Birdseye/overhead soluition for laptop videos at DVinfo.net

Scott Millar · February 18th, 2011, 07:57 AM

I'm filming a series of laptop repair videos. Having filmed a few my hands either get in the way of the camera or the lid of the laptop screen get in the way.

Anyway after some experimenting I started using a webcam taped a hat - the results were good however too much camera movement.

Having got two Canon XHA1's i'm thinking it would probably be better if I could use them. Can anyone recommend an overhead/birdseye soution. That I can buy off the shelf. Not really wanting to do something DIY as I do not have the time or the tools.

Something similar to what animation studios use to hold the cemera above a drawing. Probably about 3 foot max in height.

Mike Watson · February 19th, 2011, 02:06 PM

Try a copy stand.

If you re consider about DIY, I use one made out of a piece of 2" PVC. I hold it up with two light stands and have a 1/4"-20 through the middle. Mine is 10' across for shooting bigger items, but you could certainly make one smaller for your needs.

The 2" pvc is actually the same piece of PVC that serves as the center of the stand for my white seamless. I love stuff that is double duty, and I love carting around less crap that I otherwise would.

Here's an example of a time-lapse shot with my DIY copy stand:

Scott Millar · February 20th, 2011, 02:55 PM

thanks for the info Mike - might go down the DIY route - not much in the way of choice for copy stands here in the UK.

Paul Cascio · July 16th, 2011, 07:55 AM

Cool video, Mike. If those are your kids, I was wondering if they can clean their rooms that fast? :)

February 18th, 2011, 07:57 AM	#1
Scott Millar New Boot Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Posts: 19	Birdseye/overhead soluition for laptop videos I'm filming a series of laptop repair videos. Having filmed a few my hands either get in the way of the camera or the lid of the laptop screen get in the way. Anyway after some experimenting I started using a webcam taped a hat - the results were good however too much camera movement. Having got two Canon XHA1's i'm thinking it would probably be better if I could use them. Can anyone recommend an overhead/birdseye soution. That I can buy off the shelf. Not really wanting to do something DIY as I do not have the time or the tools. Something similar to what animation studios use to hold the cemera above a drawing. Probably about 3 foot max in height.

February 19th, 2011, 02:06 PM	#2
Mike Watson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 1,082	Try a copy stand. If you re consider about DIY, I use one made out of a piece of 2" PVC. I hold it up with two light stands and have a 1/4"-20 through the middle. Mine is 10' across for shooting bigger items, but you could certainly make one smaller for your needs. The 2" pvc is actually the same piece of PVC that serves as the center of the stand for my white seamless. I love stuff that is double duty, and I love carting around less crap that I otherwise would. Here's an example of a time-lapse shot with my DIY copy stand: American Heart Association Logo Animation on Vimeo

July 16th, 2011, 07:55 AM	#4
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	Re: Birdseye/overhead soluition for laptop videos Cool video, Mike. If those are your kids, I was wondering if they can clean their rooms that fast? :) __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

February 20th, 2011, 02:55 PM	#3
Scott Millar New Boot Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland Posts: 19	thanks for the info Mike - might go down the DIY route - not much in the way of choice for copy stands here in the UK.