Guest post by D J Clark:
In 2010, the last time I ran a World Press Photo workshop in Africa, we worked out that for the same cost of training ten African journalists in one week, we could create a website open to professionals across the continent. The result was Shutha.com an open platform for professionals across Africa to learn and share ideas. Four years on and I am back, this time in North Africa working on the Reporting Change project and with bigger plans to open the training up to everybody.
Starting Monday 27th January we will be launching a ten-week course built on an open Facebook Page. Anyone can join, have a go at the assignments, and share views on other participants along with the course tutors. There will be new content everyday covering video, audio and photography technique, along with short interviews with key practitioners, feedback on the assignments and a weekly gear guide.
And here’s where Newsshooter’s readers and contributors come in. On Feb 1st I will recommend a simple equipment setup for participants starting out as a multimedia journalist. Yes I know defining a multimedia journalist is complex, but for the purpose of this course, a journalist who can shoot and edit video & photography and has limited resources. Let’s say the budget is around $5,000 US.
Here is my starting point:
1. Computer – Apple 13.3″ MacBook Pro Notebook Computer with Retina Display
2. Camera – Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 Digital Camera
3. Shotgun & sound recorder – Shure VP83F LensHopper Shotgun Microphone with Integrated Flash Recorder
4. lavelier mic – Audio-Technica ATR3350 Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone (plus a simple extension lead)
5. Tripod – Sachtler Ace M Fluid Head with 2-Stage Aluminum Tripod & Mid-Level Spreader
TOTAL COST: $3,703
What would be on your list and why? what other gear do you consider essential? Please remember that this kit needs to be capable of creating great stills, video and audio. Please post your suggestions below or on my Twitter feed @djclark.
D J Clark is a Beijing-based multimedia journalist currently working with The Economist, and Assignment Asia, a new CCTV News short documentary program.
