Thank you! As an artist looking to make art videos, I have searched and searched overhead camera setups but have never been satisfied. This set up is perfect! And thank you for listing the items needed, it makes it a whole lot easier for someone like me who has no idea what to look for.
I do a similar setup, but with a Manfrotto 272B Adjustable Background Holder, and a clamp. That way you get a much wider setup for larger tables and desks. The nice thing about this setup over a trip pod, is I also hang a mic, monitor, and sometimes lights from the same rig.
Skyler - As a photographer of course I subscribe to a bunch of UA-cam channels. In general, when I get a notification from one of those channels I tend to mentally categorize them onto three groups -- "Eh, maybe I'll check it out later", "I'll definitely watch that later", and "I'm watching that ASAP!" Your videos are pretty much always in that last category. I go out of my way to watch because you usually hit that perfect blend of information, humble realism, and great production quality. Keep doing what you do and I'll keep you at the top of the "must-see" list.
I thought this was some elaborate trick at first, but then I realized that he when he pressed down on the tripod it flexed that piece of wood the camera is sitting on, causing it to slide like that. Still, it would be really fun to intentionally put subtle movements in videos to mess with people XD
I'd been thinking about a better overhead rig for some time and I needed this to move to the next level. I went ahead and bought these exact parts. The final one (ballhead) arrived today. So happy with my new overhead setup. Thanks!
Want a longer top cross bar for that goalpost setup? At my local big box home improvement stores, in the electrical aisle, they sell a 8 foot long, 5/8" diameter galvanized steel ground rod for something like $10. (The bar in a standard grip arm is 5/8" diameter, so this is a perfect replacement.) Slide a grip head to the middle, mount the ends on stands, and now you can span out to the middle of much larger tables.
So this is what he used for the alternative: • 2 light stands • 1 avenger 40 inch extension arm • 2 avenger grip heads • 3/4 inch spigot • level • ball head
Saw this the other day and put one together out of my gear laying around. While I think that one stand would cut it in many situations (especially, as others have commented if you need to get over a wider table).... that being said, I can appreciate that extra solid stability of the two. Thanks for this video and for making it out of the same stuff I already have! Kudos!
Great video with great information. I am in the process of assembling an overhead camera rig and can't wait to get it all together and start taking photos. I am planning to use a C stand with an arm but can see the advantage of using two lighter light stands, especially for portability and stability. Looks like there are several ways to assemble a good rig. Thank you for sharing what works for you.
Hi Skyler, first of all: you got me! I've left my Subscription. Well deserved, because it´s so well presented. Clear, crisp and not "overdone" (if that makes sense...!?!). Four days ago I have stumbled across your Channel and have seen quite some hours of your Clips. Congratulation und "Chapeau..."!!!! I really like it. By the way, I cannot understand why some folks click "Thumbs down". Would be interesting to hear if there's constructive criticism or just pure jealousy... :-)). Anyway, best greeting from Germany, Michael
Wow mine blown. I literally have all these things in my house. Was literally giving myself a headache the other days because I was trying to figure out how i can do this without my tripod legs showing.
Question is how you adjust settings on the camera during shoot, or how you focus or how you frame your shot? This will work if you have flip screen on your camera, or if you tether.
www.amazon.com/Avenger-D520L-40-Inch-Extension-Chrome/dp/B00127U9X8 www.amazon.com/Avenger-D200-2-5-Inch-Grip-Chrome/dp/B003B1L2D4/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_421_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1JH0G4WX0Y5GT7DRSP0G So it’s basically one extension bar, two grips, a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter and the last piece he already owned I don’t know what it is exactly. I suspect something like this: www.amazon.com/TH3-Capacity-U-Shaped-Switching-Vertical/dp/B00MGJH5U6/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=tripod+ball+head&qid=1565814463&s=gateway&smid=A3P9EAC3KD93H7&sr=8-3
I personally dont want to deal with 2 stands. It's also is a problem if the table is very wide. 1 strong c-stand with with a simple camera mount on the arm is sufficient. Sandbag it. Done.
Nice and clean set up, Skyler. Are you still using any of the bits of this rig? I think I saw in a later video, did you switch to c-stands? More please.
Hey!im inlove with the gear!! Thank you for this video ,now i know what to buy to complete my gear~ oh btw when u cook,do u cook in your studio or u have a special kitchen to do it? Becuz in the video i didn't see any oven or stove~
Would you show how you set up the shooting table you place in between the stands. Because the 40 inch arm is not long enough to place a horse-saw stand in-between the nightstand and shoot with a table in-between. I would like to see how you do it.
my only issue with this is the grip arm is not long enough to do a shoot over a kitchen counter...any recommendations on a longer one or how you solve for this?
That's a great idea. Will it be practical for shooting from higher when frame should be bigger (and with 100mm macro lens)? For portrait photography with a big softbox and heavy light (AD600)?
This looks like an amazing setup! I am wondering though, how is this more practical for a first time buyer (photo equipment) than a simple c-stand with a spigot?
I love your information. However, I was trying to follow your suggestions of putting the parts together and I found it WAY TOO FAST! Now, I know you know this stuff front and backwards. But I didn't. I appreciate the slick editing (I really do!) but Ive repeated it 5 times and still don't have everything down. Great idea, but please consider how people learn while editing. Thanks.
I got the same setup to test this out, but I'm not sure about clamping the spigot to hold the entire weight of the ball head + camera + lens... Isn't there a surer way of clamping the camera to the top bar?
Been a sure way for me for years, but you could look at a super clamp on amazon for $25 also you can buy a safety tie for the camera or wrap the camera strap around the grip head.... disclaimer I’m not responsible for any damaged camera as a result of these suggestions. Photograph at your own risk 😎
what do u mean ? a good c- stand can handle heavy weight. and alot of professional product-food photographer do like this. C-stand can easily carry a 600ws light(3kg) and a heavy mods( 3-4kg). all its need is an arm that have a diameter atleast 20mm. smaller arm such as 16mm can handle. reflector board or even a small strobe
In the blog post you mentioned using a 6 feet poll for a larger overhead setups with assistance of super clamps, may I ask if you have a link to that longer poll please?
How do you see the subject and adjust the settings if you can’t look through the viewfinder? Is the camera attached to a monitor with a remote shutter control?
Thank you! As an artist looking to make art videos, I have searched and searched overhead camera setups but have never been satisfied. This set up is perfect! And thank you for listing the items needed, it makes it a whole lot easier for someone like me who has no idea what to look for.
2:15 - 2:33 This is the part, that actually conveys information, and then you rush through it lightning fast.
same thought, had to pause several times
Poor delivery.
he could've even listed them out in the description but chose not to and instead links to camera gears that none of us came in here for.
3 years later, still the best setup, I’ve done a research and even tho there are overhead camera mounts for sale, this is by far the best one
Loving the sound effects during the overhead setup build. Brilliant!! Neat and tidy setup.
I do a similar setup, but with a Manfrotto 272B Adjustable Background Holder, and a clamp. That way you get a much wider setup for larger tables and desks. The nice thing about this setup over a trip pod, is I also hang a mic, monitor, and sometimes lights from the same rig.
This is a great option as well
This is the most detailed explanation on how to attach a camera overhead
Skyler - As a photographer of course I subscribe to a bunch of UA-cam channels. In general, when I get a notification from one of those channels I tend to mentally categorize them onto three groups -- "Eh, maybe I'll check it out later", "I'll definitely watch that later", and "I'm watching that ASAP!"
Your videos are pretty much always in that last category. I go out of my way to watch because you usually hit that perfect blend of information, humble realism, and great production quality.
Keep doing what you do and I'll keep you at the top of the "must-see" list.
Wow man that’s literally the best comment ever! 🤘you rock and thanks for your kind words and support 🙏
No, thank you! I just call 'em like I see 'em.
1:10 camera moves out of nowhere!
Wowwwww that was weird
I thought this was some elaborate trick at first, but then I realized that he when he pressed down on the tripod it flexed that piece of wood the camera is sitting on, causing it to slide like that. Still, it would be really fun to intentionally put subtle movements in videos to mess with people XD
that was creepy, maybe the camera was on and focusing causing it to move
How cool you spotted that......Talk modern focusing cameras
Ghosts.
Now I know where to spend my money. I was really close to buying that tripod, but now I will invest smarter. Thank you so much!
I'd been thinking about a better overhead rig for some time and I needed this to move to the next level. I went ahead and bought these exact parts. The final one (ballhead) arrived today. So happy with my new overhead setup. Thanks!
That’s awesome 🤘
Want a longer top cross bar for that goalpost setup? At my local big box home improvement stores, in the electrical aisle, they sell a 8 foot long, 5/8" diameter galvanized steel ground rod for something like $10. (The bar in a standard grip arm is 5/8" diameter, so this is a perfect replacement.) Slide a grip head to the middle, mount the ends on stands, and now you can span out to the middle of much larger tables.
it wont bend?
Simple, cheap, portable, and versatile....like it!!!
So this is what he used for the alternative:
• 2 light stands
• 1 avenger 40 inch extension arm
• 2 avenger grip heads
• 3/4 inch spigot
• level
• ball head
Thanks appreciated.
Saw this the other day and put one together out of my gear laying around. While I think that one stand would cut it in many situations (especially, as others have commented if you need to get over a wider table).... that being said, I can appreciate that extra solid stability of the two. Thanks for this video and for making it out of the same stuff I already have! Kudos!
That's how this came about, looking around the studio, thinking "hmm...what do I have here"
Man this is what I need in the amateur kitchen!!!!!!!!
The link for the blog post doesn't work. Can you write wich accesories are??
I just built mine with your video and amazon links. Thanks
Great video with great information. I am in the process of assembling an overhead camera rig and can't wait to get it all together and start taking photos. I am planning to use a C stand with an arm but can see the advantage of using two lighter light stands, especially for portability and stability. Looks like there are several ways to assemble a good rig. Thank you for sharing what works for you.
I used to use cstands but I wanted everything to fit nicely in one bag for flights ✈️
1:10 the way that cam just moved on its own.
love this!
Hi Skyler, first of all: you got me! I've left my Subscription. Well deserved, because it´s so well presented. Clear, crisp and not "overdone" (if that makes sense...!?!). Four days ago I have stumbled across your Channel and have seen quite some hours of your Clips. Congratulation und "Chapeau..."!!!! I really like it. By the way, I cannot understand why some folks click "Thumbs down". Would be interesting to hear if there's constructive criticism or just pure jealousy... :-)). Anyway, best greeting from Germany, Michael
Thanks Michael!!! I'm happy you've enjoyed watching! I'm not sure why there is even a thumbs down option haha
This is incredible. Thank you. Your video was very informative and fun to watch.
Wow mine blown. I literally have all these things in my house. Was literally giving myself a headache the other days because I was trying to figure out how i can do this without my tripod legs showing.
Great tutorial as always!
Question is how you adjust settings on the camera during shoot, or how you focus or how you frame your shot? This will work if you have flip screen on your camera, or if you tether.
Rafal Kontrym WiFi if yothe have it also works. Camranger is another option.
Or the Hail Mary.
Another awesome video !! Killing the game !!!
Picked it up this week from B&H for $106 since I had the two light stands. Thank you for this video now I can rock the overhead angle too!!! - Dre
Super useful!and the visuals were too gooood
The link that you've given in your description for the overhead camera rig is broken.
I think it's now part of one of the paid guides.
www.amazon.com/Avenger-D520L-40-Inch-Extension-Chrome/dp/B00127U9X8
www.amazon.com/Avenger-D200-2-5-Inch-Grip-Chrome/dp/B003B1L2D4/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_421_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1JH0G4WX0Y5GT7DRSP0G
So it’s basically one extension bar, two grips, a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter and the last piece he already owned I don’t know what it is exactly. I suspect something like this:
www.amazon.com/TH3-Capacity-U-Shaped-Switching-Vertical/dp/B00MGJH5U6/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=tripod+ball+head&qid=1565814463&s=gateway&smid=A3P9EAC3KD93H7&sr=8-3
@@mportusable thanks mate!
@@mportusable can you link me to the spigot/stem thingy he used?
It's a 3/4 and I haven't been able to find one
gvegito0 Not 100% sure but I will build something like this within a month and I’ll let you know what worked for me.
Skyler is UA-cam Gold!
This is a wonderfully helpful video & channel! Thank you!
What a great video! Fantastic information to be sharing. Thank you for this! Love that set up
Brilliant ideas, my good man.
Amazing tutorial and production! Curious on what software (if any) you're using for the stop motion animation. Thanks!
I personally dont want to deal with 2 stands. It's also is a problem if the table is very wide. 1 strong c-stand with with a simple camera mount on the arm is sufficient. Sandbag it. Done.
a single C stand is even heavier and bulkier than this.
man that is some madreal overhead rig! thanks for sharing this great content with us!
loved watching this!
Great build man! Subscribed!
Appreciate the tutorial, you always serve up great content! Be well and stay encouraged!
Really like the animations! Great tutorial
Thanks for this video, so helpful….
Its sad that the accessoires are out of stock .
Nicely done!
Awesome video. Great rig. THANK YOU for posting!
Love your setup bro! 🙌
Hi, is it possible to connect 2 extension arms to get a longer rig? Thanks.
can you please make a video on how you moved the strawberries and greens across the table? big thanks to you sir
Nice and clean set up, Skyler. Are you still using any of the bits of this rig? I think I saw in a later video, did you switch to c-stands? More please.
Thanks so much man. We managed to get setup costing us £110 🙌
2:00 where he builds the rig.
thank you so much
Great setup! I went to the link you provided and unfortunately it is displaying an error… Could you please fix it? Thanks!!
So practical, I like your approach.
Ever thought about using a microphone stand?
can you please link the products you used to make the overhead truss.
I have light stands, but i dont know what the bar and clamps you used are
nice work here!
GREAT EDITING! THANKS FOR YOUR VIDEO!
Hey!im inlove with the gear!! Thank you for this video ,now i know what to buy to complete my gear~ oh btw when u cook,do u cook in your studio or u have a special kitchen to do it? Becuz in the video i didn't see any oven or stove~
Great video! I always love videos like this - I need more tutorials in my life :)
Great video, thank you!
Super helpful. Thanks.
Would you show how you set up the shooting table you place in between the stands. Because the 40 inch arm is not long enough to place a horse-saw stand in-between the nightstand and shoot with a table in-between. I would like to see how you do it.
I'm also looking for that blog post that has all the links to the overhead rid. Please help!
Awesome video!
Very nice video. I love your content!
I need this!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH. I really appreciate this!
Nice and easy .. but how do you frame your shot when the camera is up high?
This is too expensive for me! Any cheaper suggestions?
Awesome! Tks for sharing!
so you said putting a sand bag on was too much trouble but this rig uses two??
Beyond helpful.
Excellent !!!
my only issue with this is the grip arm is not long enough to do a shoot over a kitchen counter...any recommendations on a longer one or how you solve for this?
Is this still your recommended setup in 2021? How would I attach lights (e.g. LED panels) to a setup like this (without using more light stands)?
I don't know if there is a way around not buying more light stands, other than investing in roof mounts
Awesome dude :)
I need this but your tips helped me make a really great video :)
Hell yeh!! awesome setup!
Oooh perfect 👌 perfect perfect thank you ❤️🥳
Which camera and lens do you use in overhead videos?
pretty cool
That's a great idea. Will it be practical for shooting from higher when frame should be bigger (and with 100mm macro lens)? For portrait photography with a big softbox and heavy light (AD600)?
Thanks for sharing this, you just saved me an expensive purchase of a c stand plus extras.
THATS THE SAUCE
This looks like an amazing setup! I am wondering though, how is this more practical for a first time buyer (photo equipment) than a simple c-stand with a spigot?
Do you have a stop motion tutorial? Curious if you're grabbing frames from video or snapping a photo of each frame.
Snapping a phot of each frame
I love your information. However, I was trying to follow your suggestions of putting the parts together and I found it WAY TOO FAST! Now, I know you know this stuff front and backwards. But I didn't. I appreciate the slick editing (I really do!) but Ive repeated it 5 times and still don't have everything down. Great idea, but please consider how people learn while editing. Thanks.
I watched it a bunch of times!! Speaks way too fast.
Would've been nice to just list the gear in the description........
I got the same setup to test this out, but I'm not sure about clamping the spigot to hold the entire weight of the ball head + camera + lens... Isn't there a surer way of clamping the camera to the top bar?
Been a sure way for me for years, but you could look at a super clamp on amazon for $25 also you can buy a safety tie for the camera or wrap the camera strap around the grip head.... disclaimer I’m not responsible for any damaged camera as a result of these suggestions. Photograph at your own risk 😎
interesting set up but i prefer 1 C-stand just like a top down light. its simple.
Too risky
what do u mean ? a good c- stand can handle heavy weight. and alot of professional product-food photographer do like this. C-stand can easily carry a 600ws light(3kg) and a heavy mods( 3-4kg). all its need is an arm that have a diameter atleast 20mm. smaller arm such as 16mm can handle. reflector board or even a small strobe
How do you do the food moving animations and appearing food immediately after a finger magic?kidly reply.
It’s stop motion animation each movement is a single photo
Super!
love your personality! by any chance, do you remember the links to any of these products? :)
"It's freezing here in the mountains hence the jacket" Um no sir, that is a plaid shirt. I wear those on 70 degree days here in Tucson :P
Great info-thnx!!
how long did it take you to create that stock motion video?
30-45 mins
@@skylerburtphotos that a good. I w is you would drop a tut for it
check out the latest video today! Your Wish is my command
Loved it
Hello. Question: I have only Fujinon 16mm f/1.4, can I shoot awesome food photographs?
In the blog post you mentioned using a 6 feet poll for a larger overhead setups with assistance of super clamps, may I ask if you have a link to that longer poll please?
I don’t have a specific link I found one at Home Depot
Any suggestions for someone who needs an 8-foot long overhead sliding camera one?
How long was the intervall of the photos ?
Hi There! If I was just to get the ballhead, do you recommend a lock plate for this or quick release. Thanks for the helpful tips!
How do you see the subject and adjust the settings if you can’t look through the viewfinder? Is the camera attached to a monitor with a remote shutter control?
Yes tethered to capture one, Lightroom or canon software