Best Overhead Camera Setup - How I Film my Instagram Stories

If you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight, portable and highly versatile setup to shoot overhead videos with your smartphone or small camera, you’re going to want to watch this.
To see how I use this setup to record my Step-By-Step Instagram Cooking Stories, check out any of the saved highlights on my Instagram / primal_gourmet
For more info on this setup, visit cookprimalgourmet.com/best-ove...
Swing Arm: amzn.to/2VTzNrN
Ball Head: amzn.to/2DXBvyg (***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU PURCHASE THIS SETUP WITH THE LINKED BALL HEAD YOU WILL NOTICE THAT THE SWING ARM MAY NOT FIT INTO THE BALL HEAD AS IT COMES. THIS IS BECAUSE THE BALL HEAD COMES WITH A SMALL METAL, THREADED INSERT. SIMPLY UNSCREW THE METAL INSERT WITH A SCREW DRIVER AND THE SWING ARM BOLT SHOULD FIT. IF YOU ARE STILL HAVING TROUBLE, YOU MAY NEED TO PURCHASE A FEMALE TO MALE THREAD ADAPTER LIKE THIS ONE amzn.to/2ptd9YO. OR YOU CAN TRY TO UNSCREW THE THREADED ADAPTER THAT COMES SCREWED INTO THE MICROPHONE CLIP HOLDER THAT COMES WITH THE SWING ARM AND THEN THREAD IT INTO THE BALL HEAD***).
Smart Phone Clamp: amzn.to/306XD2E

[@YSGKitcheneria]

I forgot to say how thankful I am when I found your video. I bought everything 2 months ago and now I shoot cooking and baking videos. I am still figuring out my lighting since the sun is not showing a lot these days. Thank you so much!

[@Gapeachsami]

Thank yo so much for this! All of my things arrived this weekend. I just put it all together. Took less than five minutes and I was up and running. You may not realize how much you have improved my life. :D

[@sarahdippity]

Thanks Ronny for sharing this! I’ve scouted much on YT to find a set up that’s doable for me and love yours! So I ordered everything you mentioned here and made my first flat lay video as a test! I filmed with my little Canon G7 Mark II and it works out fabulously! Posted the video at 3am last night! So happy I finally found a simple way to film from the top down ... Wes Anderson style! You rock! Thanks Ronny!

[@143courtney]

everything just arrived and by watching your video, I was able to put it together all by myself. It was seriously sooo simple and your note regarding the ball head was VERY easy to do. Thank you SOOO much for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@jj-hm4xb]

Was the thread adapter necessary for the specific setup linked?

[@scottsodyssey2485]

Got more out of your video than all the “tech” channels combined , thank you for posting this! Happy New Year.

[@mjskitchen1067]

Hello everybody: this is my Channel, you are welcome to subscribe and show my videos kzbin.info/door/kb4bmBQlc4tQvczMMA6ajg?

[@provethemwrong5385]

why compare...and what did you do with what you got out of this video?

[@juvadeetaoha7988]

Ronny! You just added so much value to my life! I was searching for exactly this composition and I‘m deeply grateful that I was guided to your video 🙏🏼 Many thanks for sharing this as well as for the links - way to go! 🤘🏻

[@Beachlife72]

Where did you see the links to buy the attachment please

[@kathmanduexpressfastfood]

kzbin.infoh3Zb2x9TTow?si=wGyZGdE1c1EhlVwV

[@andreapinkii9972]

I have been using this for months and I am so happy with it! This video was super helpful and I have recommended it to anyone who asked what my set up was! Thank you so much!

[@wishcandyyy]

oh bless you for updating the ball head description. i bought the parts and then tried to put them together yesterday. was able to unscrew the insert just now. i'll finally be able to film

[@cearabog]

I have two family members that want to make top down videos. They've been searching in stores and not been able to find something that works for them. I bought two of this set up that you suggested and I just put it together. So easy! They are going to be so excited to use it! The only problem now is I have to wait till Christmas to give it to them! Thanks for the video!

[@stephanashley4511]

Did they like the set up ?

[@cassandracortright1826]

Bought it all, put it together in less than 5 min. Thank you so so much I’ve been looking for a cost effective option👏🏼

[@bluebird94]

Hi wanted to purchase the setup too but noticed the ball head isn't the same shown in the video, it isn't rounded. Is yours rounded or not?

[@cassandracortright1826]

Mine came rounded, when I click on the link I see a 360 degree ball head and that’s what I got! My set up works great

[@bluebird94]

@@cassandracortright1826 Thanks for replying so quick.

[@phillipfowler6001]

Hi Cassandra, im attempting to complete the setup and I’m stuck when it comes to attaching the ballpoint. Sound likes I bought the same items you did (from the link). He makes a note of unscrewing the piece to make it attach to the swing arm but it isn’t working for me. Any advice? My ballpoint is the one from the link!

[@phillipfowler6001]

*ballpoint=ball head lol

[@myralyra2404]

I assembled this just now!! All the links in the description still work in July 2023 and it’s really awesome haha. It’s relatively cheap compared to other phone mounts or tripods (cost $32 ish for all parts) and it’s pretty stable with my iPhone 13 Pro! Highly recommend for anyone thinking of getting it now

[@kirtichandratreya960]

Bought it yesterday and setup so fast! and already recording videos. Thank you for this! Saved me a ton of time, and money.

[@DadsDishes]

thanks for this video, really love that you've already figured out the exact parts and linked them all AND it's inexpensive! Note that as of the time I purchased them (9/22/2020), the ball head mount looks different than the one in the video (Now it's just a short cylinder shape as opposed to cone like). At first it looks like the microphone stand won't fit into the ball head mount. You just (1) take the gold adapter screw off the microphone stand and (2) use your finger to loosen and unscrew the inside piece on the female end of ball head mount. Then the opening will be wide enough to accomodate the male end of the microphone stand.

[@YsabelTeo]

FINALLY! one that fits point and shoot cameras 😍 Thank you so much !!

[@BLoren]

This worked! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING!!! I've been trying to figure out a decent overhead set up for years and they're all so cheaply made, poorly designed, and expensive. This feels so secure and high quality, and it works great! THANK YOU! Only spent $36.

[@moukafaslouka4796]

You are a life saver. My wife wanted to start filming herself making great food. I looked online and found your video. I bought everything and I will get what is needed in a week or so. I just hope that the ball joint I purchased would fit as it does not look like the one showed in your video.

[@Shawnantonioexperience]

Mannnnn, I’ve been trying to figure this out for months, lol. I’m subbing on the strength of you being helpful as hell 💯

[@farbtupfen2689]

Thank you for this video! I´ve been looking for a solution like this for art videos. I couldn´t figure out a setup that didn´t interfere with the working process, but this is the solution. It works fine!

[@cassidinecaszo]

I ordered everything and I’m glad to say it works perfect! Unscrewing that center part of the joint ball was confusing until I re-read your description. Thanks bro.

[@MinttMeringue]

Got this and put it together. I had to take out the metal thread like you said in the description and it worked perfectly even with my big Galaxy Note9! I want to be able to film cooking/baking well for my grandma and this is perfect. Thanks!

[@bcandidvisuals]

I've always wondered how this is done! Thanks for posting this!

[@angelangel4142]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZDMiKdmmaiYfbc

[@kyikyimomo5670]

Thank you so much. I bought all the recommended items and it worked ❤

[@annarose8045]

These are OVERALL the BESTTT videos on youtube- Short & sweet, shows u how to put it together, what to buy & boom you got the same setup- Thank you. My last piece just came in- excited to shoot some content with it :)

[@lenanguyen.]

Thanks Ronny! Just ordered all the parts and I'm excited to set this up.

[@AnalizasKitchen]

This is what I'm looking for. Thank you for demonstration.

[@phireaksmartbaby3751]

Hello best videos for me❤

[@WonderWithGil]

Thank you for this one! I have that swing arm for microphone. Just realized I can use it. :)

[@kaylacausey]

Such a helpful video. Thank you for including taking out the small metal threaded insert. Everything was easy to put together thanks to this video!

[@GreenEyedGuide]

Not only is this helpful, I LOVE the humor! Thank you x 3000!

[@JohnPannell]

Great advice and looks so simple. Any tips on syncing/editing top down and camera facing clips. Ideally record both together to ensure continuity of food prep and cooking.

[@Jenolistic]

Awesome, thanks for this setup! I've been trying to do them with a tripod and they never work very well!

[@lala-ol5qs]

Bought it all and set up was very quick. I wanted to film some videos and this setup seemed professional, easy, and just cool. Thank you so much!!

[@philrached]

Thanks so much for sharing your setup! Had to watch a lot of vids before finding yours. You did the research and have potentially saved lives

[@sarahorman8215]

As a nail technician who has been thinking about how to set up something like this for creating photographs and videos I found this extremely helpful thank you! Your info was so clear and easy. New fan here! 🙋‍♀️

[@saraporro4749]

this was really useful and as a plus it made me laugh out loud. Thanks so much!

[@mylenecleofas5533]

hello can i know what is the name of that product i want it also,thanks in advance

[@sarahbilovesick3349]

Thank you SO MUCH for this! Just finished my set up. And thank you for the additional tip in the description about the ball head 🙏🏼

[@sydney2611]

Thank you SO much! I just bought this set-up and I'm thrilled to have this affordable option!!!

[@SHYsArt]

Funny guy, thanks for a few chuckles. Oh yeah educational too.

[@malouplata4483]

Really versatile.tutorials you did, Love watching it... And just finish it till the end..... Because it is excellent... I gave it a thumbs up.. 👍

[@nanarosiescorner]

I am a great-grandmother and the past 15 months in pandemic mode has got me to thinking about starting my own little food channel. I am scared to death but, thank you so much for this info. I really needed this guidance. God bless.

[@nadyaedwards]

Bought it from amazon, arrived and everything went together smoothly! Thank-you so much!

[@rayeadamssstv9187]

How do you call this stuff??

[@kSchmidt583]

Wow this is amazing thank you for sharing

[@PrimalGourmet]

my pleasure!

[@amaliaalfie23]

Hi Ronnie - Thank you so much for sharing. You have inspired me to purchase this set up and start my own instastories cooking journey. QQ: what is the lighting set-up you use when you need some extra light? I see you use some soft boxes...

[@frok79]

Fantastic - just bought the stuff and it works! (took me a while to figure out how to configure the ball head - if you don't have the right screwdriver - you can just unscrew the adjustment knob and screw that into the the metal insert at the bottom, when you turn it will come out)

[@Krystn]

This was SO helpful! This was well-filmed, efficient, and the links made it super easy to purchase the exact same setup. I was getting directed to the CA Amazon with the links but I just Amazon searched the exact same part names on the US Amazon site and they’re all there too! Thank you again!

[@Ejenbro]

thanks. you are awesome.. no need expensive tool.

[@amandaoun6489]

Thank you! thank you! Thank you! 🕺🏻

[@thepromo1485]

The best way to film cooking videos I've seen so far!!! Great job!!!

[@mnemsmama8036]

Thank you for this! I plan on doing more recipe videos for Instagram and KZbin and found this very helpful!

[@Clairsadventures]

Hi Ronnie, thanks for this video. I wanted to ask what overhead light I would use on this overhead setup. Thanks

[@ElisandeWalters]

the neewer Swing arm is also the arm of Ikea desklamps ;)

[@stardustparchment]

Thank you so much for the videos and the links! You have saved me from purchasing expensive and not as versatile equipment. Now I can use my iPhone to film my art videos and tutorials!

[@illzingu]

Ronny! This is a really good video! I’ve watched a ton and this was by far the best one. Excited to learn more about what you do!

[@KHUNTIKORAI]

Yes you are right. He is amazing

[@kitchennofmadras3792]

Nice idea.. which will fix into swing arm 1|/4" or 3/8 " ball head mount

[@WhiteBoardFinance]

Great idea, love it :)

[@PrimalGourmet]

Happy to hear!

[@naifahfannu]

Pls subscribe

[@shelbylcasper]

Purchased this set-up and love it!! Thank you!

[@mskekimarie]

This was perfect and very cost-effective. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@HB-nb6pf]

This was very helpful, but I have a question about lighting - the light in my kitchen is not great, and this will be primarily where I am filming (food). I've found an overwhelming amount of options for ring lights for selfies, but what is your recommendation to allow for a minimal lighting source that can also pivot with the camera to be pointed at the food? I realize I can probably set up a softbox to the side, but space is limited, and I'd like to be able to do it all in one contraption if possible. Thoughts?

[@boop7313]

I need to know this too. Lighting is terrible in my flat and everything I've tried so far leaves a glare. I think it's a diffuser that we need but which on for limited space? 😵‍💫

[@Bellasafari]

and now your lighting?! :))

[@lizgaby9761]

Nice window and sun lol

[@nezzysbraziliansweets-nezz5916]

Just received mine and loving it already. Thank you so much

[@notesfromleisa-land7893]

Thank for demonstrating your setup. There is so much garbage peddled (I recently had to return such) seeing an effective setup was very helpful

[@kulthumosman3448]

Hi Ronny... I need to get this, however I could not find it on Amazon, appreciate it if you can please advise me the model name & number. Thank you so much. Brgds

[@weetzybat]

I wanna use your affiliate link but do you have one for US?

[@theranajayant]

Simple and effective setup Ronny, Loved it.

[@sophieskuchentipps]

Omg I absolutely need this for my KZbin cooking channel!

[@themarketinghustle2986]

Gave it to my girlfriend as a present and It does the job! 🙌 P.D. Don’t forget to read the video description, or you will struggle to install it, as I did 🤣

[@iLoveLeatherNYC]

5:30 Bro you DID NOT just bite the phone! lol. You are funny as hell. Cut it out.

[@radeskitchen1752]

Thank you for this, this video has been very helpful to my filming! Much appreciated

[@kitchenamaze8988]

Thank you chef. This is what i was looking for my recipes over the head video. Thanks again for sharing!! 👍🏻

[@durancoley]

Hi, great video, but the ball head n stand won’t connect . The stands pole is much wider than the ball head

[@lennyasmrart]

ye that just happened to me ,whattttttt????????? the ball head doesnt fith the standam i confused,,,,,,,,,,,wow just figured it out the little piece in the ball comes out yay!!!!!!

[@Cookwithso]

Me too :(((

[@MarwahMoorad]

@@lennyasmrart how did it come out? Can you please share? I am unable to figure how that piece will come out.

[@wojomojo]

How do you light the space to avoid shadows?

[@PrimalGourmet]

I mostly shoot stories with natural light. The lighting you see in this video is from two soft boxes.

[@wojomojo]

Primal Gourmet thanks. I thought with overhead light the arm would cast a shadow but your kitchen seems very well lit.

[@weetzybat]

@@wojomojo a softbox is not on the ceiling. It's a stand

[@cherrytv9309]

@@PrimalGourmet can you please share the soft boxes you use?

[@DianneCulbertsonJacques]

I came across this while searching for ways to shoot video at my jewelers bench and this works for me! Thank you!

[@shazdasilva8237]

Thank you! This was a cheap and brilliant set up. Cost me less than £50 and I purchased all Neewer parts :)

[@lifeinmyway2200]

I want ur microphone details pls bri

[@Bellasafari]

and lighting!

[@vickylopez1479]

Just used your links to buy the three recommendations! Many thanks man! I’m excited!!! Going to use to teach yoga as well as cooking.

[@collettecaraway2759]

WOW! Thank you! You made it seem so easy.

[@bradlybeeks]

Thank you for the tips. I use it everyday. Just started my own cooking vlogs✌️

[@chrislrob]

Really think I'm going with this setup! Thanks.

[@joettathomas6474]

You are an absolute SAVIOR... Thank you!

[@kd8423]

Just found this channel in looking for camera set up.. Love the info-!! Love the channel too & Subbed :) Exactly what I needed-!!!!

[@MavuriRamesh]

This video given a clear idea about setup

[@MSChannel1969]

Brilliant, simple and cost effective. Thank you

[@blingybrenda2795]

Very cool and you make it sound so easy! I’ve bought for a bit more as I’m new to this KZbin thing, had to return all 3. I feel confident I found one! Thanks so much! And hello ig!

[@whisperfyasmr]

Great clear concise information. Great video, thanks mate!

[@zoeadams9419]

Just awesome, you are sharing about this setup. God bless You in all you do and aspire.

[@Kayka]

thank you ronny 👍🏻🙏🏻 i've always wondered how this is done!

[@atheocha]

Fab video - to the point and clear - no BS ! Jut bought my kit!!

[@supermansmom]

Thank you. Thank you! I bought everything, got to the ball head and nearly had a heart attack. I read the note in your caption and I am all setup and ready to go!

[@marencruickshank]

Short, sweet and funny. Lovely.

[@BufferTimeTalks]

I took similar shots in my videos, but with a different technique. Thanks for sharing this.

[@LanaUnderPressure]

Thank you for this video and for linking the amazon items. I purchased them and they work great.

[@ilildragon]

Excellent, just what I was looking for. Thank you so much.

[@Toniawyt]

Thanks! I love your videos I just ordered my setup on amazon.

[@thegalleryBBQ]

Thanks bud. Awesome info

[@xixjordan23]

Great video! Insight into your lighting would be awesome too! Looks amazing

[@shellyjones1744]

Such a great video and setup I’ll be getting everything. Thanks

[@ViewersMuseumChannel]

Thank you for this, this video has been very helpful to my filming

[@vicky-yc2wc]

This worked really well. I had alot of issues fitting the ballhead at first. However used a flat head screwdriver held it tight, and yes it screws out. Perfect all ready to go.

[@durancoley]

Perfect

[@elizabethnanciflorise2973]

Looking for this type of setup. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾

[@jnavi68054]

Have been looking for this this sort of demonstration for ages! Couldn't get my head wrapped around what bits to buy. Just bought all the items you listed including the female to thread adapter just incase. Also added a bluetooth remote for my iPhone to my purchase order for when I attempt to create a flat-lay stop motion video. Cost me about $150 in total for those extra items including the quickest delivery option there was. Fingers crossed it works! Thanks again :-)

[@user-uo9ln5zl5u]

Thank you so much. You did a wonderful job explaining how it works!