Darbin Orvar has put together a great video that shows how to build your own overhead camera rig for filming and photography. This type of setup is perfect for a stable and consistent platform for shooting from above. It’s an inexpensive and relatively easy project if you’re the DIY type.
Here is the list of materials needed to build the overhead camera rig.
Frame:
A: #4 @ 1 1/2 x 34 1/2“ - legs
B: #4 @ 3/4 x 34 1/2“ - legs
C: #6 @ 1 1/2 X 22“ - leg braces
D: #2 @ 35 x 1 1/2“ - leg braces
Q: #2 10 “ 45 degree bevel - brackets
Z: #4 8 “ 45 degree brackets
drill
1/8“ drill bit
1 1/4“ screws
Rig:
E: #2 @ 1 1/2 x 22“ - rails for track
F: #1 @ 2 x 34 7/8“ - main track
I: #1 @ 2 x 28“ - top track with nut
H: #2 @ 1 1/2 x 9“ - track sliders
G: #1 @ 2 X 30“ - camera slider
K: #1 @ 1 x 2“ - slider cap
J: #2 @ 7 x 7“
- camera knobs
drill
drill bits
1/8, 1/4, 3/8“
1 1/4“ screws
epoxy
#2 1/4 - 20 - 1 1/2“ coarse screws & #1 1/4“ nut
Paper Holders:
6 ft 1/2 copper piping
pipe cutter
#4 copper fasteners
rolls of paper
drill
1 1/4“ screws
This can be customized with your own features and gadgets to fit your own project needs. If you’d like to see another cool overhead camera rig, check out Casey Neistat’s setup in this video (around the 5 minute mark).
See more DIY videos and resources on the Darbin Orvar website: darbinorvar.com
