Video editing is quite a resource heavy task that requires a powerful laptop to handle the high processing and graphical needs.
In 2024, the market is flooded with various high-spec laptops, all packed to the brim with top of the range processing units. So, whether you're a professional video editor or a hobbyist, your laptop will significantly impact your workflow and productivity, it’s essential to choose the right one. It can be a little daunting to delve into the market, but this video editing laptop buying guide will help you navigate through the myriad of options currently available to find the best laptop for video editing in 2024.
Understanding Your Video Editing Needs
Before diving headfirst into the specifics, it's crucial to understand actual video editing needs, all machines are built differently! Ask yourself - Are you editing 4K or even 8K footage? Do you use complex visual effects and animations? Basically, the more strain and resources needed to complete your work, the more powerful your laptop needs to be.
With this in mind, think about the several types of editing software available – Do you already have a preferred programme? What are the requirements needed to run it efficiently? For instance, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are known for their resource-intensive operations, whilst Sony Vegas can be a little more accessible. Understanding the software you plan to use will help the overall selection process.
A smooth editing experience hinges on robust hardware - Powerful CPU, a high-performance GPU, ample amounts of RAM and fast storage are essential. Let's take a closer look at these components and their significance.
Key Features to Look for in a Video Editing Laptop
1. Processor (CPU) for Rendering & Multitasking
The CPU, in its most basic form, is the heart of your laptop. For video editing, a multi-core processor is optimal. Look for at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 (an equivalent works too!) If you’ll be undertaking some more demanding tasks, consider moving up a grade to an Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9. These processors can easily handle the strain produced by rendering larger files, whilst reducing lag and speeding up your workflow.
2. Graphics Card (GPU) Capabilities for Handling Intensive Tasks
A dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is crucial for handling intensive video editing tasks. NVIDIA's RTX series and AMD's Radeon RX series are top tier choices and getting this selection right is essential. GPUs accelerate rendering and playback of high-resolution video, allowing for real-time editing and effects processing.
3. RAM (Memory) Size and Speed for Seamless Editing Workflows
RAM is hugely important when it comes to any sort of laptop, regardless of its application. In terms of video editing, adequate amount of RAM is vital for smooth multitasking and the handling of large video files. Aim for at least 16GB of RAM would be our suggestion - For more intensive projects, 32GB or even 64GB is recommended. Faster RAM speeds (measured in MHz) can also enhance performance in certain situations.
4. Storage Options: SSD vs. HDD and Their Impact on Editing Speed
SSDs (Solid State Drives) are far superior to HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) in terms of speed. They offer faster boot times, quicker file access, and smoother video playback, look for laptops with at least an 512GB SSD. For extensive projects, a combination of SSD for operating system and software and an HDD for storage can be effective, especially if you’re dealing with large, bulky files.
5. Display Quality and Colour Accuracy for Precise Editing
Accurate colour reproduction is essential for video editing, you may not even realise it, but some monitors/screens will make colours look different to what they actually are. Your new laptop should have, at least, a 1080p resolution. For professional work, a 4K display with 100% Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 colour gamut is ideal. IPS panels provide better colour accuracy and viewing angles.
6. Portability Considerations: Weight, Battery Life, and Form Factor
If you’re a freelancer or someone who’s constantly on the go, you’ll need to seriously consider the portability factor. Weight, battery life, and form factor are probably the most important things to consider here, Ultrabook's offer a good balance between power and portability. Key point to remember here, ensure the laptop has a good battery life so it’s able to handle extended editing sessions away from the plug point.
Budget Considerations
Now it comes down to budget and every shopper is going to have a different set of criteria to stay within. The most important thing is to set a realistic budget based on your needs and how intensively you'll be using the laptop. High-end laptops can be expensive, but they are worth the investment if you're a professional. Mid-range laptops often provide excellent performance at a lower price point. Look for laptops with the best specs within your budget.
Sometimes, additional features like extra ports, better build quality, and bonus accessories can justify a higher price. However, you should prioritise core performance features like CPU, GPU, RAM and storage first.
Top Laptop Recommendations for Video Editing in 2024
Need help in choosing the right device? Here are our 2024 video editing laptop recommendations.
High-End Options
DELL 5540 - i7 9th Gen
Specs: Intel Core i7, 8GB Ram, 512GB storage
Pros: Exceptional performance, excellent UHD+ display, sleek design
Cons: Expensive, relatively heavy
APPLE Macbook Pro A2338 M1
Specs: 13.3 inch, LED backlit display, Apple M1 Chip, 8GB Ram, 256Gb storage.
Pros: Powerful Apple M1 chip, great battery life and high-res Retina display.
Cons: Limited port options (USB-C), non-upgradeable storage & RAM.
Mid-Range Options
DELL INSPIRON 15 3525 - AMD RYZEN 7 5700U
Specs: 15.6 inch, FHD LED Backlit Display, AMD Ryzen 7, 16gb RAM, 512 GB Storage.
Pros: High performance Ryzen 7 Processor, ample amounts of RAM, affordable.
Cons: Limited to English (UK) keyboard layout
Dell LATITUDE 5320 I7-1185G7 3.00 GHZ Touchscreen
Specs: 13.3-inch touchscreen, Intel i7-1185G7, 32GB Ram, 512GB SSD
Pros: High performance processor, great RAM for the price point.
Cons: Upgradeability options are limited.
Budget-Friendly Picks
DELL LATITUDE 5510 Laptop i7 10th Gen
Specs: 15.5 Inch display, Intel i7-10610U Processor, 8GB of Ram, 512gb of storage.
Pros: High performance i7 processor, decent levels of RAM.
Cons: Basic Storage Capacity.
Tips for Optimizing Your Video Editing Workflow
1. Utilizing Shortcuts and Hotkeys for Efficient Editing
Learning keyboard shortcuts and hotkeys can significantly speed up your editing process. Most editing software allows customization of these shortcuts to suit your workflow.
2. Organizing Files and Projects for Streamlined Workflow
Keep your files and projects organized. Use descriptive file names and folders. Regularly clean up unused files and keep backups of important projects.
3. Investing in External Peripherals for Enhanced Productivity
Consider investing in external monitors, SSDs, and input devices like graphic tablets and ergonomic keyboards. These peripherals can enhance your productivity and make your editing experience more comfortable.
About Wisetek Market
Wisetek Market are the industry leaders and your one-stop shop for all of your refurbished laptop needs. If you need a new unit for video editing at a fraction of the cost of a new model, you’re in the right place. The rigorous testing and quality assurance processes employed by Wisetek Market ensure you get a reliable machine. Check out their selection for budget-friendly video editing laptops that don't compromise on performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the best laptop for video editing in 2024 involves balancing your individual, specific needs with the hardware specifications available on the market and most importantly, budget. Whether you're looking for a high-end powerhouse, a mid-range performer, or a budget-friendly laptop option, there are plenty of great choices available. The key is to really boil down to the root of what you need and what features you’ll have to prioritize; by doing so, you can find a laptop that will make your video editing tasks smoother and more efficient.