This camera is less than half the price of a similarly performing Logitech. Occasionally (maybe 1 in 20) you will get a defective one, but it’s sold on Amazon and they will return it no questions asked. The color, lighting, and focus are clear, and it will fit the entire keyboard into the view.
Note: do not just get any Logitech 960 model as not all 960s are wide angle, and you will have to put them really far away from the keys to fit the entire keyboard. The picture is good and it is very reliable. They also have a good microphone for voice capture (but not instrument capture as they have built-in filtering). The best deals are on BestBuy.
Camera Adapter
>$30
Use this if you are a bit of a camera buff: many mirrorless cameras and camcorders can be connected to a 1on1 Piano call by connecting to their HDMI-out port with an adaptor that converts from HDMI to USB-C computer (usually has a blue port). This will look very “pro” without costing very much. The adapter costs around $20 and can connect to cameras that have a “clean” HDMI output. Most cameras use a Micro HDMI port, so you will need a HDMI cable with a micro end on it, but these are also under $10, and you will look like you have broadcast grade gear using the camera you already have.
Tripod Adapter
~$10-$30
Mount your smartphone or tablet on a tripod and use it as a second view. Here are some tripod adapters:
Phone Tripod Adapter
for $7
Tablet Adapter
for $12
A sturdy but affordable tripod by K&F Concept.
for $29
Note that the JIBUTU camera stand we recommend comes with a smart phone holder, so if that fits your piano, you won’t need a phone holder.
Hubs
You may need a hub for these scenarios:
- Convert from USB-C to USB-A (newer Macs and tablets especially)
- Charge while connected to cameras and piano
- Connect multiple cameras and piano to a computer
The most reliable brand we have found is Anker.
If your computer has the rectangular USB-A ports, get this one for $10.
If your computer has the new, smaller, rounded USB-C port, get this one for $20.
Built-In Video Switcher
1on1 Piano is unique because it allows you to plug several cameras into your computer and use them in the call individually or simultaneously. You will not need an external video switcher or software like OBS. We have a video switcher built right in, allowing you to show your students one or several views at a time during conversations and screen shares.
Camera Stands & Mounts
Clamp Overhead Mount for Grand Pianos
~$20
Our favorite stand option is this camera mount that clamps to the piano.
Here you can see the student’s view when the teacher is using a Jebutu Overhead Mount and Nexigo N60 camera. Only a $50 setup, and it looks professional.
An option that works well with keyboards on stands is a microphone stand with a microphone-tripod adapter. Combine the stand and adapter below for a versatile overhead view:
Amazon Basics Stand
$31
Don’t get a shorter stand because it won’t get the camera high enough to show the whole keyboard.
mount the camera on the stand ($11):
Overhead Mount for Uprights
~$30
This mount has a base and will sit comfortably atop your upright
Here you can see the student’s view when the teacher is using an overhead mount with base on an upright with a Nexigo N60 camera. This combination costs around $50 and provides a clear view.