An Introduction to Recording Video Podcasts
In the following post, we’re going to talk about setting up a video camera as a webcam to record your video podcast. Whether it's a solo podcast or a remote video podcast over platforms like Zoom or Riverside, we'll guide you through the process of getting your camera set up with an Elgato Cam Link to connect directly to your computer.
This setup eliminates the need to worry about battery life, SD cards, or file transfers, making it very plug-and-play. If you’re looking to add video to your show - which you absolutely should as a way to increase your podcast’s presence across numerous other channels - this is the setup I recommend. This guide works for both Mac and Windows, but we'll focus on Mac for this walkthrough.
Initial Setup
Attaching the Lens
If you haven’t already attached the lens to your camera:
Locate the button on the camera body that allows you to clip and unclip the lens.
Hold this button and turn the lens to unlock and remove it.
To attach, align the grooves on the lens with the ones on the camera body, twist it to the right, and listen for a click. Ensure that the Lumix logos on the lens and camera align.
Mounting the Camera
The camera can be mounted on a light stand, tripod, or boom arm:
Tripod: Attach the tripod clamp to the camera's bottom mount.
Boom Arm: If using a boom arm, you may need an adapter to secure the camera.
Powering the Camera
To avoid frequent battery changes, use a power adapter:
Insert the power adapter into the battery slot.
Use the small slot to route the cable outside the battery case to prevent crimping.
Connecting the Camera
HDMI Connection
Connect the camera to your computer using an HDMI cable and Elgato Cam Link:
Connect the HDMI cable to the camera’s HDMI out port.
Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the Elgato Cam Link.
Plug the USB end of the Cam Link into your computer.
Camera Settings
Basic Settings
Power On: Switch the camera on.
Dial Settings: Set one dial to 4K and the other to the video (movie) mode.
Focus: Choose between manual focus (MF) and autofocus (AFS).
Menu Settings
Recording Quality: Set the frame rate to 30 FPS for general use.
Manual Focus Guide & Peaking: Enable these for better focus control.
Guidelines: Enable the rule of thirds grid for better composition.
Monitor Info Display: Turn this off to avoid overlay information being recorded.
Lighting Setup
Elgato Key Light
Set up and control the Elgato Key Light using the Elgato Control Center app:
Install the App: Download from the App Store.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure the light is on the same network as your computer.
Adjust Settings: Control the light’s temperature and brightness to suit your recording environment.
Final Adjustments
QuickTime and Video Input
Open QuickTime or your preferred recording software.
Set the video input to Cam Link 4K.
Adjust the camera’s ISO to suit your lighting conditions.
Focus Adjustments
Autofocus: Best for dynamic movement.
Manual Focus: Best for static shots, adjust using the focus dial around the lens.
Good luck with your setup!
