Quick Answers
The best external hard drive size for photos depends on your specific needs. Here are some quick answers:
- For under 1,000 photos, a 250GB drive should be sufficient.
- For 1,000 to 15,000 photos, a 500GB to 1TB drive is recommended.
- For 15,000 to 50,000 photos, a 2TB drive is ideal.
- For over 50,000 photos, consider a 4TB or larger drive.
Photo File Sizes
To determine the right external hard drive size, you first need to consider the file size of your photos. Here are some averages:
- JPEG: 1-5MB per photo
- RAW: 10-80MB per photo
- TIFF: 25-100MB per photo
RAW and TIFF files take up significantly more space than JPEGs. If you primarily shoot in RAW or TIFF, you’ll need a larger drive than if you mainly use JPEG.
Storage Space Needed
Here are some guidelines for how much storage you’ll need based on the number and type of photos:
| Number of Photos | JPEG | RAW | TIFF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1,000 | 250GB | 500GB | 500GB |
| 1,000 – 15,000 | 500GB | 1TB | 1TB |
| 15,000 – 50,000 | 1TB | 2TB | 2-4TB |
| Over 50,000 | 2TB | 4TB+ | 4TB+ |
As you can see, file formats that take up more space like RAW and TIFF require larger drives. It’s best to overestimate slightly to leave room for growth.
Disk Cache Size
In addition to storage space for the photos themselves, you need to think about disk cache. This is space used to store preview images and speed up workflow. A good rule of thumb is to have 10-20% of your total storage as cache.
So if you have a 1TB drive, 100-200GB should be left open as cache. On a 2TB drive, leave 200-400GB as cache. This free space enables faster preview loading and overall efficiency.
Drive Speed
External hard drive speed is measured by RPM (rotations per minute) or data transfer rate. Here are the specs to look for:
- 5400 RPM – Basic performance for light use
- 7200 RPM – Faster performance great for photo editing
- 10,000-15,000 RPM – Very fast drive designed for intensive work
- Thunderbolt 3 – Blazing fast data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps
- USB 3.1 – Still very quick at up to 10Gbps
For professional photo editing, a 7200 RPM drive or one with Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.1 is best. But a 5400 RPM unit is sufficient for hobbyists or casual users.
Portability
If you plan to transport your external drive to shoots, presentations, or between locations, portability is key. Look for a drive that’s compact and lightweight but still offers adequate storage and speed:
- Under 250GB – Compact portable SSD like Samsung T5
- 1TB – Slim HDD like Seagate Backup Plus Slim
- 2TB+ – Higher capacity but bulkier unit
For studio use only, a larger desktop drive is fine. But favor portable drives if mobility is important.
Reliability
Since photos are irreplaceable, reliability is a huge factor when choosing an external drive. Look for models with durable materials, shock resistance, and features to prevent data loss:
- Rugged casing – Rubber or metal material protects from drops
- Shock resistance – Withstands bumps and vibration
- Backup software – Provides automatic backup capabilities
- Password protection – Prevents unauthorized access
- High warranty coverage – 3 years or longer on average
HTTPS encryption and backup features also safeguard your precious photos from theft or corruption.
Drive Types
There are two main options when it comes to the type of external hard drive:
- HDD (hard disk drive) – Spinning disk, cheaper but slower
- SSD (solid state drive) – No moving parts, costlier but very fast
HDDs offer more storage capacity for the price. But SSDs are much faster for accessing, editing, and backing up photos. SSDs are also more compact, durable, run silent, and consume less power.
Popular Brands
Here are some top manufacturers known for reliable external hard drives:
- Western Digital (My Passport, My Book)
- Seagate (Backup Plus, Expansion)
- Samsung (Portable SSDs)
- LaCie (Rugged RAID)
- SanDisk
- G-Technology (G-Drive)
Do some research to find devices that strike the right balance of price, performance, features, and great customer reviews from photographers.
Security Features
Since external hard drives are portable, they’re at risk for theft or accidental loss. Look for security features like:
- Password protection – Secures drive access if device is lost/stolen
- Hardware encryption – Encrypts all data on the drive
- Backup software – Syncs data between multiple locations
- Multi-factor authentication – Requires multiple credentials to login
These give you peace of mind knowing your irreplaceable photo collection is protected in case of emergency.
Photo Editing Performance
If you edit photos extensively, transfer speed and access times are crucial for smooth workflow. Prioritize drives with:
- USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C – Blazing fast interface
- 7200+ RPM disk speed – Quick data access
- Large cache size – Improves preview loading
- SSD storage – No lag when accessing files
Editing RAW images with Photoshop and Lightroom requires fast scratch disk performance. Choose an external drive tailored for speed.
Long Term Storage
For archival purposes, the most important factors are reliability and durability. Seek out drives that:
- Use durable materials – Metal casings withstand drops and dings
- Have low failure rates – Research models for consistent longevity
- Include redundancy features – Some have built-in data duplication
- Offer lengthy warranties – At least 3-5 years of coverage
Ideally, keep two identical backups of your photos in different locations. Store one copy offsite for disaster recovery.
Wireless Functionality
Some external hard drives have integrated WiFi for wireless streaming and accessing files from mobile devices. Benefits include:
- No cables needed – Convenient for travel or on-location shoots
- Stream media – View photos/videos on multiple devices
- Remote access – Transfer files from anywhere
- Mobile backups – Use drive as backup for phone photos
Key brands with wireless functionality are Western Digital and Seagate. But wireless can impact battery life and transfer speeds.
Cloud Backup
While external hard drives provide physical backups, also consider cloud storage for offsite protection. Benefits include:
- Access files from anywhere – Via internet on mobile devices, laptops, etc
- Automated syncing – Files update seamlessly across devices
- Data recovery – Files restore easily in case of corruption/loss
- Sharing capability – Securely share albums with friends/clients
Top cloud services like Google Photos, Dropbox, and iCloud offer affordable long-term storage. Use in tandem with physical drives.
How Long Do External Hard Drives Last?
With proper care, most external hard drives last 3-5 years on average. But lifespan varies based on:
- Brand – Research failure rate stats
- Model – Newer models often more reliable
- Use frequency – Drives used more often tend to fail sooner
- Handling – Drops, shocks, vibrations shorten lifespan
To extend your drive’s lifespan:
- Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid humidity, heat, sunlight
- Use a protective case – Adds cushion during transport
- Eject properly – Safely eject before unplugging
- Keep partially empty – Don’t fill drive completely to capacity
With proper usage and care, an external hard drive can realistically last 5+ years before needing replacement.
Do External Hard Drives Fail?
Yes, all external hard drives will eventually fail after several years of use. Common causes of failure include:
- Mechanical failure – Moving parts break down over time
- Corrupted firmware – Software/electronics issues
- Power surges – Electrical spikes fry components
- Drops/shocks – Jolts damage internal parts
- Overheating – Excess heat degrades drive
To minimize failure risk:
- Handle gently – Avoid drops, bumps, shakes
- Use surge protector – Guards against power spikes
- Monitor temperature – Keep drive cool for optimal function
- Update firmware – Keep software up-to-date
But all drives eventually fail. Have backups and be prepared to replace drives as needed every few years.
How Are External Hard Drives Powered?
External hard drives are powered in two main ways:
- USB – Most external drives are bus-powered directly via the USB cable when connected to a laptop or desktop PC. No AC power cord is needed.
- AC adapter – Some larger capacity desktop drives require an AC power cord and transformer. The adapter converts AC wall power to DC for the drive.
Small portable drives typically use USB power, while desktop models often have AC adapters. But high capacity portable drives may also be AC powered.
Do External Hard Drives Need to Be Plugged In All the Time?
No, external hard drives do not need to be plugged in when not in use. In fact, you should disconnect or safely eject external hard drives when not in use to:
- Save energy – Reduce electricity use/costs
- Improve security – Lessen risk of power surges or data theft
- Extend longevity – Powering down reduces wear
- Free up ports – Remove clutter when not needed
However, keep drives connected when:
- Running backups – Ensure automated backups complete
- Syncing or migrating data – Keep connection active during transfers
- Actively editing files – Accessing data requires live connection
For storage only, disconnect the drive when it’s not needed to maximize performance and lifespan.
How to Use External Hard Drives Safely
To keep your external hard drive functioning safely and securely:
- Handle with care – Avoid drops, shocks, liquids
- Disconnect when transporting – Prevent damage due to vibration
- Use a surge protector – Guards against power fluctuations
- Secure physically – Keep in locked safe when not in use
- Create backups – Have duplicate copies as contingency
- Encrypt drive – Adds layer of security if lost or stolen
Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper usage conditions and maintenance. Handle external drives with care to maximize their safe lifespan.
Conclusion
Choosing the right external hard drive for your photo storage needs comes down to capacity, speed, portability, and reliability. Calculate your current and future usage to determine the ideal size. Larger drives provide more room to grow. Faster RPM, data transfer speeds, and SSD technology improve performance. And durable designs withstand the rigors of travel and daily use.
Brand, warranty coverage, and security features also affect which drive is best for your needs and budget. Be sure to keep backups as no drive lasts forever. With proper care and maintenance, an external hard drive can safely store your cherished photo memories for years to come.
