How to mount a camera on desk/table?

[nelsonic]

In my quest to have everything I need for video stream/recording in a single moveable desk,
I want to avoid having a tripod on the floor behind the desk which will require moving.

My objective is to have the Sony A7 dwyl/video#49 permanently mounted in the Teleprompter #12 with the 24mm F1.4 lens dwyl/video#48 so that I can read the tutorial/content I've written as "piece to camera". I find the tutorials featuring the creator/expert more engaging than just a screen of code, though I will A/B test it. The idea is to use the Green Screen dwyl/video#10 / dwyl/video#69 to make professional looking tutorials with a view to a full "course".

With that in mind, I want to mount the Camera and Teleprompter to the desk at eye-level with a minimal setup.

I can either buy a "Head" and mount it myself using a 3/8" thread/screw:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Manfrotto-234RC-Swivel-Tilt-Head-with-Quick-Release/202801195004

or I can buy a purpose made Manfrotto 355 Table Mount:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manfrotto-355-Table-Camera-Support/dp/B00131N48A

For reference the table mount costs €108 in PT: (which I think is daylight robbery, but it's geographical pricing ...) 🙄
https://www.fnac.pt/mp1686941/Manfrotto-355-Table-Mount-Camera-Support

I quite like the idea of having a quick-release plate under the Teleprompter to be able to remove it easily.
But if the intention is to not move it very often then the Table Mount is nicer.

[nelsonic]

Bought this lightweight video head:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Manfrotto-Model-200-Lightweight-Fluid-Video-Tripod-head-/174386113603

It's not "new" but it's in excellent condition and it will never be seen as it will be under the Teleprompter #12 and having the quick release plate means we can easily move the whole rig.

The quick release plates haven't changed in decades so this "retro" model is still 100% good. 👍

Will set it up once it arrives. Though full setup of the Teleprompter requires the iPad #12 (comment)

[nelsonic]

For reference, the newer version of this video head a decent chunk of change:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1060928-REG/manfrotto_mhxpro_2w_2_way_pan_tilt_head.html

We have this head on one of our other tripods and it's great!
Let's see what the older model is like. 💭

[nelsonic]

Video head arrived. It's exactly what I needed. Good fluid head and easy to lock-off in position. Glad I went for it.
Next: #29