To participate effectively in second-year photojournalism major courses at SAIT, you will need to outfit yourself with an emerging pro photographer’s kit comprised of camera, lenses, lighting, video and workflow gear.
You will continue to use the Mac computer and software required in the program’s first year.
The following camera equipment is recommended for the photojournalism major and as you build your career upon graduation.
All courses One midrange or pro digital body, either mirrorless (preferred) or digital SLR, with a frame rate of at least 5.5 frames per second and superior autofocus tracking, good high-ISO image quality and 1080p video-recording capabilityAll courses One wide-angle lens with a maximum aperture of f/4 or larger (a zoom lens is preferred, as is an f/2.8 or larger maximum aperture)All courses One telephoto zoom with a maximum aperture of f/4 or larger (an f/2.8 or larger maximum aperture is recommended)All courses One or more extra camera batteries (for a total of at least two batteries)All courses One photo backpack or other gear carrier large enough to comfortably hold your camera system and Mac laptopAll courses Four (minimum) or six (preferred) camera memory cards, with a capacity of least 32GB each, and a card wallet to hold them (plus, in most cases, an external memory card reader)<aside> 👉 Specific Canon, Nikon and Sony gear suggestions are within the sections for each brand. Those sections are linked at the end of this page.
</aside>
The accessories that follow cost approximately $2,000 and are mandatory for participation in the courses listed. To demonstrate you’ve met the photojournalism major’s gear requirements, all course-specific items must be purchased and in your possession by the second week of the semester. Failing to do so will result in one or more grade reductions and/or rejected assignments.
PHOT 320 Two portable flashes for use in a location lighting setup and on cameraPHOT 320 Wireless radio gear to control and trigger two (or more) off-camera flashesPHOT 320 Rechargeable AA batteries for any flashes and related items that require themPHOT 320 A starter light stand + light modifier kit comprised of two stands, umbrellas and umbrella swivels in a carrying bagPHOT 320 One collapsible-type grey card for setting a custom white balancePHOT 320 One set of professional-quality colour correction gels for flashPHOT 320 One small focusable flashlight for light painting (plus AAA batteries, typically)PHOT 334 One portable storage device (SSD or hard drive) with a capacity of at least 2TB, for day-to-day storage of photos and video (clips and projects)