Equipment to help improve the quality of your home desktop recording
You may find that additional equipment, such as mics and webcams, will improve the quality when using collaborate tools or recording from a desktop.
In many cases the microphone and webcam you have on your computer will be sufficient for teaching from home. You may find however that additional equipment, such as external mics and webcams will improve the quality of your audio and video when using collaborative tools or recording from a desktop. If you are getting feedback from students that they are finding it hard to see or hear you, you should consider upgrading.
Find out more including recommendations and what to consider when purchasing equipment.
Guidance to help you select the best equipment for your needs
The Online Production Service’s Media Producers have created guidance on what to consider when selecting the best equipment for your needs.
Watch the full “how to Film” series here: How To Make Video Content
In particular, you may find the guidance on “How to set up lighting” useful.
Recommended webcams and microphones
The list below has been compiled as a recommended list of microphones and webcams you may want to consider when purchasing equipment for your home use. Most of these are available from university suppliers.
| Item | Price Range | Suggested Supplier | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro 4K with HDR Webcam | £200.00 - £300.00 inc. VAT | Scan Logitech Brio 4K |
Capable of 4k video capture, this webcam offers a great deal of zoom range and flexibility. |
|
Logitech C920/C922/C930e |
£89.00 - £180.00 inc. VAT | Scan Logitech Range |
These models are solid 1080p webcams that are very easy to mount. |
| Razer Kiyo Pro | £109.99 inc. VAT | Scan Razer Kiyo Pro |
An alternative to the Logitech range, this 1080p webcam comes with integrated lighting, meaning it can be used without additional lighting being used/ purchased. |
| Logitech C270 HD | < £100.00 inc. VAT | Scan Logitech C270 HD |
This webcam is at the lower end of the range, but provides a good image at 720p and Is perfect for video conferencing. |
*prices and links were correct at the time of publishing
| Item | Price Range | Suggested Supplier | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rode Mini Desktop Mic | < £100.00 inc. VAT | PMT Rode Mini Desktop |
A studio style microphone. In terms of portability, this microphone falls between the Samson and the Logitech Blue Yeti. |
|
Logitech Blue Yeti Microphone |
< £100.00 inc. VAT | Amazon Logitech Blue Yeti |
This microphone offers superior sound quality, but loses some portability. Best used on a desk. |
| Samson Go Mic | < £50.00 inc. VAT | Kytary Samson Go Mic |
This compact and highly portable microphone offers excellent sound quality at its price point. Excellent for both desktop use and easily folded up for transport in a laptop bag. |
| Rode Smartlav+ Microphone | £59.00 inc. VAT | CVP Rode Smartlav | An alternative to a desktop mic, this lapel mic is easy to transport and can be connected to various devices with the right adapter, including smartphones. |
|
Rode SC3 3.5mm female TRRS to male TRS adaptor for SmartLav |
£11.00 inc. VAT | CVP Rode Smartlav adapter | Lapel mic adapter designed to allow the SmartLav to connect to 3.5mm TRS devices. |
*prices and links were correct at the time of publishing
Help and Guidance
Guidance for how to use the Media Hopper Desktop Recorder
Services which allow you and your students to communicate and collaborate