Live streaming with multiple cameras is absolutely possible! There are a few different setups and software options that allow you to switch between different camera feeds and incorporate multiple camera angles into your live stream.
Benefits of Using Multiple Cameras for Live Streaming
There are several key benefits to using a multi-camera setup for your live streams:
- Provide different viewing angles – With multiple cameras you can show the action from different perspectives and give your viewers a more dynamic experience.
- Switch between shots – Multi-cam setups allow you to seamlessly switch between different shots to highlight different elements and keep your stream visually interesting.
- Cut between scenes – Using a multi-camera system lets you transition smoothly between different scenes, locations or segments within your stream.
- Picture-in-picture – Some multi-camera software allows you to show multiple camera feeds simultaenously in a picture-in-picture view.
- Camera redundancy – Having multiple cameras provides backup in case you experience issues with one of your cameras during a stream.
- Create production value – The ability to cut and switch between different angles gives your stream a polished, professional feel.
Equipment You’ll Need
To live stream with multiple cameras, here is the essential equipment you’ll need:
- Cameras – You’ll need at least 2 cameras, but can use more if desired. Most types of digital cameras can work for streaming including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, camcorders or even webcams.
- Capture device – A capture card or device is required to get your camera feeds into your streaming software and computer. Common options include Elgato Cam Link, Blackmagic capture devices, Magewell cards, or AJA capture boxes.
- Software – Multi-camera capable live streaming software is essential. Popular options include OBS Studio, vMix, Wirecast, and XSplit.
- Computer – You’ll need a sufficiently powerful computer to handle all of your camera feeds and streaming software. Extra RAM and a good graphics card help tremendously.
- Camera stablization – Using tripods or stands to hold your cameras steady will keep shots from being shaky or jittery.
Optional extras can include camera lenses, lighting kits, microphones, monitors and more specialized streaming gear depending on your specific setup.
Multi-Camera Setup Styles
There are a few common multi-camera streaming setup styles and configurations:
Two Camera Shoot
A two camera setup is the simplest multi-camera streaming configuration:
- Wide establishing shot + tighter shot
- Presenter + slide visuals
- Over-the-shoulder shots
- Back and forth two person interview
This allows for basic editing between different angles and subjects. One camera can serve as the primary shot while the other provides B-roll cutaways.
Three Camera Shoot
A three camera setup expands your options:
- Wide + tight + super tight
- Presenter + slides + audience view
- Individual shots of three panelists
- Front + side + back stage views
This style provides greater flexibility to switch between different shots and subjects within your stream. The third camera can be used for cutaways, detail shots, or another angle of your main subject.
Four+ Camera Shoot
With four or more cameras, you can capture and switch between many different angles and shots:
- Main room view + close ups on multiple individuals
- Multiple angles around a stage or performance
- Camera dedicated to graphics or overlays
- Crowd reactions/audience shots
The more camera feeds you have, the more dynamic and polished your stream can be. However it also increases the complexity of your switching and requires more specialized hardware.
Multi-Camera Live Streaming Software
To switch and cut between multiple camera feeds in real time requires specialized live production software. Some top options include:
OBS Studio
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular free and open source solution. You’ll need to add the OBS Camera plugin to enable multi-camera functionality.
vMix
vMix is designed specifically for live video production and multi-cam streaming. The Standard version supports up to 4 HD inputs.
Wirecast
Wirecast from Telestream is a cross-platform live streaming production tool with support for switching between multiple camera feeds.
XSplit
XSplit Broadcaster and VCam both enable multi-camera production and switching. VCam also allows using a computer webcam as an input source.
Other Options
Switcher Studio (iOS), KeepTruckin (Android), Larix Broadcaster (mobile), SplitCam (Mac), ManyCam (Windows) and others also provide multi-cam support.
How to Set up a Multi-Camera Stream
Here is an overview of how to configure a basic multi-camera live stream setup:
- Connect each camera to a capture device or card and connect the outputs into your streaming computer.
- In your live production software, add each connected camera as a unique input source.
- Arrange the different shots in your scene and edit canvas.
- Switch between shots manually or create transitions during your live broadcast.
- Stream your edited multi-cam feed to your desired platform – YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, etc.
- Monitor and control your streaming using software controls or external hardware control panels.
Setting up the inputs, configuring software, testing transitions, and managing the live switching does take some extra effort. But the payoff is hugely expanded production capabilities for your streams!
Tips for Multi-Camera Live Production
Here are some handy tips when live streaming with multiple cameras:
- Use camera presets or marks to save and snap back to common shots and angles.
- Keep cameras on stable tripods to avoid shaky or erratic shots.
- Allow extra overhead and capacity for your computer and network connection.
- Have a producer or director switch between shots rather than doing it yourself while on camera.
- Use graphics, lower thirds, and text overlays to help identify locations, subjects, etc.
- Try using color correction settings to match overall lighting and tone between cameras.
- Test your equipment thoroughly before going live to work out any kinks.
- Consider using picture-in-picture or split screen views to show multiple angles simultaneously.
Common Questions
What is the best live streaming software for multi camera live streaming?
The most popular and full-featured multi-camera live streaming software options include OBS Studio, Wirecast, vMix, and XSplit Broadcaster. All provide professional tools for switching and cutting between multiple camera feeds.
How many cameras can I use to live stream?
You can use as many cameras as you want for live streaming! But most common setups range from 2 to 6 cameras. The software, hardware, internet bandwidth and production complexity factors increase substantially with more cameras.
Can I live stream from multiple locations?
Yes, with the right software and equipment you can live stream from two or more physical locations simultaneously. This requires streaming devices and good internet connectivity from each location along with multi-camera mixing software.
Can I use my DSLR as a webcam for live streaming?
Absolutely! DSLR and mirrorless cameras work extremely well as webcams for live streaming using a capture card device and webcam utility software like SparkoCam or OBS Camera.
What internet speed do I need for multi camera live streaming?
As a general guideline, you’ll want at least 10 Mbps upload speed per concurrent Full HD camera feed. So 4 cameras would need minimum 40 Mbps upload bandwidth for smooth streaming. Faster internet speeds are recommended when possible.
Conclusion
Multi-camera live streaming takes a bit more gear and effort compared to a basic single camera setup but provides you with vastly more production flexibility and professional stream capabilities. With the right software, hardware and internet connection, you can seamlessly switch between different shots and camera angles during your broadcasts and engage your viewers with dynamic, polished content.