32GB is the sweet spot, not overkill.

Not overkill. You probably want 32GB.

Photoshop and Lightroom will eat RAM if you give it to them, especially if you’re working with modern high-res cameras (24MP+), lots of layers, or heavy brushes. 16GB works but you’ll hit the swap file sooner than you’d like, and that’s where the stutter and beach balling starts.

If you’re just editing a few JPEGs from a phone, 16GB is fine. But if those files are RAW from a Sony A7 or whatever, or you keep a dozen tabs open while editing, 32GB lets the computer breathe. It’s a one-time cost that delays the need to upgrade for years.

Future You will thank you for not cheaping out by $80.