Hello again.
Another week has passed, and so here we are again. This time I wanted to answer a question I get asked a lot since we have all been working from home more — What is your video setup?
This isn’t normally the kind of thing I would cover here. However, I am repeatedly asked about this and so have finally caved in. I guess that increasingly having a good video setup matters. It matters in part for those zoom calls we now spend our entire lives in. However, it also matters because video is a superb way to communicate.
Why a Good Video Setup Matters
Since getting a decent video setup, I have found myself using video a lot more, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Among other things it:
- Makes those zoom meetings more professional.
- Improves the quality of any webinars I run.
- Allows people to consume my content (like this email) in an easier to digest form.
- Easily release the content in audio format too.
- Improve the accessibility of my content.
But before we dive into the kit I use, I think it is worth explaining the mindset I have towards video.
My Approach to Video Content
Probably like yourself, I am not looking to be a professional YouTuber or video producer. Instead, I was looking to have a video setup that met three criteria.
- Good value. I didn’t want to spend a fortune, but neither did I want to skimp and end up with something that wasn’t much better than I already had. I wanted the maximum ‘bang for my buck,’ so to speak.
- Quick to use. I wanted something that could be permanently set up, and I could turn it on and start using it straight away. I didn’t want to be messing with lighting, the camera setup or even audio too much.
- Compact. I had no intention of setting up a mini-studio. I wanted something that could sit on my desk, ready to go, taking up the minimum amount of space.
If that sounds like the kind of thing you are after, then stick with me. If you are into videography then now is the time to leave. What follows will only distress you!
My Video Setup
Before we dive into the kit, I should say that I have used Amazon affiliate links where possible, because… well… why not, it might buy me a coffee! But don’t feel obliged to use them.
Okay, there are five parts of my setup you need to know about. Let’s start with the most critical component, the camera.
The Camera
You could use your phone as your camera, as most modern phones have a damn good video capability. However, I decided against that for two reasons. First, I am always using my phone, so I couldn’t leave it set up and ready to go. Second, I wanted more control over things like zoom and depth of field. I wanted the background to be at least somewhat blurred out as it can prove distracting.
In the end, I settled on the Sony ZV-1. It didn’t blur my background as much as a proper DSL with a lens that had a short focal length, but it had several advantages:
- It is compact.
- It constantly detects my face to ensure it is in focus and properly exposed.
- It has a extremely fast auto focus for when I get too animated and move about!
- It is cheap compared to a DSLR and lens combo.
- It has a defocus option that allows me to defocus the background at least to some extent, which is something other compact cameras do not have.
Lighting and Background
Probably the next most important thing is the environment. I wasn’t about to build a set, but I didn’t want to resort to a green screen that looks shit.
Ultimately you have to make the most of what you have got, but good lighting helps a lot. I made sure I had a couple of light sources behind me and then bought a Litra Torch 2.0, a small LED light that sits on top of the camera. I can turn this on to light my face when on calls or recording.
Audio
Most of the time on zoom calls, I use my laptops built-in mic. However, when recording videos, I plug in an external mic to the camera. The camera mic isn’t bad, but it had a bit too much echo to sound professional.
I did try a lapel mic and even a shotgun mic, but they involved a lot of hassle. In the end, I settled on an RØDE Wireless Go Compact that involve zero wires, and I can clip it on when I need it.
Tripod and Teleprompter
The whole setup sits on my desk using a basic desk tripod. There is nothing special about that. However, I did find myself a tiny, desktop-sized teleprompter rig that, combined with an app, allows me to use my phone as a teleprompter.
If you are going to record videos, using your phone as a teleprompter makes a world of difference, even if you ad-lib.
PC connection
To use this setup as a webcam for zoom calls, the camera needs to be connected via HDMI using a USB dongle called the Elgato Cam Link 4K. It is possible to connect a Sony camera directly to your PC using an app, but I wasn’t happy with the quality.
Not Going to Win Awards
So there you go, that is my setup. It won’t win me any awards, but it is enough for me. I hope this has helped and if you have any other questions about it, reply to this email.
Otherwise, next time we will get back to talking about user experience and digital strategy!
Upcoming Workshops
I have a number of upcoming online workshops that you might be interested in joining. Here is a list and where you can find out more.
