I need to photograph a collection of old documents with my Canon DSLR that will be on a flat tableI need a tripod that will hold my camera above and parallel to the table.You might try a Manfrotto 055XPROB ProI think this is a great, reasonably priced tripodThat one is aluminum but I also have a couple of there carbon-filiment ones, and don\'t really notice much difference other than weightThe center column is really easy to switch from vertical to horizontalYou can get a package price on it and a Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head for about $257I have 5 heads, and that one is my favorite!Other related question