If you are a photographer and want to get the most out of your images, then a computer specifically designed for photographers is a must-have.
A quick search online will reveal that there are so many different models to choose from, but each one has its own pros and cons.
This article will help you decide which computer is best for you. We will also tell you which brands are leaders in this field.
Our Top 5 Best Computers for Photographers
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i (Our Top Pick)
- Apple 24-inch iMac (Best Budget)
- Apple iMac 21.5-Inch 2020 (Best High End)
- HP Pavilion 27” All-In-One Desktop
- Apple 27” iMac with Retina 5K Display
What Are the Best Computers for Photographers?
Photography takes up a lot of hard disk space to create high-quality photos. Therefore, computers specifically designed for photographers are different from standard computers.
The best computers for photographers are characterized by a powerful processor and a lot of RAM.
They are also more powerful because they need to handle large files quickly and should be able to handle multiple CPU cores. Photographers need to process high-quality images on their computers. In addition, they also need to print their photos on large pieces of paper. These are the main factors that led to the creation of specific photo editing software.
Photography is usually associated with high-performance cameras and editing software that is complex and requires a lot of power. This means that the best computer for photographers has to be efficient in terms of memory, storage space, and processing speed. The hardware and the software are important when it comes to image editing. This is why you must choose the best equipment for your needs.
Most computers that are controlled by a mouse, a keyboard, and a display screen do not come with any additional software.
This means that your computer manufacturer may not have any programs designed specifically for photographers to use in their daily work. On the other hand, the best computers for photographers are those that help photographers complete their tasks. This is why you must carefully analyze the software available on each computer model.
What Are The Different Types of Computers for Photographers?
There are different types of computers for photographers that may be suitable for your work.
These are the main computer types that you should consider when you decide to buy a computer specifically designed for photographers:
1. Intel
The Intel Core i5 is one of the best computers for photographers that can be found on the market today.
It performs two times faster than a regular computer, which means that you can create your photos more quickly and easily.
The expensive models have hard disks with large capacities, from 250GB to 1TB.
The Xeon version has multiple threads, making it perfect for servers, graphic designers, or anyone else who wants to store large quantities of data on their computer.
2. Apple
The MacBook Pro computer is another entry-level model to consider for professional photographers.
The Intel processors are designed for graphic designers, video producers, and even photo editors.
It comes with a Retina display screen and has a custom aluminum design. The RAM is 8GB, enough to store all the photos you want.
A 1TB hard drive helps store large quantities of images, videos, and other types of files, such as audio recordings.
3. iMac
The Apple iMac is a desktop model that has the same powerful processor used in the MacBook Pro. Another benefit of these computers is that they use solid-state storage.
This means that this option will be perfect if you are looking for a computer for photographers. You can easily back up your work, whether a photo, a video, or any other file type.
4. Lenovo
The Lenovo ThinkPad is a popular choice among photographers. Today, there are different models, and they are available in different formats, such as the Ultrabook and traditional computers.
The processor is made of 4 cores, which means that it can handle heavier tasks and even runs more efficiently than some other types of models.
5. HP
The HP Pro is one of the most popular computers for photographers. It is recognized for its imaging software and design, which makes it the ideal choice for graphic designers or photo editors. It has an Intel processor optimized to handle heavy tasks like image editing.
6. Dell
Dell Inspiron is another model that you might consider as a photographer. While some people may be familiar with this brand, they may not know that it also offers powerful computers designed to handle complex tasks such as photo editing.
How Do Computers for Photographers Work?
The process that photos undergo is different and more complex than the process that other types of files undergo. Several key steps in the process are not always intuitive or clear.
To start this process, you will focus on using a digital camera and storing your images on a computer. The images are then stored in the computer until you are ready to edit them.
After this step, you will need professional software to edit the images. Choosing the right software that fits your needs and will not overload your computer or take a lot of time to use is essential.
Once the images are edited, you need to export them. The process for exporting is different for each photo.
Depending on your software, the photos will be saved in a specific format and stored on the computer or on a hard drive.
Next, you must decide how you want to view the images. Digital images are usually stored in digital format and can be viewed using a computer monitor or an application designed for viewing photos.
When choosing a computer specifically designed for photographers, you will want to ensure that it has all of these features and that they are easy to use.
The image quality should also be perfect, so everything looks clear and great.
What Do You Look For In The Best Computers for Photographers?
There are several key factors that you should consider when choosing a computer specifically designed for photographers. It is essential to know what you are looking for and compare it to the different types of computers available on the market.
Processor
The processor is one of the most important parts of the computer. It handles all sorts of functions and processes large quantities of data. As you can imagine, a fast processor is essential if you are using your computer to edit photos and videos.
You have many market options at this point, especially since several models are available with more than one processor.
These computers come with an Intel Core i7 or a Xeon processor and can easily handle heavy tasks like image editing.
RAM
RAM is another important component of the computer. It is designed to store large quantities of important data for your work. The standard amount of RAM that most computers come with on the market today is 4GB.
This can be enough for most users, but you should always consider getting more if possible since it will speed up your computer’s processing speed and make it function better.
Hard drive size
The hard drive is the storage device that holds all your work, including images and software.
A hard drive allows you to save a large amount of data and make it available for you to access at any time. Since everything is stored on the hard drive, this is a very important part of your computer.
Today, most computers come with a 750GB or 1TB hard drive. This will be sufficient for most photographers, especially if they only plan to keep about 100-200 photos.
Graphics card
The graphics card is another essential computer part. It is responsible for processing images, pictures, and videos. This goes hand in hand with the processor since it will help to process the files faster and more efficiently.
It comes with a Direct X version that is perfect for photo editing.
Screen size
When it comes to choosing the best computer for photographers, you will also have to consider its screen size.
Some photographers prefer larger screens, while others prefer smaller ones. There is no universal standard for screen size when it comes to computers, so this is something you will have to determine for yourself.
Network speed
The network speed of your computer will vary depending on the manufacturer and the model that you choose.
Be sure to select a computer with a strong network connection and high bandwidth. This will allow you to work faster and more efficiently.
Optical drive
The optical drive refers to the ability to play CDs, DVDs, and other types of media content. You will have to choose this for yourself based on your needs, but most photo editors have their own preferences.
The optical drive is not a necessary component, but it is possible to still use a computer without one.
This can be done if you plan to store your images on a hard drive and play them back through the computer.
Ports
There are a few ports that you need to consider when choosing the best computers for photographers. These include USB 3, USB 2, and an Ethernet connection port. USB 3 is faster and more efficient than USB 2.
This means that if you have a faster processor and a hard drive, you should be able to benefit from this feature.
Ethernet is mostly used for Internet connections, but can also be used for music or video streaming.
Preference
You also need to consider your personal preferences when choosing a computer. This includes portability, memory, storage, and other things that may be of interest to you.
You will also have to decide on the applications that you need. If you plan to use Photoshop, then you will have to choose a computer with more RAM and a hard drive that can hold a lot of data.
Price
The price is something that is easy to calculate, and it should not come as a surprise if the best computers for photographers are more expensive than those available on the market today.
The best brands are usually priced higher than others because they offer exceptional quality and flexibility.
Best Computers for Photographers Reviewed
1. Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i (Our Top Pick)
This Lenovo computer is an all-in-one desktop that comes with a 27-inch screen and a 1080p resolution.
It also has an NVIDIA GeForce 940M graphics processor that supports 3D, DirectX 12, and Vulkan. The computer runs on an Intel Core i7-10700T processor with 8GB of RAM and has a 2TB hard drive.
It features a webcam, a Bluetooth mouse, and volume control.
Its operating system is Windows 10 Home and the all-in-one design makes portability easy. The computer has a USB Type-C port that you can use to connect your phone or tablet and charge it at the same time.
The high-resolution screen produces sharp images for photographers to create their photos. The image quality is excellent, thanks to the Quad HD resolution.
It has a 2880 x 1620 resolution, a touch screen with 100% sRGB, and a 60 Hz refresh rate.
The processor is powered by the latest Intel 3rd generation core i7-10700T.
It has a 2.5 GHz speed and a turbo frequency of 3.5 GHz that can handle your most advanced photo editing software without any difficulties.
Pros
- A large hard disk drive with a 2 TB capacity for storing your files and photos
- Excellent display for creating and editing high-quality photos
- A touch screen with multi-finger gestures makes it easier to interact with the computer
- Very fast processing speed for most photo editing software
Con
- The audio sound is a bit weak
- It doesn’t have a DVD drive or Blu-ray player.
2. Apple 24-inch iMac (Best Budget)
This iMac has a 7-core processor, which allows it to run all your applications, thanks to its high GHz. This model also has a 256 GB hard disk drive and 8GB RAM. This means more perfect performance, allowing you to handle all your tasks easily.
It gives the user a lot of options to work on without lag. Its features allow it to edit photos at a fast rate. It also has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
The design of this iMac is very simple and sleek. This means that the mouse and keyboard will easily fit into this computer without too much space.
With its cooling technology, the performance of your computer won’t be compromised. You can even move it around without any problems thanks to its portability.
This is definitely a big upgrade when it comes to graphics and an excellent option if you are looking for the very best in computers for photography. As an Apple computer, you can expect incredible quality from this one.
Pros
- Great performance
- Good graphics quality
- Good portability
Con
- Speeds may not be fast enough for video editing
3. Apple iMac 21.5-Inch 2020 (Best High End)
This Apple iMac is the third best computer for photographers. If you want to own a future-proof computer, buy this one.
The Retina 4K display is clear and crisp, while the 21.5-inch screen size is quite large but not too big to carry around in a large bag.
The 8GB of RAM makes running applications such as Photoshop more efficient, and the 256GB SSD hard drive stores all your photos and videos, so they are backed up instantly and quickly on your computer.
The 256GB SSD hard drive is lightning fast and can store up to 45,000 photos. The late 2016 update makes this model more powerful and compatible with third-party applications.
This is a perfect desktop for photographers to use for editing photos in their spare time.
Pros
- Great display
- Easily upgradeable
- High-speed performance with the high-capacity hard drive
Cons
- The Micro SD card slot is not compatible with a lot of camera cards
- Some users report a flickering screen
4. HP Pavilion 27” All-In-One Desktop
You will not go wrong with this HP computer, which is packed with every feature you can think of.
It is a 27-inch touch screen, which is excellent if you want to access your photos and videos easily.
The touchscreen will also save on mouse space and make navigating the programs on your computer easier.
This desktop comes with two storage drives and a fast processor that will allow you to edit photos in no time.
There is plenty of RAM for you, and the screen is full HD, making it perfect for editing.
The operating system will save all your files in one place, so you can easily access them when needed.
Pros
- It is great for editing photos
- You can easily access your media files because they are saved in one place
- This fast and efficient model is perfect for a busy lifestyle
Cons
- The touchscreen can be a bit buggy at times
- It is more expensive than other models
5. Apple 27” iMac with Retina 5K Display
The bundle of computer products that this brand offers is just unbeatable. This machine has a fantastic processor, a high-quality screen, and more than enough storage space to accommodate all your files and media.
It also offers high resolution for all media content.
This computer is perfect for those who love to work on professional software and develop their media content.
It is capable of working on multiple files at a time without showing any lags or delays.
There are a total of 8 processing cores that allow for good multi-threading. All these features make this product ideal for any photographer’s needs.
The one-of-a-kind processor enables photographers to work with loads of media content and still have the best performance possible.
The superior processing capabilities also allow professionals to edit and create content faster than others.
This computer works on the latest 5K Retina screen, which can display amazingly sharp images.
This screen has a fantastic resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing a crystal clear image quality for all media content.
Pros
- Amazing processor
- High-quality screen
- Great storage capacity
Con
- High price
Final Thoughts On Computers for Photographers
A computer is the most important tool for any photographer, whether amateur or professional.
If you want to take your photography career to a whole new level, you need good editing software and a computer that can handle it.
All the computers listed above are perfect for editing and processing photos and videos. They offer top performance when it comes to speed and space, which is important for all photographers.
Whether a professional or an amateur, you will find the best desktop computer on our list.
