Anyone who’s spent time creating videos, whether for YouTube, online courses, or client pitches, knows the struggle of remembering lines while trying to look natural and connect with the camera. I used to spend hours trying to memorize scripts, only to stumble over words or constantly glance down at notes. It was frustrating, and I knew there had to be a better way to maintain eye contact and deliver content smoothly. This challenge is critical to overcome because fumbling through a script breaks connection with the viewer and makes your presentation look unprofessional, hindering your ability to convey your message effectively. Finding a solution that kept my eyes on the lens was essential.
- For DSLR / Mirrorless / Camcorder: The SmallRig multifunctional teleprompter 3646 is designed to accommodate any iPad or tablet up to 11 inches. Please note that it is not compatible with smartphones....
- Must Work with 15mm LWS Baseplate: To ensure proper functionality, this teleprompter must be used with a 15mm rail support system (separately available ID: 2092B / 3067). This setup helps to alleviate...
- Wide Lens Compatibility: The teleprompter can be mounted to the lens using the included silicone cover, which supports lenses with a diameter between 49mm and 95mm. There will be no vignetting when...
Choosing the Right Teleprompter: What to Look For
The need for clear, confident on-camera communication drives many to seek out a teleprompter. This category of tools is specifically designed to allow you to read scrolling text while appearing to look directly at the camera lens. The ideal customer for a teleprompter is anyone regularly creating video content where direct address and scripted or guided speech are important – think educators, business professionals, content creators, or journalists. If you’re just shooting casual vlogs or need minimal notes, a full teleprompter setup might be overkill. Smartphone users might look for simpler clip-on models, while those using dedicated cameras will require more robust, lens-mounted solutions. Before buying, consider your camera type (DSLR, mirrorless, camcorder), the size of the device you’ll use for text (phone or tablet), your existing rigging setup (do you use rods?), portability needs, lens compatibility, and the software or app required to control the text. Understanding these factors will help you choose a teleprompter that integrates seamlessly into your workflow.
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Introducing the SmallRig 3646 Teleprompter
Enter the SmallRig Teleprompter for iPad for Android Tablet up to 11 inch, NOT for Smartphone – 3646. SmallRig is a brand I’ve come to trust for well-built camera accessories, and this teleprompter promised to address my specific needs. It’s a modular teleprompter designed specifically for users of DSLR, mirrorless, or camcorder setups utilizing a 15mm LWS rod system. The core promise is to enable professional-looking on-camera performances by keeping your gaze fixed on the lens while reading text from a tablet screen. When you purchase the SmallRig 3646, you get the teleprompter unit itself, a silicone lens cover for various lens diameters, a top flag, a 4×5.65″ filter adapter, and notably, a custom-fit padded case (as I discovered). This specific model is clearly for videographers and filmmakers already invested in camera cages and rod systems, and who plan to use a tablet (up to 11 inches) rather than a smartphone. It’s definitely not for someone looking for a simple clip-on solution for their phone.
Here are some quick pros and cons based on my experience and general feedback:
Pros:
* Robust and sturdy metal construction typical of SmallRig.
* Designed for tablet use (up to 11″), offering a larger reading surface.
* Utilizes common 15mm LWS rods for stable, stress-free mounting.
* Includes essential accessories like a top flag and lens adapter.
* Comes with a fantastic, protective custom carrying case.
Cons:
* Requires a separate 15mm LWS baseplate and rods, which adds cost if you don’t already own them.
* SmallGoGo app performance can be inconsistent for some users.
* Not compatible with smartphones.
* The remote control functionality can be limited or unreliable according to some reports.
* The tablet mount mechanism, while functional, could potentially be wider for slightly increased stability with heavier tablets.
Deep Dive into the Key Features and How They Help
Having used the SmallRig Teleprompter 3646 for a while now, I can confidently break down its key features and how they truly impact the shooting experience. This isn’t just a piece of glass and a box; it’s a system designed to integrate into a specific type of camera setup.
Designed for Tablets, Not Phones
One of the most significant aspects of the SmallRig 3646 is its focus on supporting tablets up to 11 inches. This is a huge benefit for me. Compared to trying to read from a small phone screen, using an iPad or Android tablet provides a much larger, clearer display. This means I can place the camera and teleprompter a comfortable distance away – the recommended reading distance is within 5 meters (16.4 feet) – and still easily read the scrolling text. This larger screen size reduces eye strain and allows for smoother reading, which translates directly into a more natural and confident delivery on camera. The fact that it’s designed specifically as a Teleprompter for iPad for Androd Tablet means it’s built to handle the size and weight of these devices securely. The explicit note that it is *not* for smartphones is important – don’t buy this if you only plan to use your phone.
Mandatory 15mm LWS Baseplate Mounting
This feature is both a strength and a limitation, depending on your existing gear. The SmallRig 3646 Teleprompter is designed to mount onto a standard 15mm LWS rail support system. It does *not* mount directly to your lens via threads or clip-on mechanisms (other than the included shroud over the lens). For me, this was ideal because I already use SmallRig cages and 15mm rods for various accessories. Mounting the teleprompter this way offers incredible stability. More importantly, it takes the weight of the teleprompter and the tablet off your camera’s lens mount. Lens mounts, especially on mirrorless cameras, can be fragile, and hanging a teleprompter directly off the lens can cause stress or even damage. Mounting it to rods that are supported by the baseplate under the camera distributes the weight properly, protecting your valuable equipment. This is a professional-level mounting solution that signifies this SmallRig Teleprompter is built for serious video production rigs. However, if you don’t already have a 15mm LWS system, you’ll need to purchase a compatible baseplate and rods separately (SmallRig offers options like ID: 2092B or 3067), adding to the overall cost and complexity.
Wide Lens Compatibility with Silicone Cover
One of the clever design elements is how the SmallRig teleprompter connects to your lens. It doesn’t screw in like a filter. Instead, you use an included flexible silicone cover that fits snugly over the front of your lens. This cover adapts to a wide range of lens diameters, from 49mm up to 95mm. The teleprompter then attaches securely to the front of this cover, creating a light-tight seal. This approach is versatile and works with many lenses I own. The silicone material does a much better job of blocking stray light from entering the teleprompter box compared to the fabric “sleeves” I’ve seen on some other models. Blocking this light ensures that the text reflected on the glass remains bright and easy to read, without distracting reflections or glare creeping in. The product description also mentions that vignetting (darkening of the corners of the image) is avoided when your focal length is 22mm or longer, which covers the vast majority of typical talking-head video setups.
SmallGoGo App Control and Text Management
Like many modern camera accessories, the SmallRig Teleprompter 3646 utilizes an app for control – the SmallGoGo app, available for both iOS and Android. This app is designed to be an all-in-one solution for many SmallRig products. For the teleprompter, it allows you to import text from various file formats like PDFs, pictures, Word documents, and TXT files. Crucially, it makes this imported text editable within the app, so you can make last-minute tweaks to your script. You can then control the scrolling speed, font size, and other parameters from the app, often via a separate wireless remote (though reviews mention the remote’s utility can be questionable).
Now, this is where I did encounter a bit of a snag, and it’s something others have mentioned. The SmallGoGo app itself can be finicky. In my experience, it wouldn’t open reliably on one of my tablets. I tried reinstalling it multiple times, but it just got stuck on the loading screen. While SmallRig support is responsive, resolving app issues can take time. Thankfully, I had an app and remote from a previous teleprompter that worked perfectly fine with the SmallRig hardware, so I wasn’t completely stuck. However, relying solely on the SmallGoGo app might be a point of frustration for some users. It’s a key feature, promising seamless text management, but the actual user experience can be hit-or-miss. One user review specifically highlighted the risk of the app jumping or behaving unexpectedly during a live report, which is a serious concern for professionals.
Modular Design and Included Accessories
The physical design of the SmallRig 3646 Teleprompter is well-thought-out and includes several useful features. The lens hood part of the unit can be quickly released, which is handy for cleaning the beamsplitter glass – essential for maintaining a clear reflection. It comes standard with a top flag, which is a small adjustable piece that sits above the glass. This flag is invaluable in environments with overhead lights or bright skies, as it prevents unwanted light from hitting the glass and causing glare or ‘ghosting’ (seeing a faint secondary reflection of the text). The package also includes a 4×5.65″ standard filter adapter. This is a professional touch, allowing you to easily integrate standard cinema filters (like ND or diffusion filters) between your lens and the teleprompter glass if needed for your shot. Additionally, the unit features two cold shoe mounts, perfect for attaching small LED lights to illuminate your face for better visibility or attaching a microphone receiver. All these modular elements contribute to the versatility and professional appeal of the teleprompter.
Build Quality and Portability (with Case)
True to SmallRig’s reputation, the Teleprompter 3646 feels very sturdy and well-built. It’s primarily constructed from durable materials like aluminum alloy and ABS plastic. It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. Assembly is straightforward once you have your 15mm rod system set up. The design is intuitive and easy to adjust for different lenses or tablet positions. While the telescoping mount for the tablet was noted by one user as potentially feeling a bit narrow for maximum stability, I haven’t found it problematic in typical use, assuming reasonable care is taken. What truly elevates the experience, however, is the included custom carrying case. It’s a semi-hard case with a fitted foam interior that perfectly houses the teleprompter and all its accessories. There’s a padded flap to protect the glass, and everything has its designated spot. This case makes transporting the SmallRig Teleprompter incredibly convenient and safe, which is a big plus if you shoot on location frequently. The total weight is just under 900 grams, making it relatively portable once packed away.
What Others Are Saying: Real User Experiences
After spending time with the SmallRig 3646, I looked online to see what other users thought. The feedback generally aligns with my own experience. Many users praise the excellent build quality and sturdy design, noting that it looks professional and performs reliably as a teleprompter. The easy assembly and portability were also highlighted as positives. Several reviewers appreciated that it accommodates tablets, offering a clear reading experience. However, just like me, multiple users pointed out issues with the SmallGoGo app, citing problems with stability or functionality, and some mentioned the included remote control wasn’t very useful. There was also initial confusion for some regarding the required 15mm baseplate, assuming the unit came ready to mount directly to a camera or stand without it. Despite these points, the overall sentiment seems positive, particularly regarding the hardware’s quality and the effectiveness of the teleprompter itself once properly set up.
Final Thoughts on Improving Your On-Camera Presence
Struggling to remember your lines while shooting video can seriously undermine your confidence and the professionalism of your content. The inability to maintain consistent eye contact breaks the connection with your audience and makes you appear hesitant or unprepared. This is why a reliable teleprompter is such a crucial tool for anyone doing scripted or semi-scripted on-camera work. The SmallRig Teleprompter 3646 stands out as a great fit for solving this problem, especially if you’re already using a camera rig with 15mm rods. Its sturdy construction ensures durability, the tablet support provides a large, easy-to-read display, and features like the top flag and silicone lens cover make it highly effective in various shooting conditions. While the required 15mm rod system and potential app quirks are things to be aware of, the core hardware delivers a professional teleprompter experience that genuinely helps you look more confident and polished on screen. If you’re ready to take your video presentations to the next level, Click here to check out the SmallRig Teleprompter 3646.
Last update on 2025-06-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API