Required Computer
This program requires all students to have a laptop computer equipped with and capable of running the required software. VCUarts considers a computer to be an essential tool for full participation in the curriculum.
Special Notes:
Your computer can be running macOS or Windows.
At the school: Animation, Video and Sound classrooms have computers running macOS; 3D modeling and animation classroom have computers running Windows, using Autodesk Maya.
Already own a computer?
If you have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications, then you are encouraged to use it.
| Platform | MAC | PC |
| Age | no more than 3 years old | no more than 3 years old |
| Form Factor | Laptop recommended | Laptop recommended |
| Operating System | macOS 13 | Windows 10 |
| Processor | Apple M1 | Intel i5 |
| Memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB | 256 GB (solid state drive) |
| Graphics | — | Discrete (not integrated) should meet specs and certs for After Effects and Maya OpenGL 2.0 capable system Adobe and Maya certified Open GL graphics card |
| Webcam | Built-in or external with built in microphone | Built-in or external with built in microphone |
| Wireless | WiFi capability | WiFi capability |
| Backup | Any backup method of choice including cloud-based services like Google Drive. | Any backup method of choice including cloud-based services like Google Drive. |
Shopping for a new computer?
If you do not have a computer that meets the minimum specifications listed above, then you should purchase a computer that meets the following recommended specifications. Purchasing a computer with these specifications 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 are certainly other brands and models that meet the recommended specifications, while being less expensive; so you should not feel obligated to purchase that specific computer.
If you wish to exceed the recommended specifications, 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.
| Platform | MAC | PC |
| Form Factor | Laptop recommended | Laptop recommended |
| Operating System | macOS 14 | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| Processor | Apple M3 Pro | Intel i7 AMD Phenom II |
| Memory | 18 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB (solid state drive) |
| Graphics | — | Discrete (not integrated) should meet specs and certs for After Effects and Maya OpenGL 2.0 capable system Adobe and Maya certified Open GL graphics card |
| Webcam | Built-in or external with built in microphone | Built-in or external with built in microphone |
| Wireless | WiFi capability | WiFi capability |
| Backup | Any backup method of choice including cloud-based services like Google Drive. | Any backup method of choice including cloud-based services like Google Drive. |
| Recommended Purchase | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro chip) | Alienware x14 |
Where To Buy:
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
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).
Required Software
Adobe Creative Cloud — free subscription via VCU
(Final Cut Pro X could be substituted for Adobe Premier, but is not taught in class)
Required DSLR Camera (with video capability)
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
Other Required Equipment
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)
Other Suggested Equipment
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
Suggested Software
Microsoft Office — free download via VCU