DU's Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies Introduces New Film Technology

The Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies (MFJS) at the University of Denver, part of the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, recently upgraded departmental technology by adding high-end RED and Sony cameras to its fleet of media production equipment available to students for experiential learning.  

“MFJS has always done a good job of updating its production equipment, but our recent acquisition of RED and high-end Sony cameras will help prepare students for working on modern film, commercial and television sets,” Joe Brown, MFJS associate professor and filmmaker, said. 

RED Digital Cinema cameras are a staple of today's film and television fiction sets, and Sony cameras dominate the documentary world. MFJS students have the chance to train on these cameras via courses such as “Cinematography,” “Narrative Film Production,” and the department’s two-class documentary capstone sequence, typically taken over several quarters. The experience students gain in these courses enables them to find employment as cinematographers and assistant camera technicians, among other career outcomes in the entertainment and media production industry.  

“Our RED cameras will allow students to engage in sophisticated color correction and special effects work since they can record at the highest possible quality,” Brown said. “The camera alone isn’t going to make the film – you must know how to bring your vision to the project, but training on industry standard technology will certainly give you a leg up when you’re looking for work.” 

As of 2026, the department now offers 100 individual cameras for students to checkout for creative video projects. The department also maintains a 1:1 camera-to-student ratio in its introductory classes like “Intro to Film Production” and “Multimedia Journalism," encouraging students to experiment with a camera consistently without competing for equipment.  

“I’m proud of the work the department has done to bolster its already strong access to professional technology by acquiring RED cameras and training students on them,” MFJS professor Sheila Schroeder said. “Our students have won numerous awards, including three Heartland Emmy awards, for their thoughtful filmmaking.” 

Students pursuing a degree in Film Studies and Production typically start out using a Canon mirrorless camera, then gradually progress to learning the REDs and Sonys. Every RED and Sony camera in MFJS is “Netflix Approved,” suitable for creating content that can be distributed widely on platforms like the well-known streaming service.  

At MFJS, students learn the intricacies of storytelling from a variety of perspectives in journalism, strategic communication, film, and media studies. All majors are required to pursue a capstone experience, including professional internships, during their undergraduate experience, enabling graduates of MFJS programs to have the best chance of getting a job they love with a degree that means something to them long after they depart from DU.  

Learn more at https://liberalarts.du.edu/media-film-journalism.