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

Authors
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    Name
    Robin
    Twitter
TL;DR
Core Pain
Board game or figure streaming often suffers from poor angles, glare on cards, and shaky footage from unstable desk mounts.
Search Intent
Budget overhead camera setup for board games, tabletop streaming mount guide, how to fix glare on cards for stream.
Key Conclusion
Stability is everything. Mount your rig to a wall or ceiling rather than the desk to eliminate vibration. Use 45° side lighting with diffusers to kill card glare.
Overhead Camera for Tabletop Streaming Fix Banner

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 Tabletop Streaming Flow Diagram

Overhead Streaming Workflow: Showing the path from camera capture to OBS processing and final delivery.

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.

Rigging and Stability

Mounting options for Overhead Camera

Mounting Option Comparison: Ceiling mounts vs. wall booms vs. C-stands for maximum stability.

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.

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.

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

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