A teleprompter for video recording is a prompting device that displays scrolling text, enabling speakers to deliver smooth and professional presentations directly to the camera. It helps maintain direct eye contact with the lens, creating a natural connection with the audience and saving time on memorizing content. For content creators, choosing the right teleprompter for video recording is crucial.
In this article, we will cover:
- 3 Best Teleprompter Picks at Moman
- Why Is a Teleprompter Essential for Video Recording?
- How to Choose the Right Teleprompter？
- Tips for Using a Teleprompter in Video Shoots
Best Teleprompter for Video Recording: 3 picks at Moman
Choosing the right teleprompter can elevate your video recordings. Moman provides innovative teleprompters designed for smooth and professional results. Here are three top picks from Moman to help you achieve excellent performance.
Moman MT1: Best Teleprompter for iPhone Videos and Android
The Moman MT1 is a compact teleprompter ideal for smartphone users. It’s perfect for capturing intros, interviews, and announcements with ease. The video recording teleprompter app, called Moman Prompter, available for iOS and Android, allows you to center scripts, adjust text size, and change backdrop colors, all controllable via a wireless remote for smooth script scrolling.
Included is a vlogging tripod kit with a 360° adjustable ball head and phone clamps, which can also be used as a single-handed handle for flexible shooting. During filming, the MT1’s smartphone prompting mode and APS-C camera compatibility support a wide-angle lens (up to 24mm), delivering more detailed and engaging video clips. Its 70/30 beam split glass ensures clear text display by enhancing light reflection and transmittance, while included lens adapters and foam rings prevent light issues, delivering high-definition video quality.
Specification:
- Material: Plastic & Glass
- Dimensions: 260*220*160mm
- Weight: 800g
Reasons to Buy:
- Portable and Small
- Budget-friendly
- Flexible uses: Vlogging Tripod Gift Set
- Smart script control: Moman Prompter APP and remote controller
- Clear display: 70/30 beam split glass
Reasons to Avoid:
- Lacks durability: Made of plastic and glass
Moman MT2: Teleprompter for Video Recording with iPad-sized Devices
The Moman MT2 is a versatile teleprompter designed for iPad-sized devices, featuring a 10" full-frame screen that supports phones and tablets up to 11" for an immersive reading experience. This large screen helps keep speakers' eyes focused on the lens, resulting in more natural recordings.
The Moman Prompter APP, available for Android and iOS, lets you customize script appearance and control scrolling with a wireless remote. The included vlogging tripod kit, with a 360°adjustable ball head and phone clamps, is perfect for on-the-go filmmaking and pairs with a compact LED light for added versatility.
The MT2 supports both vertical and horizontal shooting with smartphones and DSLR cameras and includes two cold shoes for attaching a fill light and microphone. Its 70/30 beam splitter glass, along with various lens adapters and foam rings, ensures clear text display and high-definition video quality, making it ideal for TikTok, interviews, and other demanding applications.
Specification:
- Material: Plastic & Glass
- Dimensions: 270*260*165mm
- Weight: 1000g
Reasons to Buy:
- Supports range of iPads: up to 11 inches
- Flexible uses: Vlogging Tripod Gift Set
- Smart script control: Moman Prompter APP and remote controller
- Clear Display: 70/30 beam split glass
Reasons to Avoid:
- Lacks durability: Made of plastic and glass
Moman MT12: An Ideal Choice for Professional Video Shooting
The Moman MT12 is a professional teleprompter with a 12-inch tempered beam splitter glass for HD clarity and a 15Ft wide reading range. Its metal construction supports filming equipment securely. The teleprompter includes a ring light kit for improved lighting, and its extendable clamp holds tablets up to 12.9 inches or smartphones with the included clip. Adjustable reflecting angles ensure clear reading from various positions.
Compatible with the Moman Prompter APP, the MT12 allows for easy adjustments of scrolling speed, text size, and color via a remote control. Its one-piece design supports quick setup and is suitable for use with phones, camcorders, and DSLR cameras for diverse applications like live streaming, conferences, and video recording.
Specification:
- Material: Metal & Glass
- Dimensions: 340*270*96mm
- Weight: 1800g
Reasons to Buy:
- Clear Display: 12-inch Display Glass & 15Ft/4.5m wide reading range
- Sturdy metal construction
- High compatibility: tablets up to 12.9 inches, smartphones, camcorders and DSLR cameras
- Adjustable Reflection Angle: A built-in knob allows quick changes to the reflection angle for easy reading from any position.
- Smart script control: Moman Prompter APP and remote controller
Reasons to Avoid:
- Expensive
Why Is a Teleprompter Essential for Video Recording?
A teleprompter provides essential advantages that can elevate your video recordings by making your delivery more natural, precise, and engaging.
Video Recording Teleprompter Allows Natural Speaking
Using a teleprompter for video recording allows you to speak more naturally compared to relying on physical notes, as your script is directly in front of you rather than on paper that requires looking down. This setup enables your head to subtly shift from left to right while reading, helping you address everyone in the room evenly. It also helps you maintain the flow of your speech while still making a connection with your audience.
It Enhances Precision
Teleprompters enable you to maintain better accuracy than reading from notes or trying to recall your speech from memory, as you can follow your script without losing your place. This is particularly important in scenarios where precise wording is crucial, such as in legal or budget presentations that demand exactness.
You Can Focus on Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal clues play a significant role in communication, and with a teleprompter, you can focus more on delivering the right gestures and expressions since you don't have to worry about forgetting your lines. Additionally, without holding notes, your hands are free to emphasize important points during your presentation.
It Can Save Time
Using a teleprompter reduces the need to memorize your speech, allowing you to invest that time in refining other aspects of your performance.
How to Choose the Best Teleprompter for Video Recording?
Teleprompters come with various features and price points. When buying one, consider four factors: size, compatible camera type, beam splitter glass quality, and applications for playing and editing scripts. These will guide you to the right choice.
Choosing Teleprompter Size for Viewing Distance
Larger teleprompters provide a bigger readable area, which helps with viewing distance. However, size isn't always the most important factor. When choosing one, match its dimensions (in inches) to the viewing distance (in feet). For instance, a 10-inch unit is suitable for viewing from 10 feet away, while a 15-inch one fits a 15-foot distance. Keep in mind that large options used at close range might lead to noticeable eye movement, making it apparent that the presenter is reading from it.
Compatibility with Different Camera Types
Teleprompters vary in size and functionality to suit different camera types. Ensure the teleprompter you choose fits your camera type and usage needs, providing secure and stable mounting.
Desktop Teleprompters: Compact, suitable for small cameras, often using smartphones as script players, and placed on a desk.
General-Purpose Teleprompters: Ideal for lightweight cameras like DSLRs, camcorders, or mirrorless cameras, offering easy setup and portability.
Professional Teleprompters: Designed for heavy cameras and accessories, featuring dedicated monitors and robust structures for studio use.
Speech Teleprompters: Used for conferences or public speaking, with standalone supports and semitransparent mirrors for the presenter’s use, without camera mounting.
Tripod Load Capacity
Larger teleprompters are typically paired with heavier cameras, so ensure your tripod can support the combined weight. The tripod should be sturdy and capable of holding at least 15 pounds (about 8 kg) to maintain stability.
Beam Splitter Glass Quality
The beam splitter is crucial for the teleprompter's performance. High-quality splitters use tint-free mirror coatings to reduce color distortion and blur, enhancing image clarity and contrast. Anti-reflective coatings on the back minimize light loss and prevent ghosting. Beam splitter specs are often indicated as 60/40 or 70/30, where 60/40 provides better reflection and easier text readability but transmits 10% less light compared to 70/30. Digital cameras can adjust ISO sensitivity to compensate for lower light transmission, making 60/40 splitters a popular choice.
Script Display and Editing Methods
Consider the device used for script playback when choosing a teleprompter. Smaller models may use tablets or smartphones, with apps available for script editing and playback. Professional teleprompters often feature large monitors and embedded software or connect to computers via HDMI for script management. Key app functions include:
File Format Support: Compatibility with formats like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, PDF, and others.
Text Settings: Customizable text size, font, color, and alignment, with support for multiple fonts and images.
Mirror Display Mode: Reflects text correctly through the glass by displaying it in mirror mode.
Hardware Controllers: Allow adjustment of playback speed, font size, and script navigation through a remote controller.
How to Record Video with Teleprompter Properly: 7 Tips to Follow
In the professional video production field, taking video recording with teleprompter is viewed differently by various experts. While some consider it indispensable, others find it challenging. If you've determined that a teleprompter is the right choice for your shoot, here are seven key tips to ensure everything runs smoothly:
Set Up Your Position
Ideally, set up your teleprompter shot well in advance of your subject's arrival. Utilize a light stand or a similar substitute to help with the setup. Properly marking your setup location allows you to adjust focus, lighting, and audio effectively.
Use a Sturdy Tripod
Depending on your teleprompter and camera setup, you may need separate tripods or a sturdy one that can support both. Teleprompters vary from lightweight iPad holders to heavyduty models, so ensure your tripod can handle the weight.
Ensure Good Sightline
Once your subject is in position and the camera is set up, adjust the teleprompter's height to ensure a good sightline. Ideally, it should be aligned parallel to your subject’s eyes so they are looking directly into the camera. If a different visual effect is desired, you can make adjustments as needed.
Record and Monitor Audio
With a teleprompter setup, you can optimize your audio recording without complex adjustments. If using a boom mic, place it overhead (either with a light stand or a person) as close to the subject as possible. Monitor audio through your camera or an external device during recording.
Establish the Pace
Help your subject get comfortable with the teleprompter and its scrolling speed. Adjust the scroll speed to match their speaking pace. Consider breaking the script into smaller sections if the video format allows, giving your subject time to pause and gather their thoughts.
Reduce Eye Movement
A common issue with teleprompters is the tendency for speakers to exhibit erratic eye movements. Encourage your subject to read complete lines or paragraphs at once, rather than focusing on individual words, to improve their natural delivery.
Stay Calm
Speaking on camera can be nervewracking for many people. A teleprompter helps alleviate some of this stress by reducing the worry of forgetting lines. However, if your subject remains anxious, offer reassurance, provide positive feedback, and keep sweat wipes on hand to help them stay calm.
