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Equipment & Software

Compass students are eligible for academic discounts at the Apple Store for Education.

Computer

13" MacBook Pro (minimum specs) - Approx. $1399

  • 2.53 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
  • 4 GB Memory
  • 250 GB Hard Drive
  • Double-layer SuperDrive
  • NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT with 256 MB

You may upgrade your computer's specs, depending on how serious you will be about editing and speed. This is a long-term investment. Some of the options are screen size, glossy/non-glossy screen (most prefer non-glossy), RAM (the more the better for advanced graphics and visual effects work (Photoshop and After Effects), but 4 GB will work fine for most applications), and hard drive (250 GB is good; you may want to get an external FireWire 800 drive for large projects, but it will not be needed at the beginning).

Camera

Various models of Canon HDSLR cameras are the most used by current and former Compass students...by far. These Canon HDSLRs offer a great combination of high quality video recording, still photo shooting, interchangeable lenses, work great in low light, are light weight and compact, and are fairly inexpensive. All the Canon DSLRs have basically the same video recording circuitry, so the main differences are in construction quality, still photo quality and a few feature differences. Any of these cameras are hard to beat for the indie filmmaker.

The models available: T2i - about $900; T3i - about $1000; 60D - about $1400; 7D - about $1900; 5DMk2. - about $3000

There are various packages available with different lenses, and they can use the complete range of Canon's excellent still-photo lenses. In the Grand Rapids area, Norman Camera on 28th St. carries them, another good source for these cameras at good prices is B&H Photo in NY

Software

  • Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5. You MUST have Premiere Pro, however, we highly recommend that you consider purchasing the Creative Suite 5.5 Production Premium Bundle (Student and Teacher Edition) which includes Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Encore and more. This bundle is available to students for $446 from Academic Superstore
  • Apple iWork or Microsoft Office for Mac
  • Final Draft (Note: You can use Celtx as a free alternative, but if you get into Screenwriting you may be required to purchase Final Draft)