How to create a memorable digital first impression

Before the pandemic, I was using a normal webcam for my zoom/google hangout calls.? It was fine, nothing was really broken, but it also didn’t elicit any special response.? Then, I came across a pretty cool tip to convert my digital SLR camera into a webcam.? The video quality is astonishingly clearer and often results in folks saying, “wow, your video is stunning!”? As a consultant, it helps me make a great first impression and connect with my clients almost as well as in person.? If you're in sales, marketing, really any customer or even internal-facing role where making a good impression matters (doesn't it always), here’s a quick guide on how to set it up:

Gear

• Canon EOS 6D, Mark II - this specific camera isn’t required and most modern Canon EOS cameras can run the webcam software.? Check this list to see find the ones that work.? Lucky for me, I already had the camera, so no additional expense for this one.
• Canon 50mm f1.4 lens ($249) - Ours eyes are drawn to whatever is in focus. This is the trick behind "portrait mode' on mobile phones. Zoom, Google Hangouts, etc have digital ways to create background blur (bokeh for your camera geeks), but the software approaches are just not as good as using a fast lens with a low aperture. You don't need to use this exact lens, you can likely use the lens you already have with your camera, but the lower the aperture, the better the image will look.
• AC Power Adapter ($29) - Normally digital SLR cameras run off rechargeable batteries which is fine when you are using them to take photos and videos, but when sitting on an hour-long zoom call, the battery runs down very quickly and it’s annoying to have to re-charge it all day or swap it with a charged battery.? I found this AC power adapter that allows you to use your battery compartment to power your camera all day without recharging.
• Camera USB cable ($8) - I already had this cable that basically lets me download photos to my computer, so now I simply keep it connected to my computer at all times and the camera automatically switches on during a zoom call.
• Camera tripod ($26) - I also already had this tripod which I conveniently put behind my monitor without taking up much room on my desk
• Fifine microphone ($40) - While not required for the setup, I bought this microphone as it does a better job of picking up my voice than the camera microphone.? There are microphones that are much better and much more expensive, but this works great for daily video calls. Plus, it works from a bit of a distance so the microphone is not in view on zoom calls.??

Teleprompter setup

• Teleprompter screen ($119)? - The teleprompter is optional but strongly recommended.? It allows you to keep your eyes on the camera while ‘seeing’ the folks whom you are talking with.? Without it, your audience sees you looking away from them - or losing eye contact.? I think this is an incredibly important part of building trust and a bit of technology can make a big difference!
• iPad ($329) - If you already have an iPad, great - it can even be an old one that you don’t use often.? We’ll create another monitor with your iPad and reflect it off the teleprompter

Here’s what the setup looks like:

The video quality is much better because I’m facing a window so I get tons of great natural light which helps the camera have great color depth.??

The tripod works nicely behind the monitor as it is only slightly higher than my primary monitor.??

Software

Canon makes the EOS webcam utility available for free.? You can download it here.? Then, you simply need to pick your camera from your video conferencing tool (Zoom, Google hangout, etc) along with picking your microphone.? Once things are set up, it remains on that default setting for all future calls.??

Duet that makes a great software called Duet Air that turns your iPad into another monitor for your computer.? You simply run Duet on your iPad and connect it via USB cable or wireless to your PC and you have another monitor.? Then, you place the iPad under the teleprompter (the software automatically flips the screen accordingly) and you can ‘see’ your monitor right in front of the camera.? Your audience thinks you are looking right at them when you are really seeing their faces on the screen reflected off the iPad.? Basically, perfect eye contact!

Audio

Even with a good mic, noises like dogs barking, lawnmowers outside, cars driving by, etc can disrupt your calls.? I found this great software, Krisp.ai that does noise cancellation for your microphone.? It’s only ~$5/mo for a single account with a pretty easy free trial.? I’ve found that on calls, folks cannot hear when Daisy is barking at all - pretty neat software!

Good luck and please send me a screenshot if you set it up.

Please tag someone who might want to upgrade their setup!