Creating ideas and insights.
Creating ideas and insights.
Last month I wrote a short piece on my home office setup. I wanted to follow up on that as I’ve added a few additional pieces of equipment, particularly I’ve improved my web camera significantly.
I had previously used a Logitech C920 web cam instead of the Macbook standard webcam and the big change to my setup was adding a Fujifilm X-T200. The camera is a mirrorless body and I managed to pick up a deal which included a FUJINON XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lense. The deal and the fact that Fujifilm is one of several camera manufacturers who enabled their cameras to be used as USB web cams with a firmware update.
In order to complete the setup I got a microphone stand, a Rode DS1 Microphone Desk Stand with a CAMVATE 1/4” Male to 5/8” Female Microphone Stand Adapter to convert the microphone thread to a standard camera thread. The final part to mount the camera was a JOBY BallHead 3K, I love Joby’s kit and whilst slightly more expense than other mounting options I’m happy to pay a premium for solid, reliable kit.
The camera does charge via USB but it’s quite slow to charge (~6 hours). I found a great little charger that both quick and takes two batteries, Nitecore FX1 Fujifilm W126/W126s 2 Hour Dual Slot.
There isn’t a way to easily power the camera from mains power whilst it is in use so I also picked up to two additional batteries, a HL-F126S TWIN PACK. I can easily juggle to my old webcam and swap the battery for meetings so I’m not too worried about this so far.
In order to protect the lense, I got a Hoya Pro-1 Digital Protector and a JJC Lens Hood. I hope these aren’t needed to protect the lense but if they are I’d much prefer for both of these to take the damage rather than the lense.
I finally managed to find a green screen that would work with the limited space I had. The Gig Gear Cam-A-Lot Video Conferencing Background Privacy Screen (Green/White) which simply folds out and sits on the back of your chair.
I have to admit using and abandoning a prior set of blue light glasses as they weren’t a good fit. Second time round, I’d seen a few folks talk about Ambr Eyewear for blue light glasses (here’s looking at Alan, Pat, and Jess Kelly) so I went and got a pair of Zenith glasses from them. A week on and I have to admit they do appear to be helping and most importantly they fit well so I’m much more likely to be wearing them for the long term.