Research equipment · October 30, 2026
iPad usability testing setup with OBS and two cameras
The objective
Record in-person usability tests with a portable setup that captures the participant, their hands, and the device screen together.
The problem
A screen recording shows the interface but misses finger placement, attempted taps, and multi-touch gestures. A camera pointed at the screen picks up hands and glare. A participant-facing camera misses the interaction.
The equipment also needs to travel and fit on a table without getting in the participant’s way.
The solution
Two USB cameras and a wired iPad connection feed one recording in OBS Studio on a MacBook.
- Face and voice
- The participant talking through the task, asking questions, and reacting.
- Hands and iPad
- Finger placement, taps, multi-touch gestures, and attempts that produce no visible response.
- Clean screen
- The interface and its feedback, without hands covering the controls.
Equipment study / 01
One table. Three views.
Explore how the cameras, screen capture and recording laptop fit together.
Loading interactive 3D…
01 · iPad Pro
11-inch M4 iPad Pro. Positioned horizontally on the table, with its wired display feed supplying the clean screen in OBS. The screen uses an existing SensorSynthFM interface image.
249.7 × 177.5 × 5.3 mm · horizontal body
Device bodies follow published dimensions. Table, stand, arm pose and cable routes are schematic.
Dimensions, sources and diagram notes
- Insta360 Link 2C hardware specifications — fixed body; dimensions exclude mount.
- Elgato Facecam 4K technical specifications — body dimensions, 49 mm filter thread and focus range.
- SmallRig 4324 specifications — pole, clamp and load. Individual link lengths and extended reach are unspecified in these sources.
- Apple 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) specifications — body shown horizontally.
The tripod, laptop, OBS composite and participant zone are schematic. Sight lines indicate camera direction only. The iPad shows an existing SensorSynthFM interface image; the OBS layout is illustrative. Device shapes are modeled from published dimensions and product photos.
The equipment
Insta360 Link 2C: participant camera
Autofocus can adjust when someone leans forward or sits back. The built-in microphone gives me a speech-recording option. It also records up to 4K at 30 frames per second, so I can reuse it for talking-head videos and a future video podcast.
I chose the fixed-body Link 2C because a seated participant does not need a motorized camera mount. It uses my existing small stand.
Elgato Facecam 4K: overhead camera
The fixed-focus lens keeps autofocus from jumping between hands, the screen, and the table. Elgato specifies a focus range of 30–120 cm at 4K. The camera needs to sit within that range, with the whole iPad and room for hand movement in frame.
I originally chose the 1080p Facecam MK.2. I upgraded to the Facecam 4K because I also want to make music demonstrations and other content. Its 4K resolution gives me room to crop, and it supports up to 60 frames per second.
SmallRig 4324: overhead boom
The desk clamp holds the Elgato above the iPad and leaves the participant room to work. This arm needs a solid, clampable table edge. It does not stand on its own.
I am reusing my MacBook and iPad. OBS Studio is free and handles the recording.
The OBS recording
- Add each webcam as a separate Video Capture Device in OBS.
- Bring in the iPad display over a wired connection. Apple’s QuickTime guide covers wired iPad capture.
- Give the screen and overhead view most of the frame, with the participant in a smaller panel.
- Start at 1080p and 30 frames per second. Use one speech microphone, then check the app audio separately.
- Record one combined video for review. Check any separate clean-screen recording during the same rehearsal.
Insta360’s OBS connection guide covers adding the Link 2C. I use the physical camera source with virtual backgrounds, beauty filters, and automatic reframing off.
Before recording a participant
Run a 20-minute rehearsal with both cameras and the iPad connected. Check for a readable screen, visible finger contact, stable focus, clear speech and app audio, freezes, and sound that stays in sync. Play back the saved file before recording a participant.
Recording needs participant consent. Keep research files local, label them with participant codes, and get separate permission before sharing any footage publicly.