By Robin Owens 3 days ago, Hardware
Top-rated computers for photo editing from professional retouchers.
People professionally engaged in photography perfectly understand the importance of high-quality equipment. This refers not only to a shooting kit but also to programs aimed at editing.
The main factor to keep in mind while shopping for the best computer for photo editing is the amount of RAM. 8GB of RAM is the lowest acceptable value for lag-free operation. Other elements to consider are video card, processor, core power, and the size of SSD/HDD. In general, you need to lay fork out between 1,500 and 2,000 dollars on a decent computer.
Moreover, you have to choose the components of your PC assembly very accurately. So, the latest graphics cards from NVIDIA RTX 30 lineup deliver more options than any other graphics card. The thing is that RTX 30 video adapters use AI technologies, pleasing users with innovative core architecture.
Thus, investing in the RTX 30, you receive more than 30 new features, as well as access to a number of filters and technologies that are not available on other graphics cards.
However, you should understand that along with more details, your images will contain more defects visible, so if you are shooting in 4K, you must devote enough time to photo and video editing. This is especially important if you are using a cheap camera.
Usually, when it comes to portrait editing, professional retouchers smooth skin, get rid of acne or blackheads, remove hair on the skin, and more. If you have no editing experience, you can always order FixThePhoto services.
CPU: 8-core, Apple M3 chip | Screen: 24”, 4.5K Retina display | RAM: 8GB | Graphics: 8-core | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, WiFi, Bluetooth
This computer for editing photos has a processor that is powerful enough for running modern games and pro-level programs for image processing, e.g., Photoshop or/and Lightroom. The screen of the monoblock has a very high maximum brightness and excellent anti-reflective properties, so you can conveniently work even in bright lighting. You can also activate the mode with automatic brightness adjustment.
The manufacturer managed to combine a sleek outer look with powerful filling, so you can turn work in photo editing software into an enjoyable activity and even edit your RAW footage with ease. Impressive design, low noise level and decent cooling system, a large screen and a reasonable price -are the advantages of the new iMac.
CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 7505 | Screen: 23.8” (1920 x 1080) | RAM: 8GB | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Storage: 256GB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.1
This desktop computer has a 24-inch integrated display, so you can fully immerse in the photo editing process. The brightness of the screen is on point, so you can binge-watch your favorite movies and work with text docs with ease. Thanks to proper calibration and color rendition, you can notice the slightest color shifts in your images. Gamut coverage stands at an excellent 86% sRGB and brightness at 261 nits. The contrast ratio came in at an impressive 1024:1. Screen uniformity and viewing angles are also stunning.
What I like most of all is the presence of an HDMI-in port. Thus, turning the display into a monitor or a kind of mini TV for gaming adventures is a breeze. Clicking a single button, you can jump from a monitor to a PC mode and vice versa. Computer rebooting isn’t required.
CPU: Intel Core i5 | Screen: 27” (5120 x 2880) | RAM: 8GB | Graphics: GDDR6 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 801.11ac; Bluetooth 4.2
This is a very stylish and super intuitive machine to use for photo editing. It has powerful tools onboard, so you can speed up your regular workflow. The latest 27″ model makes your experience even more enjoyable thanks to quicker processors and graphic components, increased storage and memory, better audio and video capabilities. The most notable improvement is the addition of a Retina 5K display with 1 billion colors and 500 nits of brightness. Every expert looking for the best desktop for photo editing should give this beast a closer study.
Thanks to an 8-core Intel Core i7 processor, you can easily juggle heavy tasks without compromising the working speed. For example, you can edit your photos and then switch to testing a code without performance drops.
Though you can’t really alter the position of a stand, this computer for graphic design is easy to swivel on the desk. This is really great as all ports are located on the back-right edge. Here you will find 4 USB 3.0 Type-A ports, 2 oval-shaped USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 3 support, a full-size SD card slot, an Ethernet jack, a headphone jack, and the port for a power adapter.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X 6-Core | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6| Storage: 1TB HDD | Connectivity: Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n
If you are looking for a good computer to run modern photo editing programs for beginners and pros, this option can fully satisfy your needs. It easily copes with resource-tolerant tasks you throw at it thanks to an updated processor. In terms of responsiveness, it can compete with more expensive models, so you won’t face problems while editing your images.
If you frequently edit 1080p photos, this SkyTech giant will make your experience as fluid as it should be. The developer upgraded configurations in order to eliminate possible performance issues. As for the design, this PC looks stunning with tempered glass on one side panel.
CPU: Apple M2 chip, 8-Core | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: 10-Core | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; Bluetooth 4.2; 802.11b/g/n
This is a wonderful representative of Apple’s family of Mini devices. Despite its small size, the computer can stay on par with mid-range desktops when it comes to performance thanks to an embedded 8-core M1 SoC processor in a 7.7-inch square form factor.
Though the design plays an important role for many users, the bragging point of this computer for editing photos is the remarkable performance that puts it as an advantage to other Mac Minis. The GPU performance deserves many flattering words. As for connections, you can use USB 4.0/Thunderbolt ports. It also supports Wi-Fi 6, which was unavailable in the older versions.
CPU: Intel Core i5 | Screen: 27” (1920 x 1080) | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; Bluetooth 4.1; 802.11b/g/n
This computer is equipped with a cutting-edge Intel processor, which means you can surf, stream, play games and edit photos without experiencing performance drops. This is a wonderful option both for entertainment and work-related tasks.
Users will be pleased with an elegant touchscreen that not only looks great but also adds convenience to a regular workflow. Thanks to a compact design, you don’t need to allocate lots of place for this PC. Those who want to switch between work and past-time activities, will surely appreciate an edge-to-edge Full HD IPS display and dual front-firing Bang & Olufsen speakers.
CPU: Intel Core i9 | RAM: 32GB | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3080 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; Bluetooth 4.1
This is the largest and most powerful Tower desktop computer. The entry-level configuration costs $949,99, while the model we tested was priced for $3,264. The price was so high, because the system included a fantastic Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card capable of handling even the most demanding photo editing tasks. The computer can also be overclocked thanks to an unlocked Intel Core i9-10900K processor.
Modern design, customizable RGB lighting and proprietary components from Cooler Master, Western Digital and HyperX make Omen 30L a great choice for gaming and video editing. Instead of dated thumb screws, the manufacturer used a simple button on the tempered glass rear panel.
CPU: Intel Core i5 | RAM: 8GB | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 512 SDD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n
The design of this photo editing computer is quite basic. However, it is stylish and elegant. The computer looks like a black rectangle decorated with a simple strip on the front. It is a typical desktop computer of a standard size, which makes it a perfect option for budget-conscious users.
There is nothing unique about this desktop model, however, the Inspirion can cope with any complex task. It delivers powerful performance, which makes it stand out among other computers in this price bracket. It has a compact size. Its basic configuration is pretty affordable. While it comes without USB Type-C ports, this model is perfect for solving several tasks at once since it’s fitted with the Core i5 processor and in-built Wi-Fi module.
CPU: Intel Core i7-10700 | RAM: 32GB | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 512GB SSD+1TB HDD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
The famous Dell XPS lineup of laptops is quite popular, however, not everyone knows that the company also offers a wide choice of desktop computers. Besides being quite powerful, they have a nice, minimalist design. This is the best computer for photo editing from this series.
The overall performance delivered by this model is fairly impressive. While the XPS 8940 wasn’t created for those who use resource-consuming software, such as Photoshop, it allows you to use other image editors. It might overheat a bit, and its performance will still be less impressive than the performance of the more powerful computers, but the XPS 8940 is a good option to consider. Keep in mind that the cooling system is quite traditional, which makes it less effective than water cooling systems that are used in computers created for professional image editing.
CPU: Intel Core i7 | RAM: 32GB | Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2060 | Storage: 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD| Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
Many users call HP ENVY Desktop the best photo editing computer because of the high processing speed of complex graphic files and the ability to run resource-intensive applications in multitasking mode. What’s more, the system doesn’t slow down or freeze even at max load.
Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, this PC is designed to make your workflow resultative and stress-free. With NVIDIA RTX 3060 discrete graphic card, you level up your editing, visualization, and streaming game. Besides, the computer has a large amount of memory, so you can store your favorite movies, family photos, documents, different programs, etc.
CPU: Intel Core i5 | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 1030 | Storage: 256GB SSD+1TB HDD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
This desktop computer under $1000 relies on the Intel Core i5 processor, which is capable of reaching speeds up to 3.60GHz. Thus, you can easily switch between different activities, photo editing included. While building this PC, the manufacturer focused on its universal nature, allowing users to cope with any task they have in mind.
While testing this machine, we didn’t encounter any problems while editing pictures even with several programs and browsers opened. However, if you need the best computer for editing photos in batches, the 3670 may overheat, thus, cause crashes.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | Screen: 24” (1920 x 1080) | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
Searching for the best computer for photo editing, many users focus on three main aspects – performance, display, and design. If you also share such an idea, this model is sure to check all three boxes. It has a compact AMD Ryzen 3 processor, which serves as a reliable replacement for the Intel Core processing unit. There is also a 512GB SSD paired with 16GB of memory to ensure higher computing speeds.
Though this computer is slightly bigger than a 27″ iMac by Apple, the extra space was used very reasonably. There is a pair of high-quality speakers, an optical drive, and a 3-in-1 card reader. The model we put at the test is very interesting because it houses chips that are rarely available in all-in-one units. It costs less than Intel counterparts but it can fully satisfy the needs of average home-office users.
CPU: Intel Core i5-8400T | Screen: 27” (1920 x 1080) | RAM: 8GB | Graphics: UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 1TB HDD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
Being constructed with multitasking in mind, this computer can fully cater to the needs of video editing specialists. There is a big 27-inch screen where you can place 2 windows side by side to browse the net and keep an eye on any other process in an image editing program.
You can use this computer for various purposes, except gaming. You can hardly find a more fitting option for day-to-day work and photo processing. Unfortunately, it lacks a touchscreen display, which is appreciated by most users. If you don’t plan to upgrade your device in the near future, don’t hesitate to choose this Dell product.
CPU: Intel Core i7-10700 | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | Storage: 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD| Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
Similar to most modern computers, this device is fully built, but the inner space can be customized by removing the glass panel. There is 16GB of high-bandwidth RAM inside, so launching several programs and opening multiple tabs at once won’t cause problems. HP added 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive for agile bootup and data transfer, while 1TB Hard Disk Drive provides an abundance of storage space.
The video card is based on the Pascal architecture, which, in turn, provides a 3x increase in performance. This PC supports all kinds of functions such as Intel Hyper-Threading, Ultra HD 4K, or Intel Quick Sync Video.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8-Core | RAM: 16GB | Graphics: GeForce RTX 3090 Ti | Storage: 1TB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11b/g/n; Bluetooth 4.2
While Prism II has many impressive features, it was released just after Nvidia switched to the RTX 30 series of graphics cards. It’s the most advanced GPU that you can purchase these days as it allows you to play games at 8K, perform pro-level 3D rendering and photo processing. Featuring the most advanced GRU and CPU available today, this model is the best desktop for photo editing tasks. Besides, by purchasing it, you can save on future upgrades.
This computer is well worth the money asked, attracting users with sleek design, RGB backlighting, and an abundance of features. Moreover, there is a whole range of ports for connecting peripherals and accessories. Accessing the inner part is a breeze thanks to a tool-less side panel and a glass side panel, which gives the desktop its unique character.
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5950X | RAM: 64GB | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 | Storage: 2TB SSD | Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n
If you want to purchase the best computer for photo editing and reduce the costs of time to a minimum, this one is your choice. This PC stands out with its workstation-inspired construction and very silent fans, allowing to fully concentrate on work. Besides, you can attach up to four 4K HDR displays and use them simultaneously.
The a200 is a solid variant both for hardcore gamers and people on the lookout for a powerful PC. It attracts attention with a very compact body, quite functioning, and fantastic performance, but all these goodies come at a hefty price.
If you want to upgrade your system in the future, the process will be more challenging than when using a bigger computer. Besides, if you want to have many USB ports, it makes sense to purchase a hub.
CPU: Intel 6-Core i7-9750H | RAM: 64GB | Graphics: UHD 630 Graphics | Storage: 2TB SSD | Connectivity: 801.11ac; Bluetooth 4.1
Fitted with the 9th Gen Intel i7-9750H CPU, this computer delivers a stable and speedy performance, which makes it suitable for resource-consuming tasks. When using it, you can run several programs at once, which makes it suitable for multitasking. A powerful GPU is the key selling point for this best PC for photo editing since the Intel HD Graphics 350Mhz supports the max speed of 1.15GHz, which accounts for ultra-fast response times and high-quality graphics. Make sure to use it with a 4K display to make the most out of this powerful setup. It will allow you to enjoy quick refresh rates and perfectly saturated colors.
In addition, you can use a range of connectivity options. You can use this PC as a part of your three-monitor setup, which makes it suitable for those who need to work with multiple screens.
CPU: Intel 8 Core i7-9700T | Screen: 27" (2560 x 1440) | RAM: 16 GB | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 801.11ac; Bluetooth 4.2
Being the largest manufacturer of electronics, Lenovo has an impressive portfolio that features a variety of devices. For many years, it has been the leader in the computer equipment market. The IdeaCentre series includes devices for personal use. These AIO computers have a unique design. Most similar devices have a display and an AIO stand while this model also has a massive base.
What makes it the best computer for photography professionals is that it automatically adjusts the lighting levels depending on current conditions. Thanks to the matte coating, you won’t notice any glare on the display. I didn’t experience any eye strain when working with it for long periods at any time of the day even though I didn’t activate any eye protection modes.
As for other advantages of this PC, it’s worth mentioning that it supports Wi-Fi 6, which makes it stand out among many other modern desktop and AIO computers. In addition, this computer for photo editing supports Bluetooth 5.0. Using a wireless connection, you can simultaneously connect a mouse, keyboard, and headphones. All these accessories will deliver stable performance.
CPU: 2.5 GHz core_i5 | RAM: 12 GB | Graphics: Intel UHD 730 | Storage: 512GB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 802.11ax; Bluetooth 5.2
As a computer user for some time now, I have had the chance to use the Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop. It is a multi-purpose device that has worked well for me in many aspects of quality-indication in life both professionally and personally. I was looking for a powerful and versatile desktop that could bear almost any kind of workload, which includes but is not limited to writing, editing documents, making calculations and multimedia content creation.
Thanks to the generous 12GB DDR4 RAM, I could switch between tasks like a pro. I kept pushing applications to their limits yet never experienced any noticeable drops in performance as the desktop easily outpaced my rigorous workflow.
CPU: Intel Core i7-8700k | Screen: 28" (3840 x 2160) | RAM: 32GB | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Connectivity: Gigabyte Ethernet; 801.11ac; Bluetooth 4.2
Whether you are involved in photography, videography, or any other creative sphere, and want to purchase a powerful computer for your day-to-day work, Lenovo Yoga A940 is a smart investment. Such all-in-one machines are, actually, monitors with a built-in PC. However, unlike many all-in-ones, where a computer is located behind the screen, this model is actually built at the base of the stand.
A 27-inch screen has 4K resolution, 100% support for Adobe RGB and Dolby Vision. So, all images you see are vivid and bright. Adobe RGB support may be a decisive point for experts searching for the best computer for photo editing.
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If you have no idea how to choose the best model among numerous social media cameras on the market, but still want to have a successful Instagram these tips will help you.
Though some photographers disregard this parameter, claiming that an entry-level processor is OK for image editing, it is obvious that the better CPU your PC has, the quicker your workflow will be. We highly recommend choosing computers with 10th Gen Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors.
We believe that Intel Core i5-10400F is one of the best Intel Core i5 processors. It is a reliable 6-core processor with a minimum/maximum clock speed of 2.9 / 4.3 GHz, respectively. Though it can’t brag about the top performance during complex processes, it works well during editing large-sized images.
As we said, Adobe programs require a lot of RAM. If the amount is insufficient, you will suffer from constant freezes and lags. The sweet spot is 16GB of RAM. Thus, you can not only edit photos but also launch other programs or play games.
You can make sure a PC has enough RAM if:
Pro Tip: Pay special attention to the frequency of RAM – the higher it is, the faster the PC responds and the faster the RAM interacts with the processor. Frequency plays a significant role in gaming. 2400 or 2666 MHz is a good indicator for photographers.
A basic graphics card such as a GTX 1660 is perfect for a computer for photo editing. An RTX 20 graphics card is a more advanced option, but it makes no sense to overpay for RTX 30 if you plan to use your PC for image processing only.
An excellent option in terms of price-quality ratio is the GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER video adapter. It not only gives you access to NVIDIA Studio, but also lets you play demanding video games at high graphics settings.
It is impossible to work comfortably without it and some photographers install two SSD drives at once. There are two types of SSD storage – M.2 SSD and SATA SSD; each option amazes with lightning-fast performance. SATA SSD is 7 times faster than a standard HDD, and an M.2 SSD is 50 times faster. Currently, the best M.2 SSDs are the Samsung 970 EVO Plus and the Kingston KC2000.
Computers running Windows come with drivers for any device, are simple to use, and please users with lots of handy features. However, they are subject to being infected by viruses and have different needless programs that operate in the background. Computers with macOS are praised for straightforward navigation, lots of unique features, the top level of safety, and stable work. However, they are rather expensive and there is a smaller number of programs designed for this OS if compared to Windows.
It all depends on the buyer’s goals. If you need power and versatility, of course, it is better to choose a home computer. For those who have a high financial position and do not like when the equipment takes up a lot of space, a monoblock is a great variant.
If your style of life and work is active, opt for the laptop for photo editing. If you do not need mobility, use a PC. I recommend having a laptop of an average configuration to work outside and have a good PC at home. In case your budget is limited, take a laptop.
At the minimum, you need to purchase a mouse, speakers, a monitor, and a keyboard. If we talk about the price, a good Dell keyboard, a mouse, and speakers will cost you from $50 to $1,000 depending on your requirements. A monitor may also come with a large price tag. The minimum is $50-100. A good PC with IPS matrix and high resolution will cost $250-1000.
The most important indicators of a PC are a video card, processor, a drive, and RAM. In addition, check the cooling system and power supply. Fortunately, manufacturers use quite strong power supplies and good cooling on all modern models. Otherwise, you need a proper desk setup to avoid your computer being overheated.
I don’t recommend buying a used photo editing computer at all. Any device contains writable memory in which malware can hide, and there is presently no satisfactory way to scan IoT things for malware. No matter if it’s an all-in-all computer or a cheap computer mouse, I would rather buy a new one.
To edit photos in a convenient manner and see the smallest details of your shot, you’d better opt for a computer. Besides, such popular programs as Photoshop and Lightroom are mainly optimized for PCs.
