Single best piece of equipment for creating your own podcast videos hands down.
The price point compared to similar items made the Parrot Teleprompter seem too good to be true. It it doesn't matter how low the price is if the product doesn't work, right? But this one does!
I read the reviews and took a chance and ordered it. Two days later I was unboxing it and marveling at quality build and the number of adapters included to fit just about any lens. Note: The 77mm adapter comes attached to the back cover that protects the unit when not in use. It looks like it's one solid piece but it does screw off... just not easily. The 77mm adapter is the one I needed and was I frustrated by not finding one among all of the individually packaged adapters. I even searched online to purchase one separately. I finally noticed there was one image on the website that showed the back cover separated from the ring. I tried separating the ring from the back and it didn't budge at first. It REALLY looks like it's one solid piece. The size and shape make it difficult to get a good grip on the two pieces to provide the torque necessary to unscrew them but perseverance paid off after several attempts.
Setup was easy and soon I was ready to experiment. I bought the remote control and I think it is essential to having a good experience with the teleprompter. I will review the remote separately but let me note here that the remote could use more explicit setup instructions too. I actually thought it was defective and ordered a replacement. Thank goodness for Amazon Prime because the replacement was on it's way before I even boxed up the return. I moved to getting my script loaded into the app. That wasn't as easy as it seemed either. Another issue that would disappear with more explicit instructions.
Unless you want to type in your script using the tiny keypad on your phone, which seems gruelling and time consuming, you'll want to type it up on your computer and then transfer it to your app via Dropbox or File Explorer. It's super cool that Parrot has automated the process with Dropbox for us. Follow the steps inside the setup menu and in less than a minute you'll establish a direct connection between your Parrot app and a special folder on Dropbox where you can save all of your scripts.
All that was easy. The missing bit of information in the instructions is that your script needs to be saved in a *.txt format. Mine was saved as a Word document and it showed up as a million different symbols in the teleprompter. I called Parrot and spoke to Darrell (I believe) and he, very kindly, set me straight.
Once I had all that figured out I setup my first experiment. Without the remote it was difficult. Speaking in a normal voice with a normal pace, which is what one would want to do in a video podcast, we naturally speed up and slow down depending on the content. No matter where I set the speed it was either too fast or too slow depending on the flow of the script. The remote really is essential for a polished performance.
Having said that, the app works perfectly. The teleprompter is easy to read and incredibly helpful. The phone clamp is a little loose so you have to make sure your phone is seated properly but that is no problem. I imagine it would be impossible to make a universal fit, fit perfectly.
Yesterday my replacement remote arrived. At first I thought it was another dud and called Parrot for help. By the way, they are awesome. Friendly, helpful and very professional. It turned out that the power button isn't meant to remain lit and the connect button on the back must be depressed by the tip of something much smaller than a fingertip or fingernail- but not sharp. Darrell suggested the end of a paper clip but I was reluctant to use that. I was afraid the thin plastic cover over the button would puncture. I used a closed ball point pen and that worked. Including this step in the instructions would make this issue a non issue. Making the button easier to use would be even better.
Once I had it paired with my phone I reset my experiment. Fantastic! With the remote in hand I could start, stop, pause, speed up and slow down the script as much as needed to generate the perfectly timed script. Knowing I was in complete control of the speed helped me relax and focus on the content which made for a much more natural delivery.
I gave the Parrot Teleprompter five stars despite the initial difficulties because the issues are with the instructions NOT the product. I would encourage the company to revise the included instructions and include a few FAQs and tips for the initial setup. Aside from that the five stars are definitely well deserved. I just don't think a better option for the price is available.
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Product Description
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| Price | $149.00 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Description | Ultra-compact teleprompter that runs off of smartphones and attaches to almost any small camera | Combination mini tripod/pistol grip with built-in battery pack and USB charging capabilities | Versatile combination tripod/monopod; extends to 71" and folds down to 22" | Mid-level video production system for smartphones with stabilization, audio and charging capabilities | Turnkey video production studio for iPads | The perfect starting point for transforming your iPad into a video production powerhouse |
| Compatibility | Any smartphone; can be mounted to almost any DSLR camera with 13 included mounting rings | All standard cameras, Padcaster Products | All standard cameras, Padcaster Products | Smartphones | iPads | iPads |
| Includes | Bluetooth remote, glass cleaning kit, 13 mounting rings | 3200 MAH battery pack, LED work light, Go Pro adapter | Weatherproof zipper carry bag, removable claw feet, standard quick-release plate, three section clip-locking legs | Padcaster Grip, Mini Microphone, X-Pod | Padcaster Case, Tripod/Monopod, Dolly Wheels, Wide Angle Lens, Telephoto Lens, 3 Microphones, Stereo Headphones, LED Light, Green Screen, & much more | Padcaster Case, Tripod, Wide Angle Lens, Unidirectional Microphone, Backpack |
Videos
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Reviews with images
An amazing product with slightly concerning build quality.
I bought this to use with my Lumix G7 and while at first I was skeptical of it because of its build quality, I can say for sure that I bring this with me everywhere.Aside from the build quality, everything about this product is amazing. I was surprised at the clarity of the words as they scroll onto the teleprompter screen, I can clearly read every word. It is also a great combination when used with the Parrot teleprompter app. The app allows you to write scripts, change font size, change scroll speed, change margins, everything you could ever want. (As a side note you will need to enable the mirror option in the app when using the teleprompter.Not only is the teleprompter affordable, its very portable. it easily breaks down and stores inside my Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and 15.4-Inch Laptop Backpack (Black) which I use to take all of my camera gear with me, it doesn't even take up that much space.I've used it with my Lumix G7 (my daily driver) as well as a Cannon Rebel T6, it works great with both cameras. The one thing I will say is that the thread size on my G7 is 46mm and there was no mount adapter with that thread size included. Luckily I had a step up ring that allowed me to use the teleprompter on my lens. I used the Sensei 46mm Lens to 52mm Filter Step-Up Ring with my lens in order to use the included 52mm adapter mount.Included with the teleprompter are the following thread size adapter mounts(depending if your lens thread size is larger or smaller you may need a step up/down ring):-49mm-52mm-55mm-58mm-62mm-67mm-72mm-77mm-82mm Now I'd like to address the build quality which is what stops me from giving this product 5 stars. I realize that a lower build quality makes the item cheaper to produce and it's partly for that reason that this teleprompter is so affordable. The body of the teleprompter as well as the cover are made of plastic which can feel fragile. The adapters/mounts for mounting the teleprompter to your lens are made of metal and feel sturdy, I never have to worry about bending or warping them.The other issue I'd like to address which isn't necessarily an issue with the teleprompter itself is the remote offered to purchase along side it. I own an Iphone and as such I use the teleprompter with my Iphone. The remote is meant to make life easier when using the teleprompter, offering features like rewinding the script, resizing text, and playing/pausing the script. In the case of the Iphone app(I can't speak for android), it does almost none of this. The only feature I've been able to use is the text resizing which honestly isn't even a feature I use. So I would not recommend buying the remote with the teleprompter, at least not until it's fixed.Overall the Parrot teleprompter is an amazing product that I highly recommend to anyone shooting scripted video as it is a great addition to your camera gear arsenal as well as a great tool. :)
Top reviews from other countries
M. Senthilkumar
Excellent product. It is compact and user friendly
Reviewed in India on October 18, 2017