Logo
Published on

Overhead Camera for Tabletop Streaming: Best Budget Options and Setups (2025)

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    Robin
    Twitter
Overhead camera rig for tabletop streaming

Moved your campaign online but still want the tactile map? An overhead camera can work—if you solve three things: framing, lighting, and stability. This distills advice from r/streaming and my own tests.

TL;DR Gear Paths (Good → Better → Best)

  • Phone as camera (Good): iPhone/Android + Camo/Reincubate or OBS Camera app; clamp arm above table.
  • Webcam (Better): Logitech StreamCam or Elgato Facecam Pro; use 1080p/60, manual focus if possible.
  • Mirrorless/Action Cam (Best): Sony ZV‑E10/Canon M50 or GoPro 10+; HDMI out → capture card → OBS.

Lighting: two soft lights at 45° to avoid glare; diffuse aggressively. For grid clarity, stop down (higher f‑number) and increase ISO minimally.

Mounting That Doesn’t Wiggle

  • Ceiling mount (most stable): small camera plate + 1/4" pole from ceiling joist.
  • Wall boom arm: secure into studs; avoid desks (transfer shake).
  • C‑stand above table: quick to set up; add sandbags to legs for safety.

When to Skip the Camera and Go VTT

If you already play online: Roll20, Foundry, or D&D Beyond’s VTT lets players move tokens, see fog of war, and reduces glare/legibility issues. You can still cut a “dice cam” for drama.

Diagram: Overhead Tabletop Streaming Flow

Overhead setup diagram

Diagram explanation

  1. Camera source (phone/webcam/mirrorless) fixed overhead; power it so you’re not on battery.
  2. Clean HDMI or USB feed into capture (HD60 X or similar) → your PC.
  3. In OBS, crop to table edges, add grid/labels if needed, and scene switcher hotkeys.
  4. Audio stays on your main mic to keep voice quality consistent.
  5. Stream overlays: turn-based indicators, initiative order, and a small “GM hand” picture-in-picture if desired.

Setup Checklist

  • Hard‑mount > desk clamp to avoid wobble.
  • Lock exposure/white balance; autofocus hunts on minis.
  • Tape down cables; keep walkway clear.
  • Add a top‑down scene + a map‑detail scene; switch with a single key.

—

Inspired by r/streaming: “Overhead Camera for Streaming Tabletop Games” (comments: phone cam works; otherwise consider a VTT like Roll20 for interaction).

View on GitHub