Turn a Teleprompter Into a Camera Monitor!

This hack lets you monitor yourself while looking into the lens of your camera! Perfect for filming KZbin videos, live-streaming or even video conferencing. My Camera Guides: academy.dslrvideoshooter.com
GEAR LINKS:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links marked as “PAID LINK” are affiliated.
GlideGear Teleprompter
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/oCZCV
on B&H (PAID LINK): bhpho.to/34hPCMD
Lilliput A8 Monitor
on Amazon (PAID LINK): geni.us/tNXBaL4
on B&H (PAID LINK): bhpho.to/35oc1H8
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Overview
0:27 How it Works
1:21 What You Need
2:46 Monitoring Yourself
3:19 Live Streaming Setup
3:44 Customizations
4:20 Video Meetings & Monitoring Guests
5:13 Conclusion
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.

[@RyanMichaelss]

My favorite part is how you moved over the audio track when showing the monitor so the audio matched up with your lips! It’s the little things 🙌

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Haha! Thank you! They say the money is in the details but make it takes so much time!

[@RyanMichaelss]

@@dslrvideoshooter you’re welcome dude! It doesn’t go unnoticed!

[@leoquesto9183]

I used to do this 18 years ago! In terms of eye-to-eye interviews, a la the Interrotron, it was effective for a while -- too effective, because it became ubiquitous, on virtually all high end commercials in the early 2000s. It originated with Errol Morris who used it for over 30 years in his films, and about 500 commercials in that era. He's finally broken free from it; had to, because everyone was using it.

[@aregal]

Caleb, I've been following your channel for close to a decade and you truly continue to innovate without having to tout the latest gear. From Nikkor/Contax lenses to using a simple pad-prompter like this to do new things that are relevant to today's life. Keep up the good work.

[@Michael-dx8qz]

This is so good. You’re really the only person I can think of who regularly pump out original ideas rather than regurgitating what’s already out there

[@MattSpaugh]

Love it. The idea of looking into the camera for online meetings is awesome - especially if you're the presenter. If you're using a Mac laptop and have an iPad, it seems like you could use Sidecar to mirror your laptop screen. If that works, it could cut down on wiring and the need to buy a suitably sized monitor. Love your stuff - keep up the great work!

[@Mu3azOsman]

Smart and amazing! this is truly a simple and smart way for looking into a monitor without looking away from the camera 👏👏👏👏

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

My biggest issue that I really notice on my videos is I keep glancing over to the monitor. It’s crazy how mind blowing this is. As it’s so simple. Thanks, for the eye opener. 🍻

[@Albanez39]

I've meaning to build one for weeks...and now you post a tutorial on it. THANK YOU! Keep up the tutorials! They're the best thing you can do :)

[@avvocatogiorgiotrono8393]

I'm waiting for the "future video", you talked about. :)

[@WellnessAndWisdom]

did he publish it yet?

[@nguyendzuy]

he posted about it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5m6p4FmZsd4hrs starts at 3:48

[@HeresMo]

@@nguyendzuy I was about to post it

[@ChrisGrahamMastering]

This is amazing. So many youtube videos on making better looking video- but this one focuses on improving the connection your videos make with your audience. I LOVE THAT!

[@toyinosi]

The force is still strong with this one. Hats off to you, Caleb 💪🏾

[@nicholascovington7018]

Wow! Something soooo simple but game-changing! Thank you, ive been struggling with this so much.

[@danggood]

this is a great setup. your creativity is out of this world man.

[@whatsonmytable]

You are just awesome Caleb! Youre a gift to the photographer community. Anything i google for and then i see a video of yours how youve made something super innovative. Am so excited while i type this that my spellings are all going off... I just came sliding from your mirror to get lighting effect video to this and its just awessome!!

[@christianmackin9465]

I almost never comment but had to do more than like this video. One of the best geek out videos I have ever scene. I’m so glad there are other people that find joy in doing completely ridiculous things-because they can. Thanks for your effort.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Legendary idea. Your creativity is spectacular!

[@penguino3500]

You're an inspiration! Superb ideas.

[@ericallnight]

YES!! I was just thinking about doing this to film high quality virtual Zoom interviews locally. Instead of trying to get your camera lens right above the monitor/computer screen and still having imperfect eyeline/eye contact, this is a perfect approach to have perfect eye contact and be able to film on a good camera instead of trying to record via Zoom and deal with its low quality and connection issues. Good on ya!! Patiently waiting for your more complex setup for this!

[@lindalawson4296]

I have all of this gear, and I am going to try this set up this weekend. Thank you so much, Caleb!!

[@johnslater8998]

You’ve re-invented Errol Morris’s Interrotron! Great for interviews. The subject can look you in the eyes while answering questions. I have the same GlideGear teleprompter, and I hadn’t thought of using it this way. Thanks!

[@LedgerStatus]

I already have this teleprompter and it's great. I wanted to do this with the monitor but wasn't sure what would fit, so thanks for testing it. I used your link :) The pass through is also important here, since I use the same HDMI feed for other things. Thanks, Caleb!

[@stowgood]

Looking forward to seeing the next level of this in your future video!

[@stevensmith4099]

I literally just did this setup a week ago exact same teleprompter and monitor even. It works great.

[@tuftlaw]

Simple yet ingenious. Thank you! There is not much you can do to connect with clients via Zoom, but this...brilliant.

[@MichelvanAmsterdam]

Very interesting! Looking forward to learn more about all scenarios. Thanks!!!

[@MedialockeFilmsUK]

Hey Caleb, great video. We used to do this a few years back to allow television presenters to watch themselves, or the transmission when doing live links or not in need of the prompter. It's a great tool to have in the bag, but one thing I would be aware of is ghosting on the recorded image. Often times when full blue or bright white would cross the monitor/prompter this would lift and shift the blacks of the recorded image. To combat this reducing the prompter monitor brightness will help but not completely eradicate this. Best of luck with it.

[@maxwelledison6538]

So awesome! Just did a small build of your mobile audio case for our office. This will definitely be the next step in improving our webinars 👌 Do u have any specific tripod that u would recommend for the setup with a glidecam tele and a a6400? I guess my "normal" photo tripod is not usable for this or?

[@JeffHarrison1960]

Love this set up. I just recently purchased the teleprompter shown, which kicked up the quality of all scripted videos and your bonus tip for live-streams...which we do about 10 a week and the eye contact will be great. Thank you

[@FeliciaAlston]

Right at the 3:28 mark is where this video has tremendously helped me figure out how to connect the Lilliput to my Atem Mini Pro. I am very thankful. I appreciate your commitment to excellence.

[@andreasbuder4417]

I use this exact setup for video conferencing, because I look my colleagues right into the eye. And of course it works wonderfully for filming self shots. I have more difficulty for control my facial expressions than remembering text, so this setup helps tremendously for me.

[@GerardoJMendozaManuel89]

Great video, Caleb! Eagerly looking forward to the other ones you mentioned here.

[@AungMoeWin]

Simple yet very helpful tip. Thanks 👍

[@AskAW]

I was just about to ask for a link to the zoom video when I realized that this video was just released. Now you have me thinking about your channel until the next video. Bravo, sir. Bra... ... Vo

[@ONTHERADAR1]

This is great! I have it set up already. I can't believe I didn't think of this. Thank you!

[@dodmedia]

This is utterly genius Caleb!

[@rastercaster]

I've been using a Parrot smartphone teleprompter on my GH5 for my streaming cam for months now. It's smaller and cheaper. I use a small LCD for a raspberry pi on an HDMI splitter. Makes it more portable and compact to fit tighter with other gear like primary monitors for gaming and meetings.

[@davidj.7906]

LOL...PERFECT timing! I just bought the Glide yesterday!

[@halonatic13]

Love your content brother. Seriously, out of the box thinking.

[@TolisDokianos]

Excellent hack! Can't wait to try it out in my studio! Thnx!

[@jeffgeoffray8663]

Thanks for your review of the Glide Gear TMP 100 and the explanation of how to setup for use as a camera monitor. The unit has exceeded my expectations. Its solid and surprisingly light weight. The carrying case was ingeniously designed to protect the glass for travel. I'm using is with a Lilliput 7 inch hi-def monitor that also flips the image from my desktop. I may go for a larger 10" monitor because I think the unit and my camera stand can easily hold more weight. My only regret is that I didn't do this 1000 zoom calls ago.

[@Samtagri]

Caleb!!! You are always awesome. Yes this is a great idea. I have a teleprompter for my 7” iPad mini which will work great for this. I will try. I have been experimenting with people taking their own portraits in the studio looking at a live view screen in the tv in the background. But this will work so much better with wireless live view on the iPad app. From my experience, people taking their own portrait works fantastic for some (narcissistic) people and doesn’t work at all for some (shy) people.

[@murraymacd]

Really interested in that video conference episode! Look forward to it.

[@user-vo8le3rr6y]

I can always trust you to make something super good super practical and Anna sort of a budget thank you keep up this amazing work of yours

[@utegietzen-wieland2976]

Great tutorial, genius hack! Thank you very much for sharing, it is highly appreciated!

[@legacyfitness7469]

Very clever solution! Worth trying! Thanks

[@cre8tivephotographysolutions]

Great idea, never thought of using my teleprompter in that way, thanks for sharing.

[@MerrillFilms]

These engineering videos lately have been so interesting! 😱

[@martialartsjb]

I agree. They are simple and highly useful. Keepem coming.

[@bfalloon9028]

Brilliant content, as always. A sweet alternative to using a monitor is to use your iPad in sidecar mode - then routing the camera's feed into the Mac via a capture card, atem mini etc. Then, using a simple app like 'quick camera' displaying said 'webcam' on the iPad screen. Quick Camera also lets you flip the webcam feed. Of course the monitor is going to have extra features your iPad won't, but for those who have an iPad, a Mac and they're sidecar compatible, it's a good way to get started. Thanks Caleb :)

[@tombuck]

Thank you! I’ve got the same teleprompter and have been trying to figure out the best way to do something like this. 👍

[@pradyutkumarmandal3333]

Very good video thanks you for your knowledge and experience

[@tdw-techniknews8858]

Big fan of your videos... Thank you very much and keep on rockin´.. ! Greetings from Hamburg / Germany!

[@tommyhj5988]

wow!! I have all that gear already. Will be fun to use. GREAT IDEA .THANKS!

[@juneinblack]

I was thinking of doing the same thing. Happy to see it works the way I was hoping it would.

[@3csinapod195]

Simple and Mindblowingly awesome! Thank you!

[@PrimalVideo]

Awesome video - I just grabbed a LunaDisplay adaptor to use the ipad (FLIPPED) as a second screen for a teleprompter which works really well too. Connected to mac over USBC there's no-delay and charges the ipad at the same time. Works alot better than Mac's SideCar feature. Love the idea of using a video monitor that supports flipping the image too though - always appreciate your videos ✌️

[@kendramonae3098]

Can you do a video on how you did it?

[@MichelvanAmsterdam]

That would be interesting to see the setup of that option as well on your channel if possible.

[@Fiberific]

I was wonderig if there was a way to do this with moile device, Im wondering what android options there would e that include passthrough.

[@JWry-RazonandoBiblicamente]

Could I do this with Duet as well?

[@seamussmyth2312]

@@JWry-RazonandoBiblicamente Yes you can (I use it), but does not flip, to be honest not loving this solution as set-up seems to need re-configuring all the time in Display Manager (Mac). Stressful on a deadline.

[@ksasat]

The creativity is looking at the familiar in an unfamiliar way .. so impressive 👏🏻

[@bentheremedia3011]

Man what a great hack! I stream on Twitch and one of the things I least enjoy is having to read things on the screen before trying to make eye contact while responding. Getting a setup like this so that I can read chat while not having to look away would be sick!

[@princearthur4946]

Excellent presentation!

[@DearEva.]

I love this!! I want it!! I have such a hard time looking at the camera directly bc I’m busy looking at the client on the computer monitor during zoom. I want more of this setup that’s cost affordable

I love this!!!! What an amazing setup!

[@GlennUpgraded]

Been doing this setup with my Desview Teleprompter! Teleprompters are great little tool to have. 😁

[@FarEastSurvival]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@twosheafilms]

Caleb with the GENIUS hacks!!! Gotta knock the dust off the teleprompter!! Thank you yet again for these amazing tips!!

[@Rivenworld]

Love this idea, thanks for sharing.

[@seandee]

The was very helpful. I'm going to click on that link later today and get the monitor. I already have the Glide :) Thanks for this cool method and looking forward to the next video you mentioned.

[@riparianstudios]

Caleb, this is really clever. You just continue to produce interesting and useful content that's helpful to what folks are doing these days. I expect you're using something like this on Camera and Flask? ;)

[@MrCameraJunkie]

Super cool video, I did a similar thing, I connected to my Sony Camera using the App on my iPad and then used my iPad teleprompter as my monitor. Great stuff 😉👍

[@ChiaTalks]

Love this idea for zoom meetings and keeping eye contact.

[@ivanmadethis]

Such a cool idea! I never thought about that before.

[@Just_Samson]

Dude, This should be the new standard. So gooooooooood! Thanks

[@SentidoEconomico]

Great video, I'll try the setup.

[@juliancroot]

Very clever... especially the part about expanding your computer desktop to the teleprompter.... I hadn't thought about doing that. The only problem with this idea is that most monitors are much thicker than an iPad, and require either batteries or a DC power cable at the back... which unfortunately means its very difficult to position it inline with the camera lens... or even see the whole frame in your teleprompter. Still, these inventive videos are great, and really encourage people to think outside the box and make good use of what they might already have. I love it! Thanks.

[@davidbermancomm]

You can easily fit the Lilliput A11 there instead, which also gives you the benefit of a larger image (the only downside being the additional cost). The A12 will also fit physically; however likely you would lose a bit of its image (also the A12 is substantially more expensive because it's a 4K device!).

[@PauliusMusteikis]

hey Caleb, first of all thanks a bunch for great content! big fan! i wanted to give few observations of the setup you're talking about in the video- converting teleprompter into monitor. I decided to use Sony a73 as a chat camera and a teleprompter screen for a meeting with the clients instead of my Macbook pro yesterday. Ran into couple of issues. a) first of all 7 inch monitor I used in teleprompter is great for overall feel, but I couldn't really see people's faces (zoom call had 4 participants in total), and therefore couldn't read their reactions, etc. and for a sales call its fairly important. b) fail number 2 was that while I tested the whole setup before hand and it was working, I got some glitch right before the meeting and couldn't connect my mic to work, had to restart computer, and ended up being late 5 minutes. moral of that whole talk being, that every gadget adds more complexity to the setup. and the more complex setup gets, the more chances for any driver miscommunication or some glitch that might be difficult to determine on the go. just my two cents! cheers!

[@tamil_selvan-eaets]

It was wonderful Idea for small studio setup

[@atomicfoto]

I can’t believe how obvious this is. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it or why I haven’t seen it mentioned somewhere else. Thanks so much for sharing this hack.

[@nickjames5602]

Hi Caleb, awesome video and thank you very much for sharing! Would love it if you could take that idea a step further and do a video where you set it up as an interrotron for interviewing people on camera and having them look straight at you, Errol Morris style.

[@jkpinpdx]

Good Nugget bruh! GREAT IDEA!💪🏽

[@IAMJOELBURRIS]

Such an easy hack. Never would have thought of it. Caleb. You're the Q of filmmaking!

[@maxvcollenburg]

Awesome! Such a great idea to use a monitor instead of a tablet. I can totally see how I would add the monitor as an external display for my MacBook to show stuff on.

[@leotumwattana]

Nice. This is catching on. I actually have an almost exact same setup used for my Zoom meetings. Only difference is I went with the Lilliput A11 and have the whole setup clamped to my desk using the Wali monitor mount hack you mentioned in one of your other videos. I can attest, this setup is awesome!

[@lovebeingawake8549]

Hi I’m interested to know which teleprompter you use with your a11? Thanks for your help.

[@martinharris8645]

Hi Leo, do you find the A11 bright enough? I had the A8 for a while but found it too small. It was 350nits. The A11 is supposedly 320nits.

[@leotumwattana]

@@martinharris8645 Yeah. It’s definitely bright enough for me.

[@PolarIceCreamery]

Great trick, might look in to picking one of these up.

[@CiescK12InUs]

Looking forward to part 2!

[@danerose575]

Using the ATEM mini series of switchers I wonder if you can walk us through setting this up as follows: The monitor is on a switcher that allows switching between: a) A zoom interviewee or skype interviewee for conversations looking in someone's eye. b) The camera feed to look the audience in the eye and see what they see. c) A laptop text or media to read articles and look at the audience at the same time. It would also be good to show this with a separate ATEM mini extreme so the monitor could show what the viewer sees overall with titles and the like added.

[@AndrewFinney]

Great video! Before this video, I watched your ultimate KZbin setup video. WOW! I'm curious what your take or anyone's take is on replacing the audio features you have in the video with the rodecaster pro? On a different note. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for your excellent content, keep crushing it!

[@ChiefNonsense]

Genius! Caleb, you’re the bomb.

[@nathanielhawthorne704]

Definitely something to keep in mind if I ever make harder to explain videos👌

[@SimonAllinson]

Such a nice idea Caleb!

[@TravisSickle]

Lilliput A8 was discontinued so I went with the A11 which works great. I did have to adjust the camera because it was very dark during recording which was unexpected since I have never used a teleprompter before. I'm using the Sony a6400 and Sigma 16mm so I changed the F-Stop to 2.5 from 3.2. Getting the SD card and the continuous battery are both issues with the Glide Gear camera mount. It will attach but you'll need to take it off each time to gain access to the SD card. Previously I didn't need to move anything to remove my SD card. I have since recorded directly to OBS as a workaround and am testing out different quick releases. This video is the reason I purchased both products. Very happy with the decision.

[@straightshootinsim]

Looks like the Lilliput A8 is discontinued. You might want to check out a different monitor you can link to for referral credit. Great videos you put together. They are so inspiring. Thanks for the work.

[@datswhatidrew]

Has anyone tried the A7S 7" model instead?

[@SkylerKing]

This video was way better than the title lead me to believe it would be.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Titling this video was really tricky! Wasn't sure of the best way to convey the idea.

[@zacredacted2137]

Lol same. I almost didn’t watch but glad I did.

[@PhillipBridgesReviews]

I agree. I almost passed on it. Good thing I didn’t. It was one of the most helpful videos for me. 👍🏻 Caleb has great ideas.

[@silverbulletin846]

@@dslrvideoshooter thanks for all your videos, i bought neewer 2x 660 RBG + 1x 660 led for main light, + a tripod whit overhead boom stand + backdrop stand /6 piece pvc colur 100cm/150cm and a panasonic 25mm 1.7 for my Pana G85 Body > insted of a more expencive ex used sigma 18-35 art or 12/24 cinelens - was that bad idea, i have no lights no tripod, what if i could have used the better lens + my home lights and table for my videos insted of all this extra stuff. im gonna be shooting products and my silver coins while i talk onver it, i hope i did make the right choise alot of diffrent recomends where on youtube whits is my main souce for info. I do have a xlr mic and mixer/dac so im gonna use adobe audio program to record and then mix in, i might pick up a 50$ cam mic too at one point if i need its more easy. im new to video kinda new i did have a youtube back in 2008 but just from a small dlsr 720p no editing. Sould i have attacked this diffrent?? i have alittle more to spend next month, anything i missed?? and can you comment on my impulse buying so far. Thanks.

[@artjohnson01]

@@silverbulletin846 I have my Panasonic G7 configured as a webcam. My 15mm Pana/Leica lens is about perfect. My 25 mm is much too close for the talking head shot (with a bit of background) that most folks prefer for KZbin.

[@javonchapman3162]

This looks amazing. Awhile back you talked about making a guild on how to record straight to a computer from your camera. I believe you mentioned this in the one stand video recording set up for a desk upload, but I never saw it. I don't know if I missed it or what?.

[@MelodicaWorld]

This is great! Is there a way to see both what you’re recording as well as an overlayed script ?That would be perfect

[@TSGEnt]

Great! This was a perfect additional use of a teleprompter. Wouldn't it be a trip to also key text in addition to talent image? Teleprompter and frame verify all in one!

[@TheOrdinaryUnordinaryGuy]

So awesome! Just did a small build of your mobile audio case for our office. This will definitely be the next step in improving our webinars 👌 Do u have any specific tripod that u would recommend for the setup with a glidecam tele and a a6400? I guess my "normal" photo tripod is not usable for this or?

[@Wheresjez]

Wow this is such a good idea and easy said 👍🏽

[@Cwookie_]

It´s one of those things that makes you go "Why didn't I think of that...". This could've been useful for so many projects! Not only for my own projects but also for clients who have a difficult time speaking into a lens as they've never done it before.

[@BenderTubeOG]

Gonna have to keep my eye on this to up my streaming game!

[@RockstarCinema]

Love this set up

[@ProfSimonHolland]

good idea....going to try this

[@gafferngrip5407]

Wow, why didn't I thought about this. Kool, thnx. I will use this.

[@JuusoHoo]

great idea thanks!!❤