Best Unexpensive 2013-2015 15” Macbook Pro for Photo and Video Editing in 2021
When it comes to choosing an older Macbook Pro for photo and video editing, the 15” Retina models from the 2013-2015 era stand out as ideal choices. These devices provide a perfect balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, making them a great investment for multimedia professionals and enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will explore the key features and specifications to look for in these older Macs, along with a few recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting a 15” Retina Macbook Pro from 2013-2015, there are several key features and components that you should prioritize:
Retina Display: The Retina display offers exceptional clarity and color accuracy, making it an essential feature for photo and video editing. These displays provide a higher resolution and better pixel density, ensuring a detailed and vibrant viewing experience. 16GB of RAM: While 16GB of RAM was a premium feature in 2013-2015, it remains crucial for modern photo and video editing tasks. A 16GB configuration allows you to handle multiple large files, multitask efficiently, and run complex applications without performance degradation. Discrete Graphics Card: A discrete graphics card is another significant component for photo and video editing. It offloads much of the workload from the CPU, enabling smoother rendering and faster performance, especially when working with sophisticated plugins and effects. The 2013-2015 models typically come equipped with AMD Radeon HD graphics. USB 3 Ports: The presence of USB 3 ports is a notable advantage. These ports are faster and more reliable than USB 2, allowing for faster data transfer without the need for additional adapters. This is particularly useful when dealing with bulk data from multiple peripherals. Performance and Battery Life: The older models from 2013-2015 offer a significant improvement in performance and battery life compared to their predecessors. The new processors and better battery management systems provide a substantial boost, ensuring that your editing projects run smoothly for longer periods.Recommendations for 2021
Based on the features mentioned above, here are a few highly recommended 15” Retina Macbook Pros from 2013-2015 that are suitable for photo and video editing in 2021:
2013 15” Retina Macbook Pro
The 2013 15” Retina Macbook Pro is one of the more budget-friendly options while still offering excellent performance. It comes with a 2.6GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It also has an AMD Radeon HD 7730M discrete graphics card, making it capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing. The 2013 model is perfect for those looking to balance cost and performance without compromising on essential features.
2015 15” Retina Macbook Pro
The 2015 15” Retina Macbook Pro upped the ante with its improved hardware. It features a 2.3GHz Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1.8TB SSD. It also includes a better GPU, the AMD Radeon R9 M37. This model is especially suitable for those who need a little extra power and speed, especially when working with heavy 4K video projects or complex composites in Photoshop.
Real-World Experience
The author of this article has personal experience using both 2013 and 2015 15” Retina Macbook Pros for mobile editing with Adobe Cloud. These devices are perfectly adequate for basic to intermediate tasks, featuring a combination of Adobe Premiere and Photoshop. The Portables’ seamless integration with USB 3 ports allows for easy connection to external storage devices, streamlining the editing process and reducing the need for additional adapters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 15” Retina Macbook Pros from 2013-2015 are excellent choices for anyone looking to undertake photo and video editing on an older Mac. With their combination of performance, cost-effectiveness, and reliability, these devices can handle most modern editing tasks while providing a satisfactory user experience. If you’re considering upgrading or buying a newer MacBook, the older models from 2013-2015 are a safe and cost-effective option worth exploring.