It’s no exaggeration to say that Elgato is one of the biggest brands in the modern content creation business. It has zeroed in on the market for YouTubers and Twitch streamers with its products and has won users with innovative features, reliable performance, and product designs built around how modern creators will actually be using each device. Be it the Key Light series, Stream Deck, FaceCam, or multiple varieties of capture device, this has been the through-line for its products.
Today, we’re finally taking a look at a product that captured our interest way back when it was announced in October of last year, the Elgato Prompter. While a normal teleprompter is good for script reading and little else, the Elgato Prompter takes it to the next level and is essentially a whole second display. Whether you’re live streaming, doing a video chat with friends or colleagues, or reading through the narration for your latest YouTube video, this is an innovative product that captures the essence of what Elgato does best.
Specifications
- Current Price: $279.99 (Amazon, Elgato)
- Weight: 690 g | 1.52 lb (without accessories)
- Interface: USB-C
- Display: 1024 x 600 px
- Step-up Rings: 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82 mm
- Dimensions:W 224 x H 219 x D 282 mm / W 8.88 x H 8.62 x D 11.10 in (with universal bracket)
- What’s in the Box:
- Prompter with display, DSLR/Mirrorless backplate, 9x DSLR/Mirrorless step-up rings, Facecam Pro backplate, Universal shroud backplate, Universal bracket, Mounting screws, USB-C to USB-A 3.0 cable (200 cm | 78.7 in), Cleaning cloth, Quick start guide
Elgato Prompter - Changing the Game
On the surface, the Elgato Prompter looks like any other teleprompter. It’s bulky and black has the telltale front shroud with a pane of reflective glass to display text. The back opens to receive a camera. Beneath the front shroud is a display that the glass will reflect back at you.
In this case, looks are deceiving. The Elgato Prompter is the most versatile teleprompter you can find remotely near this price. It works with just about any camera, including webcams and your smartphone and comes with a full set of step-up rings to mount to different camera lenses. It has two ¼-20 threads on the bottom to mount to a tripod or a desktop mount.
The biggest differentiator, however, is the display. Unlike most teleprompters, the Prompter is recognized as a full second display. This is an absolute game-changer.
Using the Elgato Camera Hub software, you can import your script, customize it for font, size, and other readability parameters and then output it to read back, of course. But having it recognized as a second display opens the door to far more uses that you don’t need to be reading a script to take advantage of.
For example, if you’re streaming to Twitch and want to keep an eye on your chat; simply pull your chat onto the second display and it will be reflected in the glass, allowing you to make eye contact with your team. Or, if you’re having a Google Meet, you can drag the meeting onto the monitor and actually make consistent eye contact with the people you’re speaking to. Or, heck, maybe you just want a small second monitor to stream Netflix on while you’re playing a game, or to keep a walkthrough up when you’re hacking through the Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
The wide compatibility of the Prompter is another secret weapon. It works by utilizing an interchangeable backplate/mounting system that works in conjunction with a platform the camera is mounted securely to. The kit comes with three different plates. One is for the Elgato Facecam. The second is for a mirrorless or DSLR camera. Both provide a perfect seal but the latter utilizes special “step-up” rings so lenses of different diameters can slot into the bracket snugly.
The last mount is the universal backplate. This is essentially a wide open backplate with a blackout cloth attached to the sides. You can mount any webcam or camera that’s not compatible with the step-up rings to the platform so it can shoot through the Prompter’s open back. Since there’s no seal, you simply drape the blackout cloth over the camera. Because the platform has its own ¼-20 mount, you can add a smartphone holder (not included) and even use that to create content with.
The setup process is more in-depth than other peripherals. It’s not difficult, per se, but the the process of putting it together, attaching the backplate, mounting the camera, choosing and installing the right the step-up ring, plugging in the monitor, and getting familiar with the software takes time. Elgato has helpful videos on its YouTube channel to make this as easy as possible, but it’s a process nonetheless.
I also wish Elgato included some kind of mount or tripod with the kit. You can purchase it directly from Elgato in a bundle with the Low Profile Arm or a Telescope Mount that attaches to your desk, but they both at $100 or $40 to the cost respectively. You can also use your own tripod if you have one or a low cost alternative from Amazon if you have the space.
Final Thoughts
The Elgato Prompter showcases the innovation and user-first design that has pushed Elgato to the forefront of the streaming business. A teleprompter is always going to be a niche product, but by transforming the Prompter into a full-fledged second screen, Elgato has made it a device that streamers and content creators could benefit from even if they never actually use it as a teleprompter. Compared to others that don’t require you to bring your own tablet, its price point is also very reasonable making it an exceptionally good value. If you’re the kind of person interested in a small second screen or ridiculously versatile teleprompter, it doesn’t get much better than this.
The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes. Some articles may contain affiliate links and purchases made through this will result in a small commission for the site. Commissions are not directed to the author or related to compensation in any way.
