This $100 Video Rig ROCKS!

I build a video desk setup with a cheap $100 camera stand! Great for filming KZbin videos including A-roll, b-roll top down shots and streaming or video conferencing. Want to support the channel? Check out my video guides here: academy.dslrvideoshooter.com
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction
0:44 A-Roll Video Setup
5:31 B-Roll Table Top Setup
7:26 Video Meeting/Live Streaming Setup
8:24 Pros and Cons
10:25 Conclusion
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GEAR MENTIONED
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked as “PAID LINK” are affiliated.
ULANZI Desk Stand Mount
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/UrUw
Vesa Mount Arm
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/Hqv3w8R
on B&H (PAID LINK): bhpho.to/3reCwtm
Falcon Eyes 12T
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/qaejN3O
Sony a6400
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/qGgWy4
on B&H (PAID LINK): bhpho.to/3ecVPxP
Sigma 16mm E Mount Lens
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/7J8Yoav
on B&H (PAID LINK): bhpho.to/3kDyIh4
Camera Tripod Ball Head (for b-roll setup)
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/8UoBYO
1/4 Bolt and Washer (I used a 1-1/4 Inch long 1/4 20 socket screw)
Light Stand Spigot
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/2WFyXk
Microphone Arm Clamp
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/OlCm
Ball Head for Microphone
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/E7NRFl
Rode Video Micro
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/3YETc
on B&H (PAID LINK): bhpho.to/3AYUHHN
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DISCLAIMERS
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I PROMISE camera content resumes next week! Thank you for letting me get this desk stuff out of my system ha! Now onto writing another budget cinema camera script...

[@iComplainer]

you could post cupcake recipes. i’d still watch.

[@rusty_uzi]

No worries man

[@StudioSS313]

Do your thing dude, content creators need this!

[@puchalaka]

finally, geezzzzzzzzz

[@hazmathews]

Just in case you were not aware, but ULANZI has used parts of your video for their product page.

[@GetBusyLiving]

Caleb I absolutely love these different rigs and setups that you create and demonstrate. Thank you so much for putting the time and effort into these setups and videos, you have helped me (and I'm sure many many others based on the comments) SO MUCH. You're a champion. Cheers mate!

[@HobbyVolt]

I think this is exactly what I've been needing. I do a lot of facedown filming and have a need for a better mic position while filming. This is so helpful!Thank you SO much!

[@ThomasLoyd]

As a supporting gadget nerd, I like seeing videos like this because there isn't a lot out there in regards to setting up a rig to support cameras and other equipment.

[@JustADad]

Great Video!!! very well put together and great Editing! Just what I was looking for!

[@LensVid]

Nice video Caleb - we reviewed this product a while back and we are actually using it for product photography to hold things in the air - it can be pretty useful for that (and then remove the wires in post).

[@mahmoudsaeed1556]

The Handy man of KZbin for camera and filming category 💓🔥 Love your contact and your ideas and you are one of the people who made me know my purpose of life and what I love to do. ❤️

[@ryanearlmoore]

I always love seeing your ideas for setups. I get so much inspiration from your videos!

[@girisonnaseri]

I was thinking how it would manage my a7iii. but u answered it.. it may be wobbly I guess.. dont want to risk it. will look for the other video stand u showed in the video. thank u!

[@enzob6805]

I have the a7iii and I can't find a good one. What did you end up doing?

[@StephaneGallay]

Just got one of these (through a EU provider) and I must admit that it's a super useful addition for my small home studio. I even use it to switch from my desktop and laptop settings. Had to find an extra screw adapter to attach my Blue Yeti mike on the arm, but it works fairly well. The only thing is, I can't attach my camera, because I have prompter and the weight of the whole gig would be too much. Still, great suggestion!

[@scottvogel8477]

Always a pleasure to see new content from you. Even if it is a other DIY project.

[@mariusoli4]

Thank you Caleb for all your awesome videos.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

The joined arms like that instead of ball joints between the various arm parts like on Elgato seems very nice if you don't need the articulation that ball joints gives you, and you avoid the weakness of a ball joint at the same time.

[@rs.p]

Literally perfect for what I want to develop my streaming setup into! Thx 🙏

[@sazbabebe]

Love your videos on desktop rigs. Endless ideas 👊🏿

[@BreakMan630]

Love these desk setup videos - keep em coming pls !

[@NuttyJun]

How does that Rode Video Micro sound better than my Rode VideoMic Pro?! That literally sounds as good as a Shure SM7B 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@AyStar]

Just what I've been looking for, thank you Caleb! 🙏🙏🙏

[@JMBalicano]

Dude, when I first saw this, it looked like it was the spitting image of your original design! Ended up buying it for myself, though it hangs from a floating shelf above my desk..

[@BasicallyBosco]

Ulanzi is my favorite budget camera gear brand. I been so happy with their products

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

I have bought one recently and highly recommend it!

[@ifiwere984]

I have edited myself into movies and TV shows using some of your advice, tips and tricks so thanks!!!

[@Cobuman]

It kind of seemed like first half of the video you didn't really need the $100 rig at all. Laptop was sitting on totally different stand, for audio you've used different arms, and for the light... you had to modify the rig with another adapter. Which reminds me... you didn't even use it for audio setup. It just kept going like that... buy more things to make it work theme. It's like watching a really long commercial of all the parts you should buy to make this thing work. To prove my point you have 7 links in your video description to all the extra things you need to buy. I get you need to make money but man... you really made sure to push tons of products on this video.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Very cool and interesting Caleb. The audio from that little Mic. sounds great!

[@TaehaTypes]

That AEK keyboard

[@rusty_uzi]

😂

[@markpbowen]

This is my set up. It is amazing. So many uses.

[@SonnyJacobLee]

Ordered 👌 Thanks Caleb 🙏

[@Deutschmitwojtek]

What a fantastic video. Thanks.

[@sloanNYC]

I have lots of different mounts and small lights from them and they always have discounts, their VL49 RGB lights are great when on sale for 2 for $20 especially. I love my El Gato multi-mount, but if I didn't have that and a nice boom arm already, this would be a nice setup.

[@EdwardHutchinson]

I would LOVE to see a rig like this that could be used for behind and angled down to show in front of you at a desk. Just your hands and items as if you were showing people a bunch of new baseball cards you just got or something similar that does not get in the way that can have video, lighting and mic attachments or least places for them :)

[@ToolsElectroDIY]

I love your build!

[@davideastham]

Always something amazing !!

[@natwallenexprealty3577]

I really like how you ended this with you tucked away in the bottom right corner… The rest was really good too, but it was funny at the end. Cheers!

[@NiallEveritt]

I love these setup videos!

[@BlackAesop]

Great video! Love watching your content.

[@philpritchard5173]

These videos are great!

[@ScottJWaldron]

It does look pretty useful for the price! Next up: Doctor Octopus backpack recording setup . ;D

[@hippiewalks131]

Thanks for the heads up.

[@freddoflintstono9321]

I'm impressed with how much the Rode mic is rejecting background noise in your piece - it's not that noticeable that you're sitting in a room with hard, parallel walls.

[@yasnovsem]

Thanks man. Great thing

[@oksanabula8709]

Thank you!

[@MAD_D9]

Although they took the notepad from you but you support them how much I love you😄❤

[@TheMichaelduda]

He he he…the master of a thousend creative camera configurations! Nice!

[@notlonnie]

thanks caleb, great video!

[@theCameraVille]

Great idea! Im still using your Canon R6. :D

[@GaryFujiokaSr]

I have one I use alongside a Viozon (the other setup he showed, mine is on wheels). The Ulanzi does wobble like a mofo. Still, the reach and adjustability of it's arms outweighs this if you're not going to be in contact with your desk, causing said wobble. I use the Ulanzi for top-down and lights and it's great for those.

[@IMRROcom]

FACT and make the video off from it look like Jello

[@GaryFujiokaSr]

@@IMRROcom Word to your mother.

[@magnuseriksson8081]

That is crazy good sound with that mic

[@sonderstills_]

What a neat rig! 💯 Just wondering, is there a maximum weight for each arm of this rig?

[@Jailoyal1]

You are the Man ✊💪

[@lawnjenkins]

your channel is AWESOME!! Let me say that first. One thing I would love to know your views about is an "outdoor Podcast setup'. I think I can follow your advice for inside and get myself a great setup, but for those of us who love talking about the outdoors, specifically lawncare and backyard stuff, what would you suggest? Maybe just a gopro or a cell phone? maybe best light settings or whatever you feel. I rely on your knowledge to help me a lot. :-)

[@fillstuard]

What a wonderful Video

[@thanoskaranatsios9053]

Very nice video explaining the basic set up choices! If you would throw in a FEELWORLD or Blackmagic switcher it would be more complete, right?

[@The_Guth]

This looks fun 🐙

[@Ronz_Bunny]

Love the stand! Take my $

[@jigsound]

Fantastic flexibility in a single accessory. Thanks for the review! 👍

[@StupidRaisins]

That's a pretty solid rig for just $100! Mine is a free moving stand and it cost me over $250 to put together.

[@stevemccrory9130]

SO, the Professor is finally reducing his caffeine intake and normal service will be resuming. Have enjoyed this mini-series, but have missed the reviews and comparisons. Thanks for all the different set-ups (shot taken).

[@hennessylieu]

I would like to see you deep dive into professional overhead set up

[@parasinthephilippines]

Excellent as always. Probably a little to flimsy for my live streams.

[@ebpman]

Caleb thanks for the video setting up a secondary shooting spot. I noticed some wobble. How steady is the rig? I tested many products but not this one and found that some shake to much when you touch the desk for example. What is your opinion?

[@getfmlr]

I have it and I would say it will still wobble depending on how high you set each arm and how far out it extends coupled with how much weight you put on it.

[@k2OS]

too much wobble for me too.. great prize, but as soon as he even thought about touching the table, it wobbled like mad :/

[@ebpman]

@@getfmlr input mine together more of a hack with different parts no wobble. Even the one from elgato wobbles.

[@johnwhite208]

I agree. The setup looks nice and clean, but that wobble is a a no go for me. But still, a great idea for those on a budget!

[@AlexBooster]

Everything will wobble if you attach it to a desk. That's unavoidable. If you want to avoid the wobble, you can't attach it to a desk. (Unless the desk is a large block of concrete that absolutely won't move when touching. But even then, the wooden desktop on top of a concrete block will move slightly when leaning on it - even if it's bolted down.)

[@JamesSpurin]

Absolutely Amazing! Am in the UK and this link works, this is great as the Wali three tier arms are harder to get here. Caleb, I bought a pole already based on one of the previous videos, it's a Duronic 80cm and it has a teleprompter mounted (again, from another of your videos!). The width on this pole is 3.2cm where as the Ulanzi pole is 2.8cm. Do you think the arms would work on this please?

[@MiroAcronymity]

I wonder if it's possible to get the swivel arms only. I already have two monitor arms and don't really want to add more to my desk. However, being able to add a light, camera and microphone would be sweet.

[@billkujawa]

That Rode Micro is a decent sounding mic for the money!

[@philriot]

Hi, awesome video as usual. What kind of base is holding the laptop?

[@yesyesbutwhy3342]

Great desk rig setup! (as always). Love your videos - real pity this Ulanzi system is over $230 on Canadian Amazon - I'll have to get creative..!

[@tomsodyssey]

Love this! Anyone here ideas where to buy in Europe? Or at least a different kind of brand/setup that’s pretty similar? Been looking for over a year 😅🥲

[@ryansnydercg]

I was literally about to build your previous desk setup. Do you like this one or the other one better?

[@Bloodshade]

Bro he really partnered with Wish for this one. Kidding aside, I actually appreciate this solid review - I’m usually a skeptic of these kinds of stands.

[@ForeverYoung007]

Im curious how the Elgato key light panel, which has inherent diffusing and different type of leds, would fair instead of the FalconEyes 12t panel. The 12t seems to have a really mixed bag of reviews. Not sure if Caleb has every tried or tested the elgato panel for this specific use case since it’s so compact.

[@sebastiangerlic]

cool!!! really cool!! and what about that little PENTAX... Which model it is??

[@milesian1]

Fun fact: The brand name "Ulanzi" comes from the Chinese name 優籃子, which means "excellent basket." Guess they were pretty smart not to translate it directly, eh?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

😂 That is fantastic.

[@cuatroequismx]

Still smart cuz u can put many stuff in it

[@AlienDrones]

Hey friend, nice video! I have no idea why but I just searched your page and reverse sorted by oldest video, *How to Get Macro Shots With Any Lens* 10 years ago! So who is _that_ guy and when did you replace him? Lol. Thanks for the great content! 👍

[@clintjohnson5914]

Great info---as in all your videos-- I am going to flat on my back for 4-7 days recovering from a medical procedure..and guess what I'm going to be watching while I'm laid up?? Quick question from this episode-- Do you know of any kits like this that will fit the circumference of a Manfrotto Auto pole?? I found one at a "yard sale" for $15 and want to make good use of it... Thanks for all you do here,,,

[@nicholaslin1556]

hey thanks for these guides. What's your opinion on the sony ZV-e10 over the sony a6400?

[@TheKhasKeta]

Good one

[@lilblackbeard]

This would be perfect for me

[@JamesSpurin]

Purchased the Falcon Eyes RX T12 using the link above, something to note for anyone else who chooses this light. The spigot on the back of the frame for me was directly pointing out and wasn't at a right angle as per the video (maybe they've changed the way it's packaged). If you look closely, there's another screw thread on the spigot piece. If you unscrew it with the help of an alan key from the other side, you can switch this to a right angle as per this video which supports the setup better :-)

[@DolisterCovers]

Okay, go off! These thumbnails can't be beat!!!

[@Bean86]

great video as usual, just a pity that Amazon lists all but the electronic parts as out of stock (at least for me). Keep up the good work.

[@WHMStudios]

In theory, could you use this on the video battle station you showed off last week in place of the monitor arm? For the wobble issue, could the pipe have the clamp removed and a plate bolted to it instead, which could then be bolted directly into the desk? Could a fourth arm with a VESA plate be added to the pipe for a monitor? The two projects combined could make a really powerful set of tools for a one-person crew!

[@BestAudiovisualTricks]

Caleb, what adapter do you use for your VESA arm to attach your laptop? Thank you so much man!

[@GadgetRumors]

if ulanzi design the clamp with 2 position to grip, and the column placed at the center between the grip position, it would be stronger and not woblle i think :)

[@chillbro2275]

I like the little computer in the background. Not sure if it's an Apple or a Commodore though...

[@glennwhittington7783]

Hey with the Vesa Arm, what is the mount that the MacBook is sitting on? Does that come with the arm or is it something extra? Thanks for the video!

[@SonnyJacobLee]

Also what Vesa mount is that? It seems to be a laptop dock instead of a monitor mount. Thanks Caleb!

[@chrisalwayswins]

for shots like @3:21 one where you're talking to the camera, are you using the 16mm lens? and what stand/camera mount is being use for this specific angle

[@MountIt]

Yo Caleb! We think you would love our new All-in-One video rig that will be coming out soon!

[@tectokbyhareesh]

Hey, did you process the audio or its raw?

[@StudioSS313]

Definitely raw. Rhode Micros are dope

[@withalexnef]

hareesh bai

[@iComplainer]

@@StudioSS313 *Rode

[@webm0nk3y]

Some time ago you had acoustic panels to get rid of the echos. How are you dealing with that in this setup?

[@A1Bokeh]

Bro what the heck lol pretty awesome

[@dsouthall8265]

Could you do a quick overview on how you process the audio coming from the Rode Video Micro? What are you doing in terms of EQ? I can never get mine to sound that crisp

[@dslrvideoshooter]

No EQ or any audio changes. Just the microphone plugged into the camera :-)

[@czerskip]

Since you recommend Ulanzi, I'd love to hear all opinion on their customer service. The comments under their apps suggest it's non-existent which may be a bit troubling.

[@GrantMcWilliams]

Is the tube size the same as others so you could take parts from another and use it on this one? I've mixed and matched multiple different desk stands to get the parts I needed, not all work with each other but I was able to get two monitors, a laptop stand, an 8" tablet for controlling lights/focus and a 11" tablet stand for standing voiceover work on one heavy duty pedestal mount that I mounted by drilling a hole through the wood desk top and through the metal brace under it. It's pretty solid. If the tube size is the same as others then someone could buy this thing as a bag of parts they use on another system.

[@RobertJohnsonEYT]

Wow that looks like a particular Spiderman villain with all those arms

[@domfaucher]

Love the opening when you look like you are 4 foot tall. Hahaha. Great tips.

[@YannParodi]

Hello Caleb, did you still use the teleprompter for zoom calls ? to look the dialogue partner in the eye ?

[@vivianiacoboni6273]

Hi Caleb. I am a techno-phone that needs to learn video recording in order to make beading tutorials. The camera needs to point down at my hands and I need to be able to zoom in and out to get close ups of the needle going in and coming out of small beads. Could you please make some suggestions for me. I have literally no experience except recording with difficulty with my cell phone. I watched so many of your videos I can't remember..Is this the one that wobbles because my work has to be still. Thanks so much for these great videos.

[@DerMedienIngeniuer]

As you recomment the Video Micro so often I have a question regarding the Mic: have come by any issues with a very High noise Floor? I heard that it has the same Problem as the VideoMic Go

[@NICfood]

Is there a Chance to buy this with a stand? Seems Like the perfect Setup as a all in one setup. I am looking for Something to use in family Environment, i am filming my cooking stuff in the same kitchen i am eating with my family so i need Something to positionate and Take away fast and easy,Love this rig idea

[@gursikh133]

Hi, could you please recommend a camera for this setup?