Digital photographers have to process and store image files somewhere, either locally or in the cloud. The demand for space increases with file size, especially when shooting RAW with high-MP sensors, and designing the best array of devices to process, store, and archive image files is challenging. In most instances hard disk drives (HDD) still afford the most practical and economical solution for at least part of a local system.
The field of HDD manufacturers has changed a bit in recent years, but Western Digital is still regarded very favorably and continues to make improvements in the spinning disk platform. Just announced are enhancements to their line of WD Black desktop hard drives claiming performance increases of up to 48% in the 4TB model. That’s a big deal. Understand that these are premium drives with 7,200rpm spindle speed, 64MB cache, SATA 6Gb/s connectivity, and a 5-year limited warranty, and will cost more than a run-of-the-mill HDD of the same capacity, but the results should be pleasing. If you go to buy one, make sure you are very specific with the model number (WD4003FZEX for 4TB model) to get the latest version.