Overhead Camera Stand

Hi there! Can't record a proper overhead video? The tripod is always in your way?

Just buy a camera stand!

But you are here because you want to make your own. Great!

If you have a not too heavy camera, a cheap lamp and can get a camera mount, fetch some matching thread and start making your stand!

Update: I switched to a much heavier camera, so a different one can be found here too, just one click away!

As mentioned:

• a camera with the standard mounting thread
• a lamp, I used a Tertial lamp from ikea, dirt cheap and suprisingly strong
• preferably a ball head for superior adjustment, bonus if it has a quick release mechanism
• a thread that can fit the ball head

We don't need the head of this lamp, so decapitate it!

This step heavily depends on your lamp. Just have an empty arm at the end.

If you can get a cheap ball head, use that. If you can get a small tripod cheaper, you can disassemble it.

(and reuse the remaining stand)

The small U-bent metal thing, which holds the head will hold the thread. Replace the lamp head holder with a thread cut in proper size. (tapping is probably needed)

Many ball heads have a threaded hole on the bottom, some of them not. Mount the ball head and you are ready!

Find the perfect spot for your new arm. Shawn Hymel (check out his YouTube channel) gave us the following tip:I recommend doing is attaching it to something that's not your desk. You'll find that if you even slightly bump your desk while trying to work, it will cause the camera to wobble. Thanks, Shawn!

One more optional, but highly recommended improvement: the frame held a thick line voltage wire. The same frame can hold a microphone, power and/or shutter cable for the camera. No one wants to see a swinging cable! Mine has the other end under the desk, so the mic doesn't bother anyone. (also if I forget to unplug, the camera shall stay there)

If you have a 3D printer, it's literally 5 minutes to design an adapter, like I did for my friend's mic. (and took 25 minutes to print)

If you liked this, check out my other instructables and if you made one, share it!