Journalism Program Gear List

You can buy either a mirrorless or a digital SLR camera. We recommend you choose mirrorless for the significant advantages this type of camera offers. Go with a digital SLR only if spending as little as possible is your main priority.

Your two camera-type options break down this way:

The best option: a mirrorless camera body made by Canon, Nikon or Sony, plus compatible lenses and flash

Mirrorless is the future of interchangeable lens cameras. The ability to shoot silently and advances in autofocus are among the key benefits. The capture of fleeting moments is what photojournalism is all about, and better mirrorless cameras enhance a journalist's ability to do just that.

The shift to mirrorless began several years ago, starting with higher-end camera gear. Now, there are a handful of mirrorless models from Canon, Nikon and Sony that offer the full slate of mirrorless benefits—including smart, accurate autofocus—and do so at a cost that’s within a student’s budget. As such, it’s mirrorless options that dominate the recommendations.

A good option: a digital SLR camera body made by Canon, plus compatible lenses and flash

The main benefit of a digital SLR is that it can be less expensive, thanks in part to the greater availability of both entry-level bodies and compatible lenses on the used market. If you’re considering this type of camera, stick to Canon, as this company's older digital SLRs offer the most affordable combinations of bodies and lenses that are also capable of meeting the demands of SAIT journalism.

Sony α6100 cropped sensor mirrorless

One of the following wide-angle-to-telephoto zoom lenses:

• Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS II (its zoom range is limited, but it’s also less expensive)
• Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS (an older, slower-focusing version of the above lens)
• Sony E 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
• Sony E PZ 18-105mm F4 G OSS (superior in most respects to the 18-135mm)
• Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for Sony E
• Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for Sony E (the best overall lens in this group, and also the most expensive)

One of the following fixed focal length lenses:

• Viltrox AF 56mm F1.7 Air for Sony E
• Viltrox AF 50mm F2.0 Air for Sony E (the best overall value)
• TTArtisan AF 50mm F1.8 Neo for Sony E (the least expensive option)
• Sony E 50mm F1.8 OSS
• Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 Air for Sony E
• Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN for Sony E

Canon EOS R100 cropped sensor mirrorless

Canon’s least expensive route into mirrorless.

One of the following wide-angle-to-telephoto zoom lenses:

• Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM (its wide zoom range makes this lens the best overall choice)
• RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (its zoom range is limited, but it’s also less expensive)
• Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for Canon RF-S

One of the following fixed focal length lenses:

• Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM (best overall value)
• Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN for Canon RF-S

Have bigger goals for your photography, or a larger budget? Journalism's photo instructors can advise on higher-end gear. Contact them through academic advising at sadt.advising@sait.ca.

• Canon EOS Rebel SL2, SL3, T7i, T8i, 77D or 80D cropped sensor digital SLRs
• One of the following wide-angle-to-telephoto zoom lenses:
  • Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM/STM (its wide zoom range makes this lens the best overall choice)
  • Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM (its zoom range is limited, but it’s also less expensive)
  • Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
  • Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
  • Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
• One of the following fixed focal length lenses:
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
  • Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM (the best value)

• Any Canon Rebel T model (without the “i” or “s”). Models such as the T100, T7 and T6 fall short of the minimum specifications for SAIT journalism. They use outdated image sensors, focus slowly and offer limited Wi-Fi, making them a poor value overall.
• The Canon EOS R50, as it requires a special adapter for use with most external flash units (including all of the flashes recommended in the next section). That’s a hassle you can avoid by choosing the more capable R10 or the less expensive R100 instead.
• The Canon EOS M50 Mark II (and all other M-series models). Though the M50 Mark II is a decent entry-level mirrorless camera, it’s part of a system that Canon has phased out. The company’s mirrorless efforts are all about R-system cameras and lenses going forward, with the R100 delivering similar performance to the M50 Mark II at a lower cost and the R10 being significantly more capable at a price that’s still in entry-level territory.
• The Canon EOS RP, since it’s much too slow in operation and therefore not suited to the capture of fleeting moments.
• Any Nikon D3000- or D5000-series digital SLR. The D3500, D5600 and other models in the entry-level segment of Nikon’s digital SLR lineup lack high-speed flash sync support, which is a fundamental flash feature in photojournalism.
• Any Nikon mirrorless model not specifically recommended above, particularly Nikon’s older entry-level Z models.
• The Sony α6000. Introduced in 2014 and still on sale, it’s slow, clunky and at times frustrating, especially in fast-moving situations. The same applies to almost all Sony cameras introduced before 2017.
• Cameras from companies other than Canon, Nikon and Sony. In addition to these three being the leading suppliers of gear to professional photographers these days, all instruction within the program will focus on Canon, Nikon and Sony. Plus, SAIT journalism’s no-cost loaner pool consists exclusively of lenses for bodies from these three industry heavyweights.

A collapsible reflector can brighten shadows outdoors and provide a surface for bouncing light from your flash. It will be helpful starting in the first semester.

Both of these fold small enough to carry and open large enough to be useful:

• PhotoRepublik 22-inch Silver/White Reflector. A small-diameter reflector that can easily fit into a backpack or shoulder bag. PhotoRepublik is the house brand of The Camera Store in downtown Calgary.
• Strobepro 32-inch 5-in-1 Folding Reflector with Handles. A medium-diameter reflector that comes with five different surfaces. The larger reflector is more useful than the PhotoRepublik, but it costs more and doesn’t fold as small. Strobepro products are available exclusively at the Calgary retailer of the same name.

A reflector is a useful but optional accessory.

A sturdy tripod will be helpful for assignments from first semester onward. The following inexpensive model provides just enough stability and durability to be viable for your coursework:

• K&F Concept 64-inch (163 cm) tripod legs and head, model K234A0 + BH-28L (available from Amazon Canada, search for ASIN B0B1HYVVTV)

To equip yourself for first year and beyond, look at travel and entry-level pro leg-and-head combos from Vanguard:

• Vanguard VEO 3 GO 204AB
• Vanguard Alta Pro 2+ 263AB with BH-100 head (the best mix of features and value)
• Vanguard VEO 3 263AB or VEO 3+ 263AB with BH-160 head (the best and priciest tripod in this list)

A tripod is useful but optional in first year. One is required at the start of second year.

You run the risk of not being able to complete some assignments properly, while certain submissions will be penalized or rejected. More importantly, you won’t be able to make the most of the opportunity to learn everything you can in your visual journalism classes.

You’re encouraged to begin developing a connection to one of the specialty camera stores in town, as they tend to offer better service at prices similar to what the big-box stores charge.

Staff at the specialty stores are generally more knowledgeable and more familiar with the needs of SAIT journalism students.

Calgary’s two main photo specialty stores are:

• The Camera Store
• Vistek

The photo department of London Drugs is also an option, as is Saneal Cameras.

As long as the camera body, lenses or other gear you’re considering will meet your needs for the program, by all means purchase used if you can.

Yes. As you enter second year, expect to purchase a handful of audio and video accessories to support the visual journalism training you'll receive in the program's third and fourth semesters.

(The camera gear you purchase for first year, as long as it adheres to the minimums set out on this page, will meet the needs of your second-year courses as well and won't need to be replaced.)

Absolutely! It might be possible to insure the bulk of your newly acquired kit under a homeowner or tenant policy, either yours or your parents' (if you live with them).

Also, note the serial number of each item and shoot a short video of everything. This will be an important record of what you own.

If you’re interested in getting dedicated gear coverage, typical of what a working journalist would have, check out Canadian broker Front Row Insurance.

Both Canon Canada’s Student Advantage offering and NPS Campus from Nikon Canada provide several benefits, two of which are key - two of which are key: much faster turnaround times if your gear needs repair, and discounts on certain purchases.

• Canon Canada’s Student Advantage program is free to join and runs for one year from when you sign up (with the option to renew for a second year). To see the discounts, check out Canon’s list of eligible products.
• Nikon Canada’s NPS Campus is free to join. Membership benefits are for one year from the date of acceptance, with the option to renew for a second year. To see the discounts, check out Nikon's Student Savings Program.

Review each company’s program details carefully to make sure the gear you intend to buy is either eligible for a discount, eligible for other benefits like faster repair times or both.

You should be able to apply for either Student Advantage or NPS Campus once you’ve been accepted into SAIT journalism.

Not exactly. Sony Canada doesn’t offer anything equivalent to Canon’s Student Advantage or Nikon’s NPS Campus. The company does, however, offer a 10 percent discount on certain cameras, lenses and accessories bought for education purposes.

As a SAIT journalism student, you’re eligible for this 10 percent savings. Inquire at a Sony Canada-authorized retailer, including The Camera Store, to find out what’s involved in claiming the discount and whether the gear you want to buy is eligible.