What is a Multi Camera Setup — Guide with Examples

Single and Multi Camera Production

First, let’s define a single camera setup

It may sound ironic to say: but it’s (usually) harder to use a single camera setup than a multi camera setup. Why? Because a single camera setup requires multiple shoots of the same scene to get coverage. It’s just not an efficient way to make recorded media: movies or TV. 

Historically, network TV sitcoms have used multi camera setups. Think shows like Seinfeld and Friends. In these shows, the actors treat the soundstage like a theater stage: they act out towards the audience while the multiple cameras track them; multi camera setups are naturally suited to live studio production.  

In the clip below, Friends star Matt LeBlanc tells a funny story about switching from multi camera to single camera.

Single camera setups are used in most shows without a studio audience. The term “single camera setup” itself is a bit misleading. It doesn’t necessarily mean the production team has one camera. It just means that the production is designed to capture one shot at a time. For example: if the shooting script calls for an over the shoulder shot, you’re going to need to shoot with a single camera setup because you’d see other cameras in the shots. Imagine shooting two over the shoulder shots at the same time: you’d be staring directly at the other camera; or shooting wide while a camera operator is shooting OTS: you’d see the operator and the camera.

Multi camera setups work best in a fixed shooting environment, such as a studio. We’re going to show you how to work a multi camera setup in a bit, but first, let’s formally define its elements.

Multicam Shows Explained

How to use a multi camera setup

There are two reasons to use a multi camera setup: 1) for recorded media and 2) for live media. Let’s break down recorded media first. 

Let’s say you want to shoot a scene with a multi camera setup. Since it’s not live, you don’t need a switcher. All you need is two or more cameras, ideally set to the same settings. This video shows how to match cameras, sync settings, plan coverage, and more.

You can use a multi camera setup to reduce the amount of takes needed to get multiple angles of a scene. Just remember not to let your other camera(s) leak into the shot. After you record your video, you can upload it to your computer and edit it together with a video editing app.

Now, let’s talk about live streaming. Live streaming with a multi camera setup is a bit tricky; it requires two or more cameras, a switcher, special recording software, and potentially a capture card.

If you’re considering using a multi camera setup for streaming, it’s not hugely important to match your cameras. If one of them is mirrorless and another is a DSLR, that’s fine. Heck, you could use a couple mismatching phones so long as you can effectively switch between them – but make sure they are compatible with the switcher!

The switcher is the tool that allows you to, well, you guessed it, switch between video feeds. You’ve probably seen them on news shows before: those big boards with dozens of buttons. There are smaller (and cheaper) versions that work well for streaming.

Many streamers use Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) to live stream. There are other options, but OBS is open-source and the most popular.

If you want to switch between video from your cameras and video that’s being captured, say on a video game console, you’re going to need a capture card. If you’re interested, check out our article on the best capture cards.

This next video goes into further detail on setting up a multi camera setup for live streaming.

The more professional you want your multi camera production to look, the more tools you’re going to need. Of course, matching cameras, wireless transmitters, and multiple mics are nice, but they’re also expensive. If you’re not going out into the field, start simple, and add to your kit when you find out you need more.

Up Next

Best Streaming Cameras

Thinking about producing your own multi camera setup? Check out our article on the best streaming cameras, where we break down webcam, smartphone, and cinema-grade examples. We’ll show you options at every budget tier so you can find the best option for your setup!

Up Next: Guide to Streaming Cameras →