Set Up the Perfect Overhead Camera Angle!

If you’ve ever tried to film an overhead angle, you know that it can be pretty frustrating, but I've found a few ways to make it MUCH easier!

Last year I found a really cool piece of equipment that I’ve been using for my overhead shots, but before we get to that, let’s start out with something that most of us already have: a tripod.

•Gear mentioned in this video:
Glide Gear Overhead Rig:
https://geni.us/WgQs (Amazon)

•Manfrotto Tripod Legs:
https://geni.us/apwI08 (Amazon)

•Basic, inexpensive lightweight tripod:
https://geni.us/MQ0K (Amazon)

The simplest way to film an overhead angle with a tripod is to just put the tripod over your subject and tilt the camera down. The tricky part, however, is trying NOT to get the tripod legs in the shot while still being able to achieve the framing you’re going for.

Now, if you’re like me and you film a lot of overhead shots, it’s probably worth investing in a dedicated piece of gear to help you get the job done. Last year I found this Glide Gear overhead rig on B&H Photo for $200. This is in no way a sponsored video, but I’ve been using this for a while, and I think it’s really awesome– I actually look for excuses to use it because I like it so much.

This overhead rig lets you mount your camera directly above what you’re filming, and gets all of the other mess out of the way. It’s super sturdy and the entire thing is made with metal construction. The base has holes in it which allow you to permanently mount the stand directly onto your filming surface, but I’ve found that it’s plenty sturdy on its own, and I like the freedom to move it to different locations if needed. Mine hangs out in the corner when I’m not using it, and then I can easily move it around when I need it.

Episode 105: Top Notch Top Down Shots!

» Ready to start your own podcast? Check out The Podcaster Playbook, my step-by-step DIY course to help you launch your show!
https://podcasterplaybook.com

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——————————— MUSIC ———————————
•Artlist.io (2 Extra Months Free): http://bit.ly/enthusiasmartlist
•Epidemic Sound (30 Day Free Trial): http://share.epidemicsound.com/enthus...

——————————— VIDEO GEAR ———————————
•Canon EOS R (main camera): https://geni.us/0jnes1y (Amazon)
•Sigma 24 1.4 Art (main lens): https://geni.us/uvi3Fy (Amazon)
•Canon RF 50 1.8: https://geni.us/Zw30tt5 (Amazon)
•Canon 16-35 f4 IS: https://geni.us/h1Ys (Amazon)
•Canon 24-105 f4 IS: https://geni.us/ecnKnN (Amazon)
•DJI Mavic Mini: https://geni.us/Eh92 (Amazon)
•ATEM Mini Video Switcher: https://geni.us/YDcRX (Amazon)
•ATEM Mini Extreme ISO: https://geni.us/CCj5xl (Amazon)
•Elgato CamLink 4K: https://geni.us/vddHN (Amazon)
•Ecamm Live for Streaming: https://geni.us/ecammtom

——————————— AUDIO GEAR ———————————
•Rodecaster Pro (for podcasts): https://geni.us/9MKJ (Amazon)
•Rode PodMic: https://geni.us/EHeTTM (Amazon)
•Rode Videomic NTG: https://amzn.to/2ZKrHTh (Amazon)
•Rode Boom Arm: https://geni.us/shr0 (Amazon)
•Rode Wireless Go: https://geni.us/LvzUSM (Amazon)
•Shure MV7 USB/XLR Mic: https://geni.us/shuremv (Amazon)
•Shure SM7B: https://geni.us/tepsm7b (Amazon)
•Cloudlifter Signal Booster: https://geni.us/b26l (Amazon)

——————————— LIGHTS, TRIPODS, & GRIP GEAR ———————————
•Nanlite Forza 200 (Key Light): https://geni.us/9Ofr (Amazon)
•Aputure Light Dome Mini (for key light): https://geni.us/vf5O (B&H)
•Falconeyes Flexible LED Light: https://geni.us/j4ENw (Amazon)
•Small Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: https://geni.us/nanlite (Amazon)
•Big Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: https://geni.us/nTwBU (Amazon)
•Aputure MC RGB Light: https://geni.us/IuE4 (Amazon)
•Impact C-Stand for Lights: https://geni.us/k97w66m (Amazon)
•Motorized Slider: https://geni.us/mQXB7BB (Amazon)
•Overhead Camera Rig: https://geni.us/grpT (Amazon)
•GlideGear Prompter: https://geni.us/7K04A (Amazon)

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– Who Am I? –

Hi! My name is Tom Buck. As a lifelong A/V nerd, I’m here to help you level up the audio and video quality of your streams, podcasts, puns, and videos. I was a high school Digital Media teacher for 11 years, and I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for digital media and teaching others while having fun along the way.

New videos are uploaded every Thursday morning, and more often when possible!

•Read my Ethics Statement about objective reviews, sponsored content, and brand partnerships: https://himynameistom.com/ethics

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#Cameras #GlideGear #TopDown
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