I’ve watched at least 20 videos trying to get the simplest setup for iphone overhead filiming, and your video was by far the most simple, to-the-point, and easy-to-understand! Thanks so much for the tips. I will be implementing your advice! You have a fan 😀
Oh. my. word! Excellent tutorial! Thank you so much! You’re a great teacher!
Really like your straight forward advice. I am going with your recommendations. Blessings.
What is an Overhead shot?
In short, it’s a technique where a camera looks straight down above a table with objects placed on it. Also known as a Top Down shot, this style of video or photo technique is best used when showing food, gadgets, make up and tutorials.
It’s even used when showing any commercial product to get sales.
Overhead shots place the viewer in the heart of the action giving them centre stage of all that is happening.
If you see the Food, Crafts and Artist examples below, you’ll get a feel of this technique.
Click here for The official Tasty YouTube channel
FOOD
Tasty
food shots, but a big part of it is how it is filmed
to further create engagement.
Click here for Simple crafts and DIY projects to make in 5 minutes
CRAFTS
5 – MINUTE CRAFTS
Simple crafts and DIY projects to make in 5 minutes.
The videos on this channel are SO good. You end up
binge watching them!
The creators use top down shots along with close-ups.
The videos become so simple to follow with this method.
Click here to watch an artist designing and creating bullet journals amongst other things
ARTIST
Amanda RachLee
An artist and digital content creator giving in-depth how-to videos to help newbies create with her.
She uses top down shots along with close-up shots making it really easy to follow.
CLICK TO WATCHAs you saw on the channels above, the best instructional videos are those taken from above as it places the viewer right in the action. I’ll now show how I place the camera overhead, or above the table.
[su_box title=”NOTE” box_color=”#b4263e” radius=”0″]I have used an iPhone for this example. You can even use a DSLR or Mirrorless camera but different connections for your specific camera are needed. The overhead stand will mount anything though,[/su_box]
A Monitor Extension Arm
Get one by a company called Suptek as it has a 3/8″ thread on the arm to attach to your iPhone or Camera
An Extra Long Pole Module
This pole length is required as it doesn’t limit you when doing various different shots.
This attaches to the monitor arm
A Mobile Phone Tripod Adapter
This has a 360 Degree Rotation for horizontal and vertical shots and attaches your smartphone to the Extra Long Pole
An iPhone
The Mobile Phone Adapter can hold many different iPhone sizes
FiLMiC Pro app
The FiLMiC Pro is a really advanced video camera for smartphones featuring focus peaking, zebras and much more
A Lightning cable
This connects the iPhone to a MacBook for monitoring the footage being recorded
A Microphone
This is to record your audio. I’m using a USB lavalier mic that QuickTime recognises
A MacBook
This will connect to the iPhone and will record the footage using QuickTime
To read about how to Connect a Zoom H4n to a Mixer click here OR click on the image below
Attach Pole Module
Attach the Pole Module to your table or desk using the clamps. Make sure they are fully tightened to avoid things toppling over
Slide Monitor Arm onto Pole
Slide it to the height required
Secure Pole
Use an Allen key to tighten it onto the Pole. Remember to remove the VESA monitor face plate to reveal the 3/8” thread
Screw in the Mobile Phone Tripod Adapter.
Just position it depending on the size of your desk or table.
Insert iPhone into the Adapter
Make sure the FiLMiC Pro is already downloaded and working on the iPhone
FiLMiC Pro (App Store)
Connect the Lightning cable to the iPhone
Connect Lightning Cable to MacBook
For the MacBook I use QuickTime and select record ‘New Movie Recording’
Launch the FiLMiC Pro app
Play around and get comfortable with the features. It’s really easy to use
Launch QuickTime
Select USB microphone in the Microphone section of QuickTime.
Check Audio levels of Mic in QuickTime
Speak into the microphone to test the level
[su_heading style=”flat-dark” size=”30″ margin=”0″]WATCH VIDEO BELOW FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS[/su_heading]
[su_heading style=”flat-dark” size=”30″ margin=”0″]EQUIPMENT NEEDED[/su_heading]
[su_heading style=”flat-dark” size=”30″ margin=”0″] EQUIPMENT NEEDED[/su_heading]
