Photographers have unique needs when it comes to storing their photos and video files. As image and video files continue to grow larger in size with each passing year, most photographers require high-capacity external hard drives to store and backup their work. Some key questions photographers need to ask when selecting an external drive include:
How much storage capacity is needed?
This depends on several factors:
- The number of photos and videos you shoot
- The file sizes of your images (RAW files are larger than JPEGs)
- The amount of future growth you need to accommodate
For most photographers, 1-4TB of storage is a good starting point. Heavy shooters may need 6TB or more.
Should portability be a concern?
If you mainly shoot in a studio and don’t travel much, a desktop external drive is fine. But if you’re frequently on the go, a portable drive allows you to take your files with you. The downside is that portable drives are smaller in capacity and typically cost more per TB.
How fast should data transfers and backups be?
Faster drives allow you to back up your work more quickly and efficiently. Look for drives with USB 3.0 support or faster (Thunderbolt) connections. Also consider drive speed – 5400 RPM drives are the slowest while 7200 RPM and SSDs are much quicker.
Do backup or redundancy features matter?
Having automatic backup via software is convenient. Some external drives come with useful backup programs. Dual-drive enclosures that support RAID 1 mirroring can automatically generate a second copy of every image. This protects against drive failure.
What examples of popular external hard drives do photographers use?
Some top options chosen by professional photographers include:
| Drive | Key Features |
|---|---|
| WD My Passport Wireless Pro | Portable drive with Wi-Fi for wireless backups and image access |
| Seagate Backup Plus Hub | High capacity desktop drive with built-in USB hub |
| LaCie Rugged RAID | Portable and durable drive supporting RAID 1 mirroring |
| WD My Book Duo | Desktop RAID array supporting multiple RAID modes |
| Samsung T5 SSD | Compact and super fast portable SSD |
| G-Technology G-RAID with Thunderbolt | Dual-drive Thunderbolt 3 RAID system |
How We Chose the Best External Hard Drives for Photographers
In choosing the top external hard drive options for photographers, we looked at a variety of factors:
- Storage capacity – All recommended drives offer at least 2TB of space, with some up to 32TB for studio setups.
- Portability – Both portable and desktop options are included to suit different needs.
- Durability – Many drives feature robust, shock and splash-proof construction to handle travel.
- Speed – Fast 7200 RPM or SSD-based drives are highlighted for quick operation.
- Connectivity – We looked for modern interfaces like USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1, USB-C, and Thunderbolt.
- Software – Easy-to-use backup software or RAID features are a bonus.
- Brand reputation – We focused on drives from respected brands like WD, Seagate, LaCie, Samsung and G-Technology.
- Value – Drives offering good performance, reliability, and capacity for a reasonable price point were recommended.
By evaluating drives based on these criteria, we’re able to suggest the models that are best suited for the needs of most photographers.
Do photographers prefer SSDs or HDDs?
SSDs are displacing traditional hard disk drives in many areas of technology, and photography is no exception. When it comes to external storage, photographers may find advantages to using both SSDs and HDDs, depending on their specific needs.
SSDs have some clear benefits for photographers:
- Much faster transfer speeds and access times.
- Better durability and shock-resistance with no moving parts.
- Lower noise – SSDs are silent.
- Lower power consumption.
- Lighter weight if portability is needed.
However, HDDs still have some strengths for photographers in certain use cases:
- Much lower cost per terabyte compared to SSDs.
- Higher maximum capacities available.
- Good performance and reliability from established HDD brands.
For a primary image storage and editing drive, most photographers prefer the speed of an SSD. The faster transfers and access greatly improve workflow efficiency. But for pure backup purposes where capacity is critical and transfer speed less important, HDDs are still a good, affordable option.
Many photographers use a combination of SSD and HDD storage to get the optimal blend of performance, capacity, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness. A faster external SSD can be used for active work and projects, with one or more HDDs providing ample inexpensive capacity for backups and archives.
What are the most important factors when choosing an external hard drive?
The key considerations when selecting an external hard drive for photographers include:
- Storage capacity – Adequate room for photos/videos with headroom for growth.
- File transfer speed – Faster drives improve workflow efficiency.
- Portability – If traveling often, smaller portable drives allow easy transport.
- Connectivity – Look for fast modern interfaces like USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 3 or 4, etc.
- Durability – Sturdy construction and materials to protect your data.
- Security – Encryption and password protection help safeguard sensitive files.
- Software – Backup utilities, RAID capabilities, and drive diagnostics extend functionality.
- Cost – Higher capacity and speed comes with a price premium.
- Brand reputation – Stick with reliable, established drive manufacturers.
- Warranty – Multi-year warranties provide peace of mind.
By weighing factors like these, photographers can find a high-quality external drive tailored to their specific needs and budget.
What storage capacity external hard drive is best for photographers?
Photographers should select an external hard drive that offers adequate storage capacity for their needs today while allowing room for future growth. Some guidelines on capacity:
- 2 – 4 TB – Entry-level photographers and hobbyists.
- 4 – 6 TB – Enthusiast and semi-pro photographers shooting RAW.
- 6 – 10 TB – Professional photographers with expanding image libraries.
- 10+ TB – Videographers and pros shooting very large quantities of high-res images.
It’s a good idea to buy more capacity than you need right now to account for increasing file sizes from new cameras. Hard drive prices keep dropping while camera resolution keeps rising, so why not take advantage and get some extra breathing room?
In addition to storage needs for your own current photos and videos, remember to factor in:
- Future storage needs as you continue shooting more each year.
- Keeping your entire image library available for searchability.
- Backing up your computer’s internal drive as well as external storage.
- Allowing headroom for storage hungry applications like video editing programs.
With today’s large media files and the need for redundancy, having too much storage capacity is rarely a problem. Getting a drive slightly larger than you need today can save you from running out of room too quickly.
Do photographers need SSD or HDD external drives?
Photographers can benefit from using either solid state drives (SSDs) or traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in their external storage setups. SSDs are faster, smaller and more durable, while HDDs offer larger capacities at a lower cost per terabyte. Key considerations include:
- Speed – SSDs greatly outpace HDDs in terms of transfer rate and access time. This improves workflow efficiency.
- Capacity – HDDs reach much higher total capacities, important for backups and archives.
- Durability – SSDs are more shock and vibration resistant with no moving parts.
- Portability – Smaller, lighter SSDs have an edge for travel and location shoots.
- Noise – Silent SSD operation can be beneficial in quiet settings.
- Cost – HDDs offer far more capacity per dollar compared to SSDs.
In general, photographers are best served by using SSDs for their primary image/video storage and editing drives, in order to take advantage of the speed boost to their workflows. HDDs can then provide cost-effective capacity for backups and archives that don’t need quick access speeds.
So rather than an either/or choice, a combination of fast SSDs and high-capacity HDDs gives photographers the ideal mix of performance, capacity, reliability and value in their external storage solutions.
Should photographers choose Thunderbolt or USB external drives?
When selecting an external drive, photographers must choose between Thunderbolt or USB interfaces. Both offer advantages:
- Thunderbolt – Very fast interface reaching speeds up to 40 Gb/s with Thunderbolt 3. Low latency improves workflow efficiency.
- USB – More universally compatible with different computers. Latest USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 matches Thunderbolt 3’s 20 Gb/s.
Thunderbolt pros:
- Cutting edge speeds via Thunderbolt 3/4 up to 40 Gb/s.
- Daisy chaining capability – connect multiple devices through one port.
- Low latency excellent for audio/video applications.
- Thunderbolt hubs available for connecting multiple peripherals.
USB pros:
- Even latest computers can lack Thunderbolt ports, USB is near-universal.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 now matches Thunderbolt 3’s 40 Gb/s speeds.
- Generally lower cost than Thunderbolt drives.
- Wide availability of USB drives, cables, hubs and adapters.
Photographers should weigh their specific needs and setup considerations when deciding between Thunderbolt and USB external drives. If you frequently transfer enormous files like 4K/8K video, Thunderbolt remains the fastest choice. But USB drives now offer excellent speeds too – a USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 SSD is comparable to Thunderbolt for most photographers’ workflows.
Which brands make the best external hard drives?
Certain brands stand out for consistently producing high-performance and reliable external hard drives suitable for photographers:
- Western Digital – Top selling WD My Passport and My Book drives boast good quality at reasonable prices.
- Seagate – Another dominant hard drive maker. The Backup Plus and Expansion models offer large capacities.
- Samsung – Their T5 and T7 portable SSDs are compact, sleek and blazing fast.
- G-Technology – Designed with pros in mind, G-Tech drives provide speed, durability and reliability.
- LaCie – Known for fast premium drives plus convenient data recovery services.
- SanDisk – Respectable entry-level portable SSDs at budget-friendly prices.
These major manufacturers have years of experience engineering reliable high-performance storage devices and supporting them with warranties and service programs. Photographers can count on them for quality drives with all the features and capacity they need.
What features should photographers look for in an external hard drive?
External hard drives designed for photographers should offer a mix of performance, protection, portability, and features:
- High-speed connectivity (USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 3, etc.) for fast transfers.
- Large capacity to handle photo and video files, with room to grow.
- Durable, shockproof enclosure to guard against travel mishaps.
- Portability for location shoots, unless dedicated for studio use.
- Strong encryption to secure sensitive client images.
- Backup software for convenient image redundancy.
- Good warranty from a trusted manufacturer.
- Advanced features like RAID support if needed.
Top external SSDs and HDDs designed specifically for photographers integrate these capabilities to deliver reliable performance and protection for valuable images and footage. Models like the G-Technology G-DRIVE serve up a blend of speed, durability, capacity, and software tailored for creative pros on the go.
Conclusion
Selecting the right external hard drive is an important storage decision for photographers. The ideal drive provides abundant, fast storage to efficiently manage large photo and video libraries, while still fitting within budget constraints. Portability, durability, useful features and manufacturer reputation should all be weighed when comparing drive options.
By carefully evaluating their storage needs and usage, photographers can identify the best external hard drive for their specific situations. Combining a high-speed portable SSD for active projects along with a lower-cost high-capacity desktop HDD for backups and archives is a popular solution. Equipped with a robust external storage setup, photographers gain peace of mind knowing their irreplaceable images are securely stored and readily accessible when needed.