overheadcam

An overhead camera, also known as a top-down camera, is a device mounted above a workspace to capture a scene from a direct top-down perspective. This view is commonly used to show flat surfaces such as pages, boards, or craft projects, and is employed in education, media production, and professional documentation.

Mounting options include ceiling brackets, wall mounts, and articulated arms on desks or carts. Some devices are built as dedicated overhead cameras or document cameras with outputs such as USB or HDMI. Lenses are often chosen for macro or wide-angle performance to balance detail with a broad field of view. Many setups also integrate with capture software, hardware encoders, or live streaming pipelines.

Typical applications include teaching and demonstrations, cooking and craft tutorials, product photography of flat items, and laboratory or workshop documentation where a clear, unobstructed view of working surfaces is required. In industry, overhead views support assembly guidance, quality inspection, and process recording.

Advantages of overhead cameras include a clear top-down view that minimizes occlusion by hands and tools and can simplify measurement and alignment tasks. Limitations include potential glare on glossy surfaces, perspective distortion if the camera height is not maintained, and limited depth cues compared to angled shots.

Key considerations when selecting an overhead camera involve resolution, frame rate, sensor size, lens type, lighting, and connectivity (USB, HDMI, or SDI). Some models offer autofocus, auto-exposure, and remote control to maintain consistent image quality during demonstrations.

Related terms include document camera, top-down photography, and overhead projection systems, all sharing the goal of capturing flat surfaces or documents with clarity.