Equipment

WKUPJ EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST

As an incoming WKUPJ’er, making sure you have the appropriate equipment can be daunting, and perhaps even overwhelming but do not let the lack of understanding or ability to have “nice” gear limit you from following your passion.

We’re here to help!

This list, though not comprehensive, will help to demystify the “requirements” for your first year in photojournalism on the Hill. Following your freshman year, we will provide suggestions each year that should aid you in building your camera setup. 

 

YEAR BY YEAR

FRESHMAN YEAR

Our general philosophy is “come with what you have,” as long as what you have fulfills the following:

  • The camera is digital that records to a removable media card. (Such as an SD or CF card)
  • It can be a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) or a mirrorless camera.
  • If you are purchasing a new camera, it is wise to make sure that the camera has a mic jack for video recording. (This will NOT be necessary until your sophomore year but better to know now than after you purchased the camera. All cameras we recommend at the end of this post do have a mic jack)
  • You have at least one lens that is interchangeable. (Zoom or prime)
  • No, your phone camera will not work. (Although they do have their purpose and use)
  • An external hard drive to use in our lab space. (USB3 or USBC)
  • You do not need a laptop or desktop computer; our labs have the computers and software needed to complete all your assignments. Although, most students come to campus in our program with a MacBook or MacBook Pro, and some have Adobe CC software subscriptions. 
  • A dedicated flash (second semester) – that means the flash is a separate device that you mount on the camera. Dedicated means that it is designed to work with your brand and model; this will be discussed further in class.

OK, debrief time.

That sounds like a lot, but let’s go back to the “come with what you have” philosophy. Your first year is truly a time of exploration and your understanding of equipment will quickly grow by leaps and bounds. By your sophomore year, you will have a better idea of what YOU are looking for — we suggest you wait a year to invest in equipment, as long as you have the basic requirements coming in.

 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

You will start working with video with your DSLR or mirrorless camera and also start gathering audio. You also will begin working in studio and location lighting.

  • Be sure the DSLR or mirrorless camera you own by this point can shoot video. Almost all new cameras do. Make sure it has a mic jack as well. Almost all new cameras do.
  • Plan to invest in purchasing some basic level sound equipment. (Specific equipment will be discussed in video classes)
  • You will need to consider purchasing a video monopod or video tripod.
  • Many students begin to upgrade their old camera or purchase a new lens at this point.
  • Our lighting class will require a second dedicated flash, some small studio stands and a softbox.

Say what?! That sounds like a ton of money. Well, to be honest, it could be, but the faculty will provide handouts, advice and assistance in helping you find the best equipment at the best price-line. You need to remember, this is going to be your profession, you will need tools to get the job done. A plumber does not just head out to a client and expect them to provide the tools. You will need to build your own equipment list.

 

JUNIOR AND SENIOR YEAR

By this point, you should own most of the gear you need to be competitive in the marketplace. You begin to realize the direction you wish to take in your photography career and consider specific equipment that fits your needs. Maybe a second body becomes an awesome Christmas gift your junior year — or that portrait lens you have been drooling over since your second semester.

Please note, our PJ equipment locker has a large selection of gear you can use to supplement your own equipment collection. So, it is not necessary to purchase everything on this list. But, you must first successfully complete our PJ 131 course to have access to the equipment locker. Over time, you will learn what equipment YOU use most of the time and need immediate access to vs. what you may be able to wait for to checkout from our locker.

 

CAMERA TALK

Are you in the market for a new camera, but unsure where to start? Canon, Nikon and Sony are the big three camera systems out there. Other brands are great, but not used by as many people. Our locker has lenses for those three systems, so keep that in mind.

When it comes to buying a new camera, the best advice we can give is to always start with a budget and then purchase the most camera you can for that price. The more expensive a camera or lens is, the better technical quality the image will be — there really is a difference between a $500 body and a $2,000 body. But, like we said, let your budget dictate this decision.

 

SUGGESTED CAMERAS AT ECONOMY RATE ($400 TO $900)

Sony A6100 and Canon T8i

SUGGESTED CAMERAS AT MID-PRICE RANGE ($900 – $1,800)

Sony A7R II and Nikon Z50 DX

SUGGESTED CAMERA TO DREAM ABOUT ($1,800 AND UP)

Canon EOS R6 and Nikon Z& II

LENSES

  • Most of the intro-level bodies come with what is called a Kit lens. This is usually a zoom like a 16 – 100 mm with an f-stop range of f4.5 – 5.6.
  • Lenses can be very complicated. The best idea is get a kit lens and then consider options as you learn more about them.
  • A prime 50 mm 1.8 can be a very good beginner lens and can be found for a decent price. A 24-70mm or 24-105mm can be a great starter zoom lens, as well.