iPad Teleprompter Review: Caddie Buddy vs Interact Media
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Looking for an iPad teleprompter? Caddie Buddy vs Interact Media amzn.to/2j3fCG5 (AD) Today, I’m going to review two teleprompters I’ve used (Interact Media and Caddie Buddy) and will be pointing out their pros and cons to help you decide which one is right for you.
www.BrightonWe...
Sponsored link for the Caddie Buddy iPad Teleprompter: amzn.to/21DumKR (Sorry, Caddie Buddy is discontinued - this is a great alternative: amzn.to/3HeuWIE)
Sponsored link for the InteractMedia Teleprompter (the one I don't like): amzn.to/1VA9YXK
I now like the PromptSmart software better: promptsmart.com/ This does a great job of recognizing your speaking, and scrolling the text accordingly.
iPad Teleprompters: How do they work?
iPad Teleprompters help you read a script while talking directly to the camera. Doing this not only enhances your connection with your audience, but also helps you minimize errors and re-shooting, cutting down production time.
The hardware
You don’t need an iPad for you to use these teleprompters. You can use an Android tablet or phone and it will give you the same results.
You will also need a black cloth (more about this in the video).
But here’s the important piece - the beam splitter glass. This glass is magic! I actually tried to DIY this, but it didn’t work. So I suggest you just buy the entire system from Caddie Buddy (which I’m going to talk about later).
The software
There are a lot of teleprompter apps available, but the one I recommend is Teleprompt+ 3. All you need to do is type in your script or drag it from Google Docs or Dropbox, set the text to ‘Mirrored’ and then hit ‘Start Prompting.’
When it’s set to ‘Mirrored,’ the text will be backwards, which will enable you to see it correctly on the teleprompter.
Caddie Buddy vs Interact Media
I’ve gone into detail about the pros and cons of each system in the video above, so I will only provide a quick summary below.
1 Interact Media (IM) costs $150 while Caddie Buddy (CB) costs $160
2 CB’s black cloth cover attaches to the top of the glass frame and has a long piece of Velcro sewn into it, providing more structure to it, while IM’s cover only has two small Velcro pieces on one side and both of them easily come off.
3 CB has an adjustable tray where you can put your iPad/tablet/Android phone; IM’s tray isn’t adjustable. IM’s tray works, it’s just that I think CB’s tray is a little bit better.
4 CB’s plastic frame for the beam splitter is foldable and can be packed easily, whereas IM’s wooden frame is screwed in and pretty bulky if you want to carry it around for transport.
5 CB has an L-shaped, adjustable mount for your camera which is relatively small, but it allows for more movement and doesn’t block the battery door. On the other hand, IM has a larger, more rigid mount, which blocks the battery door for your camera.
Which teleprompter do you think I prefer?
You guessed it - the Caddie Buddy! If you want one for yourself, head over here.
Then let me know about your experience in the comments below!
Share this video • iPad Teleprompter Revi...
-------------
Playlists:
More Tutorials to create better RUclips videos:
• Tutorials to create be...
Interviews with Video Content Creators:
• Interviews with Video ...
--------------
Do you have questions about creating video online? Leave a message in the comments sections below.
Subscribe to get weekly videos: www.youtube.co...
FREE eBOOK:
www.BrightonWes...
Connect with me:
Twitter / brightonwest
LinkedIn / brightonwest
Get a free download of tips for Video Creators at www.BrightonWes...
Brighton West
Subscriber Nation
Authentic West Films
Hi Adam, I know this is an older video, but I just discovered teleprompters for us RUclipsrs today, super excited. This was an awesome review, very helpful. I thought I was the only one who stumbled and had to do a lot of takes + cut them together as best as I could. Can you use the caddy buddy with a smartphone too, since it's all I have... no iPad. Or is there another teleprompter instead that you'd recommend for that?Thanks for a great review and for your answer in advance.
If you’re recording with an iPhone, check out this video: ruclips.net/video/Ucdm5q3DsTI/видео.html but you can use an iPhone in place of the iPad with this teleprompter.
Hi Brighton!
We watched this video about 2 weeks ago, but had to come back to leave you a comment, and a big "Thank You" for making it. We make How-To videos about RVing, which often requires demonstrating many steps in a very precise manner. As a result, we typically go the route of voice-overs, so that we can ensure accuracy by reading from a very carefully crafted script. The times we try to shoot using natural sound, speaking on camera and off-the-cuff, we usually end up having to do a ton of takes when we realize we left out some small crucial detail.
So we've been planning to add a teleprompter to our tool belt for some time, and were almost ready to go with the Interact Media unit. But something kept nagging at us about the camera height adjustment, which appeared very limited. So we kept researching. That's when we found your video. As a direct result, we ordered a Caddie Buddy directly from the manufacturer. It came this morning, and since your video, they've made it even better that it already was. We cannot tell you how happy we are with it, so we wanted to thank you directly, since without your clear comparison to the Interact unit, we probably would have ended up with that. What a great job you've done!
Being in the same basic "line of work" you are (sharing informational videos on RUclips), we know how much work goes into a video like this, especially one with this much detail covered. Your presentation, timing, detail shots, specifics, and conclusion are all exactly right on the money. You've done a great thing here for a well-deserving product, and we wanted you to know how much we appreciate it.
Cheers,
Peter & John
TheRVgeeks
Glad I could help. I love your channel! I just watched you jack-fail video. I have a video on another channel about stretching tensions springs - I love the paint stick tip (my spring was much smaller and I used quarters.) And I'm a not-so-secret RV lover. Heading to the RV show in Portland this weekend to dream big :-)
I hope to see you on camera more with the teleprompter!
Looks great! I couldn't tell that you were reading. And you'll definitely enjoy the crispness of the Caddybuddy. I used regular glass early on and you see a double-image of the text. The beam-splitter glass fixes that problem.
You, your manner, your speech - I can watch this video all day long :)
Thanks Margaux! Be sure to subscribe :-)
Forgot to mention about the value...which is kind of important point... it's amazing! thank you!
Thank you for such a detailed compare and contrast review. We're starting a digital media weather operation and have been looking for something affordable but efficient. You've definitely sold me on the Caddie Buddy, especially because of the sizing flexibility of the tablet holding tray. For one of our cameras that will point at the green screen, instead of teleprompter text, we need to be able to put live video feed of the on-air output from a monitor and put that through the prompter system so that the on-air talent can use that as the front monitor for when he/she is looking forward, instead of a monitor mounted below the camera. It doesn't just look good for the talent to make eye contact when he or she isn't looking in the side monitors. We have learned from social science studies after the April 27, 2011 deadly tornado outbreak here in Alabama that body language cues like that actually make a difference in the public reacting to what we say during emergency weather coverage. Caddie Buddy is going to allow us to use a 12" LCD flat screen monitor in place of an iPad so we can do just that. Thank you for your helpful review and recommendation!
Thanks for letting me know how you'll use it. I found that if your monitor is too big for the tray, it still works fine. It just doesn't sit flat (and in my case, that slight angle reduces glare from my lights.)
Hey Adam! I just finished my first short film! I'm so excited
Thanks for creating this video. I saw it on Amazon first, and it completely answered all my questions and concerns. I am definitely planning to pick one up for my camera set-up!
Glad I could help!
Hi Brighton, I've been looking at this one, I need to purchase one for some of my clients, thanks for this review really really helpful review!
It seems like neither choice would be a bad one, but thanks for making my decision easier! Combine a couple of the Caddie Buddy setups with a Mac with teleprompter software and the Air Display 3 app for multiple iPads... and you can easily have a news studio setup with multiple teleprompters having the same teleprompter display on all screens simultaneously!
Definitely - these things are so cheap and most people have an old smartphone or tablet laying around (it's so hard to get let go of the old one when you upgrade!)
Love the energy and brightness in your video, it makes my video look bad though. Great review and comparison. Thank you!
Thanks - I'm a big fan of energy and brightness! And I think your review looks great!
Your video was great! I loved how you went into detail on all the potential issues with both models.
Thanks Joseph!
this is so amazing though! this is a goal will be adding to my cart
+SamoreLoveTV They are great. I have an ipad adapter too, but I never got used to using it. I really like looking directly at the lens. But thanks for the reminder - I just thought of a great use for that adapter!
pretty cool. I use an ipad adapter and a tripod to do my commentary videos
thanks, that's a great review. I build a DIY teleprompter. it works but it takes alot of time to set up correctly. the Caddie seems like a great choice.
Totally - I built my first teleprompter. But I didn't have the beam-splitter glass (so the text showed a double-image) and the hot glue kept failing. The Caddie Buddy has been a great investment!
Great video, that glass screen is amazing to look right into the lens 👍
+Rachel Mendonca It is amazing! But be sure to get that special glass or everything appears twice!
Great content, as everyone has noted, but I'm equally impressed with your production values. Your lighting is great, and probably was a bit tricky, since the hardware is on a different plane than you. And your post-production edits -- probably removing an "umm" or two -- are almost invisible. There's a lot to learn from you!
Thanks for the vote of confidence Bill. I'm pretty sure a lot of ums were cut out :-) As to lighting, it wasn't as tricky as it looks. The equipment is being lit by the lights that light up the backdrop and make it pure white. And I'm lit by a 2 lights. So it's my regular setup, but normally I don't have anything else being lit by the background lights.
Hi Brighton Great video!!! Just bought a Caddie Buddy. I have an older Samsung Tablet. What software do you suggest and what format on an android would be best for longer scripts. You know how long winded coaches can be!!!!
Thanks Joni. The PromptSmart software works on Android and iOS. I think it will work with long scripts. I usually set it to "voice track" where it moves the script as you read, but last week I had someone who really preferred having it scroll at a set speed. The "voice track" setting can be kinda jerky. Lemme know if you have questions.
Loved this video. You have provided some great value right here! :)
Brighton, thank you for this. Question...what is your current preferred more robust tripod that would pair well with the Caddie Buddy in a DIY studio? So, not one that I travel with but the one that stays in the studio...the most stable platform. Thanks.
Brian - this is the one I use in my studio. Sturdy, inexpensive and tall: amzn.to/2LLX7yx Also, check out this video if you're using an iPhone and want a teleprompter ruclips.net/video/Ucdm5q3DsTI/видео.html
Nice review! The Caddie Buddy looks pretty awesome. What is the brand/model of tripod that you recommend?
That's a harder one for me. It really depends on what you are doing with it. You'll need to think about :
1) portability - get one that's light and folds up small if you need to check it in your luggage or backpack
2) will you be panning on video? - get a fluid head if you plan to pan your videos - and spend big bucks if you want it really smooth.
3) height you need - don't get one that's too short to record at your eye level (sitting or standing - whichever works for you.)
Do you have to get up each time to adjust teleprompter text to reset/fast forward/adjust speed? I would think a remote would be most helpful. Thank you.
I now use the software PromptSmart. It has voice control - it recognizes what you are saying and scrolls the text accordingly.
Hmm... Well my husband has an iPad. Maybe he would share it with me?! Thanks for the information.
+Cooking Lessons for Dad You look great on video without a teleprompter! But if you want to try it, now you know which one I recommend.
Thanks. With my cooking videos I just ad lib. I have done a couple cooking courses where some lessons were instructional with no cooking and I did use a home made teleprompter. I prefer doing the ad lib instructional cooking videos.
if so, which remote would you recommend?
Thanks so much for this video, it was really helpful. This was 2-3 years ago. Do you still recommend the Caddie Buddy? The link given didn't seem to work. Thanks!
Julie-Anne. I still recommend the Caddie Buddie if you want to use a teleprompter. But I recently discovered a new feature in the PromptSmart software. If you are recording with an iPhone (or Android I think) you can skip the teleprompter hardware completely. It will scroll your script on the part of the screen next to the camera lens. And that makes it look natural (before it scrolled across the entire screen, so your eyes would move back and forth.) I haven't yet made a video about this. If you are using a DSLR or video camera, I still like the teleprompter though.
Also, I didn't see any broken links. If you can point out which one didn't work, I'd love to get it fixed.
You see what happen 11:59 when you are not using Teleprompter, lol 11:59
Exactly!
Please provide more information
What info are you looking for?
Do you need a remote with this teleprompter? Or is it pretty easy to keep the pace even?
This is a review of the hardware that holds your iPad (or other tablet.) You can choose software that works with a remote. Teleprompt 3+ is what I use. It allows you to control the iPad with an iPhone, but it's buggy. So I usually just control it by touching the iPad.
Why does it need a "special glass"??? You can get teleprompters for less than 10 % of CaddyBuddy. The Truth: there are options to build your own teleprompter with a simple picture frame glass and a black fleece - that costs 4 bucks plus some free software download. Enoy!!!
Curt - it needs special glass for two reasons: 1) the mirrored glass reflects a brighter image. 2) regular glass reflects off both sides of the glass, so you end up with a double image. I built my own when I first started, but I can say the Caddy Buddy is at the lower end of the price spectrum, especially for the quality. I'd love to see something for 10% of the cost - please share.
This is super great and I need to get one. BUT, I don't record my videos with a camera; I use my iMac and Screenflow. Is there a way for this still to work, or...?
You could use an external webcam with ScreenFlow (I like this one - it has a tripod mount on the bottom, so it would work with a teleprompter. Plus it's really high quality - amzn.to/1QLEmq6)
seriously?? I am sold. I couldn't find anything below 500.00
Yeah - they tend to be really expensive, or really junky (I started by making my own from an iPad box!) This Caddie Buddy is great!
Just a note: next time please don't have the two units not so close together.
Some of us may find it very confusing.
At time it looks as though as you're showing one unit.
- just food for thought.
Thanks for the feedback. I just rewatched and I see how hard it is to distinguish one from the other!
How good is the glass? does it impact the video quality?
+Neo300002 The impact is in the amount of light coming thru. It's probably around 2 stops darker. I haven't noticed any other issues.
Thanks for the info!
Would a wide angle lens work on the Caddy Buddy, or would the black frame show?
It would depend on how wide the lens is. You can use it with an iPhone and those have a pretty wide lens.
How about a 12mm micro 4/3 lens?
Hi
You make me wish we did scripted videos so I could justify buying a telepromter... :)
+Keith Marrocco You could also project Game of Thrones episodes into the teleprompter so that you can make videos and binge watch at the same time. (I haven't tried this yet.)