Journalism Program First-Year Gear List

Jump to a section:

• Computer and software requirements
  • Mac laptops
  • Software requirements
  • Adapters and card reader
• Portable storage device
• Smartphone
• Photography equipment
  • Camera and lens recommendations
  • External flash options
  • Memory cards
• Optional accessories
• FAQ

Computer and software requirements

SAIT Journalism is a bring-your-own-device program with custom hardware and software requirements. The following computer equipment and software, at minimum, is needed:

• By your first week of classes:
  • A Mac laptop with an Apple Silicon chip (M2 or newer) running macOS Sequoia or newer.
  • Microsoft 365 apps installed and activated (your SAIT tuition includes full Microsoft 365 access, so a separately purchased license isn’t necessary.)
• By your second week of classes:
  • Camera Bits Photo Mechanic, Standard version, installed and activated using a purchased subscription.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan, installed and activated using a purchased subscription.
  • A portable storage device (hard drive or SSD) with a capacity of at least 2TB.
  • A USB multi-port adapter with a memory card reader (if the Mac laptop you select lacks a built-in card reader for your camera’s card type.)
  • A smartphone with an active cellular data plan.

Mac laptops

You'll need a Mac laptop that meets these minimum requirements and is approximately $1,200 (including a multi-port adapter and card reader):

• 13-inch MacBook Air (June 2022 or newer)
• Apple M2 chip
• 16 GB RAM or greater
• 256 GB or greater solid-state drive (SSD)
• 2 x Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
• macOS Sequoia or newer
• Up-to-date antivirus and malware protection software
• USB-C port adapter with Ethernet, memory card reader, 4K/60Hz HDMI and 2 x USB-A

Apple Canada offers discounts to post-secondary students on Mac laptops (and other products). You can expect to be asked to show your SAIT ID or other student ID at the time of pickup. If you order online from the Apple Store for delivery to your home, Apple Canada may ask for additional information from you to prove your student status before granting the discount. Apple Canada also sells refurbished Macs at lower prices.

If the Mac laptop you choose is a model like the MacBook Air, which only has ports that utilize a USB-C connector, be sure to get a multi-port adapter and card reader accessory as well.

In your first-semester photo course, you’ll be taken through the process of automatically and regularly backing up your entire Mac so that you minimize the risk of losing the many gigabytes of pictures, video, articles, layouts and other content you’ll create as a journalism student. To perform this backup, you’ll need a portable storage device.

Software requirements

Subscription-based licenses for the following Mac software are required:

• Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan (latest release, active subscription). You’ll use several Creative Cloud apps, including Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, Illustrator and Express. As a student, you’re eligible for Adobe’s Students Plan subscription discount.
• Camera Bits Photo Mechanic, Standard version (latest release, active subscription). SAIT journalism students can purchase an annual subscription at a discount. You will be provided with additional information about the Photo Mechanic licensing process in your first-year photo course.
• Microsoft 365 apps (latest release, active subscription). As a SAIT student, you’ll automatically be licensed under SAIT’s Microsoft 365 subscription and have access to all its features at no additional cost, including unrestricted use of apps such as Word and Excel.

Multi-port adapter and card reader

To simultaneously connect a portable hard drive, AC power, Ethernet and, in some instances, a memory card reader and an external monitor to a recent-vintage MacBook Air or similar laptop, you'll likely need a multi-port adapter and card reader accessory.

For instance, if your Mac laptop has only USB-C ports and no memory card slot, then the following adapter will supplement the computer with the necessary additional connections to attach a portable drive, Ethernet and power at the same time. It also incorporates an SD card reader and 4K resolution/60Hz refresh rate HDMI port:

• Dockteck 7-in-1 USB-C Multiport Adapter with 4K 60Hz, 1Gbps Ethernet, 100W Power Delivery, SD/TF Card Slots, USB 3.0 5Gbps Data Ports (aluminum version, model DD0003.) If purchasing from Amazon Canada, search for ASIN number B08SLS9W72.

Portable storage device

A portable storage device (2.5-inch hard drive or SSD) will be an essential component of your computer backup strategy, not only for your photos but for everything you create as a SAIT journalism student.

Choose a model that connects to a USB port on either the computer or multi-port adapter. Be sure to purchase a model that doesn’t require an additional power supply to operate and includes a cable with a USB connector, either USB-A or USB-C, that’s compatible with the adapter’s and/or computer’s ports. Plus, it's a good idea to select one that provides a basic level of protection against rough handling.

The capacity must be 2TB or more.

Our primary recommendation is the LaCie Rugged Mini, with a capacity of 2TB. This ruggedized hard drive will better withstand the daily transport and heavy use it’ll see during your time as a student and beyond. Plus, the Rugged Mini has served students well for several years.

It’s unwise to purchase a non-ruggedized drive, as you put your backup at greater risk of loss. If, however, the Rugged Mini isn’t available, then look at a standard portable drive from Seagate, one in their Basic Portable, Backup Plus Slim, Backup Plus Portable or Expansion Portable lines.

If you do go the standard portable drive route, be sure to get a protective carrying case that will hold the drive and its cable.

An SSD-based portable storage device is another option. That said, the faster performance, smaller physical size and greater durability advantages that SSDs have over hard drives don’t matter as much when the device is to be used for backup. Particularly factoring in the higher cost of SSDs for a given capacity. That said if you’d prefer to get an SSD, either the Samsung T7 Shield or Crucial X9 Pro are recommended.

Smartphone

You will make use of a smartphone throughout your SAIT journalism training, though there might not be specific lessons related to this device in the program’s first semester. Come equipped with either an iPhone (preferred) or Android-based smartphone and an active cellular data plan (5 GB/month minimum.)

Photography equipment

You'll need a camera, two lenses, two memory cards and an external flash, costing between $600 and $2,000 in total, depending on the gear you choose. The requirements are summarized below, with specific model suggestions:

• By your first week of classes:
  • One mirrorless (preferred) or digital SLR interchangeable-lens camera with:
    • a resolution of 18 megapixels or higher
    • decent image quality at higher ISO (light sensitivity) settings
    • a frame rate of at least 3.5 frames per second (fps)
    • superior autofocus tracking of moving subjects (mirrorless or digital SLR)
    • eye-detect autofocus capability when tracking moving subjects (mirrorless)
    • support for high-speed flash sync
    • 1080p video capture
    • built-in full-featured Wi-Fi.
  • One wide angle-to-telephoto zoom lens
  • Two 16GB or larger memory cards
• By week 8 of classes:
  • One fixed focal length (non-zoom) lens with a maximum aperture between f/1.2 and f/2.8
• By week 12 of classes:
  • One fully compatible flash with a tilt/swivel head and through-the-lens (TTL) flash exposure support plus one set of rechargeable AA batteries (if the selected flash model requires AAs)

Camera and lens recommendations

When shopping for the camera bodies, look for kits that also include one of the recommended zoom lenses. Kits are almost always less expensive than buying the same body and lens separately.

Top recommended camera body and essential lenses

Option 1: Sony α6400 cropped sensor mirrorless

The α6400 is really good overall and the best first-year option if you intend to enter the photojournalism major in journalism’s second year. It’s a capable camera, and Sony provides a more affordable upgrade path to professional mirrorless gear for the photo major and beyond. The cost savings, over time, can be significant.

One of the following wide-angle-to-telephoto zoom lenses:

• Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II (its zoom range is limited, but it’s also less expensive)
• Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (an older, slower-focusing version of the above lens)
• Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (the best value, when purchased in a bundle with the α6400)
• Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS (superior in most respects to the 18-135mm, but more expensive than the 18-135mm when that lens is packaged with the α6400)
• Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for Sony E
• Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Sony E (the best overall lens in this group, and also the most expensive)

One of the following fixed focal length lenses:

• Viltrox AF 56mm F1.7 for Sony E (the best overall value)
• Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 for Sony E
• Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN for Sony E
• Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS
• Viltrox AF 33mm F1.4 for Sony E
• Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN for Sony E

Option 2: Canon EOS R10 cropped sensor mirrorless

The R10 is a great choice for writing majors. That said, if you plan to be a photojournalism major in the second year, the cost of Canon’s pro-oriented mirrorless equipment, and in particular the lenses you will buy as your learning progresses, make Canon a much less affordable brand than Sony for the emerging professional photographer.

One of the following wide-angle-to-telephoto zoom lenses:

• Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM (its wide zoom range makes this lens the best overall choice)
• RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (its zoom range is limited, but it’s also less expensive and is available in a kit with the R10 body for a further overall saving)
• Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for Canon RF-S

The following fixed focal length lens:

• Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

Camera recommendations on a tighter budget

If you’re working within an especially tight budget, consider the following cameras.

You will sacrifice performance, particularly in the areas of autofocus and image quality, but by doing so, you can save money. Most of these bodies are discontinued but can often be purchased used, at a lower price, than most of the models listed in the previous section.

Cameras to avoid

The following current or recently discontinued digital SLR and mirrorless models are to be avoided as they do not meet the minimum requirements for the journalism program, are a poor value, or both:

External flash options

Many of the assignments you will photograph in the first year will either benefit from or require an external flash to supplement the room light or sunlight. The flash you select must be the kind that slides onto the top of the camera, supports through-the-lens (TTL) flash exposure metering, and has a head that can tilt straight up and swivel fully to the left and right.

While various third-party companies produce external flashes that purport to be compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras, most we’ve tried fall short in the area of TTL flash exposure correctness and consistency. Flash exposure problems can be significant and, at times, picture-ruining. The camera makers’ own flash units tend to work the best in this regard.

That said, there is one third-party flash alternative to consider: Godox (which is also sold locally under the Strobepro brand name). They are the only independent maker of shoe-mount flash equipment delivering a level of manufacturing quality, performance and affordability we feel comfortable recommending.

So, for guaranteed proper TTL flash operation, get a Canon-brand flash for a Canon camera, a Nikon-brand flash for a Nikon camera and a Sony-brand flash for a Sony camera. Or, one of the very newest Godox flash models, in which TTL flash weirdness appears to have been addressed and perhaps entirely solved.

With all that in mind, choose one of the following flash units for a digital SLR or mirrorless body from Canon, Nikon or Sony.

_{* These flashes delivered consistently more TTL flash exposures, resulting in more correctly exposed pictures in our testing.} 

All of the recommended Godox flashes are available in versions specific to Canon, Nikon or Sony. Be sure to purchase the version that’s compatible with your camera system, as noted in the model name for each Godox flash:

• C for Canon
• N for Nikon
• S for Sony.

For instance, the Canon version of the V350 is the V350C. The Sony version of the V860III is the V860IIIS.

If the Godox flash you're considering comes in both AA and lithium variants, get the lithium one if you can. Though more expensive initially, it's important to note that the lithium model's price includes the battery and charger, plus the boost in flash performance from the lithium pack is worth it in all instances. For example, the Godox TT350 and V350 are nearly identical, except for the battery type, so buy the V350 if your budget allows.

If you’re considering the photojournalism major for the second year of the program, your best is to choose a Godox flash marked as better or best above. That way, you’ll have one of the flash units needed for your second-year photo coursework (in addition to a flash that will meet your first-year needs).

AA batteries for external flash

As you can see from the recommended flash list above, almost all Canon, Nikon and Sony flashes, as well as certain models from Godox, require either two or four AA batteries. They can be either non-rechargeable alkaline or rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH). Flashes that use AAs don’t usually include them in the box, so plan on purchasing a set separately.

Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries are the way to go. They will quickly save you a lot of money compared to purchasing multiple sets of non-rechargeable AA alkalines to keep your flash powered over time. Plus, some NiMH batteries, including the specific ones listed below, enable the flash to fire again MUCH sooner than alkalines (or lower-quality/lower-cost NiMH, for that matter).

The flash performance difference between the best NiMH and everything else is significant. The result is more exposure in which the flash fires properly, giving you a greater opportunity to capture successful pictures.

As you start to work with flash, you'll quickly appreciate the benefits of using the right rechargeables to power a Godox, Canon, Nikon, Sony or other brand of flash that takes AAs.

The following NiMH AA rechargeables are recommended, as all have been tested to provide excellent performance with flashes:

• IKEA LADDA 2450 (avoid LADDA variants with a number lower than 2450)
• Energizer Recharge Power Plus (the flash-friendly version of this battery says "Power Plus" on the product packaging and "2300 mAh" on the cells themselves)
• Panasonic Eneloop Pro

You’ll need a charger too. Any NiMH-compatible charger will do, though if you spend more on a charger, you generally get one that replenishes more batteries simultaneously and completes the process faster.

The IKEA combo of four LADDA 2450 batteries and a four-slot STENKOL overnight charger is an unbeatable value at only $16 at the time of writing.

Memory cards

Load yourself up with at least two 16GB or larger memory cards. It’s strongly recommended that you stick to a name brand such as ProGrade, Sony, Delkin or SanDisk to ensure long-term reliability and to minimize the chance of your cards being incompatible with your camera.

Optional accessories

Students who are eager to make the most of their first-year courses have also found the following accessories beneficial:

• a collapsible reflector
• tripod

These items are optional and useful but not required.<

Frequently asked questions