Looking to easily add some polish to your home office? Want to unlock new possibilities when you give presentations online? Consider using a physical green screen and chroma key software! There are endless options, but here are a few to consider:
Green Screens
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7x10 ft Cloth Backdrop with Clips by Aimosen
This polyester 7x10 ft Cloth Backdrop with Clips is rod-pocketed and includes 4 clips. Cost effective. Cloth dimensions are 7 feet wide by 10 feet high. Ideal for situations where you might want to film the floor as well as backdrop.
Pros:
- inexpensive
- wider than many more expensive options
Cons:
- wrinkles; may need to be steamed
- needs a stand or something to which it can be secured
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5x7 ft Portable Backdrop with Stand by AFHT
Reversible (green/blue) screen and stand. Outer dimensions are 5 feet wide by 7 feet tall, although the screen is elliptically shaped so corner exposure could be an issue. Seems quite portable. Ideal if you're a photographer who needs to also photograph salad.
Pros:
- mid-range in price
- lightweight and portable
- does not wrinkle
Cons:
- actual dimensions likely less than what is listed due to rounded corners
- stand must be carried separately from screen
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Elgato Collapsible Green Screen (Floor)
Featuring a pneumatic frame, the Elgato Green Screen can be easily folded into its metal case when not in use. Ideal for situations where you don't necessarily always want to have a green screen in place, or if you intend to use it in multiple locations. Screen dimensions are 58.27" wide by 70.87" tall.
Pros:
- doesn't wrinkle
- portable
- deploys quickly
Cons:
- limited width
- potential trip hazard
- price
- some reviewers have complained about the quality of latches and case handle
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Elgato Mountable Green Screen MT (Ceiling or Wall)
The Elgato Green Screen MT can be easily rolled up into its metal case when not in use. Can be installed on the ceiling or against a wall. Ideal for situations where you have limited space. Screen dimensions are 78.74" wide by 70.86" tall.
Pros:
- doesn't wrinkle
- wider than the floor model
- deploys quickly
- doesn't occupy floor space
Cons:
- price
- permanent installation (ceiling or wall)
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Chroma Key Green Flat Latex Paint
Depending upon your needs, your available space, and the tolerance of your spouse, painting one or more walls Chroma Key green could yield tremendous flexibility. More of a semi-permanent form of commitment and may require multiple coats of a neutral paint to cover if and when you decide to move. Screen dimensions are as large as the amount of space painted.
Pros:
- doesn't wrinkle
- as wide as you want/have space for
- doesn't occupy floor space
Cons:
- price (surprisingly expensive, although you might be able to find cheaper, store-mixed paints)
- permanent installation (ceiling and/or wall)
- elbow grease required
Other Equipment
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Deisy Dee Computer Office Chair Cover
Stretchable polyester/spandex chair cover can be used to make your desk chair invisible when using a green screen effect.
Pros:
- inexpensive
- ideal for backdrops featuring a throne or other fancy chair 🙂
Cons:
- may not fit all chairs — be sure to check dimensions
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Fifine PC Microphone
For those times you want to pick up room-wide sound or don't wish to use a headset, this free-standing microphone is an excellent value, rivalling much more expensive devices from bigger names.
Pros:
- inexpensive
- plug-and-play
- features noise cancellation
Cons:
- none
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Neewer 90W Desk Mount LED Lights
Good lighting reduces or eliminates shadows on your green screen that can interfere with chroma key filtering. These lights by NEEWER put out a lot of light and vary in temperature from warm white to cool white. Attach to the sides of some desks (be sure to check whether C-clamps will work for your space). Remote controlled with the option to be controlled independently.
Pros:
- can greatly enhance the use of a green screen
- more expensive than most ring lights but less expensive than similar keylights
Cons:
- limited to various temperatures of white
- lower bound of brightness may be too bright
Software
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Open Broadcaster Software Studio
OBS Studio is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Includes the ability to apply chroma key (green screen) filter to web camera feeds.
Pros:
- free
- amazing
Cons:
- slight learning curve