The world is going online more and more, and that’s no longer news. Talks, webinars, and panel discussions held entirely over the internet are dominating the events scene.
However, to hold a quality online talk, we have to think about issues that go beyond the content.
Having good equipment for recording talks is essential to make sure things like sound, image, and internet connection work properly.
If you’re thinking you’ll have to spend a fortune to set up a mini-studio at home to record your talk, relax!
The most expensive equipment isn’t always the best option.
In this article, we’ll show you some equipment options and tips so you can record your online talk from home or from the company where you work.
Equipment for recording online talks
Computer webcam
An easy and maybe the most accessible option for everyone is to use a laptop’s built-in webcam to record talks.
Although they aren’t high quality, they handle speakers’ needs well and are easy to use.
Professional webcam
If you have the chance, getting a professional webcam is the best value for money.
There are already quite modern webcams out there, with Full HD quality and various features that can really improve your stream’s image quality.
Unlike a computer’s built-in webcam, which is fixed, this type of webcam lets you position the camera in different ways and angles, giving your talk a much more professional look.
You can find good equipment priced between $40 and $120. We’ve listed a few models you can look up online:
- Microsoft Webcam: LifeCam HD 3000
- Microsoft Webcam: LifeCam Cinema
- Logitech C920 Full HD 1080p Webcam
Professional digital cameras
If you really want to invest in equipment for recording talks, there are professional DSLR cameras. However, this is the priciest option among the alternatives we’ve shown here. Their price can range from $250 to $600. We recommend the following models:
- Canon T7
- Nikon D3500
Tips
Think about your recording location
Remember that the camera alone doesn’t guarantee good videos.
You also need to think about where you’ll be recording. So, ask yourself: “Does it have too much or too little light? Would the image be too dark or blown out?” “What will be in the frame? A bookshelf? A white wall? Or the mess in your bedroom?”
Position the camera properly
Position the camera at eye level, behind your computer and facing you. That’s the best framing for online talks, since it keeps the attendee’s attention on the speaker.
Use a stand
Don’t ask someone to hold the camera by hand for hours! Get yourself a tripod to record your talks! A tripod’s job is to stabilize the image, keeping it from coming out blurry and shaky.
If a tripod doesn’t fit your equipment budget, you can improvise. Stacked books and shelves can be a good alternative to keep the image stable.
Microphone
Good sound capture is essential so your talk’s content comes across well and is absorbed by attendees, right?
After all, nobody likes listening to audio full of noise and capture issues. Clear voice makes a real difference in how people perceive your content and gives the audio a more professional feel.
So, put choosing a good microphone on your checklist and give your talk a more professional tone.
Computer microphone
The microphone built into your laptop or computer certainly isn’t a good option. Besides muffling your voice, it tends to pick up every sound in the room.
Microphone with built-in headphones
There are some pretty simple solutions to fix your talk’s audio issue. Using smartphone earbuds (with a microphone, of course) can be the most affordable and workable option for you.
It’s common to see these earbuds used when a reporter interviews someone over the internet.
Position it close to your mouth, so it stays away from ambient noise. And remember to check that it’s actually recording! Otherwise, all the content will be lost.
Recommendations:
- Microsoft LifeChat LX-3000
- Logitech H390
- AirPods
Lavalier mic
The lavalier microphone is the one we usually see on news broadcasts.
It stays clipped in place on the reporter’s (or, in your case, speaker’s) shirt and can capture your voice directionally and efficiently.
It also looks nicer, it’s a fairly discreet microphone, leaving your hands free to present graphics and show materials during the talk.
You can find lavalier models ranging from cheaper ones with a cable, costing around $7, to more sophisticated, professional models costing around $70.
- Affordable lavalier model: Sharkoon SM1
- Professional lavalier model: Sony ECM-CS10 stereo + Phone Adapter
Tip: Watch out for picking up noise!
When recording, prepare the environment so it’s as quiet as possible. Watch out for things that can get in the way, like:
- strong wind;
- animals nearby;
- bodies of water (rivers and waterfalls, for example);
- factories, construction, or traffic;
- very noisy appliances;
- neighbors talking loudly, etc.
Internet connection
Microphone, okay. Images, okay. But how’s your internet doing? Ever imagined it being unstable on the day of your talk? Avoid that problem!
It’s essential to check your internet speed before you start recording your talks! With the two links below, it’s easy to run that test:
- Fast.com: Internet Speed Test
- Speedtest by Ookla
If possible, get an internet plan with at least 10Mb of bandwidth.
Which video streaming platform should you use for your talk?
Finally, choose a video streaming platform to host your talk. In some cases, the event organizer asks you to send your talk and they’ll handle streaming it, in others, you can stream your own talk yourself.
These days, there are several tools that offer this service, but the most common ones are Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and event platforms, like Even3.
Facebook Live lets users interact with the speaker in real time, so they can ask questions and clear up doubts.
YouTube Live is also a pretty complete tool for streaming videos online and live.
On the day of the event, also have a moderator to note down chat questions, so the content becomes more interactive and much richer.
Even3 Streaming
With event security in mind, Even3 built the Even3 Streaming feature into the platform.
Even3 Streaming is especially recommended for events that want to guarantee that only registered people have access to the content it makes available.
It prevents, for example, the link from being shared with people who aren’t registered for the event. Even3 Streaming also makes sure the stream doesn’t go down due to traffic during the event, since it’s 100% hosted on the Even3 platform.
Interested in adding this feature and giving your event more security? Just talk to one of our specialists, they’ll answer all your questions!