How To Setup Cameras For Your Podcast or Video Show

There are several ways to configure camera setups for show production. Some creativity can go into this area of show development.  Positioning cameras can emphasize main points and it can assist with capturing meaningful moments with a guest or host.  Cameras can also be used to generate humor in your production, similar to the way ‘The Office’ uses the one-to-one confessional technique where the guest takes the audience out of real time to explain their true feelings.

In person Contentz productions can support up to two cameras in the studio setting and up to 40 on Zoom. Zoom production can be remote, which enables additional characters to connect with their own cameras.

One Camera Setup – camera one in person

A one camera setup captures horizontally oriented footage where both guest and host can be seen at all times. This is a camera in the studio, featuring a shot of both the host and guest. If there is more than one guest, then the camera and guests will be situated where the camera can capture the entire group in one angle. This will match your studio design.

Pros

• Looks ad hoc which can add to the charm of the podcast/video series format
• Does not require additional resources to cut to different shots
• Editing cost is low as a result of only one set of footage needing to be edited

Cons

• Limited options to edit different angles
• No ability to emphasize different points or deliveries by characters. What you see it what you get.

Two Camera setup – horizontal permanent view and cut to camera

Contentz’ in person studio can accommodate up to two cameras. Two cameras can be useful to capture the finer points on a show. If you have an engineer, then two cameras can be used to capture wide angle footage and close up, giving your show flexibility.

Camera one is typically set up as a wide horizontal view capturing all activity, with both guests featured. Camera two is typically set up with an engineer managing cut-to types of moments, which are scripted.

Pros

• Individual cut to: gives ability to edit to more close up or focus on one particular guest
• Medium editing budget: footage can be used to emphasize the point made by an individual

Cons

• Editing budget can be more expensive than a single camera, in particular if you want to have an engineer adjust for close up on camera two. If you do not need zoom-in, then Zoom conference footage can replace two camera footage.

Multi Camera Setup – Zoom Panel (2+ cameras)

Multi camera setup refers to one or two in person cameras mixed with footage on Zoom for guests that are remote and/or more than one guest along with the host.

Multi camera footage is easiest to capture on zoom, in terms of budget and ease of editing. Zoom automatically edits individual close ups in this format.  Zoom plus one or two in person cameras can accomplish the effect of wide angle, close up and cut to types of footage.  Mixing the three elements of One Camera, two cameras and zoom footage can help get all of the shots you need for your show.

Pros

• Capture more than (1) host and (1) guest. Add up to 50 members and feature their comments in a logical way on video.
• Leverage the in person cameras without having to worry about close ups on face.

Cons

• Editing budget can be high if you want precision mixing up to two in person cameras, along with the Zoom footage.