Overhead Camera Setup for Drawing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2025
- A behind-the-scenes look at two simple camera setups I use to film overhead drawing, model making, and architectural sketching. I use both to document my design process in the studio and the components for one of the two rigs shown can be purchased for less than $40.
For the first setup I’ve used a tripod with a center column that extends horizontally to capture the sketching surface. It’s important to keep the camera’s sensor parallel to the work surface so you’ll be able to flip it in post for that over-the-shoulder perspective. I use a DSLR (both the Canon 70D + Canon 6DMKII) for these as the zoom lens allows me to easily frame and recompose the field of view but it isn’t necessary. My first videos actually used a smartphone attached with a rubber band to an inexpensive tripod.
The less expensive DIY setup uses a smartphone attached to a friction arm. This can be used stand-alone with the included C-clamp and mounted to any surface that will receive the clamp, or it can be permanently affixed to various locations by installing threaded brass inserts to receive the male end of the friction arm. In the video you’ll see the overhead locations where I’ve mounted them in my studio. If you don’t have any accessible mounting points, I also show you how to use a small boom arm as a mounting point. Although it can be a little bouncy if you bump it, it’s perfectly workable.
I also discuss: lighting (artificial and daylight), backgrounds and offer you the tips I’ve used to film many overhead, tasty-style videos in my architecture studio.
Learn more (+gear pics): thirtybyforty.c...
*Links to gear in the video (affiliate)*
thirtybyforty.c...
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// GEAR I USE //
DRONE:
*Mavic Pro by DJI: amzn.to/2hW3dTA
DSLR CAMERA:
Canon 6DMKII thirtybyforty.c...
Canon 80D: amzn.to/2fBWGMQ
LENSES:
Canon 24mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29l7ac5
Canon 40mm f2.8 Lens: amzn.to/29x2QcI
Canon 10 - 18mm f4.5 - 5.6 IS Lens: amzn.to/2vyErvS
Canon 24-70mm f2.8L Lens: amzn.to/2DMt0Y5
MUSIC I USE:
thirtybyforty.c...
AUDIO:
Rode VideoMic Pro (hotshoe mtd.): amzn.to/29qlNM3
ATR-2100 USB (dynamic mic): amzn.to/2dFDaKp
ARCHITECTURE GEAR:
Copic Markers: thirtybyforty.c...
Prismacolor Markers: thirtybyforty.c...
Timelapse Camera: thirtybyforty.c...
AutoCAD LT: amzn.to/2dxjMDH
SketchUp PRO: amzn.to/2cRcojz
HP T120 Plotter: amzn.to/2dBGf1O
Adobe CC Photography (Photoshop/Lightroom) Plan: amzn.to/2dhq5ap
CAD DRAWING TEMPLATE:
Download here: thirtybyforty.c...
STARTUP TOOLKIT:
Architect + Entrepreneur Startup Toolkit: thirtybyforty.c...
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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
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![TIMETHAI - ไม่อยากให้เป็นเขา (Why tho?) [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o2qYlGVVtOw/mqdefault.jpg)
Oh my gosh...I’ve been using these tripods for years and I never thought of putting the front two legs ON the table! Brilliant! 🤯
Me neither!!!
What the name of this tripod?
@@aponchowdhury4325 manfrotto 055 tripod
I have regular and never once occurred to me doing this would actually have gotten the camera way more in an over head position than just on the ground and angled down.
I'm using a very small room with no space for the types of stands these overhead videos often suggest. But, I have a _Manfroto 055._ I just got it out and had a quick play with it. My desk is up against a wall in front of a window, but I can put the back leg on the window sill, the front legs on the desk, and I only need to find a way to tether or counterbalance it so it doesn't tip forward once the camera rig is mounted on it. Some great tips in this video. Super inspiring.
I have a regular camera tripod as I wanted to shoot flat surface I thought I have to buy extra tripod for this.. This video just saved my pocket.. Huge thanks..
You are a very good man, may be you do not realize how inspiring you are for us (hispanics), we can see these great videos and ideas from South America all the way to the North. Gracias de verdad!!
really appreciate that my friend...sometimes making videos feels as if I'm speaking into an big empty vacuum...
good to know they're helping you!
I think this is the best video I’ve come across to record top down. I appreciate the details of lighting tips mentioned!!!!! And alternate ways to create this setup!!!!! Thank you!
Thank you very much. I was getting a bit frustrated at trying to come up with a way to film my videos; this has given me some ideas how I can make a much better set up to make videos that will probably be more aesthetically pleasing.
Links to gear: kit.co/EricReinholdt/30x40-s-video-kit
Pics + other details here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/how-i-record-overhead-sketching-videos
your vlogs have been very significant, i see that there is a reason for every frame and element thats in the frame, i have a query that so far you have been working alone, am from India, so could you speak of how an architectural firm builds in time, n few examples of your regional architects whom you would be aiming to in a success scale, i was thrice drop out but haven't lost any interest and your channel is a good reason too. but i don't want to thank you yet, thanks to technology though i haven't have an opportunity of meeting the person yet i could learn life.
30X40 Design Workshop but there’s no link for the dome light
Hey there, it's listed in the blog post, check it here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/how-i-record-overhead-sketching-videos/
can you leave a link to the tripod you use
Have you tried taking the pole out, flipping it upside down and re inserting it from the bottom up? I was forever trying to find a solution and using your technique with the two legs on the table... but finally realised I can take the entire ole out and use it upside down :D
Love your channel, and that studio is gorgeous. Even the landscape we can see outside the windows.
super smart setup. Thanks for introducing the friction arm.
absolutely...you probably need one...or four...
Thank you!! Finally recording drawings and calligraphy. Setting up was the hard part before I found this video. I will have to get that light source as well. I have been eye balling it for months now. Lol. Thanks for the detailed video.
Wooow!!! the tripod legs setup this way with some counterweight really saved my day, i applied the same principle with my gimbal and it worked fine. Thanks for sharing your setup.
This video speaks to me. Concise and to the point. Thank you!
thank you Mr. 30x40 Design Workshop for that Great Information and also for including the links where to buy the equipment!
I also use a similar setup for my videos but I had problems with the camera shake due to the movement of the table, at the end after several tests I preferred to make a special bar supported by two stands for side lights on which I mounted a head for my reflex and I found the optimal situation. Sometimes DIY is the only solution.
Very useful video , thanks for making 😊
Thank you for sharing these awesome tips. Fully view video. Have a great day. Happy holidays! 🤶🎅 🎄
you just helped me out a ton. Im a start recording my music production with these tips. Ty again i just subbed and turned on notifications. I wanna learn how to draw also and you seem like the person to watch.
Thank you so much for this! Glad I stumbled upon this YT video of yours! I will just make and use whatever I have at home for the meantime.
Thank you so much this video has helped me so much in beginning videos. Have a great day
I am looking at doing model making and mechanical drafting, and got a lot of ideas from this, thank you.
This is the most useful tips I had found on TH-cam so far! Thanks
Hi Eric , we have a saying in my country "The art of managing with what u got is an act of creativity"
Thanks
That was excellent sir !!!! Outstanding
Thank you for this one! I do pattern making tutorials and it bothers me a lot on how to get the right positioning for my tripod and camera and this set up is all I NEED! BIG THANK YOU!!!!!
Nice...glad it was helpful! I'm using a C-stand now too...that's even better (but a little more $)
@@30by40 oh yes it is! But you gotta spend money for the right angles I guess! Thank you again! 🙏🏼
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing 👍
Really enjoyed watching this video. Thanks Eric for great inspiration.
Thanks so much! Your gear is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Great tips, much appreciated.
Thank so much for this useful tips! Keep up the good work
Very nice and simple video with great tips thank you for sharing your ideas
Amazing... a different perspective on the usual perspective 😊
cheers mate...
This was so helpful as informative, thank you!
I especially loved how you have options for either side of the budget spectrum.
Fantastic video, super helpful, very well done!!! Thanks!
FInally, a practical toturial that you can do with things i already have. Congrats. Excelent video =)
Excellent content here, thank you, very useful
Loved your setup. I am going for it👍🏻
Awesome...such a lifesaver....thanks for the hacks
Thanks for the tip! Really find this useful and hopefully could apply it to my speedpaint videos!
Love how much open you are with sharing everything that makes your videos great! More power to you.
Thanks for showing the friction arm trick
Awesome video! Super helpful!
Feeling inspired every time I drop by your channel!
Super cool video. Appreciate the tips! 👍🏻
This video was extremely helpful. Thanks buddy!
Thanks for the tips. I will try this. 😍😍😍
Glad I found this amazing channel
that manfrotto tripod technique is great
This is exactly i wanted to know. I'm an architect so i totally like this kind of instruction haha. Also an aspiring illustrator wantng to record my process . Thank you
Excellent video!
Arquitecto¡ mis más sinceras felicitaciones por mostrarnos los trucos de cámara que no vemos a simple vista ... saludos de El Salvador
cheers my friend...!
Man that’s creative. Thanks for the advice👍
I have the same tripod, but I always leaned it precariously against the table. This looks like a better solution thanks!!!!
This type of job had such a lot of efforts to work but you keep Inspiring me Eric.
Thanks mate.!!
Great info ...very informative .thanku for sharing this video
The best informative video. Thanks for sharing.
Very helpful video. Thanks for sharing
This was a great video. Gave me all of the information I needed and more! Thank you.
Great tips and examples here!
Great technique.. appreciated 👌
TRULY INFORMATIVE AND BEAUTIFULLY SHOT, THANKS FOR THAT!!
This is the video I needed. Thank you.
Wow! I loved this video, thank you for sharing your knowlegde!
Eric, What can I say, but thank you ever so much.
Inspired by you my friend...sorry it was a week late...I was tending to some client work in the studio...
Now, I can't wait to see what you come up with using these techniques! Give a shout if you need any help along the way...
I totally understand and I honestly thought it would be a couple of months down the line. Once I go live I'll drop you a line. I also see you did a follow up with Enoch Sears which I need to listen to as well! Keep making things and speak soon.
Super dope vid, so glad I found it. Thanks for sharing! 😎👌🏼 ✨
Great info......apparatus is useful for my practice as an artist! You are amazing....thanks for the share!😀
cheers my friend...glad to help...
Great tutorial man. Keep it up. 😄👍
Brillant tips, thanks for sharing!
i really learned from your video .. thanks for all the information 👍🏻🌟🎬🙏🏻
Very informative. Thank you!
Exceptional video! Great help
Thank you so much for what you are doing.
Fyi Manfrotto also makes a "Magic Arm" articulating arm that will hold a large DSLR with ease. Great video, as always.
thanks for sharing...cheers...
The "friction" aka "magic" aka "Noga" (brand name) arms are super popular because they are the most versatile and adjustable. The beefy versions can work well for holding a DSLR w/lens. But Manfrotto also makes a line of "articulating" arms, such as their Model 143BKT that are a bit more rigid. They trade some ease of adjustment for stiffness (sometimes a good thing when you've got a few thousand dollars hanging off the thing), and are a potential middle ground between a "magic arm" and a full tripod setup. Paired with a clamp like the Manfrotto 035 "Super clamp" you've got a really versatile setup that can clamp to a desktop, a 2x, the edge of a door (to hold a flash), a ladder rung, etc.
Very useful video! Thanks a bunch! Solved my problem! 😉😊👍🏻
Your brilliant thanks very much for your information for your overhead shots
thanks for the work reinholdt! Keep it up - you have absolutely inspired me to go my own path. Thank you!
I got a camera jib and realized that it was perfect for this. Plopped a pan-tilt head on the end to make it point straight down and voila!
good idea for the shoot... thank you for share it.
and what you draw is amazing....
Really nice idea
Very very nice!
VERY helpful! I always want to hit my head on the wall when shooting overhead stuff!!!!
Hi Eric - A few months ago, I had commented on one of your other videos asking if you had intentions to share your film making process. Well, you delivered in this video! Absolutely fantastic job! Thank you for continuing to inspire me in the various creative endeavors that you pursue. \m/
hey Jon...glad you enjoyed it...hoping to be able to pull back the curtain more in future vids...I'm still learning myself...!
\m/
Thank you for this.🙏👍
Awesome... thank you
Thankyou so much for thw tips 😊😊
Thanks for explaining what happens when you rotate 180 degrees and the camera head is tilted while recording. I needed to understand that.
That was amazing advice. Thank you for sharing!
I like your video very much, so inspiring!!
Fantastic ideas
Great video. I love the Manfrotto tripod. I learned to record me creating art on ceramic plate. And I loved your white ink pen! Thanks a ton for sharing
Appreciated your tutorial
I was trying To do a setup with my Phone but it was even not a little bit professionnal. Thanks for the video and the link for the parts.
Forgot the C clamp ! D'oh !
I have the knowledge, motivation and the capacity of doing great project but lacks media presence. Your vids come at a great time for me and my practice. Keep up the great work!
good luck to you David...all the good stuff takes time...
Very nice
Beautiful
Really helpful...Thanks a lot 💖
Super cool. Thanks!!!!
I had a microphone boom stand and thought it was useless... Until i found this guy!
Using Mechanical Engineering to mantain balance well done ;)
Thanks for the lesson.
A great practical advice! Thank you a lot for this....
You need to update your affiliate link for Sketchup to the Trimble subscription model...unless the gangsters at trimble don't have affiliate program. You could do a video explaining options for new sketchup users NOT using the freebie online, browser-based sketchup product. If that had been my intro I would have never continued. My investment in myself becoming proficient with SU (v2-v2016) is what made it possible for me to walk into big offices as a designer. My best option I point friends and new users to is downloading SU 2016 (Maker?... free version) to learn and grow.
BTW your production value went like a hockey stick from 2016-2018. It's my something I'm studying closely as I'm considering producing shorts and podcast. Yours is among highest production quality among architecture vlogs. Thanks for your hard work.
Thank you for this great well presented content .
Very useful video 😍🥰