In order to produce quality news features for our class use on
i-Reports and CNN, Journalism 163 students
must use good quality digital video technology.

If you cannot afford all of the following recommended
items, you can partner with a classmate and share
the use of cameras, microphones, tripods, etc.
BE RESPONSIBLE IF YOU SHARE.

We recognize the equipment is expensive, but note
you will be using the following recommended technology
in the other advanced RTVJ class, Update News. It can
also be utilized in other department and SJSU classes,
plus used in your internship and job hunting efforts.

  Priorities for Journalism 163

The most important need is a good quality digital CAMERA.
Today good cameras cost less than $200.

Do NOT buy or use a high definition camera for J163.
HD video creates enormous video files and major
video storage needs. Recommended editing software
does not work well yet with high definition camera video.

The J163 digital camera MUST have
an external MICROPHONE.
(A hand held mic or clip on is fine.)
A wireless mic is great, but is very expensive.
You are welcome to use a wireless microphone if you
can afford the price, now roughly $170 locally.

For professional looking video,
you need a TRIPOD
(for steady looking video recordings.)

To edit your video, a quality LAPTOP is needed.
In the SJSU journalism school, Apple computers are
predominately used. MAC BOOK PROS
you can afford, with 2 GB or more memory
are highly recommended.

A larger EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE is also suggested.
Video files take up a lot of room on your laptop computer.
As you produce video edited stories in this class
others, you will want to keep them for a possible
future portfolio.
The external hard drive is best for long term storage
of numerous videos of varying lengths.
We suggest an external hard drive with
 1TB capacity or higher.

The recommended video editing software for your
Apple laptop is
FINAL CUT PRO EXPRESS.
This is the trimmed down version of the more
extensive and expensive FINAL CUT PRO editing software.
If you wish and can afford the more extensive version
of FCP that will work in J163.

*Advisory: Apple software is constantly being updated.
The JMC School finds it impossible to stay current and
purchase every new upgrade. Purchase the latest
version of FCP Express that will run on your computer.
Ask lots of questions before buying your software.

PC laptop users: The equivalent video editing software
would be Adobe Premiere. In J163 students have used
this technology but have acknowledge the learning curve
is a lot slower and this PC software does not function as
well as Final Cut Pro on MACs for news media purposes.

It has a more detailed process for video editing
than Final Cut Pro Express, and most in the JMC School
do not have experience using it.

If you have experience with Adobe Premiere, or
you have a PC laptop,
you must bring yourself up to speed on
how to use this unique video editing software.

Professor Rucker provides online links to
video editing TUTORIALS
for both Final Cut Pro Express & Adobe Premiere.
J163 students are encouraged to share
their knowledge and experience with these
video editing software systems.

Finally...Remember:
When it comes to new technology purchases,
buying the newest thing or the most expensive version
of equipment is NOT always the best idea.
Purchase new technology based on your actual
need and your affordability.

Ask J163 Teaching Assistant Kadee Coffman
if you have questions before purchasing equipment.
He can offer advice, but not tell you what to do.

No textbook is required in J163.
Reading assignments will be provided in class,
online or at the campus MLK Library.