Sometimes, you have to put your hand up and say you were wrong and for me, I was wrong about Teleprompters. I always assumed they weren’t necessary and as long as you knew what you were talking about and felt confident enough, they were just a waste of money. That was until I tried out the Prompter People Pocket Cue V3 4K - A literal game changer for how I produce and make video content and instantly a must-have piece of kit. 

I reached out to Prompter People after having my interest piqued by one of the many positive videos popped up on my YouTube feed raving about how good it was. The pleasant people at Prompter People promptly sent me a prompter to practice with - try saying that drunk! As soon as I completed the easy assembly, loaded up my first makeshift script and got scrolling away, I was hooked - what had I been missing out on all of these years. 

PLEASE NOTE: I WAS SENT THIS ITEM FOR REVIEW BUT NO OTHER PAYMENT OR CONTROL WAS EXCHANGED FOR PUBLISHING THIS UNBIASED REVIEW

I don’t claim to be a YouTuber but I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve wasted on recording and then recording videos because I’d forgotten something or simply got something wrong! Even worse, how many times I had been shooting a video for a client who was a little nervous in front of the camera only to get home and find that all of the takes were, well, useless. This isn’t just embarrassing for them but it makes me look incompetent! Up steps the Pocket Cue V3 and as we’ll see, this versatile little helper has quickly become a staple of my video making package. 

Overview of the Prompter People Pocket Cue V3 4K

The Prompter People Pocket Cue V3 4K is a compact and portable teleprompter designed for modern content creators. It's compatible with a wide range of cameras and smartphones, making it an ideal choice for both professional videographers and aspiring YouTubers. The setup boasts optical quality beam splitter glass, ensuring high-quality image transmission while allowing the presenter to read the script comfortably.

Prompter People’s excellent TeleScroll software makes using the V3 a breeze and even for first-time prompter users, it’s easy to get the swing (well, scroll) of things. Better yet, the compact design makes it fantastic for travelling with and with the wide range of accessories, it is easy to tailor your setup to your individual needs. Whether it’s a permanent studio setup or something light and portable, the V3 fits into most production scenarios. 

Build Quality

I really wasn’t sure what to expect for build quality for a teleprompter but I guess the most obvious thing is that it needs to feel robust and that it will stand the test of time. The Pocket Cue V3 absolutely jumped out to me as a quality product. The toolless design, built for ease of assembly and quick use means that you will instantly get a feel for all of the components and when handling each, you can feel the quality. 

My version included a few optional extras, such as the stand which felt like a premium product - no corners cut here. The inclusion of a travel bag is a nice touch but also no surprise as this promoter is built to be used on set or at different locations. Even the bag itself is thoughtfully laid out offering maximum protection for all of the parts and that oh-so-precious beamsplitter glass. All-in-all, I have zero concerns over build quality and this thing is built to last. 

Ease of Assembly

The first thing to note is that the unit is built to be used in different environments, whether on set, in a studio or as part of a home-setup. However, assembly is very simple and straightforward and the toolless design is intuitive. My only concern was getting the camera setup inside the hood correctly and after making a few adjustments, I was away. I had forgotten to take into account the field of view as I chose to shoot quite wide, but the Prompter People website clearly states the lens compatibility and this was complete on me - I simply had to zoom in a few millimeters and all is fixed.

Versatility

This is where the V3 really shines and you can tell that this is a product that Prompter People have put a lot of thought into. The V3 is built to be portable and is easy to travel with but adding accessories to suit your needs really brings it to life. I had the additional stand to use on productions and the robust legs were perfectly capable of taking my camera setup as well as the V3. An included L-bracket makes it an excellent option for filming vertical content for social media or adding the phone accessories completely illuminates the need for a traditional camera setup.

Pocket Cue V3 7” Widescreen 4K LCD Monitor

As versatile as the teleprompter is, for me, two accessories in particular really took this teleprompter to the next level. First up is the 4K LCD Monitor included in the monitor version. This impressive little monitor packs an 1800 NIT punch with 4K HDMI loop through that can display 1080p/1080i 180hz (1920 x 1080 180fps) | 4K 60HZ (4K 60FPS. The monitor can be powered via the included power supply or NPF style batteries. I’ve loved using this as a ‘talent’ monitor to check focus, framing and check audio levels etc. via my camera's HDMI out feed. I find that the monitor is essential to my setup and I’m not sure I would feel as confident in front of the camera without it. 

Shuttle Cue Lite & Smart Remote

My second killer accessories are the remote option. The Smart Remote is a Bluetooth remote that works perfectly with a smartphone or tablet and is discreet and easy to use to move the text on the prompter along. However, I much preferred using the Shuttle Cue, a feature richwired remote with super smooth control for start/stop functionality and adjusting the speed of the prompter. I found this remote so intuitive to use and it just works seamlessly with the TeleScroll software. Between the Monitor and the Remote, they perfectly accompany the Pocket Cue V3 and make it quite a formidable package. 

TeleSroll Software

If the hardware features weren’t impressive enough, the TeleScroll software is the beating heart of this entire system. In truth, I barely touched the surface of what this fully featured software can do as I was mainly concerned with its primary function, you know, prompting. However, when you start digging into the software and using the authoring tools and unleash all of the customisable viewing options etc. You soon see why TeleScroll stands out from the competition. Even more impressively, Prompter People have just launched VoiceScroll which looks like an incredible option and I will add an update to this review once I have had more time with it - no doubt it will work seamlessly. 

Benefits of Using a Teleprompter Like the Pocket Cue V3 4K

Even though we have covered all of the features of the equipment and software, I just want to touch on some of the underlying benefits of using a teleprompter like the Cue V3. I personally think that by delivering clear, consistent messages whilst maintaining eye-contact with your audience, the perceived level of any production will be improved. The direct connection with the viewer will help maintain attention and engagement, critical in a world where attention is at a premium.

Using a prompter also allows for better consistency in messaging and video quality. For those that need a similar structure throughout a series of videos, a prompter really is essential. For those looking for a more fluid approach to their productions, the Cue V3 offers amazing versatility both in terms of portability and the use of mobile phones or the ability to shoot vertical content - it really does have all bases covered. 

Who Would Benefit from Using the Pocket Cue V3 4K?

I can really see an argument for the Cue V3 in most video/YouTube setups. Whether you are a professional videographer that needs to produce client videos with clear, precise messaging - or a content creator that is sharing review, tips & tricks with an audience - having well structured content, thoughtful and clear delivery is essential in gaining the attention and trust of your audience. For videographers, it will help inspire confidence from clients and in some scenarios, you may even be able to charge for hire of a prompter, which really makes it a valuable asset. 

For those producing online courses or cooking tutorials etc. having the ability to list complex information like it is all at the tip of your tongue will make you look more professional and cement you as a trusted source. Personally, when I am creating camera reviews etc. for YouTube - I like to have all of the specifications and key points listed on the prompter and then to ‘freestyle’ the bits that I want to talk about. This approach seems to fit my needs rather than feeling tied to a script, yet ensuring I cover off all of the points that I need to. 

Pros of the Pocket Cue V3 4K

1. Portability and Versatility - Easy to travel with and setup for a range of different uses

2. High-Quality Optics - The Beam Splitter glass is superb quality with no impact on the final image

3. Easy Setup and Use - Toolless design makes it ideal for the less technical of us (me included!)

4. Improved Confidence and Delivery - You’ll look and feel like a Pro with expert video hosting skills!

5. Time-Saving - Productions will be quicker, easier and more consistent! 

Cons of the Pocket Cue V3 4K

1. Learning Curve - It takes a bit of getting used to when presenting - practice makes perfect! 

2. Cost - This is a premium level product that sits above more ‘budget’ options both in quality and cost.

3. Potential for Over-Reliance - It can feel like a safety net losing a little of the spontaneous magic.

4. Additional Equipment Required - Although not essential, the accessories really bring it to life. 

Conclusion

I have labelled the Prompter People Pocket Cue V3 4K a ‘game changer’ and that’s not a term that I would use lightly. In terms of the impact of a single piece of equipment, I can’t think of any item that has changed my approach more to creating online content and in particular, YouTube videos than the Cue V3. I see so much benefit in using a setup like this and judging by the amount of popular YouTubers that use a prompter, it seems other people also agree. 

However, the benefits don’t stop there. If you are a professional videographer creating client focussed work, having the ability to utilise a prompter really is a fantastic tool at your disposal. Anything that makes a client look better on camera will make them love you! In addition, the timesaving element and potential to charge for hire of the prompter really make this a suburb addition to any commercial videographers kit.

Probably the biggest downside is the initial outlay and the potential learning curve whilst getting used to using prompter. Depending on the individual, with a little practice it really does become natural to use a prompter and like me, you might find ways of using it that suit your own style. As for the cost, that may be a limiting factor to some, but having seen some of the more ‘budget friendly’ options - buying cheap may indeed lead to ‘buying twice’ as you will probably see what you miss out on by not choosing a well rounded option like the Cue V3.

Ultimately though, you will probably already have an idea if a teleprompter fits in your workflow and if the benefits outweigh the cost. For me, I’m not sure I could go back to not having the option to use a prompter and it’s something that I know clients will also appreciate. The biggest downside for me personally is that now I will be producing more YouTube videos and that means my face all over the internet - time to start saving for the hair transplant! 

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About the Author - Ross Jukes is a professional Photographer and Videographer with over a decade of experience. Working in both Digital and Analogue formats, Ross has worked with international clients, had his worked published numerous times and exhibited his work extensively. With a passion for all things photographic, Ross combines his experience, enthusiasm and dedication to his art form to create engaging and educational content for the photographic community.

Disclaimer: All links to Amazon UK/US are affiliated links - you will still pay the same price but I will receive a small commission. All information provided in this blog is intended either for educational or entertainment purposes and is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, further research/professional advice should be sort before making purchases/implementing any advice given and no responsibility is taken by the author or parties mentioned here within.