Single Camera vs. Multi Camera Video Production
What is Single Camera Setup?
A single camera setup is a method of film production which generally uses one camera to film separate shots to make into a full scene. However the term single camera setup does not mean that the method is limited to the use of only one camera, sometimes two cameras can be used to film the same shot, which is common in action movies. When using a single camera setup it is generally the case that the director will set up the camera facing one actor and then all the shots of the actor for the scene will be filmed together, rather than filming the full dialogue of the scene, and then move onto the other actor in the same scene. The shots will then be edited together in the correct order. Single camera setups are mainly used in feature films, advertisements, music videos and on prime time TV shows such as Game of Thrones and Beverly Hills: 90210. TV shows like this use single camera techniques as they do not have to create as many shows like a soap opera and it allows the director greater creative control over the way that each shot is filmed. There are many advantages to using a single camera setup, firstly it gives the director greater creative control over camera placement as other cameras do not have to be considered when deciding on a camera angle, this also leads to a higher quality production as a director can put more into the overall feel of the scene. When using a single camera setup it also reduces the amount of re-takes as the shots are shorter and do not involve as many distractions. However there are some disadvantages to using a single camera setup for example it is a lot more time consuming and it is also more expensive than a multi camera setup due to the amount of time that is spent filming with cast and crew.
What is Multi Camera Setup?
A multi camera setup employs several cameras on one set to simultaneously capture and broadcast different aspects of one scene. On an average set the two outer cameras will film separate close-ups of the scene, generally the two most active characters in the shot while a central camera will film a wide shot of the scene, this way it allows the shot to be filmed in a single take. This type of filming is mainly used for live events, shows with a live audience, sit-coms and soap operas, single camera setups would not be appropriate for live events as it cannot be done in a single take. There is less editing involved when using a multi camera setup and so this is why it is best to use for sit-coms and soap operas, such as programmes like The Big Bang Theory or Coronation Street, which need to be produced quicker than films and dramas to be put out on TV. There are many advantages of using a multi camera setup rather than a single camera setup; firstly it is a lot quicker to produce as it can be filmed altogether which makes it suitable to film soap operas and sitcoms. It is also more cost effective which gives it a wider market and which is why it is not commonly used when producing a feature film. However there are some drawbacks to this method which generally lower the quality of the production, for example lighting must be put into place across the whole set which may not reflect what the director wanted for a particular shot. Also there can be issues with the amount of retakes that have to be done when working with a whole scene which can be very time consuming.
