Laptops for Travel Photography
If your traveling for longer than a two week holiday, using a camera with a sensor 10MP or higher to shoot your photographs and are planning to shoot lots of photographs, then carrying enough memory cards for your trip my not be practical, cost affective or secure. In many countries internet cafes are plentiful and you will be able to burn your photos onto CDs, however a great way to manage your photos while you travel is to have a laptop or notebook. Carrying a portable computer, (laptop or Notebook), gives you optimum flexibility over managing your photographs when your on the road.
When selecting and buying a computer for Travel photography you need to consider the following factors;
Memory
Your photographs will need considerably more memory or RAM, to process quickly, than text files. Your computer will also need to have a decent hard-disk to store your files and to store image editing software.
The specifications of the computer you choose will depend on how many photographs you intend on taking, how big the image file of your photographs is and the image editing software your require. Most professional photographers have two computers, a laptop or notebook for travel and a desktop computer with the biggest screen they can afford for the office or home.
External hard disks, (Hard drives), are also a great way of storing your images if you have a computer with a smaller than required hard disk.
If you capture your images in JPEG with a 10MP or higher compact camera or DSLR the following is the minimum recommended;
- 2 GB RAM
- 160 GB hard disk
Strength, Size and Weight
Before buying a laptop for travel photography you need to consider the type of traveling you will be doing. Your computer needs to be strong and well made to sustain different conditions of travel. Its important to travel as lightly as possible so the size and weight is something you need to carefully think about. Laptops are getting smaller and lighter which is great for the travel photographer.
Battery Life and Power considerations
You need to think about how long the battery is going to last, you don’t want to constantly be requiring a power supply. You may want to consider taking a spare battery. With batteries your aim is for a light long lasting battery, Lithian ion batteries are great for this.
You need to make sure that you are able to charge your battery from either 110V(America) and 240V(Rest of the world). Most laptops are multi-voltage as they are built with travel in mind.
Security
Traveling with a laptop can be risky, after all they don’t come cheap and everyone knows that. You will need separate insurance for your computer. When choosing a laptop for travel its best not to opt for the most expensive money can buy. Don’t be paranoid, theft is rare and there are some processions you can take to help keep your laptop safe;
-Its best not to stay in shared hostels with a laptop, let alone your expensive camera equipment. If you have to USE the hostels safe.
-Don’t use a laptop bag. Protect your laptop in a protective sleeve and use an ordinary bag to carry it in.
-Its not always a good idea to use your laptop in public areas. Use your discretions and be private about your laptop.
-When in transit always carry your laptop with your camera in a bag on your body.
-Don’t leave your laptop in cars or left luggage at train stations or airports.
You can read more about keeping your photography kit safe when traveling.
Packing Considerations
You need to think about how you are going to pack and carry your laptop safely and securely. As I mentioned above, its a really good idea not to ‘flash the cash’ with a snazzy laptop bag. You need to cushion your laptop well, although good laptops should survive small bumps and nocks. You can buy tight fitting covers with provide good protection against dust and small prangs, you can they put it into a back pack for travel. You can also buy back pack laptop bags with provide optimum protection. Its best not to store your laptop in a big backpack.
Laptops
Netbooks
