I'm filming a series of laptop repair videos. Having filmed a few my hands either get in the way of the camera or the lid of the laptop screen get in the way.

Anyway after some experimenting I started using a webcam taped a hat - the results were good however too much camera movement.

Having got two Canon XHA1's i'm thinking it would probably be better if I could use them. Can anyone recommend an overhead/birdseye soution. That I can buy off the shelf. Not really wanting to do something DIY as I do not have the time or the tools.

Something similar to what animation studios use to hold the cemera above a drawing. Probably about 3 foot max in height.

Try a copy stand (http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGLQ_ENUS300&q=copy+stand).

If you re consider about DIY, I use one made out of a piece of 2" PVC. I hold it up with two light stands and have a 1/4"-20 through the middle. Mine is 10' across for shooting bigger items, but you could certainly make one smaller for your needs.

The 2" pvc is actually the same piece of PVC that serves as the center of the stand for my white seamless. I love stuff that is double duty, and I love carting around less crap that I otherwise would.

Here's an example of a time-lapse shot with my DIY copy stand:

American Heart Association Logo Animation on Vimeo

thanks for the info Mike - might go down the DIY route - not much in the way of choice for copy stands here in the UK.

Cool video, Mike. If those are your kids, I was wondering if they can clean their rooms that fast? :)