Incoming students do NOT need to purchase such software until classes begin. Software is available at an educational discount. Students who are Television-Radio majors are not required to purchase a computer. The Park School has numerous labs with all the necessary hardware and software for students to complete their required assignments and projects. However, students may choose to bring their own laptop.
For students aiming to pursue studies focused in areas that require video, audio, and/or graphics editing, an Apple MacBook Pro is the best choice because the production labs are already set up for Macs. Adobe Premiere is a recommended software package for students wishing to edit video on their own computers, but it is not required. For editing audio on a computer, ProTools is the recommended software.
Students may consider purchasing an external hard drive for use in production classes. Faculty in the courses will provide specific technical specifications for hard drives. It is not necessary to purchase an external hard drive prior to coming to campus.
For Introduction to Photography , you will need a digital camera—one that has the option of controlling the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus manually, and that can shoot in the uncompressed format "RAW" for most manufacturers, or "NEF" for Nikon cameras. The camera may be a DSLR or mirrorless design. These cameras are available in the $400–700 range. Typically, entry level cameras will be outfitted with an 18 mm to 55 mm focal length lens. You do not need any other lens for Introduction to Photography. In fact, we recommend not purchasing additional lenses until you understand the advantages and limitations of the one that comes with the camera. Your camera kit might include a 32 GB or 64 GB Extreme Memory Card. If not, purchase one, and a spare. (If you are taking Introduction to Photography to fulfill the degree requirement and do not intend to take other photography courses, it is acceptable to borrow a DSLR for the semester from a friend or relative, provided it meets the specifications and you have continuous access to it.)
For Introduction to Photography, you will need to purchase approximately $100 of expendable items such as thumb drives and ink jet paper on which to print photographs. During the first week of classes, you will be given a detailed list of these items, along with recommended suppliers.
In upper-level photography courses, you will be working with digital and medium-and large-format cameras. These cameras may be borrowed from the Park Portable Equipment Center (PPEC), so there is no need to purchase them.