Overhead Video Recording: How to Shoot Top Down Video
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- Learn how to shoot top down video, and find the best overhead video recording setup for you! ► FREE GUIDE: The ULTIMATE Video Editing Process: primalvideo.com/primal-video-...
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Adjustable Microphone/Boom Stand (for Small Cameras only):
► Adjustable Microphone Stand (Usable for Small Cameras): primalvid.io/zKmUlK?... (Amazon)
► Video Camera mounting Adaptor: primalvid.io/Kfozb?... (Amazon)
Small Tripod with Flippable Head:
► SLIK VideoSprint 2: primalvid.io/tykjB?... (Amazon)
Arkon Overhead Mount for Smartphones:
► primalvid.io/4OzT?... (Amazon)
Arkon Camera Roof Mount:
► primalvid.io/dyy0L0?... (Amazon)
On-Stage Overhead Bracket / Light Stand:
► primalvid.io/psGv8c?... (Amazon)
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-- Overhead Video Recording: How to Shoot Top Down Video --
A top down camera angle is great for getting your viewers immersed in what you're doing on a tabletop. Whether you’re trying to film cooking videos, drawing videos from above, demo videos, or shoot any other tabletop videos - it’s easy to get great results.
In this video we run through the best overhead camera rigs (that won’t break the budget) to film a desk from above from a top down camera perspective, that you can easily use to shoot great cooking, craft, app review, drawing or any other overhead tutorial videos!
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You missed the simplest and least expensive one!
I have been in broadcast TV for over 50 yrs and in the past we have done many many cooking shows. You dont think we hoisted a 100lb professional studio camera overhead do you? We simply used an overhead mirror! The studio camera just tilted up and zoomed in on the mirror and we got a perfect overhead shot! Sometimes it was a small mirror just over the stove, sometimes it was a big mirror over the entire countertop. Yes the image and any lettering was reversed but that was easily fixed either in the camera by flipping a switch or in the control room to flip the image or in later years in software. Most times they were just slicing or stirring a pot so reversing images was not done
Its way less inexpensive and safer to use a mirror than suspending a camera!
Edit:
Keep the mirror high enough to avoid steam from getting on it. Our mirrors were about 6 feet from the countertop. This avoided the mirror from getting in the way of a straight on shot. This is why the mirrors were large enough to pick up the entire counter or stovetop.
Some people even used stretched silver Mylar or even plexiglass mirrors because of weight, but most of the time they produced distorted images.
If you are using a large mirror, you can glue it to plywood, place screw eyes in the corners of the plywood and suspend it at an agle from ceiling or lighting grid with chains. This makes setup very fast and easy. Plexiglass mirrors have lots of distortion and even regular mirrors have dual reflections, so if you want perfect, no distition or dual reflections you need to use front (or first) surface mirrors. They can be expensive and tough to clean because they can scratch easily. Try each type of mirror and see which one works best for you.
Wow. That's so amazing. Thank you for sharing that tip!
I never thought about that, great info.
Agreed! By far my favorite. You don't even need a very large mirror. A little mirror that's the size of an index card can work. Attach THAT to a boom mic stand, set it all up to reflect the table top into the camera lens, and you're done. Sometimes difficult to get the angle just right, but GO for it.
@@jaywebb4992 An index card sized mirror? I'm going to try that out. Never thought of that.
@Matias Goinheix Certainly a larger mirror would be much easier to use, but just for kicks, while making that comment, I picked up a little utility mirror I have, measuring 2 inches by 3 inches. It's on a long handle for seeing behind computers. I think I could make that work if my recording surface was about the size of a piece of typing paper. So "index card-sized" might be a little exaggerated on my part, but still, a huge one wouldn't be necessary. A 5" X 7" or around that size would be more than adequate for a table top...again, I'm making an untested claim there...so let me know what your results are! I've only seen very large mirror setups, like several feet across, but I typically think of that as unnecessary.
How I made mine:
1. Get a selfie stick
2. Point the adjuster downwards
3. Tape it to your desk
I've tried this, the tape almost never holds well in place. Dropped my phone twice. If you are working with water colours that is a complete disaster
I am going to try this. Thank you
Let me try it
I wish i could lol. Need the d&mn tape 😂
For the first two years of my channel, I was using a desk lamp with a flexible neck and a clip that attached to my desk. I'd adjust the lamp so that it was lighting my page, and I'd balance my webcam over the neck of the lamp, sometimes using tape to secure it. Not the most flattering of methods, but it did get me to 10,000 subs.
Right now I'm using a mic arm that screws to my desk and I slot my webcam in the mic holder.
That Phone holder arm that you stand on the desk seems like the ideal next step for me.
One other thing when working out which is the best option, is tripod/arm shadows. You have to make sure your light source won't be casting a shadow of your mounting system onto the filmed subject.
Awesome! That's what its all about, using what you have then upgrading when you can or need to. RE: light and shadows, if you use soft / diffused lights the shadows are much softer and less noticeable 😀
Beanie Draws same
nishu sharma What a professional and well thought out response you gave there.
Be creative with it! 😉
please make video how you setup your camera... 😍
this video was SO helpful!! I'm a tarot reader and I was struggling on how to show on my videos my hands working with the cards. Before this, I did my videos making the images with powerpoint. Now, I've just received the Arkon Overhead Mount for Smartphones (this was my choice) and so excited to record my first video! Thank you Justin!! You're content is really helpful.
That's what I'm trying to set up but the cards seem to be too far away from the camera. How did you handle that?
THANK YOU! Been trawling through YT for over two hours trying to find proper info on overhead DSLR shooting and you've got all the facts here. Lifesaver! (and subbed!)
Thank you for this exhaustive review on top down options. I have been struggling with how to shoot videos from overhead that look professional. Great job!
I literally taped my phone to the ceiling.
Lesqie genius
Lesqie that is smart
Same, it does the trick
Hahahahahaha
Whatever works
This is SUPER helpful, thank you! I especially appreciate the recommendation of the mic stand because I wouldn’t have thought of taking a non camera-specific piece of equipment for this purpose. Makes me wonder if I already have something around the house I could experiment with.....
Thanks for all the tips.
You would not believe the various ways I have rigged up my camera in order to shoot my art videos from above. I usually just use a cheap selfie stick stuck into something and clamped. I have to be almost as creative with it as the art LOL
Sherry B hey which did u get?
Sherry B and whats the cost
Using a selfie-stick is a genius idea! Going to try this when filming overhead shots with my phone camera :D
lol I've used tongs, piles of books, sticky tape and random objects making it balanced
Hi Sherry B, I love your selfie stick idea. Thank you
Great! All the comments compliment ur technique. Every style is doable. Choose your wild!
A nice simple way use a plank of wood on a table with a brick or heavy book on the table end then put your phone/pad on the other end pointing down . I've done 100 vids like this with good effect 👍😎
Tradingcardboss a
Thanks for the suggestion buddy... i dont want to show my face on youtube will do this
That was awesome! Talk about timing, just finished up my building my studio starting to look for some gear. This is a huge help!!
Awesome +Simply your device , all the best with your videos 😀
Casey Neistat "Studio Tour" video shows a cool work bench mount made of wood ua-cam.com/video/XVJdCR24zQQ/v-deo.html
Hi! For these shots I use Manfrotto 055 XPROB. It has ability to rotate center section to horisontal position.
OMG!!! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH YOU CHANGED MY LIFE!!! I received my microphone stand and it was under $20 which is awesome! I also purchased a microphone Stand Smartphone Boom Mount for less than $15 ... OMG... $35 for LIFE CHANGING HAPPINESS... totally worth it!!! YAY FOR ME!!!! Hey, now I can start making tutorials on a regular basis!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! TFS Be Blessed.
That's so awesome!! No problem Jessica!
Justin, I am actually glad that you mentioned place where you can monitor what your recording because every time I did, I sometimes spent 5 minutes to see if the camera was on focus
Awesome, glad it helped :)
Super useful I'm doing this in a box trailer and it is pretty bad condition and small so attaching something to the celing might work so thanks and I'll try this😎
Thanks for the help
I feel like the comments are more useful then the video
Me too
yup.. definitely!
Well,cant just say like that ....the comments r itslf bcoz of the vid.but
Yes, loving some of the comments on here
Lol
Great video!! Really thank you for this video!!
Super useful video, thank you very much.
Great video and comprehensive. My tripod is the type that you can remove the centre column and place it upside down. But you can also tilt the centre mount 90 degrees, making it its own boom! So glad I got a quality tripod back in the day, so versatile
That's awesome!
This was actually really useful. You covered every question I wanted to ask in terms of budget and more. Thank Q.
So awesome to hear it! 😀 Thanks Tamina!
I know this video presentation is a year old, but I needs help in doing and setting up my overhead videos. Everyone that are doing videos on this subject fail to discuss the lens to use, on the phone, table, or camera. I don’t want to put hundreds to thousands of dollars into the wrong lens. I have decided to began with a DSL Cannon camera. The SR 3 seem to be a good entry leave. So could help, and maybe there are other who need directions as to this. In closing I would like to thank you for taking your time in this matter.
PS I was a professional teacher and presenter for 30 years plus, I would like to say your presentations are excellent and very professional.
Really enjoying your videos and the information you provide! As a result I have a really nice setup i'm excited to start using. Excellent advice. Keep it coming :)
Light camera... Do you consider a Canon Powershot G7X Mark ii light? For the microphone stand solution. Thank you
Yep! That should work alright. You would still need some sort of counter-weight to keep it balanced 😀
Great tip Justin!
You always have fantastic knowledge and solutions , to aid us in making videos
Thank you, Pete
Hi Justin, thank you so much for the tips. Just started my UA-cam channel I completely forgot about my mike stand. Now I can use it till I get something more professional.
i just saw your intro and im already excited to see whats coming....awesome
I just filmed my first video! I used a makeshift phone holder using the cardboard section of a toilet paper roll and placed that on top of stacked books. I had to film at an angle instead of straight up but I think it still worked pretty well.
Nice! Interesting but effective holder!
I always wondered what those overhead bars were called, thanks. This is the articulated arm I use, it works great: Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) only $50 on Amazon, although you do need to buy a clamp to mount it to your table.
Just watched this video. I know it's older but still very helpful. Thank you!
Thanks for all information, through I knew I few of them, but wasn't aware about other tripods.
This was very informative. Thanks!
Thanks for the ideas. Was cracking up my head over these overhead shots.
Great video! I use the boom mic stand with a canon 80d. And sigma art lense and it’s super heavy but works fantastic without weights. I film overhead shots daily
Awesome!
This was a fantastic video!!! Thanks so much for all the awesome content!!!! xo, Michele
This video & the comments were very useful, thanks guys 🌻💜
Thanks, I didn't think about the wall/ceiling mount, I usually think of those for security cameras. But that would be great for DIY videos in my wood shop.
do have any videos on best tips/products for using artificial lighting for times when taking pics indoor at night (no natural lighting available)?
Always delivering so much value! 👍🌟
Thank you for the tip on the SLIK tripod... it works
How are you jumping different focal length for each speech ? Are you shooting multiple cameras and stitching separately ?
Thank you very much for explaining these options. I am very new to all this camera recording business, I am going to be recording craft tutorials and didn't know where to start now I do! :D
Justin, thanks a lot for this useful tutorial!!!
Awesome video, I have been inspired to start my own channel, these tips will really help in the future. Thankyou
great video and great responses!
finally!!! I found useful video on UA-cam!!!
These are some good product ideas, been trying to figure out how to place the lighting to avoid shadows. I don't have open windows I can work in front of...
Great overview and very helpful. Thank you Justin.
Another portable option for light cameras using a cheap Amazon tripod, the back of the work table needs to be away from the wall about 18 in. Fully extend two of the legs and lean against the work table. Adjust the length of the third leg to brace against the wall. Alternately the legs can be propped with weights if the work table is away from any walls.
it was really helpful. it gave me a lot of ideas how to shoot, when i wasn't seeing any area to focus on. and, thank you for monitoring app. good luck. wish u a lot of useful content like this
Wow i love this video this is the best video i ever watched about this overhead cameras thanks for the video!
This was very helpful to me. Thank you!!
Best video to explain these options that I've seen yet. Thanks, Justin.
So awesome to hear it! You're welcome, Tina! 😊
THANK YOU for this video! This is the first one that I have seen the gave me detailed information on how to record UA-cam videos. Excellent video!
My desk is set up against the window, just like yours. I like to use a GoPro suction mount. It works well with a GoPro (duh) but it's also strong enough for something like a Sony RX 100.
Nice!! good idea
The exact video ive been searching for! Great advice as always. Thanks man :)
Amazing! Thanks! 🙏
Thank you for all this fantastic info!
Thank you so much! Very helpful!
Very nice and easy explanation, it helped me a lot to choose the best solution.
Love your videos. I got the most useful information than the hundreds of videos I watched before! Thank you!
Thanks Chrissy, glad the video helped 😀
Thank you for this video! I was really searching for this.
Dude this is great! I had a different method for top down that works just fine but it’s always nice to see people get super creative with their gear! I just posted a video talking about removing the top of a tripod to use for handheld vlogging! We are on similar wavelengths!
Very good info. I hung a standard tripod upside down above my kitchen counter to shoot bread making videos.
Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated!
No problem 👍
thanks for your tutorial
What a great video ! thanks for the help!
No problem jaylynn! 👍
Extremely helpful! Thank you
No problem - happy to help 😀
Great piece of information!
your are the best!!!!!! found my perfect iPod!!!
Really helpful video, thanks for posting!
Is there something other than Reflector 2 that's out there for download? Lately, it has been reviewed as really buggy and constantly crashing.
Amazing video, exactly what I’ve been looking for!!
Awesome! Glad we could help!
Great video as always.
Thanks - see you in the next video! 👍
Enjoy your videos. Have you done one about which lighting is best for these over head videos? I do craft videos and I’m not sure if I should go with an 18” ring light or the over head soft box lighting.
Love your videos very helpful
This is a really helpful video. Many thanks.
No problem - so glad it helped 👍
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing this video!
Awesome, you're welcome! 👍
Thanks for this information; as an artist filming my art it was super helpful!
I was WAITING fot this!!
Wait no more!! 🤣
Thank you. Very informative.
thanks, always helpful!
Hi, very useful video. Thank you so much. Does the Arkon Overhead Mount work only for smart phones or can I mount a small video camera also?
That was really great info. I just started my Art/Painting channel so this is so helpful!! Thanks so much Justin!!
Thanks Debbie!
thanks for the insight
Excellent video as always!!!!
Thank you! :D
Thanks again! Your videos have been so helpful to me as I start my UA-cam and TikTok channels up!
That's great to hear! All the best for your channel! 👍
Thank you so much.... Surprisingly difficult to find this information on the web!
This video was really useful
thank you Mr. Brown for that very useful information!
No problem, Ivan! 😊
I actually do the mic stand and attach my phone with a capo. I didn’t hear you suggest how to attach a regular camera. That the reason I need a new solution is I’d like to use a regular camera. I have some pretty heavy mic stands
I hadn't thought of a mic stand, but I'm using a gopro for now so that would be perfect! Great video
Thanks!
good video!
Hi Justin, what's your suggestion for the following type of video?
# I want to explain specific app on mobile and there is involvement of other mobile for showing some transactions between these two mobiles (their screens are visible).
So for this case should I use overhead video shooting OR mobile screen capture mechanism?
Thanks for the very much useful and interesting video!!! 😀👍🏻
thanks for the tips👌
Awesome! Thanks for all those tips.
Thanks for your video! It was really what I needed to learn! :-)
Very interesting. Thank you
helped me a lot, thank you sir
Thanks for this video....really helpfull
you deserve a billion subscribers :))