Office Desk Setup - Z6 as Webcam and other topics

[RobOK]

I have been using my Z6 as a webcam, which has been great. Due to the setup of my monitor and tripod, i would like my Z6 about 12 inches closer to me (so it could be more center of my desk without getting the monitor in frame)

* is there such a think as an extender arm to mount on my tripod. Current is a Peak Design, but i have an older tripod i could use too

* second, any recommendations for mounting my camera on an arm that is attached to the desk?

(couldn't find good terms to search for this in the forum)


EDIT: this started in about mounting my Z6 on my desk but the thread has evolved, so i renamed it

[RobOK]

Maybe I'll just get a straight up mount over the monitor (below), but wasnt sure if something could extend it forward.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08RYS8YZR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s02?tag=tecbri-20&ie=UTF8&geniuslink=true&th=1

[Jan Anne]

I simply used a small table tripod which worked perfectly for me but might be less practical for a desk set against a wall.

[RobOK]

Here is an extender for a desk clamp, this is what I had in mind...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LV7GZVB/ref=emc_b_5_t

[Akira]

If you are a bit of a DIY guy, you could modify a monitor arm such as this to mount your camera...

https://www.amazon.com/HUANUO-Monitor-Mount-Stand-Adjustable/dp/B07X48X4KM/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=monitor+arm&qid=1643819592&smid=AAO6TDKV4R7PK&sr=8-13

[Snoogly]

This one is very expensive, but cheaper ones are listed underneath.

https://www.amazon.com/5ft-Articulating-Arm-Camera-Mount/dp/B075NRKFVQ

It seems they are very much a ‘thing’ now - maybe due to COVID?

Zillions here too.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/articulating-camera-arms-monitor-mounts/ci/10461

DIY!
https://youtu.be/7RZeivVQaiM

[RobOK]

Ha, for me it's coming from the Here's My Desk p0rn!

WARNING: Procrastination bombs ahead!


https://youtu.be/7WKrCejzVKk

https://youtu.be/Xxcfg9wpZdU

https://youtu.be/IESyjWTMAZs

Slightly less addicting than Camera Bag reviews:
https://youtu.be/B13fMqgRZ-E

[Jack Dahlgren]

I just took the center column out of an old tripod and strapped it onto the back of the monitor. You can also use a piece of wood with a mount on the top. Getting it as close to the top of the screen is important in producing a good camera angle.

[RobOK]

Exactly!

Right now it is off to the right and further back on a tripod. I want to get it posititioned over my monitor (green box) and closer.

From over your monitor you are using a 50mm, you're not too zoomed in?

[RobOK]

Ok, now my lighting.

I have a Neweer LED light and an "umbrella box light modifier". It seems very sad. Obviously a first step is to get rid of the wrinkles, but that is cosmetic.

The LED is mounted on a multi angle mount with the result that the LED is at the very top of the box.

Any thoughts on how to increase the light and keeping it diffused?

thanks!

EDIT: this thread was originally about mounting my camera, but expanded the topic.

[Jack Dahlgren]

Ok, now my lighting.

I have a Neweer LED light and an "umbrella box light modifier". It seems very sad. Obviously a first step is to get rid of the wrinkles, but that is cosmetic.

The LED is mounted on a multi angle mount with the result that the LED is at the very top of the box.

Any thoughts on how to increase the light and keeping it diffused?

thanks!

EDIT: this thread was originally about mounting my camera, but expanded the topic.

Answering both questions here. First the 50mm. I tested a number of different focal lengths and this gave the best framing. My next lower focal length was 35mm which was too wide. Note that my monitor is 48" and the desk is 70cm deep so working distance may be longer than typical.

I did set up an LED panel at one time, but given the low light capabilities of the Z6 coupled with an f/2 lens I get plenty of light from nearby windows and even overhead lights in early morning. I try not to video conference at night. If light is really bad I'll just pop up a white window on part of the monitor and sometimes dial in a stop of exposure compensation to wash out the background. Try bouncing the light off the wall/ceiling behind your monitor. That would give an even light without need for more gear.

[RobOK]

Not need new gear...... surely you jest!

Yes, I think i was overcomplicating a bit. the Neweer LED panel has a diffusion panel on front that helps a little. I just saw a video that suggested a plain old shoot through umbrella does a nice job, so I will try that too.

My sun varies a lot so, sometimes I am well lit, sometimes not.

Some of this is just fiddling so I don't have to do my ACTUAL work!

[Snoogly]

I had to teach online in my tiny kitchen for two years. Imperative that minimal table space is used for gear, so I cobbled together a ring light support using bits and bobs - hanging from a shelf.

Laptop goes where the tea and toast are ;-)

Light diffuser is kitchen parchment paper.

[RobOK]

LOVE IT! That is Real World stuff!