Rowan University provides the lab computers installed with software needed for this course. The instructor will also recommend free software and programs that students can use on personal computers.
Students can check out some equipment (video cameras, microphones, tripods, chords, and other items) in the Journalism Department Office in Bozorth 105O. Do not go to the RTF equipment room for this course, please! The equipment room is open Monday to Friday 9:30-11:00 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Equipment can be checked out on a first- come, first-serve basis and must be returned on time.
Students must read, follow and sign the Journalism Equipment Room Policies and Guidelines (pdf).
However, there is not enough equipment for each student. Therefore students are required to have their own equipment to gather simple audio, photos, and video. This equipment is essential for any journalist working today and is increasing used in other journalism courses as well. If you take Online Journalism II, you will need this equipment for that course. These items must be easy to carry so students can take them on all reporting assignments.
Your equipment must be able to capture:
1. Audio (preferably .wav, .wma or .mp3 format) that can be uploaded to a
computer and edited.
2. Digital photographs (6 megapixels or better) that can be uploaded to a computer
and edited.
3. Video (min. 640 X 480 at 300 fps) with audio that can be uploaded to a computer
and edited.
If you have a smart phone or mobile device that captures audio, photos, and video, you may be able to use it. However, you must do research on your equipment, file types, and compatibility with editing software and test it out early in the semester. Do not assume that what you have will work.
If you are looking to purchase some equipment or figuring out if yours will work, I recommend the following:
Headphones
Headphones or ear buds are required when we are working with audio and video. Over-the-ear headphones work best, but any will do.
Digital Audio Recorder
Your audio recording device should:
• save files in .wav, .wma. or .mp3 format
• be capable of uploading files to a computer via USB or connector without
installing additional software
• have a MIC jack
• have a headphone jack
Recommended models:
• Olympus VN-5200 – Approx $40 on Amazon
• Olympus VN-6200 – Approx $40 on Amazon
• Olympus WS-600S – Approx $65 on Amazon
Note that the cheapest recorders (less than $40) that require additional software or
recorders made by Sony and RCA don’t meet these requirements.
Digital Camera for Photos/Video
Your digital camera should meet or exceed the following:
• 6 megapixels or better
• Image stabilization (essential)
• Video at 640 x 480 at 30 fps (essential); video must include audio
• 3x OPTICAL zoom or better
• USB 2 output
• 2GB+ memory card
If you have questions about equipment or do not have the means to purchase these
items, please talk to me in person.
