Elgato Prompter Review - THE Creator Gadget

Summary

In this review, the host evaluates Elgato's new teleprompter, highlighting its compatibility with wide-angle lenses, lightweight design, and innovative monitor functionality. Despite some ghosting issues and the absence of a power switch, the reviewer praises the product's overall performance, especially with the Elgato stream deck. The software, while lacking some features, is noted to be improving. The high price is justified by the niche market monopoly, and the reviewer recommends the teleprompter for creators, expecting further enhancements from Elgato.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Elgato teleprompter supports wide-angle lenses, which is a unique feature in its price range.
• 🔧 It is lightweight and can be easily mounted on the lens without additional mounts.
• 💡 There is no noticeable color or brightness change, which is crucial for low-light environments.
• 🌞 The screen is bright enough for studio use, but can be adjusted to avoid shining too brightly on the user.
• 🖥️ A game-changing feature is that it functions as a monitor, eliminating the need for phones, file transfers, or remote controls.
• 📝 Users can overlay the script on the camera preview, aiding in framing and delivery.
• 📱 The teleprompter can still be used with a phone in a pinch, though it is not recommended.
• 👻 Ghosting is present, especially with white text on a dark background, which can be distracting.
• 🔌 The device is always on when connected via USB, with no power switch, making outdoor use or travel less convenient.
• 💻 The software, Elgato Camera Hub, has improved but still lacks some features like a proper text editor and undo/redo functionality.
• 💰 The price of €300 might be considered high, but Elgato has a monopoly in this niche market.

Q & A

What was the main issue with affordable studio teleprompters the speaker had experienced before trying Elgato's prompter?

The speaker had issues with vignetting on the sides when using wide-angle lenses, and the compactness of other affordable teleprompters made them unsuitable for their camera setup. Additionally, they found using a phone app to drive the teleprompter to be clunky and unappealing.

What was the initial problem with the 'Pair Pro' teleprompter the speaker tried to get?

The 'Pair Pro' teleprompter turned out to be a scam, which was a disappointment for the speaker who had hoped it would meet their needs.

What are the main advantages of Elgato's new teleprompter according to the speaker?

Elgato's teleprompter supports wide-angle lenses without vignetting, is lightweight and can hang from the lens, has no noticeable color or brightness change, and features a bright screen suitable for low-light environments. It also functions as a monitor, eliminating the need for phones, file transfers, and remote controls.

How does Elgato's teleprompter integrate with the user's computer setup?

The teleprompter connects through USB to the computer and instantly pops up as an extra monitor, allowing for various uses such as script overlay on the camera preview.

Can the Elgato teleprompter be controlled with the Elgato Stream Deck?

Yes, the speaker confirms that controlling the teleprompter actions with the Elgato Stream Deck works really well.

What is the issue referred to as 'ghosting' that the speaker mentions experiencing with the Elgato teleprompter?

Ghosting is a visual effect where a faint duplicate of the text appears on the teleprompter, which can be distracting and is more noticeable with white text on a dark background.

How does the speaker suggest dealing with the ghosting issue on the Elgato teleprompter?

The speaker suggests that ghosting can be mitigated with certain tricks, but it is something that users may have to learn to live with, especially when using a wide-angle lens and sitting close to the camera.

What are the limitations of the Elgato teleprompter in terms of power and portability?

The teleprompter lacks a power switch and is always on when connected via USB, making it unsuitable for outdoor use or travel. It is designed specifically for studio use.

What is the speaker's opinion on the software that comes with the Elgato teleprompter?

The speaker finds the native software for the teleprompter to be lacking in some areas, such as the text editor which is not very functional and lacks features like undo/redo. However, they note that Elgato is actively improving the software.

What is the price point of the Elgato teleprompter, and what is the speaker's view on its value?

The Elgato teleprompter is priced at around €300. The speaker acknowledges that it's expensive but believes it's worth considering given Elgato's monopoly on this niche market and the product's quality.

Would the speaker recommend the Elgato teleprompter to others?

Yes, the speaker recommends the Elgato teleprompter, noting that while it's not for everyone and has some drawbacks, it is the best option for creators under €300 in a studio setting.

Outlines

00:00

📹 Elgato Teleprompter Review: The Good

The video script begins with the reviewer's experience with studio teleprompters, highlighting the issues they've encountered with vignetting and the inconvenience of using phone apps for control. The introduction of Elgato's new teleprompter is presented as a solution to these problems. The reviewer emphasizes the device's ability to support wide-angle lenses without vignetting, its lightweight design that allows lens mounting, and the absence of color or brightness changes. A significant feature mentioned is the teleprompter functioning as a monitor, eliminating the need for phones, file transfers, and remote controls. The reviewer also discusses the use of the Elgato stream deck for controlling the teleprompter and shares their positive experiences with it.

05:00

🔍 The Bad: Ghosting and Software Limitations

In the second paragraph, the reviewer discusses the downsides of the Elgato teleprompter. They mention the presence of ghosting, which is an issue where the text appears to have a shadow or double image, making it difficult to read clearly. The reviewer acknowledges that this is a common issue with teleprompters but notes that it can be particularly noticeable with wide-angle lenses and close proximity. Additionally, they point out the lack of a power switch and the reliance on USB connection, which limits the teleprompter's portability and outdoor usability. The software for the teleprompter is also critiqued for its limitations, such as the basic text editor that lacks advanced features and the absence of undo/redo functionality. However, the reviewer notes that Elgato is actively improving the software.

Keywords

💡Teleprompter

A teleprompter is a device used to display a scrolling text script in front of a camera, allowing the speaker to read the script without looking away from the camera. In the video, the speaker discusses their experience with various teleprompters, emphasizing the importance of finding one that supports wide-angle lenses and does not cause vignetting.

💡Vignetting

Vignetting refers to the gradual fading of an image towards the corners or edges, often caused by the use of a lens hood or a filter. In the context of the video, the speaker mentions that affordable teleprompters often cause vignetting with wide-angle lenses, which is a significant issue for video creators who require a clear and undistorted image.

💡Elgato

Elgato is a brand known for its video capture devices and streaming equipment. The speaker discusses Elgato's newly announced teleprompter, which they received for review. Elgato's teleprompter is highlighted as a potential solution to the issues the speaker had with other, more affordable options.

💡Lens Mounting Rings

Lens mounting rings are accessories used to attach a teleprompter or other devices directly to the lens of a camera. The video script mentions the speaker's preference for lens mounting rings due to their convenience and the lack of need for additional mounts.

💡ND Filter Effect

An ND (Neutral Density) filter reduces the amount of light entering the camera without affecting the color, which can be important in bright conditions. The speaker notes the absence of an ND filter effect in Elgato's teleprompter, meaning it does not alter the brightness or color balance of the scene, which is crucial for maintaining natural lighting in low-light environments.

💡USB Connection

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard connection interface for connecting devices to a computer. The video mentions that Elgato's teleprompter connects to the computer via USB, allowing it to function as an additional monitor without the need for a phone or file transfers, streamlining the setup process for video creators.

💡Ghosting

Ghosting in the context of teleprompters refers to a faint, secondary image or reflection that appears over the main text, which can be distracting. The speaker discusses the presence of ghosting in Elgato's teleprompter, particularly when using a white text on a dark background, and how it might affect the viewing experience depending on the lens and distance.

💡Elgato Stream Deck

The Elgato Stream Deck is a control panel with customizable buttons that can be programmed for various streaming and video production tasks. The video script mentions that controlling the teleprompter actions with the Stream Deck works well, indicating the compatibility and convenience of using Elgato's ecosystem of products together.

💡Camera Hub

Elgato's Camera Hub is software designed to control and manage Elgato's video capture devices and streaming equipment. The speaker mentions using Camera Hub for the native software experience of the teleprompter, noting that while it has some limitations, it is actively being improved.

💡Price Point

The price point refers to the cost at which a product is offered for sale. The video discusses the high price of Elgato's teleprompter, which is around €300, and the speaker acknowledges that while it may be expensive, it occupies a unique niche in the market and offers features that justify the cost for some creators.

💡Software Improvement

Software improvement refers to the ongoing updates and enhancements made to a software application to fix issues, add features, or improve usability. The speaker mentions that Elgato is actively improving the software for their teleprompter, suggesting that the product will become even better over time as more features are added and existing issues are resolved.

Highlights

The Elgato teleprompter supports wide-angle lenses, unlike many in its price range.

It is lightweight and can hang from the lens without additional mounts.

There is no noticeable color or brightness change, which is crucial for low-light environments.

The screen is bright enough for studio use without affecting the shot.

A game-changing feature is the elimination of the need for a phone, file transfers, or remote controls.

It connects through USB to the computer and acts as an extra monitor.

The script can be overlaid on the camera preview, enhancing framing and self-interaction.

The Elgato Stream Deck can control the teleprompter actions effectively.

Ghosting is present, especially with white text on a dark background, but is within an acceptable range.

The ghosting effect can be mitigated with certain tricks but is noticeable on wide-angle lenses.

The teleprompter is always on due to the lack of a power switch, which can be an issue for outdoor use.

It is designed for studio use and covers the camera's flip preview screen, affecting setup considerations.

The native software for the teleprompter, Elgato's Camera Hub, has been improved but still lacks some features.

The text editor in the software is basic and lacks features like bullet points and undo/redo functionality.

The price of €300 is considered high, but Elgato has a monopoly in this niche market.

Despite its price, the Elgato teleprompter is a very good product and is recommended for creators.

The Elgato team is expected to continue improving the product, making it more appealing over time.

Transcripts

so in the past I've never committed to a

studio teleprompter because basically in

none of the more affordable ones came

without vignetting on the sides at least

for the wide angle lens that I'm using

on this camera they're all just too

Compact and the added clunkiness of

using a phone app to drive it didn't

seem like a fantastic future eater so I

still tried to get one and that would be

the pair Pro through their own campaign

but that turned out to be a scam in the

end and uh out of nowhere Elgato

announced their own prompter and it

seemed like just a thing that I was

waiting for quick disclaimer I got this

device from Elgato for a review but

everything said in this video is my own

opinion and is not influenced by Elgato

in any way so how good is elgato's new

teleprompter let's find

out we'll do the usual The Good the Bad

and the Ugly starting with the good

supports wide angle lenses something

most utter in this price range cannot do

this is shot on a 16 mm Sigma f1.4 which

is an apsc lens on a Sony a6400 and the

prompter since it's very light means

that it can hang from the lens and it

doesn't require any additional mounts it

comes with many different mounting

options but I always try to go for the

lens mounting Rings if possible there's

no noticeable color or brightness change

there's no ND filter effect uh this is

crucial for low light environments like

this where you're struggling with high

ISO already and the screen is plenty

bright so you need to lower the

brightness in a studio otherwise it will

shine a very bright light on you uh

which will affect your shot now the big

game changer feature this thing is a

monitor no more phones no file transfers

no remote controls just connected

through USB to your computer and it

instantly pops as an extra monitor it's

not really color accur it uh it's

relatively small resolution but you can

do all kinds of things with it for

example I like to have the script as an

overlay on top of the camera preview

which is barely visible but it's good

enough to see if I'm in frame and I kind

of get to talk to myself I suppose you

can also put an extra crossair on your

head if you want to further help with

positioning yourself in the middle of

course if you really really have to you

can use the prompter with a phone in a

pinch you can even put it on top of the

existing monitor but obviously that's

not recommended it's better to have it

mounted as far as controlling the

prompter actions with the Elgato stream

deck yes that works really well overall

there are a lot of positives and it's

hard to cover everything in a video of

this format but as you might expect all

of this comes with a few problems so

let's talk about the bad the ghosting

it's definitely present on the sample

that I'm using right now I mean I hate

it but I also understand that white text

on dark background on the teleprompter

will result in some kind of ghosting on

top of the letters usually whether it's

the type of glass or the alignment I

don't know the guys from Elgato

confirmed this isn't intended but it's

kind of within acceptable range now how

big of a deal is this well if you're

sitting far and you have um a more

zoomed in lens you probably wouldn't

notice it as the font will have to be

bigger and effectively hides it but if

you're on a wide angle lens like I am

and you're sitting pretty close well

you're just going to have to learn to

live with it you can mitigate it with

certain tricks but yeah it is there if

you don't know what kind of effect this

triggers it basically makes you feel

like you forgot to put your glasses on

let's say just you don't think it's only

me I went to check other reviews and

I've found multiple examples of the same

exact ghosting that these other people

were having but they usually didn't

mention it some reviewers had none at

all on the video it might mean that it's

some kind of faulty batch that went out

and I'm one of the people that got it

this is definitely something for Elgato

to look into now next up usba on the PC

end in combination with no power switch

I mean the prompter is always going to

be on there's an option in the app to

turn it off but basically that just dims

the display it doesn't turn it off the

display itself and the mirror casing

come in one giant piece and it basically

makes it impossible to use Outdoors or

when you're traveling then again you

should know that before you buy a studio

tell prompter which basically this

product is it's only for a studio and on

top of that it's USB just so you know

the prompter is big enough to fully

cover the flippy preview screen on your

camera so keep that in mind when you're

applying your setup around this

teleprompter uh luckily this thing is a

monitor so you can just have the preview

on the prompter if using like a cam link

and you can have the preview even while

the script is running I I I use it all

the time as a preview even when I'm

streaming or just recording something

random as an add a bonus you're looking

straight at the camera when you're

looking at the preview now I own a bunch

of Elgato products and there's a common

theme between them the hardware usually

is very solid but the software tends to

be lacking this product seems slightly

affected by this issue too if you want

to use the native software for the

prompter you need to use elgato's camera

Hub they've just added a bunch of great

features uh which make it a lot better

but some things are still missing for

example the text editor isn't really an

editor it's just a text box that you can

put text into you can create create

chapters manually or they can be created

for you if you paste in normal text but

many usual features like bullet points

aren't supported Mak it it effectively

useless to edit text if you just try to

paste in uh a text with bullet points it

will create just one giant wall of text

There's No undo redo functionality uh

but they are actively improving it so

there's hope that this will be a very

very good software to use and now we

come to ugly one could argue that the

price is too high since it's like €300

but guys it's capitalism they kind of

have the Monopoly on this exact Niche I

think I remember times when Elgato

caming costed

€300 but as it is right now they can

charge as much as they want really uh

there's a bunch of independent reviews

out you be the judge if it's the right

thing for you or not there really isn't

anything that is straight terrible on

this product I would say this is a very

good product and it's not something that

I say about new products these days so

big props to Elgato for releasing this

and that is it for this review I'll be

using this daily for videos and for

streams and I'm sure the Elgato team

will be working on more improvements

over time and I suggest to keep

following the development of the

prompter maybe there's some things that

don't suit you that well maybe you

didn't decide to buy yet but maybe in 6

months it will have everything that you

need so do I recommend it yes yes I do

it's not for everyone it's a studio

prompter but it's the best thing that

creators can have under €300 so what are

your thoughts on the elato prompter let

me know in the comments below if this

video helped you make your decision on

the purchase click the Subscribe button

and I'll see you in the next

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