Overhead Video Tutorial: How to Shoot Top Down Video [UPDATED!]

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

The best way to be a better KZbinr is to not compare yourself to others but instead compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Everyone grows at different rates and and it's important to find motivation based on your personal progress. Look back at what you achieved and let that push you to be better in the future! 💪🏻

[@fungameplaysyt]

So true! I wanted to be like someone else one time before, but now I'm determined to be myself and continue the way I am going!

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

@@fungameplaysyt Be yourself, it's more fun that way!

[@osa1121-]

Yes true

[@osa1121-]

@@fungameplaysyt i wanted to be like someone else too But not now :D

[@ThreeTwentyTech]

@@osa1121- Stay focused on your own progress and you will do better.

[@MDCreekmore]

Do a video showing how you added the mini you that comes in and points at things.

[@faktCheck]

These videos are soo underrated.

[@KetoLifestyleRecipes]

Thanks Justin, I use a mic stand with a sandbag on my outdoor cooking show for my down shot. My down shot camera is a 4K android, it works great. I clap to sync audio in post. Filming a cooking show outside has its problems, wind, birds, golfers, planes and the sun on my gear. Thank you for your inspirational videos!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome! 😊

[@yourstrulyabhi]

Can you make a video on how to make short videos, covering everything on short videos like editing too... A humble request... Thank you...

[@PaintingwithAvipsa]

Yes please that would be so helpful

[@PaintingwithAvipsa]

Please consider making a vdo based on this

[@yourstrulyabhi]

@@PaintingwithAvipsa Thank you

[@asvinpinaka4476]

Guys i think he aldredy did one

[@yourstrulyabhi]

@@asvinpinaka4476 That was based on KZbin shorts right?

[@StarWarsJay]

I bought a tripod just before Christmas and had no idea what the “extra” pole was until today. It’s a top down view extension. I’m so dumb lol. Cheers Justin.

[@LilCraftyNook]

We all learn one step at a time! Best wishes!!

[@PrimalVideo]

It's not yet too late to know it's purpose 🥂

[@Absintheskiss]

Thanks for the reflector tip.

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem, Debbie 👍

[@cartoonblock]

That REFLECTOR app is a great tip! Never knew I could mirror my iPhone to the MacBook. Thanks 😊

[@PrimalVideo]

Glad it helped! Enjoy mirroring your iPhone to your MacBook! 😊 - Hazel, PV Team

[@SLSMusic]

Thanks for the tips. But I’m still trying to figure out how to shoot top-down video for my piano performance without interfere me playing. It’s so difficult!

[@Darzza]

attach your camera to a backdrop stand

[@TeamMalunggay]

whenever I want to learn something about video production, your channel does not miss, thank you Justin

[@PrimalVideo]

Thank you! So awesome to hear it :) Justin.

[@GregTuckerKellogg]

Great video, Justin. For a desk-mounted option, you can also use a monitor arm. They are easily adjustable and can carry a lot of weight. The only trick is a bit of DIY to remove the VESA mount and (depending on the model) drill a hole to mount a camera or cheeseplate.

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks, Greg 😊

[@jaymeez]

C Stand is the best

[@CreativeThinking52]

Hello Lisa, Thanks for sharing. Have an awesome day. Happy Friday!!❤

[@theuchihaofsasukeuchiha8301]

Hey Justin big fan of you

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks 😀

[@EasyCooking4u]

Many thanks for sharing the video

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem 👍

[@RETROGEMBOUTIQUE]

Excellent video 🎉

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍 - Hazel, PVA Team

[@barryworrall6043]

Great vid mate 👍 If you don't know what you are doing after watching this video then there's no hope for you. Really well informed well done you've covered everything 👏 👍

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! 😊 - Hazel, PV Team

[@RavenWolfRetroTech]

Great video as always Justin. Since I need top-down 90% of the time I went with an Iron Pipe Frame attached to the Ceiling and wall over a workbench. I can't over-emphasize how much time is saved by having a permanent solution where the camera can be easily removed but still returned to the exact same position while also being isolated from vibration on the workspace!

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks - that was a good idea 😉

[@JuliaBwitch13]

would be super helpful if you mentioned what camera you were using!

[@DougHewsonYT]

Nice shout-outs to fellow Aussies @Beanie Draws and @Chantelle Hills - Fiberific - this super useful for all types of channels!

[@Fiberific]

Thank you Doug! I 100% agree just becuase one niche does it, doesnt mean you can't use it in yours!

[@Dulcilady]

Great tips here. I’ve used a mic stand with a gooseneck for the few videos I make, since I use my iphone for my camera. It gets me closer to my subject, my hammered dulcimer, so I’m not in the way while playing. The sound is actually pretty good (ie accurate) too. I’ve tried external microphones but the nature of my instrument tends to come through harshly with those mics I’ve tried. I’m a musician & we have a sound system so I’ve been able to play around with different mics, sm57 & sm58’s. Love your videos. So many good tips & enthusiasm here.

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks - glad you liked it 👍

[@gerardbenjax3548]

Man, apart from the interest of what you're saying, you really have that shiny eye and semi-smile that makes the experience of watching the video very satisfying, and puts a smile on my face before I notice it, like having a cool phone call with a friend! I don't know how you achieve this staring at a lens, but it's cool, keep on! And thanks for your work.

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome! So awesome to hear it! 😀

[@kenhaedrichthepieacademy]

One point that should be emphasized is that any type of stand that mounts to or sits on the surface where you're working is subject to shaking if the surface tends to move, like it does with cooking videos. This might happen if you're rolling dough, or chopping on a chopping board. Two options I would suggest is using a c-stand with an extension arm, or a floor-to-ceiling varipole, also with a magic arm or other extension mounted to it, for your camera. In other words, an arrangement that won't shake the camera if your surface can jiggle. As always, very helpful video, Justin. Thanks.

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks for sharing your ideas 👍

[@Rasoul899]

Arab follower here. You are my teacher 🙈🙈

[@PrimalVideo]

Hey 👋

[@denzil932]

As Usual excellent. Keep them coming.

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks!

[@Journey2Yourself]

This is really a very detailed and informative video.The shooting video tutorials are well explained thanks for your efforts to enlighten our minds.

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem - glad you liked it 😊

[@philipf.9493]

I really love the way you make your videos

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks - glad you liked it 🙏

[@GoogleTech2022]

hi justin thanks for this video i needed it

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem 👍

[@CubingGen]

Thanks

[@PrimalVideo]

👍

[@amygermaine6636]

Perfect! Thank you for pointing me in the direction of a flippable head. My tripod can do that and this will work. Thank you!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome!

[@andreaslam]

Hey Justin, Will there be a tutorial on how to edit videos on Final Cut Pro? My MacBook arrives soon, and I can't wait to use Final Cut Pro as I have it preinstalled. Thanks!

[@PrimalVideo]

Hey Andreas, we currently don't have a Final Cut video planned but maybe we will do a tutorial again in the future! Have fun editing on your new laptop!

[@sidemoney1707]

Thank you so much for your videos! Your work inspired me!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome - also thanks for appreciating our videos 🙏

[@sheezcute]

Binge watching your videos. You’re so easy to listen to and great content. Thank you!

[@PrimalVideo]

Nice - that's great to hear! 😃

[@dupuisnatalie]

I am wondering if you have a review video on document cameras - dedicated cameras often seen in classrooms such as the ones made by IPEVO and so on?

[@thedavidwilliams]

So much good content!!! THis channel is rapidly becoming my favourite!!

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks, so awesome to hear it 👌

[@cham-hcr8505]

Thx for share knowledge

[@cham-hcr8505]

I love to learn something’s new from your video

[@PrimalVideo]

No worries

[@teresacolbert2957]

I am new at creating videos and will be creating them from overhead. You mentioned in this video or another that Reflector is a good software to purchase if you want to see what you’re viewing from your laptop. Question…will Reflector also edit videos or do I need to purchase both Filmora for editing and Reflector for viewing on my laptop?

[@kevinduperera2224]

this video is very usefull..thanks justin

[@PrimalVideo]

Great to hear! No worries! 👍

[@Mwakatheewifeprenuer]

Hey Justin... I really appreciate your content. Love from 🇳🇦

[@PrimalVideo]

Awesome to hear that, Thanks! 🙏

[@Theo-iq1bv]

I have a really ghetto option to share that I just discovered: if you happen to be the owner of a wire cube shelf, you can assemble it into a cube-corner and plop your phone on top so the camera looks through the wire. With the edges of the cube barely out of sight, I can do a real time video presentation at zero extra expense. Bellissimo

[@andreacl7081]

That was really really helpful. I'm going to get the Elgato clamp stand one. Thanks so much!

[@PrimalVideo]

Cool, you're welcome - Hazel, PV Team

[@mishawnaromerohairstylist]

Hi Justin! Just used your link to purchase the Arkon, desktop stand so excited to use it. Thanks again for a great video. So helpful. Hello from California!

[@PrimalVideo]

Hey, that's awesome! Enjoy your new desktop stand! 😃

[@janvitekha]

Thanks alot, I didnt even knim my tripod could do that, thats so cool and fixes so much problems!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome, glad you found this video useful - Hazel, PV Team

[@_jordannnfr2]

Justin ROAD TO 1 MIL!

[@PrimalVideo]

😀

[@minzchannel7153]

Really love yourr video.... I've watch many of your videos and it is really help me so much. Really appreaciate it! ❤️

[@PrimalVideo]

So awesome to hear it! Thanks! 🙏

[@minzchannel7153]

@@PrimalVideo You're welcome!

[@mariannerady1137]

Great tips & great editing! Loving this, thank you very much! Dankeschön from Germany

[@PrimalVideo]

Awesome, no problem! 🙏

[@DrTonyaBreauxShropshire]

Wow Justin! That was epic. Thank you.

[@PrimalVideo]

No worries - glad you like it! 😊

[@maumzandfamily-bawdacat1251]

Thank you so much for edifying me

[@LilCraftyNook]

I saw your original on this two years ago and you included the Arkon phone mount. (Looks like it’s not available anymore) I immediately grabbed it and have been more than happy with it! One day if I ever get more room I will consider that bigger arch over the desk mount. Thanks so much!! 🏆🙌🏻

[@PrimalVideo]

Wow, glad you have it! No problem! 😊

[@jenniferm8831]

Ahh this looks wonderful sir! Saving it to my folder to watch later. Thank you for what you do!!

[@PrimalVideo]

Amazing to hear, no worries!

[@vivianiacoboni6273]

Hi Justin I am enjoying your videos and advice. Here is my current problem. I am using an iPhone 13 Max and an Akron stationary tabletop stand. How do I zoom in and out? When I try to use my fingers to expand I often turn my video off. If this tool could lower and raise with one hand so that I could pull in close, that might solve this problem. Is there anything out there that can help me pull in close for detailed shots of very small beads and needle placement. I clearly know nothing about any of this but, I need learn how to video art tutorials for a course that I will be teaching soon. Open to any suggestions. Thank You!

[@CreativeThinking52]

Very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information. Your suggestions will help me to set up my overhead camera or phone rig. Have a great day. Fully view video.😀

[@PrimalVideo]

So glad you like it! Have a great day! 😃

[@CustAndCode]

informative as always! 🤗🤩

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks, cheers 😊 - Hazel, PV Team

[@adg0913]

Wow thank you for this. Really helpful when starting out a channel.

[@PrimalVideo]

No worries, happy to help!

[@BobbyG3.14]

I’ll be looking into this, been trying to work on my angles for unboxing 😅

[@PrimalVideo]

Cool, hope it works out Bobby - Hazel, PV Team

[@homeandgardendiy6363]

Always appreciate your videos so much, Justin! I hesitate to say it, but I find the mini Justin pretty strange. Admittedly it's very cool! But it always startles me enough that I lose track of what you're saying. Again, thank you so much for the great content that you share with us!

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem - haha sorry to startle you 😅

[@homeandgardendiy6363]

I'm so glad you weren't offended! Thank you so much for taking time to respond. 😃

[@Joseinigo24]

Thank You, This was very Helpful!

[@PrimalVideo]

You’re welcome - glad we're able to help! 🙏

[@murphysmurfyfriends1342]

Thanks Justin wow so easy when well explained, like always very informative👍

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome 🙏

[@thomasbenes7608]

This was such a useful video! Thank You so much!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome - glad you found it useful 😊

[@asilkitchenvlogs4064]

Very good 👍👍

[@PrimalVideo]

👍

[@dalikamata9605]

Good work

[@PrimalVideo]

👍

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

Will the Desk Clamp with Boom arm allow you to mount the smart phone horizontal instead of vertical? Most only do vertical . . . Thanks for the upload. *EDIT* I found out that you can get a Universal Phone mount adapter that will change from Portrait to Landscape.

[@EpicPrankster71523]

Wonderful tips....applauded

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks 👍

[@transitionwithtrini1928]

Thank you for this very informative Video.

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem - glad you liked it 👍

[@acsfoodyworld710]

Amasing content, this is what i'm looking for, thank you so much Justin🙏

[@PrimalVideo]

Great, no worries 😊

[@TsokolateAbe]

Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem!

[@SmellGoodTravelWell]

🌺 thanks you've helped me so much! I am getting these !!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome - glad we could help 👍

[@TheTranquilGal]

Towards the end of the video, you mentioned using a TV. How is that "hooked up?" Also, what do you recommend using to switch from camera to camera?

[@PrimalVideo]

Hey! You can connect to your TV via Airplay or Chromecast if you have that option on your TV 👍

[@christinelee1069]

love this video! its very helpful!!

[@PrimalVideo]

Nice - glad you found it helpful 👍

[@BlackWolfy92100]

At 3:07, what is the phone adapter you use for the mic stand ? I have a rode mic stand and I can't find any adapter for it.

[@rebeccavandersys3225]

Have you helped anyone who wanted to film glass lamp working? I have a special lens, didymium, but I need to have it high enough to be out of the way of the fire. The other big this is knowing if all is in the shot. I will be checking on the reflector app. thanks

[@myousif08]

Hi I love what you guys are doing I have a question I I hope you can help me with it, What’s the best Budget laptop for making video and audio Also I’m looking for an app That I can remove certain sounds from video like background music and isolate a certain sound

[@subhashmahanto2376]

For video which video site you generally use sir ?

[@debbiemankelow6996]

When using your iphone as the camera is there a mirroring app that will also act as a remote to switch the video on and off?

[@ChrisTopheRaz]

Hey! I was wondering if you knew of a kit that I can pick up that would have lighting, and a mounting device that is usable for top down, and other useful angles for food videos. Any additional products would be nice as well. I do have a Lumix S1 but often use my iPhone as well. I have a phone mount that connects to a standard tri-pod but nothing that can do top down effectively. Any help would be appreciated.

[@stephenbordenkircher3575]

Thanks nice job as always

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem, Stephen 👍

[@rozinas1554]

Awesome!

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks!

[@KHMERCOOKING]

Wow you always on point bro, Thank you for these helpful and so well explained tips !

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome - so glad it helped 👍

[@ms.b.1363]

Thank you for these helpful and so well explained tips ! 😊

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome - glad we could help! 😊

[@CatVetNele]

Can you please please tell me how you made that little version of you to come out of the screen and point to the like button? I LOVE IT! In my channel I might just make a little dog or cat do that actually 😊

[@PrimalVideo]

Glad you like it! We don't have a tutorial yet but basically, I just recorded myself in front of a green screen and then dropped that in to my editing software! 😀

[@ghanaboyy2158]

Wow you always on point bro ✅ by SOLOKU GH 🇬🇭🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@PrimalVideo]

Nice, thanks!

[@anandapriyadarshan]

damn. this is a great guide! Found a good use for my mic boom arm and a solution for my top down mount. This is a very good research and compared to others, has a lot of out of the box options!

[@PrimalVideo]

Awesome - glad you found it useful! 👍

[@bellarosevisions]

is it possible tu turn these videos around once they are shot? I am asking because all these videos shop a camera setup that shots the videos from the "wrong" angle/ upside down. I have no idea how to change this. Maybe it is part of the editing process?

[@AlfaMedtech]

How can I reduce shakes on my top down setup that’s mount on the desk!? Any tips?

[@JanineMKartist]

How do you zoom in when it’s mounted above? My set up will be mounted fairly high up so I can film my art process.

[@nomad57]

thank you for this very informative video; just subscribed to the channel :)

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome, great to have you here 😃 - Hazel, PV Team

[@thewolfdude705]

Hi Justin, Thanks

[@PrimalVideo]

Hey, no worries!

[@denisf1981]

What software do you recommend to mirror your iPhone (what you're filming overhead) to your iPad (so you can see what you're filming)

[@PrimalVideo]

Filmic Pro with the Filmic Remote would be my top pick for filming and monitoring your shot 👍 Good luck with your filming Denis!

[@shampachowdhury]

So informative.. Thank you 😊

[@PrimalVideo]

Great, no worries 😊

[@AB-ye7bw]

Great ideas!

[@PrimalVideo]

Thank you - Hazel, PVA Team

[@raaif_h4094]

Cool vid Justin

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks 👍

[@sohaibjavaid8403]

Whenever I think about any kind of videos with in few days or within a week it’s updated on your channel. Thanks a lot and i think law of attraction is working with me from your channel

[@PrimalVideo]

No problem - glad we could help 😊

[@angelaofficialvlogs]

Love it,Thanks!

[@PrimalVideo]

Awesome, no problem!

[@MrBaptista]

you forgot the c-stand with boom pole. Easy to deploy and pack up, and can hold bigger cameras, specially if sand bagged

[@PrimalVideo]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@அருட்பெருஞ்ஜோதி-ய9ம]

Hi bro pls tell me how to compress video file without loss of video quality for uploading in KZbin pls share the information . thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kristaylor7119]

Hi Justin, can you give tips for how you create your split intro, animated name of video on 1 side and a-roll then b-roll on the other, looks really cool?

[@PrimalVideo]

Hey Kris! We just used our custom template, cropped it and placed it on the side. Then we just place our footage on the other side. Maybe you could find a template on Videohive and play around with it. Hope it goes well 👍

[@kristaylor7119]

@@PrimalVideo thanks Justin

[@carlyamandaart]

Sooooo useful, thank you 😊

[@PrimalVideo]

Great, no problem 😊

[@upbeatheat]

Thanks!

[@PrimalVideo]

You're welcome - Hazel, PV Team

[@SOAPMEUP]

I use a tripod with the phone holder part that can flip but it doesn’t give me the angle im looking for. I have to position it, tape it to the desk and zoom to get the right overhead shot 🥴

[@NaturallySewCrafty]

Is there an app you can use to see what's in frame in your video from another device or computer? I have seen it done in videos before but I'm not sure what's being used.