The Best Livestream & Video Call Set Up
First impressions are lasting impressions and in today’s virtual climate the same can be said about your videos, live streams, and web conferences. In effort to engage with our audiences and give personality to the ones and zeros that make it all possible; we have the ability to utilize Audio, Lighting, Cameras, and software to elevate our work. In today’s blog we’ll be going over some basic and advanced tips for the best livestream and video call set up. By incorporating these tips into your set up, you will have the tools necessary to captivate the audience with your content and stream for success!
Webcam & Video Set Up
For video calls, most will utilize internal webcam & audio setup that is included in your computer or laptop. Did you know that there are other options out there that can give you a more professional look and sound? By substituting your internal webcam with an alternate camera source that is connected to your computer and upgrading your audio to external equipment that also connects to your computer; you will experience a whole new level of sound and picture. In addition, some background lighting can create a more dynamic atmosphere.
Camera Placement & You
So now that you have this wonderful set up, let’s talk about camera placement. You want to avoid having your camera too close to where you’re in extreme close up mode for the entire call. You want your audience to focus more on what you’re talking about as opposed to how close your face is in proximity to the webcam.
To achieve optimal placement, make sure your video source has a stable base and is at an appropriate height so that you are visible from the shoulder on up. This particular placement can give a more natural look and allow the subject/speaker to appear as if they were having a normal conversation in person.
Ready for some advanced steps? Let’s go!
DSLR, Mirrorless, Apertures, Oh My!
As it pertains to DSLR set up, you can use a video encoder such as Cloner Alliance Flint 4k Plus to convert the video signal from your camera in order to have the camera serve as your webcam source. On your computer, the camera source would then appear as “Livestream USB Device” and you would select it in order to have your camera be utilized as your webcam.
What’s so special about DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras you ask? Great Question!
DSLR and mirrorless cameras have the ability to create a more refined and cinematic look as they are capable of reaching lower apertures. A lower aperture creates a better depth of field in which the background is blurred and the subject is more in focus. After observing the abilities of DSLR & Mirrorless cameras, you will surely understand all the chatter and increasing popularity of these particular cameras.
Built-In Webcam on Macbook Pro - No Lighting
Sony RX100 Webcam Conversion - Softbox Light and Background RGB Light
What about the lens?
If your camera has an interchangeable lens option, be sure to get a wide angle lens. The wide angle lens can provide more space around you and provides a more natural look as opposed to a prime lens where there would be more of a close up on your face.
So Many Angles, So Many Options
Perhaps you want multiple angles during your livestream or maybe you’re needing to show your screen while speaking on camera; for this you can utilize the YOLO box and OBS Studio. YOLO box allows you to connect different video sources and have the capability to switch between each video source as well as stream over multiple platforms. You can also incorporate pre-edited video to play during your stream. YOLO Box can also be used as an external monitor to look at your output. Just as there are many gadgets out there to help you stream for success, OBS studio software can help you show your screen simultaneously as you are presenting. This can be very useful if you are teaching, presenting, or doing tutorials via YouTube or social media platforms.
In today's virtual climate where we lean heavily on video conference and online streaming - simple tips such as lighting, camera placement, and external equipment can really make a difference in your livestream and video call set up. Though not using every tool in the market is necessary, there is something to be said for their ability to enhance our work. At the end of the day, your livestream or video is your signature in the workplace or creative world, so it’s important to take advantage of every opportunity to enhance your work.
Until next time, stay safe & stay creative!