Student Tech Recommendations

Audio/Video Recording Tool Recommendations

Technology Recommendations

Below are our recommendations for technology and equipment you may need for courses requiring audio or video recording. Please review this page carefully and consult with your instructor to determine the exact items required for your course.

Wireless Lavalier Microphone (Wireless Lav Mic)

A wireless lav mic with USB-C, Lightning, and 3.5mm Aux Jack compatibility is recommended. This ensures the mic can connect to various mobile devices, newer computers, and HC-X2000 cameras available in SJMC’s Equipment Checkout.

Example: PQRQP 3-in-1 Wireless Microphone

 

Tripod for Smartphone

Look for a tripod that is at least 60 inches tall and fits your smartphone (especially larger models).

Stand-alone tripod adapters often cost as much as complete tripod solutions, so consider purchasing a full setup.

Example: Mobile Tripod for Smartphones

 

Full-Size SDHC Card

Full-size SDHC cards are required for cameras available in Equipment Checkout.

Be aware that some devices support SDXC cards, but not all. Avoid microSD cards with adapters, as these can be unreliable.

We recommend avoiding cheaper, unknown brands to prevent data corruption.

Example: 32GB Ultra 100MB/s Sandisk SDHC Memory Card

MicroSD Card

Some courses may require a microSD card for use with action and 360 cameras. Check with your professor before purchasing.

Avoid using adapters for microSD cards as they are unreliable.

We recommend avoiding cheaper, unknown brands to ensure data integrity.

Example: SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDHC Memory Card

SD/MicroSD Card Reader and USB Adapter

Many computers in university classrooms no longer have built-in SD card readers, so you’ll need an external SD/microSD card reader.

We strongly recommend a card reader that supports both USB-C and USB 3.0 for maximum compatibility.

Examples:

Anker USB-C and USB 3.0 SD Card Reader

Anker USB 3.0 SD Card Reader

External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is necessary for courses involving media file storage. Keep an extra copy of files in OneDrive for additional backup.

SSD external drives are recommended for their speed and durability (no moving parts). HDDs are acceptable if handled with care.

Avoid cheaper, unknown brands.

Examples:

SSD: SAMSUNG T7 Portable SSD

HDD: Maxone 500GB Ultra Slim Portable External HDD

Laptop Recommendations

Specs can’t be upgraded later, so pick what works best for you now.

Option 1

Power User Specs

Best for: Digital Media Innovation (DMI) and Electronic Media students or those working on advanced media projects

Specs:

14” or 16” MacBook Pro

M4  or M4 Pro

24GB Unified Memory

1TB SSD Storage

Option 2

Essential Specs

Best for: General SJMC courses and less intensive projects
 

Specs:

14” or 16” MacBook Pro

M4 chip

16GB Unified Memory

512GB SSD Storage

Why These Specs Are Important

  • SJMC courses use tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and LinkedIn Learning (free for students), replacing many traditional textbook costs.
  • More computing power and memory are needed for creating media projects, not just basic tasks like word processing.
  • Our programs teach students to create professional media content for a portfolio to help them land jobs after graduation.
  • Having a reliable laptop ensures you can work anywhere, supporting remote learning and future career needs.
  • After graduation, you can take your projects and assignments with you, keeping everything organized in one device to continue practicing your skills.
Store

Apple Discount

You can save money by customizing and buying your MacBook Pro with an Apple education discount.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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