Multi-Camera Podcast Setup: A Complete Guide

Multi-camera setups elevate video podcasts from simple recordings to dynamic, engaging content. Here’s how to plan, record, and edit a multi-camera podcast production.

Planning Your Setup

Before buying equipment, plan your shots:

Shot Types

Wide Shot: Establishes the scene, shows all participants Medium Shot: Frames one or two people, good for conversation Close-Up: Focuses on a single person, emphasizes emotion Insert/Detail: Product shots, graphics, or screen shares

Camera Count

Minimum Setup (2 Cameras):

Wide shot of both/all hosts
One camera for the current speaker

Standard Setup (3-4 Cameras):

Wide shot
Close-up per host
Optional B-roll/product camera

Professional Setup (5+ Cameras):

Multiple angles per person
Overhead/detail shots
Guest camera

Camera Placement

The Triangle Method

For two hosts, arrange cameras in a triangle:

       [Wide Camera]
          /    \
         /      \
    [Host A]   [Host B]
     Camera     Camera

Close-up cameras should be positioned just to the side of the opposite host’s eyeline, so speakers appear to look toward the other person.

Height Considerations

Eye level or slightly above is most flattering
Avoid low angles (unflattering)
Wide shots can be slightly elevated

Background

Ensure backgrounds are consistent
Watch for distracting elements
Consider depth for visual interest

Recording Setup

Resolution Matching

Keep all cameras at the same resolution and frame rate:

1080p/30fps for standard production
4K/30fps for high-end content
Match settings across all cameras

White Balance

Set the same white balance (Kelvin value) on all cameras for consistent color.

Audio Recording

Record audio separately from video:

Each host gets their own microphone
Record as separate tracks
Use audio as the master for sync

Timecode Sync

The key to efficient multi-camera editing is timecode.

Why Timecode Matters

Without timecode:

Manual sync using claps or waveforms
Time-consuming
Error-prone
Must be done for every recording

With timecode:

One-click sync in your NLE
Frame-accurate alignment
Consistent across all files
Works with any software

PixelRecorder’s Approach

PixelRecorder embeds SMPTE timecode in all recordings:

Video files (MOV)
Audio files (BWF)
All streams synchronized

This means all your sources align automatically in post.

Recording Day

Pre-Flight Checklist

During Recording

Start all recordings simultaneously
Do a sync clap (visual and audio reference)
Monitor audio levels
Watch for technical issues
Take notes for editing

Common Issues

Dropped frames: Lower resolution or codec quality Audio sync drift: Use timecode, not manual sync Storage full: Monitor space, use faster drives Overheating: Ensure cameras have ventilation

Post-Production

Importing

Import all footage into your NLE:

Create project at matching resolution
Import video and audio separately
Organize by source

Syncing with Timecode

In DaVinci Resolve:

Select all clips
Right-click > Create New Multicam Clip Using Selected Clips
Choose “Timecode” as sync method
Edit in multicam mode

In Premiere Pro:

Select clips
Create Multi-Camera Source Sequence
Choose Timecode sync

In Final Cut Pro:

Select clips
Create Multicam Clip
Use Timecode sync

Editing Strategies

Cut on Dialogue: Switch cameras when speaker changes Reaction Shots: Cut to listener for reactions Wide for Context: Return to wide shot for establishing Hold Close-ups: Emotional moments benefit from close-ups B-Roll Breaks: Cover edits with cutaways

Conclusion

Multi-camera podcast production requires planning but delivers professional results. The key is:

Plan your shots before setup day
Match camera settings across all sources
Use timecode for painless sync
Develop a consistent editing workflow

With PixelRecorder’s multi-stream recording and SMPTE timecode, the technical challenges of multi-camera recording are solved, letting you focus on content.