Overhead camera for pool table?

M

mohrt

Student of the Game
Silver Member
Does anyone have a good solution for an overhead camera for the pool table? I would think a small permanently mounted camera that covers the table with minimal fish eye, which has ability to start/stop recording for youtube uploads. Does such thing exist that isn't prohibitively expensive? climbing up and down a ladder to put my phone up there doesn't sound workable. :) With my table lined with grids this would be a great way to demonstrate shots.
 
mohrt said:
Does anyone have a good solution for an overhead camera for the pool table? I would think a small permanently mounted camera that covers the table with minimal fish eye, which has ability to start/stop recording for youtube uploads. Does such thing exist that isn't prohibitively expensive? climbing up and down a ladder to put my phone up there doesn't sound workable. :) With my table lined with grids this would be a great way to demonstrate shots.
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Check my videos in the ghost challenge thread. Probably the best you can do on a 9’ high ceiling. Camera is a DSLR with a 10-18mm lens.
 
I'm thinking of a GoPro and using post-processing to remove fisheye. Can you link your thread?
 
iusedtoberich said:
Check my videos in the ghost challenge thread. Probably the best you can do on a 9’ high ceiling. Camera is a DSLR with a 10-18mm lens.
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I own a Canon Rebel T3i with a 10-18mm lens, but IIRC these cameras have a limit on the time they can stream video.
 
mohrt said:
I own a Canon Rebel T3i with a 10-18mm lens, but IIRC these cameras have a limit on the time they can stream video.
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I have the same camera (I think from memory not home now). There is a free hack called magic lantern that will let you record until your card fills up. That’s what I used.
 
Here is a one rack video with that camera and 10-18 lens. The lens is set to 13mm in this video. I also drew lines on my table 8 years ago. There is a bit of distortion the balls are different sizes the further they get from the lens. But imo, it’s pretty good.

If your goal though is to show something fine enough to demonstrate an aiming system, I frankly don’t think any camera system will get you there. (Regardless of the aiming system). If you are talking about how to sight the ball. If only to demonstrate shots from a general macro standpoint, then it’s good enough.

This is my 4th camera system on my table in the past 8 years. They are not trivial!

 
Here is my build thread showing all the details if you’d like more information.

Designing new light, projector mount, and camera for table

I'm redoing my table, light, and camera setup. I also just purchased the Projection Pro Billiards system. I also moved my table a few feet, which was the impetus for the new light. I'll be updating this thread with my progress. All comments...
forums.azbilliards.com
 
I'm looking at a GoPro Hero, it has "linear" mode that removes much of the fisheye effect. I can pick up a Hero7 for $199, and it also streams wireless to my phone, which is a huge plus over USB or HDMI. Also this is something I can leave attached to the ceiling and it is relatively small. Example recording:

 
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That looks quite good. Worth a shot for sure especially considering the price.
That table looks to be a 7’. I wonder when it’s wide enough for a 9’ if it will still look straight.
 
iusedtoberich said:
That looks quite good. Worth a shot for sure especially considering the price.
That table looks to be a 7’. I wonder when it’s wide enough for a 9’ if it will still look straight.
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I think so, the video shows a much wider shot than the 7' table surface. I also have a hero 3/4/5 (?) around here I got in 2015, I just need to locate it ;)
 
iusedtoberich said:
I have the same camera (I think from memory not home now). There is a free hack called magic lantern that will let you record until your card fills up. That’s what I used.
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I have magic lantern installed I believe. However, this camera has sat in its bag for almost 6 years. It probably needs some firmware updates :)
 
I purchased a GoPro 7 Black today to see how well it works for an overhead view, using streaming option to a PC/laptop. Wish me luck :)
 
Camera is up, here is a low-res preview.

table.png
 
Looks good! Are your lines drawn on the table or do you have a projector system? (I have lines both ways on my table, ha ha).
 
iusedtoberich said:
Here is a one rack video with that camera and 10-18 lens. The lens is set to 13mm in this video. I also drew lines on my table 8 years ago. There is a bit of distortion the balls are different sizes the further they get from the lens. But imo, it’s pretty good.

If your goal though is to show something fine enough to demonstrate an aiming system, I frankly don’t think any camera system will get you there. (Regardless of the aiming system). If you are talking about how to sight the ball. If only to demonstrate shots from a general macro standpoint, then it’s good enough.

This is my 4th camera system on my table in the past 8 years. They are not trivial!

Click to expand...
Have you ever tried to incorporate a pause on your back stroke?

In spite of all the positives I have learned about this one thing, I have not successfully broken the habit of no pause. I can do it for hours in practice and under duress it all goes out the window.

Sorry for the change of direction from the thread's question.
 
Coos Cues said:
Have you ever tried to incorporate a pause on your back stroke?

In spite of all the positives I have learned about this one thing, I have not successfully broken the habit of no pause. I can do it for hours in practice and under duress it all goes out the window.

Sorry for the change of direction from the thread's question.
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I probably did experiment with it maybe 15 or 20 years ago when I was re-working my stroke. To be honest I don't remember how I got where I am now. I think it just evolved by thinking about it less and less. I think I put all the set pause finish stuff out of my brain and just played:)
 
4noxx said:
Looking for a Wireless Solution. Knows anyone a good small WiFi camera?
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That seems like the best way to do an overhead camera in the light fixture. The power is already there for the lights and you avoid a wire back. A quick check of Amazon for WiFi cameras turned up a lot of security cams that might work. 100 companies offering products for around $30 so it's the usual Amazon roulette to find a good one.
 
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