Online Classes How I’m Using the Blackmagic ATEM Mini

Adding the Blackmagic ATEM Mini switcher to my toolkit is a real game changer for managing an online class that I teach. Because the switcher allows me to connect four devices and select which one is visible for output to my Zoom session I can show myself from one "camera" (my iPhone 6S Plus), images or text from my 12.9 iPad Pro, my drawing work space captured by my Panasonic GX85 camera with a zoom lens, and one other device which I usually don't need for my sketching and painting class. This is huge and I show you the whole setup with a "video tour" of my workspace in this video!

[@jmelgraves4138]

This is great! It didn't cross my mind that if I had the atem mini and an lightening-hdmi dongle, I could actually use my iphone as a B camera! Sweet! Thank you!

[@BillBooz]

J'Mel Graves, well, I’m super glad that helps you, man!

[@BIBLEBELIEVERSVIDEO]

Thanks Bill. I enjoyed seeing how you are using the ATEM Mini. I have looked at them a couple of times, but have always come away unsure if it will help me with my style of vidos. It looks like you are on top of things there; I always appreciate your offerings!

[@BillBooz]

BIBLE BELIEVERS VIDEO - MARK VARNEY - thank you. Yes, it made how I do my online classes easier to handle so these type of “talk and show” videos it’s certainly an asset. Since I’m a one-man-band it’s no help for my outdoor show and tell videos. For that the multi camera app, Cinamaker, is great since you can edit camera views after the fact in post.

[@wilsonbatuyong1147]

Nice video very informative. Just wanted to ask. how do you hear yung guest audio?

[@artjohnson01]

Nice setup, Bill. Thanks for sharing. I'm planning a similar rig. All, I need now is the ATEM Mini still on backorder, and some HDMI connectors.

[@BillBooz]

Art Johnson, thanks. One thing I learned from doing this video this morning is the Samson Go mic, though an amazing little mic, is only good if it’s very close to your mouth and I can’t do that - or don’t want to for these classes. The room I’m in, formally an old southern home “sleep porch,” has hardwood floors and three walls of windows and, therefore, I need a mic close to my mouth. So, I’m going to start using one of my lav mics (either the wireless Comica or my wired Purple Panda [no battery to worry about]) when doing these classes and, especially when making a video recording like this morning using OBS Studio. Are you familiar with OBS? It’s what I used to record this video. I think the quality isn’t bad and OBS generates an incredibly small file! Do you have your name on an order list for the Mini? I did that to make sure I got one when they came in.

[@artjohnson01]

@@BillBooz Thanks for the quick follow-up, Bill. I don't get much use out of my Samson Go mic these days. I used it frequently when I was working and traveling. I used that clip to attach it to my computer when I was doing conference calls. I do have the Rode GO mic system for wireless, and it is really good. I've also been using a Samson CO2 on a mic stand over my head. It's good, but tricky to make sure it is close enough overhead, but not so close to show in the picture. As for the ATEM Mini, I've had it on order from B&H Photo for a while now. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your videos.

[@BillBooz]

Art Johnson - thanks, again. Yeah I’ve got so many mics now but I’m learning that the lab mics work best for me. Next time going to use wired Purple Panda if I’m recording with OBS Studio on my MBP and Comica if I’m recording with FilmicPro on my iPhone.

[@ckjjclan]

Hi Bill, on the iPhone 6, are you using the front facing camera? Prob to see the screen... have u tested the front vs back camera for quality. I know the ATEM only takes 1080p, but the back cam is usually better than the front one (screen side).... you’d loose the view of yourself, but, just a thought. It’s a shame the gx85 doesn’t have a mic jack.

[@RebeccaLMorgan]

Bill, this video shows you how to save your PIP settings so you don't have to resize it each time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p52WmoZrlpiAjtk