Kinetic Imaging

Your computer can be running macOS or Windows.

At the school, Animation, Video and Sound classes are typically executed in classrooms running macOS; while 3D modeling and animation classes are typically executed in classrooms running Windows, using Autodesk Maya.

If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.

If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed below. Purchasing a computer with the minimum specifications listed below will meet the defined needs of your program.

The last row in the table is a recommended purchase that is intended to be a balance of price and performance; but there may be less expensive brands and/or models that meet the minimum specifications; so you should not feel obligated to purchase that specific computer.

If you wish to exceed the specifications of the recommended purchase, then the general guideline is to set your budget, and only purchase as much computer as your budget allows. All modern computers are quite powerful. Please do not overspend.

We recommend that you investigate all possible purchase options, but make sure that you are receiving a price that is equal to, or less than the education pricing offered by the manufacturer:

Apple Education Store
Dell Student Discounts

Online stores occasionally have sales that are even lower than the standard educational pricing.  Make sure you check pricing at B&H, Best Buy, Amazon, and others.

Ramtech is the official university computer store. They are familiar with our requirements, and are available to assist you with making a compatible purchase. Call 804-828-8324, or visit in person (1111 West Broad Street).

B&H Photo and Video is a great source for any of the following equipment. Go to Students/Educators tab at top, for student pricing

Camera technology changes rapidly. It is recommended that you wait until entry into the department, use some of the cameras that are available for rental, and talk with your instructors.

Look for something that shoots 1920 x 1080p (Full HD) 1280 x 720p (HD), 640 x 480p (SD). Most new camera models will also shoot 4k with higher frame rate capturing at 1080p. This is not essential but can be very helpful. The cameras listed below are DSLR and mirrorless cameras, which will work on the animation stand as well as for video.

DSLR camera recommendations as of Spring 2024:

• Canon Rebel SL3 (with 18-55mm lens)
• Canon Rebel T7 (with 18-55mm lens)
• Canon R50 (with 18-45mm lens)
• Canon R100 (with 18-45mm lens)
• Sony ZV-E10 (with 16-50mm lens)
• Sony Alpha a6100 (with 16-50mm lens)
• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (with 14-42mm lens)
• Panasonic Lumix G7 (with 14-42mm lens) – note, only 16 megapixels for stills, but excellent video

64GB Class 10 micoSD card (SanDisk is suggested)
External portable hard drive for backup (at least 2 terabyte suggested)
Over-the-ear studio headphones (Sennheiser, Sony, Audio technica)
64GB USB memory stick (thumb drive)

Tripod
Audio recording equipment [Zoom h4n pro (has xlr input capable $209) or Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder (xlr capable $180)]
HDMI cord 6’-16’
Thunderbolt–HDMI adapter or USBC–HDMI adapter (depends on what ports your laptop has)
Thunderbolt–VGA or USBC–VGA Adapter (depends on what ports your laptop has)
USBC–USBA adapter (if applicable — depends on what ports your laptop has)
Projector or monitor for displaying work

Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription via VCU
(Final Cut Pro X could be substituted for Adobe Premier, but is not taught in class)

Information about additional software is available in the Software section of the Technology Support for Students web page.