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Recommended Equipment

We teach journalism mobile digital first, which means you will be reporting, shooting, recording and editing from day one. This list is what our students actually use to get through the degree.

Read the last section before you buy anything. Consider borrowing equipment instead of buying. You may not need all of it up front.

Computer and storage

Recommended

  • Apple MacBook Pro 16 inch
  • M5 Pro, 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU
  • 1TB solid state drive
  • 24GB RAM or better
  • Latest operating system
  • 128GB or larger SDXC v90 memory card, full size

Minimum

  • Apple MacBook Pro 14 inch
  • M3 Pro, 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU
  • 1TB solid state drive
  • 18GB RAM
  • Latest operating system
  • 64GB or larger SDXC v90 memory card, full size

We do not recommend a MacBook Air, a Chromebook or an iPad. They do not have the storage, memory, processing power or screen size to run Adobe Creative Cloud well, and you will feel it in every video edit.

Software

Adobe Creative Cloud is free to you through software.calpoly.edu. You will use Premiere Pro, InDesign, InCopy, Photoshop, Illustrator, Audition and After Effects.

Microsoft Office comes with your Cal Poly enrollment. These are free too:

Phone

Your phone is a reporting tool here, not a distraction. Either of these works:

  • iPhone 15 or newer, running the latest iOS
  • Samsung Galaxy 24, Google Pixel 9 Pro or better, running the latest Android

Install the free Rode Reporter app for field audio. For mobile video editing, use Adobe Premiere on iPhone (and early access on Android), which is also free.

Headphones

You need a pair you can monitor audio with, not just listen to music on. Over-the-ear is better:

If you would rather have earbuds, get a pair with a built-in microphone, such as the Philips 3000 series.

Professional accounts

Set up accounts you would be comfortable showing an editor, separate from your personal ones. You will use them for reporting, sourcing and job hunting:

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Google, for YouTube, Gmail, Drive and Slides

Before you buy

This list adds up, and we know it. A few things worth knowing first:

  • You can borrow gear. Cameras, mics, tripods and more are available from the Journalism Tech Office through equipment checkout, free to journalism majors.
  • Computer costs can count toward financial aid. Ask Financial Aid about a cost of attendance adjustment for a required computer.
  • Ask us. If this list is a barrier, talk to the department before you go into debt over it. We would rather help you find another way in.

Equipment checkout

  • Journalism majors and ISLA minors may check out equipment for their courses through the Journalism Tech Office, located in 26-207.
  • Equipment checkouts & returns must be booked 12 hours in advance. Your booking is subject to equipment availability and may be canceled due to lack of inventory.
  • Any questions or concerns should be directed to jour-tech@calpoly.edu.

Equipment Checkout Policies

In addition to the policies outlined in the Journalism Department Responsible Use agreement (below), the student checking out equipment agrees to the following:

  • Equipment checked out through the Journalism Department Tech Office is made available on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is a limited amount of equipment available and as such, not all equipment may be available at the time of booking
  • Book equipment only when you need it, allowing other students the opportunity to check out equipment
  • The student is responsible for the security and well keeping of the equipment while in their possession and may be charged for the repair or replacement of such equipment at the time of check-in
  • Equipment is checked out for 5 business days.  At the end of the checkout period, equipment is considered overdue, which may result in the revocation checkout privileges, invoicing for the replacement cost of the equipment and potential hold placed on their academic account

Equipment Checkout Process

  1. Complete the checkout request form
  2. Book your reservation for equipment pickup/return 
  3. A booking confirmation will be sent to your Cal Poly email as well as a reminder email prior to your booking time
  4. At your booking time, travel to the Journalism Tech office, Building 026, room 0207 

Equipment Return Process
 

  1. Create a new appointment to check-in equipment.   
  2. You will get a confirmation email upon successful completion of booking with a reminder email just prior to your booking 
  3. Double and triple-check that you have all equipment accessories (batteries, chargers, cables, microphones, tripod plates, etc.) PRIOR to coming to campus. Any missing items may be invoiced to the student at replacement cost  
  4. At the time of your booking, travel to the Journalism Tech Office, building 026, room 0207 

Last revised March 2026.