, the design of the case, the autonomous battery life, the HP SPECTRE X360 can be used as a mobile easel, with which a photographer, a designer can create. It is facilitated by the weight of the device 1270 grams.
You can buy it on Amazon for $1584/- only.
Advantages:
- Appearance imitating diamond cutting;
- Offline operation time;
- Build quality.
Flaws:
- Cost.
10. SAMSUNG GALAXYBOOK PRO
A model that can be somewhat conditionally classified as inexpensive since the cost ranges around 900 dollars. Moreover, the functionality here is decent. So wondering what color transfer technologies are, Samsung has developed its own.
Capable of correctly transmitting the color spectrum and protecting the user from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Which is essential if continuous work is assumed. Also, Samsung GalaxyBook Pro is equipped with energy-saving technology that increases the device’s autonomy.
Advantages:
- Wear-resistant aluminum housing;
- Weight – 1700 grams;
- Keyboard backlight;
- Performance.
Flaws:
- Wireless internet connection only;
- Defective displays are found periodically.
Conclusion
I hope that the above will help readers understand the problematic issue of acquiring such complex, expensive equipment. If site visitors have their tips on choosing a laptop or any suggestions, there is a comment field under the article.
