Filmmaking encompasses different aspects, including 3D rendering, video and audio editing, color grading, and compositing students must learn to have successful careers. Filmmakers multitask a lot and work with multiple software, so having a high-quality, capable laptop is vital.
A good laptop for film students should be able to run multiple tasks and applications without draining the battery too fast or overheating. With so many laptops in the market with competing specifications, choosing the right one requires extensive research.
Here are the top-rated picks if you are in a hurry:
- Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop– Editor’s choice
- Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop– Best Value
- Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i 2022 Gaming Laptop– Best Budget
Best Laptop For Film Students Overviews- Top Picks
Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
- Processor: Apple M2 chip, 8-core
- Graphics: Apple 10-core GPU
A MacBook is a valuable investment for anyone looking for a high-performing, well-built laptop. It is worth considering if you intend to become a filmmaker since it is equipped with the features necessary to run different film-related software like Final Cut Pro.
It boasts impressive performance thanks to the 8-core Apple M2 chip. This portable powerhouse will have you completing your film assignments and projects faster, including video editing. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about having access to a power outlet when out since the Apple 2022 MacBook Pro offers up to 20 hours of battery life.
It is also fitted with studio-quality mics and an HD camera. In addition, its brightness is 500 nits, so you can view anything on your laptop without straining, regardless of the lighting situation.
Pros
- Versatile connectivity
- Excellent performance
- Brilliant display
- Easy to use
Cons
- No USB ports
Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10875H 8-core
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX-2070 Super Max-Q
This is a splendid choice for filmmakers since it is packed with performance and raw power derived from intel core i7-10875H 8-core processor. The turbo clocks attain up to 5 GHz of speed, thus ensuring great logic processing on filmmaking modules such as Renderman and Logic Pro.
When it comes to graphics, you reap the benefits of the impressive and powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX-2070 Super Max-Q. Also, the many CUDA cores and Turing Architecture deliver better 3D modeling and accelerated rendering.
You also get great compositing experience and deciphering complex 3D textures. In addition, efficient multitasking is made possible by the 16 GB RAM. On the other hand, 512 GB SSD of storage provides ample space to keep your files and data and quicken boot-up times.
Pros
- Sharp display
- Compact and thick
- Innovative cooling
- Powerful processor and graphics
Cons
- Battery life lasts only 6 hours
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i Gaming Laptop
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050Ti
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i is ideal for editing films using Adobe Premiere Pro. The mid-range device has a powerful processor and sleek design, so if you are looking for a great, affordable laptop, then this is an excellent choice.
It features a full HD 15.6-inch display that records 250 nits maximum brightness meaning you can comfortably use it outdoors. It also has wide viewing angles and excellent color accuracy. Furthermore, its thin bezels will not obstruct your view when viewing the screen at an angle.
When it comes to memory, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3i’s 8 GB of RAM can be upgraded to 16 GB. You also get to enjoy an ample 512 GB SSD to satisfy your storage needs effortlessly. The graphics are also high performing, meeting the needs of gamers and filmmakers.
The battery lasts about 7 hours, so you can do a lot of work before charging your laptop. The downside is that this laptop has subpar speakers.
Pros
- Powerful CPU
- Large storage
- Sleek design
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- It could use better speakers
Alienware m15 R4 RTX 3070 Gaming Laptop
- RAM: 16 GB DDR4
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10870H
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6
This gaming machine relies on 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10870H top run, ensuring you complete your filmmaking work on time and without issues. This laptop model has a soldered 16 GB RAM and an impressive 1TB SSD storage space, so you will never run out of space to keep your stuff, including gaming software.
The 15.6-inch display is full HD with a refresh rate of 300 Hz and a brightness of 300 nits, so you can use the laptop outdoors without straining. It is also fitted with a four-zoned RGB keyboard and great NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6.
In terms of design, this Alienware laptop does not embody a traditional laptop design but would fit in an office that is a bit futuristic. Unfortunately, the fans are loud.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Sleek design
- High performance
- Decent touchpad and keyboard
Cons
- Loud fans
- Average battery life
Buyer’s Guide For The Best Laptop For Film Students
The best laptops for film students must be to handle different software. Besides key features, you must also account for the budget since, although laptops can be expensive, you can find an affordable, reliable computer.
A massive bulk of film students’ workload is media playback, so the laptop needs to have excellent playback capabilities. It must also be portable.
Below is a summary of the minimum system specifications for a laptop for film students
- CPU: 9th Gen Intel Core i5
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- RAM: 8 GB
- Battery: Up to 4 hours
Summary
Without a dependable, well-built laptop, getting through and excelling in a film course will be tough and frustrating. Fortunately, you can easily access the laptops analyzed above, and the market offers plenty more options.