(November 2005) The SAIS Office of Public Affairs recommends the following software and equipment for Site Executive content managers interested in producing images, sound, video and other Web assets. Adobe Photoshop CS2
If you are interested in incorporating photographs on your Web site, you will need to be able to edit and optimize your images. Although there are alternatives available, Adobe Photoshop continues to be the leading professional image editor. All SAIS content managers should have access to either a current or past version of Photoshop, or the consumer-version, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0. Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5
Adobe Premiere is an excellent Windows-based video editing application. If you intend to produce video for your site, you will need Premiere, as well as a digital video camera and a PC with Firewire. If your department has a Macintosh computer available, we highly recommend Apple's Final Cut Pro instead of Premiere. Macromedia Dreamweaver 8
Dreamweaver is the industry standard WYSIWYG ("What You See Is What You Get") HTML editor. For HTML created outside of Site Executive, Dreamweaver is essential. Sony Soundforge 8
To post audio on your Web site, you will first need an audio editor to digitally capture and encode your audio. Soundforge is easy to use, but robust, offering a host of professional audio recording and editing options. Note: All software must be ordered through Computer Services. Please send an email to Moe Elahi for more information. Sony DSR-PDX10 DV Camcorder
This compact professional digital video camera offers a variety of excellent features, including a breakout box that allows you to connect XLR microphone cables to the camera. If you are interested in filming SAIS events, this camera would be an excellent choice. JVC Ultra-Compact Series GR-DF450 DV Camcorder
This is a consumer-grade digital video camera, offering good, but basic picture quality and functionality. As with most consumer cameras, the audio quality is poor and would require an external microphone for improved quality. You cannot connect an XLR cable to this camera. Sennheiser ME64/K6 Microphone
This excellent external microphone is versatile enough for most situations, providing excellent quality sound and is an essential companion purchase to your digital video camera. When ordering, make sure to purchase the microphone that includes the power pack that accepts standard batteries. The version of the microphone that does not include the battery pack is not compatible with most consumer digital video cameras. Make sure to also order an XLR cable (for pro cameras) or XLR-to mini cable (for consumer cameras), wind screen and camera mount. Sony MZ-M100 Mini Disc Recorder
Mini Disc provides an easy way to record high-quality digital audio. Audio files can be transferred via USB and converted to WAV format for editing. The link above references a kit that includes a long-life battery, an external stereo microphone and Sony Soundforge 8. Olympus VN-960PC 128 MB Digital Voice Recorder
This simple Digital Voice Recorder is the easiest and most inexpensive way to record direct to digital audio files that can be uploaded to the web. If you are interested in purchasing such a recorder, we highly recommend that you also purchase Sony Soundforge 8. Canon Powershot SD400
A small, but high quality digital camera, offering great 5 megapixel images. Also takes web-quality movies with passable sound. | 
