Best Mac Monitor For Photo Editing
Best computers for video editing: Top 5
- Best Free Photo Editing Software For Mac
- Best Mac For Photo Editing
- Best Photo Editing Apps For Mac
- Best Mac Monitor For Graphic Design
- Best Macbook For Photo Editing
1. 21' Apple iMac 4K, Retina display (2019)
2. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
3. Mac Mini (2018)
4. HP Envy 795
5. Dell XPS 27 AIO
Read on for an in-depth look at each computer
So, get ready and navigate through this list to find the best monitor for Mac mini, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Our Collection of Top 10 Monitors for Mac Mini in 2018/2019 1) HP 23.8-inch FHD IPS Monitor. HP is one of the considerable brands that produces reliable monitors. Keeping this in mind, you can check out this monitor.
If you're searching for the best computer for video editing, we can help. In this guide, you'll find our pick of the best video editing computers right now – at a range of different price points – to help make your footage sing, whatever your skill level.
- Best Mouse For Photo Editing Under $50 Logitech G303 Daedalus Apex Performance Edition Gaming Mouse If you are on a budget and you want to invest in a good photo editing mouse without paying too much for it, then the G303 can be a good option.
- The best photo editing monitor needs to have at least 8bit LUT which allows the monitor to pull up images from a color palate with 16.7 million colors. A 10-bit LUT raises that to a palette with over a billion colors.
- The MacBook Pro, of course, has the ability to support an external monitor, but for me this felt like a compromise and not the best use of the computer. I needed something for my studio, and since I already have a still-functioning laptop, the MacBook Pro didn’t feel like the best value.
- One of the best 23 inch monitors is by HP and worthy of being highly recommended for most everyday use. HP Pavilion 23xw is slim and has a thin bezel that contributes to its looks. Besides, the monitor has received high reviews for being perfect for any use be it gaming, video entertainment, graphic designing, etc.
- Computers for Editing The more serious you get about photography, the more time you spend editing your photos and the more time you spend waiting for your computer to perform different photo editing tasks.
- Best Mac monitors & displays 2018 Even if you have an iMac or MacBook you might want a second screen. And those with a Mac mini or Mac Pro will need a display of some kind.
If you're editing videos, you'll need powerful computer so that it doesn’t lag when dragging audio and video clips, exporting, rendering and finalising the mountain of footage that you’ll accumulate. This is especially true when working with high-definition video.
Why choose a desktop computer instead of one of the best laptops for video editing? While today’s top-of-the-line laptops are indeed powerful enough to be used for video editing, you still get the best performance and best value for money from a desktop computer, with the added benefit that it’s much easier to upgrade.
When choosing a computer for video editing, you’ll need a good CPU (preferably with four or more processor cores) and plenty of memory. It also helps to keep your media on fast storage, preferably an SSD. In most software packages, it also helps to have a powerful graphics card that can be used to accelerate certain visual effects and filters. (While you're here, you might want to check out our guide to the best video editing software, to whip your footage into shape.)
We’ve picked out some of the top Windows PC and Mac computers for video editing, with a focus on both some of the most powerful workstations on the market today, as well as some options if your budget is more limited. Read on for the best computers for video editing..
01. 21-inch Apple iMac with Retina display (2019)
CPU: 4-6 core Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 Screen: AMD Radeon Pro 555X / 560X / Vega 20 Graphics: 8GB - 64GB RAM: 8-64GB Storage: Hard Disk / Fusion Drive / 256GB - 1TB SSD Ports: 4x USB-C (Thunderbolt) , Ethernet Size: 52.8cm (w) x 45.0cm (d) x 17.5cm (h) Weight: 5.66kg OS: MacOS
We think the best computer for video editing right now is the 21-inch Apple iMac with 4K Retina display (2019). Now sporting six and eight-core 9th-generation Intel processors, the 2019 iMac has received the most significant update since Apple added a Retina display to the specification, making it a video editing powerhouse.
Of the two available screen sizes, the 21.5-inch Retina iMac represents a better overall combination of value and performance than the larger 27-inch model. You get an extremely high quality, bright 4K Retina (4,096 x 2,304) display with a quad-core processor and AMD Radeon Pro 555X graphics card, that’s absolutely great for video editing. Choice upgrades would include adding some more memory and swapping the 1TB hard disk for an SSD, while a six-core processor is also available.
02. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
A brilliant Windows all-in-one
CPU: Intel Core i7-7820HQ Screen: 28-inch 4500x1300 resolution IPS display Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB -GTX 1070 8GB RAM: 16-32GB Storage: 1-2TB SSD Ports: 4xUSB 3.0; 1xUSB-C; SD card slot; Gigabit Ethernet; 3.5mm headphone jack Size: 63.7cm x 1.3cm x 43.9cm x 1.3cm (WxDxH) Weight: 9.56kg OS: Windows 10
Unlike Apple’s iMac all-in-one, a touch-sensitive 28-inch display (4,500 x 3,000) display is the centre piece of Microsoft’s Surface Studio 2, letting you drag and drop video clips with a finger as well as a mouse. It comes with hinge that lets you flip the screen all the way down to edit video and it can be used with a pen for drawing too.
Microsoft needs to update the Surface Studio with more modern CPUs, but it makes up for it with some serious graphics grunt powered by Nvidia, with a GeForce GTX 1070 available that will provide some serious visual power.
03. Mac Mini (2018)
CPU: 4-6 core Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 Screen: Not included Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 RAM: 8-64GB Storage: 128GB-2TB SSD Ports: 4x USB-C (Thunderbolt) , 2x USB 3, Ethernet, HDMI Size: 19.7cm (w) x 19.7cm (d) x 3.6cm (h) Weight: 1.3kg OS: MacOS
We love the Mac Mini’s flexibility and diminutive form factor, so we’re really pleased to see Apple updated it with a modern specification and a new 'space grey' colour late last year. It is still one of Apple’s most affordable computers (relatively speaking) and now it’s capable of a lot more, including video editing. Pair it with one of the best monitors for video editing for a great setup.
The base model features a quad-core processor, 8GB of memory and a (paltry) 128GB SSD. All of these can be upgraded, with an optional six-core processor and a larger SSD for even high-end video work. Best photo sharpening software mac. But with a bit of tinkering you can upgrade the memory yourself for less money than Apple charges, and there are six expansion ports at the back for either USB or Thunderbolt external storage.
04. HP ENVY 795
HP’s slick micro-desktop has the guts to edit video
CPU: 3.5 GHz six-core Intel Core i7 - 3.3GHz 10-core Intel Core i9 RAM: 8GB - 64GB Ports: 6 x USB 3, 1x USB-C, 2x USB 2, DVI, HDMI Ethernet, SDXC Size: 37cm (w) x 15.4cm (d) x 36.5 (h) Weight: 8.86kg OS: Windows 10
Best Free Photo Editing Software For Mac
With an 8th-generation Intel processor, HP’s silver-fronted Envy desktop PC is a box with more than a few tricks up its sleeve. The range is absolutely great for mid-range video editing, as the Nvidia GeForce graphics card can help out with various processing tasks, such as applying visual filter effects, while the main six-core CPU does much of the hard work.
We’d pick the slightly pricier 16GB option (or perform a memory upgrade) for more demanding video editing tasks, but as it carries an asking price that won't break the bank, this is a great all-rounder family computer with enough performance to cope with video editing well.
05. Dell XPS 27 AIO
CPU: Intel Core i5-7400 – Core i7-7700 Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 630; AMD Radeon RX 570 RAM: 8GB – 32GB Storage: 1TB HDD – 2TB SSHD; 512GB SSD Display: 27-inch 4K (3,840 x 2,160) display
The Dell XPS 27 AIO is another PC that may stretch the budget, but hear us out. This astonishing all-in-one from Dell comes with a mighty 27-inch 4K Ultra HD touchscreen display and an ear-busting set of six speakers. That makes for the ideal platform from which to view – and hear – what you've shot and get the best from it in post-production.
The Dell XPS 27 performs admirably against industry-standard graphics-based benchmarks, no doubt thanks to the pacey 3.6GHz Intel Core i7-7700 processor under the casing. And this premium machine also gets premium peripheries in the form of a sleek and stylish wireless mouse and keyboard.
06. 27-inch Apple iMac with Retina display (2019)
An amazing machine for video editing.. but it'll cost you
CPU: 4-8 core Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 / i9 Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570X / 580X / Vega 48 RAM: 8GB - 64GB Ports: 4x USB 3, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt), Ethernet, SDXC Size: 65cm (w) x 20.3cm (d) x 51.6cm (h) Weight: 1.3kg OS: MacOS
The 2019 27-inch iMac is a real powerhouse that represents Apple’s best overall desktop video editing workstation. The reason that it's a little further down our list is that it doesn't come cheap. Its 5K Retina (5,120 x 2,880) display is absolutely brilliant, it produces superb colours, conforming to the DCI-P3 colour specification. And with an optional eight-core processor, it will significantly reduce rendering times and chew through even 4K video editing work.
Typical of Apple, it becomes a pricey prospect if you start adding lashings of SSD storage and the Radeon Pro Vega graphics card, but you can easily add more affordable third-party memory rather than pay Apple’s prices to reduce costs a bit.
07. Acer Predator Orion 9000
A powerhouse that's aimed at gamers, but will excel at video editing
CPU: 3.5 GHz six-core Intel Core i7 - 3.3GHz 10-18core Intel Core i9 RAM: 8GB - 64GB Ports: 7x USB 3, 1x USB-C, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, SDXC Size: 30cm (w) x 70cm (d) x 64.3cm (h) Weight: 19.2kg OS: Windows 10
With its bright blue LEDs, Acer’s new Predator desktop line-up (Orion 3000, 5000 and 9000) is squarely aimed at gamers, and comes with a specification that pairs the latest Intel processors with powerful Nvidia graphics cards. But with so much power to hand, these quiet and attractive systems are certain to be absolutely brilliant for video editing too.
The top-end Orion 9000 has one of the most powerful hardware configurations of any computer in this list. It has Intel processors with ten, or even 18 CPU cores, up to 64GB of memory and if your budget can stretch to it, even dual Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti graphics cards. That incredible configuration is sure to shrug off complex 4K video editing tasks like they’re simple edits in Microsoft Paint.
08. Apple iMac Pro
The best video editing computer for professionals with big budgets
Display: 27-inch 5K Retina Processor: 8-, 10- or 18-Core Turbo Boost: up to 4.5GHz Memory: 32GB Storage: 1TB Graphics: Vega GPU Size: : (h) 51.6cm x (w) 65.0cm Weight: 9.7 kg Connections: 10Gb Ethernet, four Thunderbolt 3 (USB‑C) ports, four USB 3 ports, SDXC card slot
Best Mac For Photo Editing
We know it's eye-wateringly expensive. But Apple's brand new iMac Pro is the new daddy of computers for designers: if you have the cash, this is the best video-editing computer currently on the market. (If you're after a more affordable model, try the excellent iMac at number two, above.)
So what do you get for your money? Firstly, there's the 27-inch 5K resolution, which is 43 per cent brighter than standard Apple Retina monitors and delivers up to an astonishing one billion colours. There aren't too many screens around that will flatter your footage more.
Best Photo Editing Apps For Mac
Starting with an 8-core Intel Xeon processor, the least expensive iMac Pro option is already immensely powerful, with an outrageous 18-core option for those who can afford it. 1TB to 4TB of SSD internal storage means that you'll be able to store tonnes of 4K footage before you need to think about additional external drives. And it's not short on ports, either, with four Thunderbolt 3.0 ports and a 10GB ethernet port. Plus, of course you get the benefit of the platform's formidable Final Cut Pro X editing software as well.
09. Lenovo IdeaCentre 520-AAST 21.5in AIO PC
CPU: Intel Pentium 4415U - Core i7 Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530 RAM: 4GB – 8GB Screen: 23.8-inch Full HD (1920x1080) Storage: 1TB - 2TB HDD
Best Mac Monitor For Graphic Design
Complete with monitor, mouse and keyboard, it's not easy to find exceptional quality computing for under a grand. But this Lenovo PC is an adequate option if you're on a tight budget. It comes with a 23-inch Full HD monitor and packs in up to a 2TB hard drive and 7th-generation Intel processor.
Best Macbook For Photo Editing
If you're somebody requiring a heavyweight machine for professional video editing all day everyday, this machine probably isn't going to quite cut the mustard. But for keen amateurs and dabblers, the sub £1,000/$1,000 spend on this Lenovo all-in-one should be just fine. It's worth noting that you can buy an even cheaper AMD-based version, but it will be less powerful and you get a smaller monitor.
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