Simple & Permanent Overhead Camera Setup!

Here's a quick solution for a permanent top down camera setup that's super simple and unobtrusive. Overhead angles are always useful to have, but setting them up can sometimes be a pain, so I wanted to fix that!
⚙️ Parts used:
•Baby Plate: geni.us/AA3HiFE (Amazon)
•Pivot Arm: geni.us/65WUUgi (Amazon)
•Adapter for Baby Plate: geni.us/EJkU (Amazon)
•Adapter for Ball Head: geni.us/MRtP8S (Amazon)
•Ball Head: geni.us/Plae (Amazon)
•Small 3/8" to 1/4" Adapters: geni.us/sVl8 (Amazon)
🎬 I edited this video (and all my videos) with Final Cut Pro. If you want to learn how I edit, check out my online course: learnfinalcutpro.com
🎙️And if you're interested in podcasting, I've also got a DIY podcast production course: podcasterplaybook.com
⏱️Chapter Markers:
0:00 - The Problem with Top Down Shots
0:46 - Materials
3:27 - Installation
5:06 - Finished Results
-----------------------
Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support my channel at no additional cost to you.
---------- SUPPORT THE CHANNEL ----------
Patreon: / tombuck
Become a Channel Member: geni.us/joinchannel
Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/tombuck
----------- CONNECT -----------
🎯 Subscribe! bit.ly/TEPsub
Instagram: @sodarntom
Main Site: himynameistom.com
Podcasts: himynameistom.com/podcasts
----------- MUSIC -----------
•Artlist.io (2 Extra Months Free): geni.us/ArtlistTom
•Epidemic Sound (30 Day Free Trial): share.epidemicsound.com/enthus...
----------- VIDEO GEAR -----------
•Ecamm Live for Streaming: geni.us/ecammtom
•Sony FX3: bhpho.to/3EJuBde (B&H)
•Sony a7SIII: bhpho.to/3f8mMlS (B&H)
•Sony a7IV: bhpho.to/33mOGZo (B&H)
•Sony 24 1.4 (Main Lens): geni.us/sony24 (Amazon)
•Tamron 20-40 2.8: bhpho.to/3sTzIDy (B&H)
•Zeiss 85 1.8: geni.us/zeissbatis (Amazon)
•Sirui Anamorphic Lens: bhpho.to/309H0rV (B&H)
•GoPro Hero 12: geni.us/zXnTsh (Amazon)
•DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone : geni.us/I2e0AB (Amazon)
•ATEM Mini Video Switcher: bhpho.to/2RVGI42 (B&H)
•Elgato CamLink: geni.us/vddHN (Amazon)
•YoloBox for Mobile Streams: bhpho.to/3pc8qHU (B&H)
----------- AUDIO GEAR -----------
•Rodecaster Pro II: bhpho.to/3wCwaqI (B&H)
•Earthworks Ethos: bhpho.to/3CthFs4 (B&H)
•Shure SM7B: geni.us/tepsm7b (Amazon)
•Sennheiser MKH 50: geni.us/mkh50 (Sweetwater)
•Sony Video Mic: bhpho.to/3ztb6Vb (B&H)
•Rode VideoMic NTG: amzn.to/2ZKrHTh (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Profile (USB Mic): bhpho.to/3JDWGrh (B&H)
•Rode Boom Arm: geni.us/shr0 (Amazon)
•Sennheiser Wireless System: bhpho.to/43JgqkL (B&H)
•Rode Headphones: bhpho.to/3JNacqg (B&H)
•Blue XLR Cable: geni.us/bluexlr (B&H)
---------- LIGHTS & SUPPORTS ----------
•Nanlite Forza 200 (Key Light): geni.us/9Ofr (Amazon)
•Aputure Light Dome Mini: geni.us/vf5O (B&H)
•Small Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: geni.us/nanlite (Amazon)
•Big Nanlite RGB Tube Lights: geni.us/pavotubes (Amazon)
•Aputure MC RGB Light: geni.us/IuE4 (Amazon)
•Rolling Camera Stand: bhpho.to/3PbJGg3 (B&H)
•Big Tripod: bhpho.to/3lRoTyz (B&H)
•Small Tripod: geni.us/oQOh3Az (Amazon)
•Travel Tripod: geni.us/nlUBm (Amazon)
•Motorized Slider: bhpho.to/3ztKMJA (B&H)
•Camera Backpack: geni.us/aEH2 (Amazon)
-----------------------
🎥 Check out my full gear list here:himynameistom.com/gear
-----------------------
- Who Am I? -
Hi! My name is Tom Buck, a lifelong A/V nerd and former high school Digital Media teacher. I started this channel in 2017 as a project to share my enthusiasm for everything related to audio and video production.
It's my goal for each video to be interesting/helpful/atleastmildlyentertaining, but I'm an enthusiast and not an expert. You can take a look at my About page to know more about my background, both personally and professionally: himynameistom.com/about
•My channel is open and welcoming to people of all races, ages, genders, and orientations. I’m glad you’re here.
•Read my Ethics Statement about objective reviews, sponsorships, and brand partnerships: himynameistom.com/ethics
-----------------------
Episode 381: Simple & Permanent Overhead Camera Setup!

[@miltonfine5216]

Listen, I have never--NEVER--laughed at talking head KZbinr's tech videos. Sometimes I exhale sharply through the nose. But I audibly CRACKED. UP. and had to pause the video at "stud finder--it works." That was gold.

[@ekish]

I'm so stealing that, such a great dad joke.😁

[@pauleverson212]

3:34 I like your idea of the anchors but another idea might be a square piece of wood screwed into the stud and then attach the mount to the wood. You can then attach anything you need to the wood (safety wire, etc) and if you ever take it down you only need to repair where you’ve attached that wood to the ceiling. Just spitballing love your content!

[@tombuck]

I like this idea a lot. Maybe a good V2.0 🤔

[@GregWallis]

Everything you do is intelligently thought out and extremely helpful. Very much appreciated.

[@tombuck]

Glad to help!

[@chris]

This makes a lot of sense. Those magic arms are fantastic for positioning in situations like this. My most extravagant setup was in my garage studio when I used to film DIY for car videos. I mounted a slider on the ceiling so I could position it wherever I wanted and get some slider shots of engine bays.

[@realchipgriffin]

I have used two solutions myself. One is an Elgato Master mount with an extension pole (this is useful for my sit-stand desk so that it is always positioned where I want it). The other was using woodworking t-track mounted on my ceiling. The standard mount on those screws into a standard adapter stud and then I can attach a magic arm or whatever else I want from it. I have used the fixed plates before, but I like the ability to slide along the length of the track (as well as to mount a mic boom, lights, and other things from the ceiling alongside the camera).

[@PeteBreen]

I've used a ZV-1 for top-down and they work really well. Great video as usual Tom!

[@tombuck]

Yeah the ZV-1 with the longer lens would probably be more practical overall, but at this height the ZV-1F is working out great. They're really awesome cameras and I've been surprised at how well the footage can mix with my other cameras!

[@tonymollengarden]

I was waiting for a desk rig and then when you started discussing the ceiling I was like oh now this is an interesting idea! I am definitely a fan of this setup and may do something similar down the line. Looking forward to hearing about your overall experience after you’ve used it a few times!

[@tombuck]

It's been great so far, but I'll definitely have to live with it a bit more. The best part is that I honestly forget it's there most of the time and then when I need it- BAM! It's ready to go!

[@AzurePersant]

Now I know what I'm doing for an overhead when I have a house. Thanks Gene Belcher! 5:15

[@tombuck]

🍔

[@Shellvedge]

Tom, I just got the smallrig wall mounted boom arm. It holds up to 15lbs and is fully articulating vertically and side to side. I have one for my Leica sl2 and one for my Aputure F22 fabric light. I actually had it mounted firmly enough to hold my sl2 with the 24-70 in a video rig with a v mount battery and ninja v+ and it was secure. Works perfect for top down and then I can just swing it where ever I want to get more variety of shots.

[@tombuck]

That's awesome! I love it. Sounds super strong!

[@mattwruff]

You and Heather need to have a baby because Tom you have the Dad jokes down! If I was the ZV-1 with the handle you could use the handle remote to control it. But hey I'm retired so not something I'm thinking about ...LOL

[@TheCoolFactor]

Instead of a drilled plate, I'm using the Impact Varipole next to my desk to hold all the stuff, including the very same Impact Pivot Arm (great copy of Manfrotto indeed) along with Super Clamps and other mounts for everything I need. The good upgrade over this is that I can easily change how high the camera is just by moving the clamp with the pivot arm along the post. Those Varipoles are pretty much my favorite piece of studio gear. Mount anything anywhere you want!

[@Scorpion_007]

Most helpful video for Creators ❤

[@YourDigitalMakeover]

This is hilarious. I have been looking for a way to do exactly this for a week now, and here comes your video. Thanks so much for posting this 😀

[@tombuck]

Great minds think alike!

[@blunderblots]

Great stuff Tom! I just did a very similar setup. The ZV-1F has been great for this. Cheers!

[@tombuck]

I think it’s a pretty underrated camera 👍

[@GavinFuller]

3:33 Stud finder. Dude. Yeah man. Dad jokes are the boss.

[@MrCameraJunkie]

Tip: I ran a long high speed USB-C cable directly to my computer. It keeps the camera charged and you can access it as a webcam for live streams 😉👍🏽

[@tombuck]

Brilliant!

[@JonAdamsTech]

This was so helpful, I use a C stand normally but have seen so many ways to do simple overhead shots. Great video Tom!

[@tombuck]

The C stand is definitely better for ultimate stability/larger cameras, but such a pain to set up and tear down every time.

[@JonAdamsTech]

@@tombuck haha absolutely

[@PaintingwithGeorge]

You kinda got the right idea. Tripod on the ceiling or the wall would just be less expensive. The cheaper tripods are very lightweight. And all it takes is one wall screw and wire. Due to the fact that the tripod can extend you can tension it against the ceiling so it's very sturdy.🎉

[@bhgemini]

This is perfect timing. We have a large light board studio and green screen studio at the office and they installed the camera mics 12 feet up from those baby stand ceiling mounts. Right next to the ceiling hvac vents, and at least 9 feet from the talent. I want to move the mount overhead and use something to get the mic closer. This solution looks perfect for that.

[@erewhon42]

I think that's a solid setup. I had been looking at attaching a baby plate to the ceiling eventually. For now, I'm just going the C-stand route.

[@marcalexanderblais3016]

Pretty awesome stud 😂! This is by far the effective thing I’ve seen for overhead I always find these gizmos cumbersome! Great job!

[@hatoraidcowboy]

Great video!

[@tombuck]

Thanks!

[@grooveecard]

Man, whenever I need great info AND a genius-level pun game I know where to go. Buck is bomb. I've been wondering how to do a decent-yet-versatile overhead cam as well. Great solution, brother!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Love this. One problem with the Sony is the monitor screen that always seems to be upside down when I film. Currently have my Sony ZV-e10 on a mic stand (musicians 🙄) and have to 180 degree in post.

[@Sigma_Energy_]

I literally have every single piece. The only problem is my ceiling is so high, I record beauty products They’re so small.. I have to figure the rest out but thank you. I don’t have to buy anything. 🙌🏽

[@tombuck]

Yes! Always nice when you can utilize what you've already got!

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

You got me to finally justify buying a Sony ZV-1. I get so frustrated with set-ups and tear downs, always looks like a bomb went off in my room after I finish a video. 🤪

[@ChristianWheel]

Thanks for the video! I have asbestos in my ceiling so I can't drill into it, but a Matthews Matthpole (like the Impact Varipole) going across the room makes a great way to hang a camera, lights, mic, etc.

[@tombuck]

I'm glad you know not to drill into that ceiling! That'd be awful. Hopefully the pole is working great!

[@tomazzaman]

I have an autopole mounted horizontally between two walls. On it, I have mounted a superclamp with an extendable pole. Holds both my mic and my overhead cam.

[@tombuck]

I had this for a while! But I could never keep things positioned exactly how I wanted them on the pole.

[@tomazzaman]

I think @PeterLindgren1 has the best solution for that, inverted, ceiling mounted tripod. Looks odd, works! :D

[@maxillariadendrobulum4079]

Hey Tom! Is that blue block on your ceiling part of the sound treating of the room, or is there some other purpose? Color me curious! Thanks for the video, it was fun to follow your thought process for the overhead camera mount!

[@REMY.C.]

I think a manfrotto autopole or two would fit your space, they're strong enough to suspend a camera, mics, lights plus you would have more space to slide the camera anywhere.

[@ThisIsLeeBird]

I have basically the same set up only with the Smallrig arm like that. I can confirm it will hold a pocket cinema 4k no sweat. 👍

[@djrightonbeat]

I did the same with zv-1 ,,, also you should use the cheap Bluetooth remote, so you can zoom without reaching for camera, and also hit record if needed!

[@tombuck]

Yes! I have the little tripod thingy so that’s a perfect idea!

[@djrightonbeat]

@@tombuck yessssssss

[@onocoffee]

I've got two setups that needed overhead cams and got tired of C-Stands getting in the way. For my desk setup, I had a Manfrotto AutoPole that spans horizontally above the desk and then used a Matthelini 6" clamp with Kupo Gobo head and 20" Gobo arm to extend down to an arca-swiss ballhead (I want to Arca Swiss Everything) that mounts a Sony A6000. It's six pounds of grip gear but holding well. The other setup I went with a Fovitec Wall Mount Triangle Boom Arm to Arca Swiss Ball Head to Sony ZV-1. That setup is lighter and easier to adjust. But all of this goes away at the end of the month since we're moving so I think I'll go with another Fovitec in the next studio. But with the right screws (looks like you were using drywall screws, you might go to the hardware store and get 2" wood screws - I think #6 are good for baby plates), you should be able to mount your FX3 to the ceiling with no problems (maybe even an FX9). Great video!

[@tombuck]

Oh nice! I had an Autotpole up there for a while, but couldn't position things exactly how I want them. I'll have to check out the Fovitec arm! Maybe the video didn't show it clearly, but I was using wood screws here, so all is well 👍

[@onocoffee]

@@tombuck Yes, agreed. The Autopole and clamps is not the easiest solution to adjust. It's a real PITA. But the boom arm is quite convenient and easy to adjust. The only issue during adjustment is that you have to use a little bit of force because all the friction bolts are snug so it doesn't move while shooting. And you don't have to worry about a Gobo arm and head crashing on your head!

[@Tvj_films8452]

Ya my setup is your lowboy stand. I added the Falcam Gear tree poles on it. And it’s nice enough to hold my webcam, regular camera, lights and an overhead camera. All on one stand. I don’t have to screw ceilings.

[@tombuck]

I love the Lowboy! Tried the Gear Tree and really didn't like it, but I didn't think of adding the arms to the Lowboy- that's brilliant.

[@Tvj_films8452]

@@tombuck if you had the geartree attached to your desk, then its not that good. It was only because of your lowboy recommendation where it made the geartree functional

[@shawnchenco]

Been really wanting to figure out an overhead rig myself but i haven't had any luck. Seems like this would be a great option. BUT I probably won't do it from the ceiling :) Varipoles are the next step but i rather not buy that when i have basically almost everything you had in the video :)

[@czerskip]

Could have installed the ceiling plate at a diagonal therefore eliminating bending momentum from the plate.

[@tombuck]

Oh I like that! I'll have to keep that in mind if it comes loose or I ever want to move/redo it.

[@Hollaturboi]

Ayyye nice idea. I have a C-stand that I only use for top downs. My camera never moves lol

[@alfredoistic]

*Hey Tom, I'm in search of microphone flags that can be customized with our logo for our podcast sessions. It's been a challenge to find ones that are visually appealing for video recordings. Additionally, do you have any insights on how to properly attach them to boom arms? I haven't had much luck finding instructional videos on this topic.*

[@tombuck]

I think there's always a bit of "Macguiver-ing" required when it comes to this sort of thing, but check out reporterstore.com as they might have some nifty options 👍

[@alfredoistic]

Oh thanks Tom you are the best! @@tombuck

[@dylanplayzonytofficial]

Hello Tom! My dad let me try out the original rodecaster pro! I’m wondering how to connect it to my computer! I used the usb:a to usb c cord which came with it!

[@pediashkavar]

Perfect Tom, a question, what was on your a7 hot shoe mont, if it was som kind on audio interface please gimme some explanation, thanks mate

[@tombuck]

It's the receiver for my Sennheiser EW-DP wireless system. I love it. 👍

[@godsfilmmaker8863]

I don’t know, man, this is pretty good as is! In my particular set up, my table moves sometimes, so before I saw your execution, I thought about maybe using a strut rail with a trolley so it could be moved back-and-forth, but you can pretty much move the magic arm in any direction, so I think it’s kinda irrelevant. Even included the cable! How are you monitoring it? I just added a TV in my studio to see my main camera better, it has a flip out screen but it’s just so small.

[@tombuck]

The rail is a good idea! It'd be nice to be able to move the whole setup easily... For monitoring, I've just been using the built in display since it's not too far from me, but I do have a separate field monitor if I ever need something a little bigger or to be positioned somewhere else. 👍

[@REMY.C.]

I would have gone diagonal on the stud so the weight is distributed equally passing by the center and avoid the weak points to exert some kind of lateral lever on the two screws. Unless you're planning on keeping there only the Sony that is very light, in which case it's fine I guess.

[@schultzeworks]

It looks like you are recording internally with the top camera. To sync up the video later, I recommend that you do a few claps at the beginning of any recording session. The waveform spikes will make it SUPER EASY to sync all tracks in any video editing app. Amirite?

[@tombuck]

Yep! That's the simplest and easiest way to do it for sure!

[@lance2301]

Where did you get the mat/pad on the desk? Been looking on Amazon, but I want to make sure I get one with a non-slip back so that it doesn't move around too easily.

[@tombuck]

The brand is GDBT on Amazon, but I don't know if they have this exact pattern anymore. I think they have lots of other cool designs though!

[@lance2301]

@@tombuck Great, thanks for replying!

[@CYBERYAKERADVENTURES]

I just use a rode PSA 1+ boom arm.

[@Ranger7Studios]

The problem with mounting the ZV-1 above your head, is getting the SD card in an out of the camera. I had to get SD card extenders that would hang from the camera. This would result in me having to constantly push in and out the SD card adapter, because the Sony, when you turned it on, couldn't read the dummy SD card. So not a great camera form over head shots. :(

[@UdoSchloegl]

What if I want to use the video in a livestream, where would you run the HDMI cable?

[@tombuck]

In my case, since that would be temporary, I'd just run it down behind my desk/computer monitor where it's out of the frame of any cameras. But if I were using it to stream regularly, it'd definitely need a more elegant solution.

[@TheREAPERBlog]

I'm actually thinking of a mirror on the ceiling, then I just need to point the camera up from my desk, and flip in OBS.

[@thethirdrailchannel]

If it were me, I’d add a light drop of threadlock on the baby pin adapter in case house vibration loosens it.

[@MinimalistCarnivore]

Mount baby plates diagonal on standard studs then other two use a good drywall mount or make a plate and mount the plate securely but yeah its one of those OH NO what do I do hahahah Saw someone else said diagonal when reading :)

[@jonathanramsey]

😊

[@ItsRyukin]

This is "In my personal" a pretty interesting one, So (Talking about mine here) my overhead camera setup uses a single tripod (sometimes) pointed down on the table and that's it. (I kinda didn't use that much but I tried it only like a few times?) And well, This is gonna be a really useful setup for my reviewing series. Like I have the one camera pointed down on the table and one faces to me and talking. I do have my camcorder with a flip screen to use with the setup, But I would ended up using an iPhone with an Apple Watch since it has a remote camera to control an iPhone camera. I'm gonna lookin' forward for that. Y'all. 😁 Pretty useful setup upgrade for my reviews that I'm doing. 😊

[@tombuck]

That sounds like it'll be a pretty slick setup! Anything that makes stuff simpler is absolutely a win.

[@ItsRyukin]

​​@@tombuckOh, But it turns out that I used this overhead camera setup like usually. (I just realized that 😅)

[@AnthonyMorales71]

Stud finder. Beeeeep. “It works”. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheHumanPalindrome]

Stud finder 😂👌🏻

[@seecraig]

Spontaneous recording but a pain point removing the camera to transfer files. If only there were a phone, tablet, or laptop app to control camera settings and record wirelessly.

[@tombuck]

Luckily this one isn't too bad and for me, I find it easier than worrying about a second computer setup- but that kind of instant recording ability is absolutely awesome.

[@LetsGoHelio]

Awesome video! I needed this. Can you do a bottom up tutorial? Please wear pants though. 😂

[@tombuck]

😬

[@willcarter7079]

When I mounted my overhead camera, I screwed a 1"x4" into two studs then mounted my camera to the 1"x4" in the exact spot in needed. Practical but not pretty. But nothing about your rigging screams "pretty" so I feel like practicality should when out

[@WhatsMyLane]

It's not officially a stud finder until you use it on yourself...fact 😆

[@merel9601]

as a european watching this i was so confused when you talked about studs in your ceiling and then used a tiny drill and went through it like it's cardboard...

[@tombuck]

Haha I didn't even think of that 😁 Our wooden house is from 2015- I'm sure you're more used to brick and stone buildings from hundreds of years ago. Not sure what I'd do there!

[@merel9601]

@@tombuck no im used to modern built houses haha everything is concrete, our walls and ceilings are 30cm slabs of concrete and you can drill holes in them with a hammering drill, and with very simple plugs you can hang a lot of weight from the ceiling because it's basically a bunker.

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

..before testing other camera, test it with a weight..

[@tombuck]

SMART idea!