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Which Mac Version Is Best For Photoshop?
Macs have always been popular with creative professionals due to their unique combination of performance and flair. It is no surprise that for years, prominent applications like Photoshop were exclusively Mac-only. Which Mac model is best for you? You may need the largest screen possible to examine your photos in depth.
The 13-inch MacBook Air (2020) is the most portable model
It weighs only 2.8 pounds and is only 0.63 inches thick, making it easy to transport anywhere you go. However, mobility necessitates a reduction in screen size. The 13-inch display of the MacBook Air is not ideal for picture editing, but it does boast a crisp 2560×1600 resolution and a pixel density of 227ppi (pixels per inch). Additionally, the 400 nits of brightness and True Tone technology are pluses. If you want additional screen space, you may connect an external monitor with a resolution of up to 6K at 60Hz. Consider an earlier, Intel-based MacBook Pro as an alternative.
As one of Apple’s newest Macs, the MacBook Air features an M1 CPU, which is more than adequate for picture processing. It comes with integrated graphics and a seven- or eight-core onboard GPU (graphic processing unit). Again, this is irrelevant for ordinary photo editing.
M1 processors provide integrated, unified memory, with a choice of 8GB or 16GB. For most users, 8GB would be enough; but, if you frequently use resource-intensive filters and effects or perform any 3D editing, 16GB may be a better alternative. Because RAM cannot be upgraded later, it is critical to make an informed choice.
The battery on the MacBook Air lasts around 15 hours while browsing the web; you can generally anticipate less than that when editing photographs. It is likely to be enough time to complete the bulk of picture editing chores in any event. You may be able to modify the macOS battery settings to extend its life.
Storage options range from 256GB to 2TB. If you want to utilise internal storage only and not external hard drives or cloud storage, 256GB is a tiny amount. Additionally, system storage may consume a significant amount of space. Again, this cannot be improved, so proceed with caution.
Finally, keep in mind that this MacBook features two USB-C connections and a headphone jack. That is all. As a result, you may need to purchase adaptors and a USB hub.
iMac 27-inch (2020) – greatest in terms of screen size
If you want an all-in-one Mac, with the largest possible display, you must get the 27-inch iMac. Although it is not as future-proof as an M1 Mac due to its Intel processor, its 5K Retina display is ideal for viewing and editing pictures. With a brightness of 500 nits and a resolution of 5120×2880, pictures appear amazing on this Mac.
Meanwhile, that Intel processor is no slouch. The basic model is equipped with a 3.1GHz Core i5, but you may upgrade to a faster i5, i7, or i9. The i5 CPUs will be enough for photography and picture editing. You may choose between 8GB and 128GB of RAM and various discrete AMD graphics cards. Additionally, you may choose from 256GB to 8TB of SSD storage capacity.
Another significant advantage of this Mac is its connection. It is ideal for photographers, with four USB-A connections, two USB-C Thunderbolt connectors, Ethernet, and a card reader.
Mac mini (M1, 2020) – the finest Mac on a budget
If you are anxious to utilise a Mac for photo editing but have a limited budget, the Mac mini M1 is an excellent alternative. It is reasonably priced, beginning at £699, yet it is more than capable of running picture editing applications such as Photoshop.
If you choose the basic model, you will receive the eight-core M1 processor, including an eight-core GPU. Additionally, it comes with 8GB of unified memory that can be increased to 16GB and a 256GB SSD that can be configured up to 2TB. If you frequently capture huge photographs and movies, we recommend utilising external storage since even 2TB may be insufficient.
Connectivity is not a negative thing. The Mac mini includes two Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connections, Ethernet, two USB-A connectors, and one HDMI port. Of course, the Mac mini does not include a display, which may be viewed as a plus or a disadvantage depending on your perspective. On the one hand, this means you may connect any size screen up to 6K resolution, as well as a second monitor with a resolution of up to 4K. However, this also implies that you must pay for a display. If you do not already possess one, this might negate any cost savings associated with purchasing a Mac mini.
Are Macs superior to PCs when it comes to photo editing?
The answer to this question is a matter of personal choice. Certain photographers prefer Macs because of their design, dependability, ergonomics, and ease of use. Others choose PCs due to their lower cost, superior graphics card performance, and ability to be upgraded. To learn photo editing on Adobe Photoshop and graphic design, sign up for the graphic design course offered by Blue Sky Graphics.
Finally, if you currently possess a PC or a Mac, there is no need to switch, but there are some compelling reasons to consider purchasing a Mac for picture editing. They include the following:
- Superior colour accuracy
- Effective anti-malware defence
- Longevity
- Outstanding software optimisation
- Excellent resale value
System specifications that are recommended
However, photography and picture editing do not demand a high level of processing power so that any contemporary Mac will suffice. You will require some RAM and a fast CPU, but again, all contemporary Macs provide more than enough in these departments.
The most critical decision is getting a MacBook or a desktop computer such as an iMac or Mac mini. A MacBook is a must if you want to work on your pictures while you are out and about. However, if you want to edit photos at home, a laptop is not necessary. Of course, if your budget permits, you might get both to ensure that you cover all bases.
Screen size is also critical, as you will need to be able to view your images well when editing them. However, this is not an issue with a Mac mini, as you can connect whatever monitor you choose. In an ideal world, you would like a high-resolution display with a high pixel density. You want a bright display with accurate colour reproduction.
