Photographers can take hundreds—even thousands—of high-resolution photos during a single photoshoot. Since the space requirements of those digital files can add up quickly, many photographers find themselves needing external storage drives to supplement the storage cards installed on their cameras.
Many photographers choose to store their pictures as uncompressed RAW images because they offer the highest level of detail in the photos. But RAW images—as well as any high-resolution video you may take—compound your storage requirements when working in the field. This makes external hard drives all but required equipment for both amateur and professional photographers.
Which external drive is better: external hard drives or SSDs?
While external hard drives and external solid-state drive (SSDs) each offer the benefits of portable storage for high-resolution images, external hard drives tend to be sought out because of their superior storage capacities, which allows photographers to fully support their external storage requirements at a cost-effective price.
That said, some photographers may choose to supplement their storage with an external SSD, and some photographers may invest in multiple external drives to make sure they have enough storage to capture all the photos they take outside the studio.
What size external drive do photographers need?
Most photographers will require an external hard drive that offers multiple terabytes (TB) of storage. But the total storage capacity required can depend on many different factors, including:
- Whether you are storing RAW images and/or high-resolution video.
- The amount of time you may be working in the field before you can transfer your files to more permanent storage.
- The typical number of photos you take on a single photoshoot.
Best high-capacity external hard drives for photographers.
When taking photos in the field, professional and amateur photographers need high-capacity storage that ensures they never have to worry about running out of space. Here are some of the best external hard drives to consider for your photo library.
Seagate expansion desktop.
Seagate expansion desktop is an excellent solution for photographers requiring vast amounts of storage space. With capacities up to 24TB, this drive is ideal for storing large photo libraries, high-resolution video files, and project backups.
Key features:
- Available in capacities up to 24TB.
- USB 3.0 connectivity for fast data transfers.
- Simple plug-and-play setup for ease of use.
Best for: Photographers with extensive media collections or those who frequently deal with large video files.
LaCie 2big RAID.
LaCie 2big RAID is designed for photographers and creative professionals who require high-capacity, high-performance storage for handling large photo and video projects. With RAID configuration options and enterprise-class drives, LaCie 2big RAID provides reliable speed, capacity, and data redundancy.
Key features:
- Capacities ranging from 4TB to 48TB.
- RAID 0/1 configuration for performance or redundancy.
- USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for fast data transfers.
- Rescue Data Recovery Services for added security.
Best for: Photographers and creatives who need a dependable, high-capacity solution with options for performance or data protection.
LaCie d2 Professional 4TB
LaCie d2 Professional 4TB is a robust desktop hard drive designed for photographers and other creative professionals who need reliable, high-capacity storage for their work. It offers fast transfer speeds and seamless compatibility with modern devices, making it ideal for photographers working with large files or extensive media libraries.
Key features:
- 4TB capacity, with options available up to 24TB.
- USB-C and USB 3.1 Gen 2 connectivity for compatibility with current devices.
- Speeds up to 290MB/s for fast data transfers.
- Aluminum unibody design for reduced noise and vibration.
- Rescue Data Recovery Services and a five-year warranty.
Best for: Photographers who need reliable, high-capacity desktop storage with fast performance and durable design.
Seagate One Touch hub.
Seagate One Touch hub combines high-capacity storage with an aesthetically pleasing design and convenient front-facing USB ports. This drive is designed for photographers who need ample storage and stylish—yet functional—desktop equipment.
Key features:
- Capacities up to 16TB.
- Two front-facing USB 3.0 ports for extra connectivity.
- Sleek design with a fabric top for an elegant look.
- Seagate Toolkit for seamless backups.
Best for: Photographers seeking a mix of high storage capacity, additional device connectivity, and a visually appealing design.
Best Rugged and durable external hard drives for photographers out in nature.
When photographers venture into the wild, they must be prepared to face challenging environments and harsh elements. Durable storage for photo files is essential. Here are some of our recommendations for rugged external hard drives that stand up against difficult outdoor conditions.
LaCie Rugged USB-C
LaCie Rugged USB-C is designed for photographers who often shoot in harsh outdoor environments. Its rugged build, which protects against shocks, dust, and water, makes it a reliable companion for fieldwork and travel.
Key features:
- Available in HDD capacities up to 5TB.
- Shock, dust, and rain-resistant for durability in extreme environments.
- USB-C connectivity for compatibility with modern devices.
Best for: Outdoor photographers who need a rugged drive to keep their files safe during travel and in unpredictable conditions.
LaCie Rugged Mini.
LaCie Rugged Mini offers a compact, durable design that’s perfect for photographers who need a portable yet tough external hard drive. It’s resistant to water, pressure, and drops, making it ideal for those shooting in the field.
Key features:
- Capacities up to 4TB.
- Water, drop, and pressure-resistant build for extra protection.
- USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfers.
Best for: Photographers who need a durable, portable hard drive for extreme weather and physical environments.
Seagate Backup Plus portable.
Although not specifically marketed as rugged, the Seagate Backup Plus portable offers a durable design and up to 5TB of storage. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who need a balance of portability, capacity, and durability.
Key features:
- Available in capacities up to 5TB.
- Slim profile and lightweight design for easy transport.
- Durable build, making it suitable for everyday use.
Best for: Photographers who prioritize portability and a lightweight design, without sacrificing storage capacity.
Key features photographers should look for in an external hard drive.
Every photographer should purchase an external hard drive that offers the best fit with their storage needs and their intended use of the device. From capacity and performance to portability and security, here are the features you’ll want to consider when choosing your new external hard drive.
Storage capacity.
Large amounts of storage space are needed for high-resolution images. However, the kind of photos and videos you plan to take and save—as well as the quantity of data you require to fit on a single external hard drive—can influence your specific storage capacity requirements.
Photographers and videographers storing RAW images and high-resolution video files, for example, are likely to need greater storage capacity than hobbyists. But photographers taking multi-day trips into nature also need high-capacity storage to hold all of the photos they capture until they can transfer those photos to permanent storage.
Consider your personal photography practices when determining the amount of storage you need, and consider buying a larger external hard drive so you never run out of space. Higher capacity storage also offers a future-proofing benefit by giving you wiggle room as the volume of your photo-taking—and the size of those photo files—increases over time.
Speed and performance.
Higher read/write speeds allow you to quickly transfer larger photo and video files. If you do a lot of batch processing or editing directly from your external drive, faster read/write speeds will help you get your work done efficiently.
But speed and performance must be balanced with your storage capacity needs. While solid-state drives (SSDs) offer faster read/write speeds than hard drives, they can’t match the storage capacity of hard drives.
On the other hand, hard drives give you the best storage capacity options, but come with lower read/write speeds. Ultimately, every photographer must identify the balance of performance and capacity that best suits their storage needs.
Portability.
Portability is essential for photographers who travel or work in the field. But portability and capacity are often at odds with one another when choosing an external drive. The because more portable drives tend to offer more limited storage capacity, while higher capacity drives are larger and more difficult to move.
Photographers who are often on the move may want to prioritize compact, lightweight drives. Consider investing in external drives that offer built-in cables to limit the total space requirements of this hardware, as well as the dimensions of the drive itself.
Compatibility and connectivity.
Every photographer should verify an external drive’s compatibility with their desktop and/or laptop before purchasing the storage hardware. These storage drives come with connectivity options such as USB 3.0, USB-C, and Thunderbolt connections that must be compatible with your other devices. Verify the drive works with your computer’s operating system as well.
Keep in mind different connections offer different transfer speeds, which can affect your drive performance. Thunderbolt is the fastest connection option followed by USB-C.
For the best long-term value in your storage investment, seek out drives that offer the latest connectivity standards. This will help future-proof your storage setup as storage technology continues to improve over time.
Durability and ruggedness.
For the best long-term value in your storage investment, seek out drives that meet the best durability standards. Durability is critical for photographers who often work in harsh environments.
Look for rugged, shockproof, and water-resistant designs that withstand the challenging environments where you plan to work. External hard drives specifically designed for rugged conditions may feature rubber casings, metal enclosures, and shock-absorbing features to enhance drive protection.
Data security.
Data security should be a priority for photographers handling sensitive or high-value images. Look at drives offering hardware and software-based encryption, password protection, biometric authentication, and other security features.
Encryption is particularly important for any photographer handling confidential client photos or valuable creative work. Encryption— combined with other backup strategies—can also mitigate the risk of data loss or theft.
Why choose Seagate for your hard drive needs?
When shopping for the best external hard drives for photographers, keep in mind Seagate offers a wide range of external hard drives designed to accommodate the many different needs and priorities of today’s working photographers.
Here are some of the reasons why amateur and professional photographers should consider a Seagate external hard drive.
History and expertise.
Seagate has been a trusted storage solutions leader for decades, delivering quality solutions for personal, professional, and enterprise customers.
Our award-winning background in this industry means our storage drives are built to deliver a long-lasting, high-performance storage experience that meets the highest standards for quality assurance.
Reliability and performance.
All Seagate hard drives are carefully designed and thoroughly tested, giving our customers peace of mind that each device is built to pass the test of time. Our external hard drives offer the durability needed to support a long lifespan and reliable data storage.
We equip our hard drives and other storage solutions with leading hardware and software to deliver best-in-class performance for every Seagate customer.
Customer support and industry-leading warranties.
Each Seagate external hard drive is backed by a limited manufacturer warranty, as well as Rescue Data Recovery Services and other forms of support.
We prioritize customer satisfaction with every Seagate purchase. Whether you have questions about your product or need help addressing a technical issue, our dedicated support team is ready to help.
Next Steps with Seagate
Whether you need high transfer speeds, rugged storage, space-efficient storage capacity, or all the above, Seagate can help you find the best external hard drive to support your work as a photographer. With a vast inventory of diverse external storage solutions, Seagate has what you need to thrive in the field.
