Film making is a process that requires a lot of hard work and the best quality resources. If you want to pursue it as a professional, you have to go through a lot of audio, video editing, and 3D rendering, that too by maintaining the quality of the recorded video. Selecting a laptop for reliable filming is important because sometimes you may need to record a video suddenly and edit it. Only a durable device would help you to do it.
Students must be aware of the software performing particular tasks for editing, composing, 3D modeling, and so on. Some software used frequently by film students are:
· Cyber Link PowerDirector, Pinnacle Studio for video editing.
· Adobe After Effects for compositing.
· Houdini, Cinema 4D, Autodesk 3ds Max for 3D modeling.
· Red Giant Magic Bullet, Adobe Premiere Pro for color grading.
· Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, GarageBand for audio editing.
One clear thing is that not all specifications fit in a single device. There are many software preferences of yourself as well as your institute. Based on your requirements, you can ignore some of the features of your electronic device. For example, the selection of screen quality is the most important factor for filmmaking. If you have some extra money, you can go for a 4K OLED display, but it drains a lot of energy from the device. An IPS HD Panel is best for film production.
Besides the display, the processor of your device must be powerful enough to process all your data. The GPUs should be of the best quality to handle all your graphics work, and battery life must be for several hours to help you to complete your work without getting into trouble.
Recommended Specifications for Laptops of Film Students
There are some specifications that must be present in the laptops of film students for the efficient completion of their work. These are:
CPU
The processor of the portable computer is either Intel or AMD. The Intel processors are much better than the AMD. Try to buy a laptop with A Quad or Six-Core i7 8th,9th, or 10th generation processor as they are faster and efficient, but if you have to buy an AMD processor, make sure it is Ryzen with H. For example, Ryzen 9 4800HS.
RAM
8 GB RAM is ok for film students, but it does not do well mostly. Ideally, buy a laptop with at least 16GB RAM. You can also upgrade 8 GB RAM later up to 16 GB.
GPU
A dedicated GPU is best for graphics work if you have to use various effects during your work. The workstation GPUs are useless for film students, and try to avoid the entry-level GPUs too if your requirements are higher.
Display
The display should be wide enough to view the small details on the screen. At least 15 inches widescreen is good for your work. It should be a bright LED one with a minimum 1920×1080 screen resolution for doing multiple tasks with ease. Do remember, more resolution would consume a large amount of battery life.
Storage
Buy a laptop with SSD storage instead of HDD as it is much faster and efficiently stores all your data in less than no time. During film making, you have to use and save high volumes of data, including audio, videos, and much more. Many software lags on HDD storage. You require at least 512 GB of SSD storage or 128/256 GB SSD + 1TB HDD for all your data.
Weight
Film students have to travel a lot for filmmaking. So, their portable computers must be weighed approximately 3 to 4 pounds to carry them easily. The thickness should be less, too, to adjust it in the small space. One drawback of this specification is that power with portability makes the laptops out of budget for many students.
Battery life
The battery life must be enough to keep you connected with your work and save you from the trouble of finding a power supply source. You need at least 4 to 5 hours of battery to complete your tasks.
Others
For wired connections, USB Type C port or thunderbolt 3 must be available for fast data transfer and sharing.
Top Best Laptops for Film Students
Following are the reviews of some laptops having all the necessary specifications to help you in film making.
1. Razer Blade 15
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Processor: 5 GHz core_i7_family
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Memory Speed: 2933 MHz
Hard Drive: Flash Memory Solid State
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q
Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Card Description: Dedicated
Graphics Card Ram Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Windows 10
Item Weight: 8.7 pounds
Product Dimensions: 13.98 x 0.78 x 9.25 inches
Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 3
Battery life: Up to 6 hours
Review
Razer Blade 15 is the best choice available in the market for filmmaking students. It is as powerful and portable as MacBook with the Windows operating system. The Hexa-Core Intel i7-10750H processor with turbo speed up to 5GHz is best for processing all your data and using software used for film production like Logic Pro etc.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Max-Q GPU provides you with the best rendering and 3D modeling experience with its best graphics. The 16 GB of RAM helps you in the completion of many tasks simultaneously efficiently. The 512GB Solid-state drive, with its fast speed, stores all your data quickly and allows the user to install and use various software and application. Your 3D models and large projects are saved with this storage.
The 15.6 Inches widescreen with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixels and HD Panel gives bright and vivid visuals with the best clarity. The color reproduction quality is just amazing. The keyboard of this portable computer is backlit, which helps in typing in dark areas too. The webcam and audio sources are of the highest quality. So, your recording’s editing would be remarkable with this device.
Among the different ports available in this device, thunderbolt 3 is desirable because of its fast speed data transferability and pairing ability to external monitors without lagging. The battery lasts for approximately 6 hours which is quite enough for a device with such powerful specifications.
Pros
The display of this laptop is amazing, with a high-quality processor and thunderbolt 3 bolt for the best experience.
Cons
The keyboard is shallow.
2. MSI P65 Creator
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 Pixels
Processor: 2.6 GHz core_i7
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Memory Speed: 4.5 GHz
Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB GDDR6
Card Description: Dedicated
Operating System: Windows 10
Item Weight: 4.19 pounds
Product Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.2 x 0.7 inches
Wireless Type: Bluetooth
Battery life: up to 8 hours
Review
If your budget is not limited, you can buy MSI P65 Creator that has all the specifications needed for film making as well as many entertainment activities. It is the best laptop for film students stuffed with higher configurations. This laptop comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor, which is efficient enough for editing of audio and videos. Multitasking becomes easy with this device. You can navigate through various windows at a time. The clock speed of 4.5GHz enables the smooth running of all your programs.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6GB of GDDR6 ensures the handling of video editing and 3D modeling using different apps. The 16 GB of RAM works best with a powerful processor and speeds up the processing of data. The 512 GB of SSD storage with Window 10 operating system is all your requirements demand.
The 15.6-inch 4K panel gives a clear view to filmmaking students. The resolution is much better for viewing minor details of data being edited. The fingerprint sensor technology keeps your data safe from unauthorized access. The backlit keyboard, high-end webcam, and speakers are good enough for all of your demands. It is lightweight with just 4.9 pounds and 0.63 inches of thickness, making it the best portable device available. The battery lasts for 8 hours, which is best with such amazing specs.
Pros
With a powerful processor, amazing battery life, and best display, it is the best laptop a film student could get.
Cons
Systems are hard to maintain.
3. Dell XPS 15
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
Processor: 4.5 GHz core_i7_family
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Memory Speed: 2666 MHz
Hard Drive: 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Card Description: Dedicated
Graphics Card Ram Size: 4 GB
Operating System: Windows 10
Item Weight: 5.5 pounds
Product Dimensions: 9.27 x 14.06 x 0.66 inches
Wireless Type: 802.11bgn
Number of USB 2.0 Ports: 1
Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 2
Battery life: up to 8 hours
Review
This laptop is not too expensive, so you can get powerful specifications at a lesser price. The Hexa-Core Intel Core i7-9750H CPU with 4.5 GHz clock speed handles all your demanding tasks efficiently. The NVIDIA GeForce 1650 GPU is compatible with various applications for editing purposes.
The 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage are for the quick access and saving of all your heavy data. Your projects and work data are safe in this device. The preloaded Window 10 is compatible with almost all the software required by filmmakers. The widescreen with better resolution helps a lot during audio and video editing and provides a clear view.
The keyboard is backlit with a responsive touchpad, and the sound output is amazing. Built-in webcam and microphone are available for video conferences and other purposes. This sleek and lightweight model is easy to carry, and an adjustable and long-lasting battery provides several hours of continuous work. All these features make it the best laptop for film making.
Pros
The powerful processor with a vibrant display, backlit keyboard, amazing storage, and long battery life is all you need for an exceptional filmmaking experience.
Cons
The quality of the keyboard is average.
4. HP Spectre x360 15t
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 3840×2160 Pixels
Processor: 2.6 GHz core_i7
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Memory Speed: 4.5 GHz
Hard Drive: 1 TB SSD
Graphics Coprocessor: Nvidia
Chipset Brand: Intel
Card Description: Dedicated
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Item Weight: 4.81 pounds
Product Dimensions: 14.22 x 9.84 x 0.76 inches
Wireless Type: Bluetooth
Average Battery Life (in hours): 15 Hours
Review
Most of the filmmaking students have to travel a lot to get practical experience. So, they need a device that is sleek and lightweight, making it easy to carry and fit in. keeping it interest, HP Spectre x360 15t is here in the list.
With an Intel Core i7-9750H processor having six cores, you can handle various tasks with ease. Dedicated graphics enable the best quality 3D modeling and rendering with its 4 GB VRAM. The 16 GB RAM process all your data efficiently and enables multitasking without causing any fuss. Window 10 is preinstalled in it to support all your programs and software. The 512 GB of SSD storage is enough for all your data, including audios, videos, and documents.
This laptop comes with 15.6 inches 4K display having a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with Corning Gorilla Glass support to provide the best visuals. The backlit keyboard makes it easy to type in dim light with ease. A high-quality webcam and microphone are ideal for video calling. Its stylish design is appealing to customers.
Different ports are available in it for wired connections with other devices to transfer and share your data. The battery lasting for up to 15 hours is remarkable to get your work done without the trouble of recharging it several times a day. It is portable and efficient, making it an ideal choice for filmmaking students.
Pros
It is portable with a powerful processor, bright display, and ideal battery life.
Cons
It is a bit heavier.
5. Asus ZenBook 15
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Processor: 4.9 GHz apple_ci7
RAM: 16 GB LPDDR3
Hard Drive: 1 TB Flash Memory Solid State
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q
Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Card Description: Dedicated
Graphics Card Ram Size: 4 GB
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Item Weight: 3.64 pounds
Product Dimensions: 13.9 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
Wireless Type: Bluetooth, 802.11ax
Number of USB 3.0 Ports: 3
Battery life: Up to 9 hours
Review
ASUS ZenBook is an ultra-portable and best quality notebook for a student. The Intel Core i7, with its clock speed, handles all your data smoothly and enables the completion of complex editing tasks. 3D modeling and rendering are much easier and efficient with their dedicated graphics.
16 GB RAM is enough for performing various tasks simultaneously and provides you with quick access to your data. When we talk about its 1TB SSD storage, it is the best quality of this laptop because film making requires storing of many heavy videos and audio files. Windows 10 is compatible with many editing and composing software.
The 15.6-inch Full HD panel is enough to use two windows side by side for fast working. Minor details of your videos appear on the large screen that makes editing much easier. A facial recognition feature is available in it to keep your device safe from any other person. The keyboard is backlit and comfortable for typing, even in low-intensity light.
It weighs just 3.6 pounds with approximately 9 hours of battery life, making it ideal for long hours of routine work and easy to carry without any problem. It is the best quality laptop for excellent and smooth usage of filmmaking programs and applications.
Pros
The display quality of ASUS ZenBook is best with portable design and efficient cooling system technology.
Cons
Thunderbolt 3 port is unavailable for fast data transfer.
6. Apple MacBook Pro
Specifications
Display: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology
Screen resolution: 2560-by-1600 pixels with support for millions of colors
Processor: System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 16-core Neural Engine
Graphics and Video Support: Apple 8-core GPU
Charging and Expansion: Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports with support for Charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 3 (up to 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)
Wireless: 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible. Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
Weight: 2.8 pounds (1.25 kg)
Product Dimensions: 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches
Review
MacBooks are always well known for their powerful processors and best working ability. These are expensive but the best gadget for a film student. The 9th gen Intel Core i7 processor gives the best performance during multitasking with its clock speed. It enables the smooth working of editing applications like Logic Pro X and Illustrator.
Its memory and storage are enough for an efficient running of all the desired applications compatible with the Mac operating system and quickly save your edited videos for later use. The display of this MacBook with 3072 x 1920 pixels of resolution provides a clear and vivid view of your data. The keys of the keyboard are well spaced for easy typing and especially for scriptwriting and other assignments.
Thunderbolt 3 port available in it is the fastest source of transferring data through a wired connection. Along with it, other ports are available too for meeting many demands. The battery lasts for approximately 11 hours which is good enough for a whole day’s use. Other variations of it are available too with different specifications and prices. You can buy the one with the best specifications to meet your requirements.
Pros
The processor of this laptop is powerful, memory can be upgraded, and thunderbolt 3 port is available, providing you with best-wired connections.
Cons
These laptops are costly.
7. Lenovo Yoga 730
Specifications
Standing screen display size: 15.6 Inches
Screen Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
Processor: 1.8 GHz core_i7
RAM: 16 GB DDR4
Memory Speed: 1.8 GHz
Hard Drive: 512 GB SSD
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Card Description: Dedicated
Operating System: Windows 10
Item Weight: 4.17 pounds
Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
Wireless Type: 802.11ac
Battery life: Up to 9 hours
Review
Different applications used by filmmakers demand a powerful processor; that is why we added Lenovo Yoga 730 to the list. The brilliant display with 30 degrees of rotation ability is available to use according to your own ease.
The 8th generation Quad-Core processor is best for the exceptional completion of multiple tasks. The dedicated graphics fulfills all the demands of heavy activities of film making. 16 GB RAM ensures the smooth and reliable running of all the applications, and 512 GB SSD storage quickly saves the added data. Preloaded Windows 10 Home supports all the programs on your device.
The 15.6-inch Ultra HD screen with IPS Panel and 3840 x 2160 pixels of native resolution gives the best output during editing and other tasks. A full-size keyboard is present in this model for fast and comfortable typing. The touchpad is responsive, and a fingerprint reader is available for keeping your device secure. It weighs 4.17 pounds, making it difficult to carry. The battery lasts for many hours.
Pros
Its design is attractive for many users. Fingerprint technology is available, and SSD storage is all you want for your data. Thunderbolt 3 port is available, enabling fast data transfer.
Cons
The keyboard is shallow, and the USB Type C port is unavailable.
Conclusion
Seven laptops we reviewed in this list are added, keeping in view the preferences of the students. These gadgets support the working of various applications used for film making. You may need to compromise on some specifications based on your preference, especially the portability and power of your portable computer.
There are some budget-friendly options too. You can buy the best laptop according to your needs and requirements. Never try to waste your money on useless specifications.
