What Camera Should You Use for Your Live Broadcast Multi-Camera Production?

You’ll need at least two cameras for a multi-camera live broadcast. Which should you choose? Professionals in business, those who run event companies, broadcast sporting events, stream production from houses of worship and more may need professional advice about which cameras are the best for their needs. The team at VidOvation can help. Or, if you know that you want to do a live broadcast with two cameras or more, then you can read on to learn about what we typically advise to people in your situation (although you may want to follow this up with professional advice anyway.)

First, why do a multi-camera broadcast? When you’re live, offering multiple points of view or perspectives is especially important. You offer a more dynamic view this way, which helps keep audiences engaged. With multiple perspectives you can also tell a story, emphasizing emotion with close-ups, or developing the scene with wider shots.

Overall, multi-camera broadcasts will increase your production value and the viewers will think more favorably of your story, your organization, your location, or anything else that you are promoting.

Techniques for Multi-Camera Production

There are some techniques for multi-camera productions which you should familiarize yourself with when you assess your camera needs:

• First camera: Your first camera is all about capturing a close-up of the main point of action, the main thing that is happening. It should have the longest lens and should be in the front of the house.
• Downstage: Your second camera should be downstage. It should be capturing other points of interest. Sometimes you may need more than two cameras to capture other interesting angles and other things that might be going on.
• Transitions: Transitioning between these two cameras, or more, are the straight cut and dissolve. You need cameras with video return in order to enable the transitions almost seamlessly.
• Focus on framing: You will need to arrange potential frames for your shots ahead of time with your operators. You might want a tighter or a wider shot

Camera One: The SilverBack V

The SilverBack V allows you to convert and 12G, Dual-Link, Quad-Link 4K camera to a “4K live” camera for your live production. It is connected to your base station with only a single fiber cable. Getting a cinematic look to your live production is simple with this very high-quality camera. It has a full control panel that allows for full camera control from your base station, truck, control room, or wherever you are set up. The SilverBack V itself mounts to your camera seamlessly, without any sharp corners or angles. Your operator will also enjoy using the bright blue display which, while easy to see, is not distracting from the action.

It has very useful features for live and multi-camera streams which include Intercom, tally, Genlock and audio paths.

Want to take your camera further? With the SilverBack V you do not need to connect to an external power supply. Add a rear battery plate for backup power and use the “Juice” ™ option to take the camera wherever your live action goes.

Camera Two: The VariCam HS

The Panasonic VariCam HS is a superb camera from the VariCam line. It is often used in professional productions, such as movies, commercials and television programs. However, we also recommend it for live and multi-camera productions where you need flexibility and progressive workflows. That is one of the most important offerings of this camera. With dual-codec recording, a modular design and in-camera color grading, this camera is renowned for progressive workflows.

When you are focusing on live multi-camera productions, one of the other most important functions of this camera is its strong performance in capturing motion. This is helpful for virtually all events, from concerts to sports, church events, and so much more. Capturing the action clearly is one of the most essential tasks of broadcasting things live.

Other specifics about this camera which may interest you include creating dailies on-site, simultaneous recording of masters and dailies, flexible set-up, ruggedness, high speed 240 fps, and more.

Get Your Cameras and More Support from VidOvation

Which of these two great camera options should you use? It depends on your specific needs. But, the quality of your production and, to some extent, your engagement metrics, depend on the camera you choose and the quality and features you need to We can help you sort out your options at VidOvation.