Today, a live-streaming webcast is an increasingly popular medium for distributing content. Used by broadcasters and businesses of all kinds, this video technology allows for incredible audience reach. And as more people move away from traditional media sources such as cable, live stream webcasts are seeing surges in viewership.

With the increased ubiquity of webcasts, however, comes increased competition. With more broadcasters and businesses utilizing them, viewers are demanding only the highest quality. A single-camera setup won’t cut it anymore. Instead, a multiple-camera setup is the new way to go. In a multiple-camera mode with a central camera and proper camera placement, a multi-camera shoot will garner more attraction. You’ll appear more professional, prove more exciting to viewers and help them keep coming back to your webcasts — but you need the right equipment.

In this article, we guide you through the multi-cam setup for live streams. We explain in more detail the benefits of a multi-camera production. We go through the hardware, software, set-up and operations. Finally, we detail other considerations to take and technical roles before concluding.

Table of Contents

• • Why Stream with Multiple Cameras?
  • Challenges of Multi-Camera Streaming
  • Best Multi-Camera Live Streaming Software
  • Equipment Requirements for Multicam Live Streaming
  • Set-Up and Operation
  • Other Considerations
  • Technical Roles
  • Conclusion

Why Stream with Multiple Cameras?

Live streaming is more than just about delivering content. No matter how engaging your content may be, you must make it visually appealing to keep your viewers entertained and interested throughout your multi-camera livestream show. The main goal of using multiple cameras to stream live is to add interest to your content and keep the audience hooked.

Think about it, what would you find more visually appealing? A single camera recording from a single angle or a more diverse mix of wide-angle shots, bird’s eye views, and tight shots of when the broadcaster is speaking to the audience?

Streaming with multiple cameras makes video content more exciting. Just look at any professional broadcast on TV or any film. The scene tends to cut between multiple angles from different sources. This setup also helps visually explain your narrative better to your audience with fewer words

News shows, for example, often use three cameras with the following multiple camera angles:

• A wide shot that shows the entire studio
• A medium shot that shows both hosts and their desk
• A tight shot that shows the head and shoulders of each host individually

This allows the broadcaster to switch in real-time between the different angles and views.

• The wide shot can “establish” a setting and help the viewer orient themselves. 
• The medium shots are ideal for interactions between multiple people. 
• And the tight shots capture the emotion and allow one person to take center stage.

This is basic cinematography. Multi-camera filming has been a staple of video production for more than 100 years for good reason. It’s simply more interesting, engaging, and generally a better way to communicate a story.

Almost any television show or movie you have ever watched uses multiple cameras to create a more immersive experience. Just looking at one static image isn’t that engaging. Online live streaming is no different.

Online live streaming is no different.

Streaming with split screens or switching between multiple camera angles is engaging. It can even be done with a single operator using fixed cameras or PTZ cameras.

The biggest benefits of streaming with multiple cameras are: 

• More engaging content
• Longer audience retention
• Less editing 

Multi-camera live-streaming works well for a variety of different events, such as: 

• News shows 
• Tutorials
• Product reviews
• Music events and concerts
• Community events
• Live entertainment

Multi-camera live streaming is a great way to elevate your broadcasting level. It can help keep your audience more engaged and contribute to longer view times and increased viewership.

Challenges of Multi-Camera Streaming

Of course, this method of storytelling comes with particular challenges. More cameras equal more complexity. Multi-camera live streaming, using multiple sources, requires linking all the different cameras to one central hub. Then, someone has to decide which shot to switch to at any one picture at any given moment during the live stream.

• More equipment: With multi-camera streaming, you need multiple cameras and cables to link the cameras to a central hub. You may also have multiple audio input sources.
• More staff: It is possible to engage in multi-camera streaming. However, multi-camera streaming works best when you have a team to manage the different channels and behind-the-scenes work. 
• More skills: You need more advanced skills to create a multi-camera stream. You or your team needs to understand how to do live video mixing. 
• More data: Multiple cameras produce much more data. Managing, streaming, and storing all this additional data requires diligence and more computing power.

However, the advantages are worth it; this type of broadcast is getting more accessible than ever. In the past, multi-camera streaming required a significant crew and a television studio. Today, with the best live stream software, you can make a high-quality, multi-camera live stream with one person or a small team within a reasonable budget.

Best Multi-Camera Live Streaming Software

You’ll need a hardware or software encoder with an HD input to create your video stream and do secure video upload. Some viable options include live stream encoding software and hardware encoders. 

These software packages are VidBlasterX, Wirecast, and OBS Studio.

1. VidBlasterX

VidBlasterX is Windows-only software, and its unique modular design makes VidBlasterX highly expandable and customizable. It is one of the multi-camera live streaming software solutions on the market that you can use. 

There are different versions of VidBlasterX that you can purchase and use for your multi-camera live streaming needs.

• VidBlasterX Home is the base product. It supports up to 7 modules.
• VidBlasterX Studio has several features for the studio production of videos (hence the name) and allows for more versatile videos. The Studio version supports HD and full-screen television-quality production and community support. 
• VidBlasterX Broadcast incorporates all the features of VidBlaster Studio, adds more module capacity, and is recommended for professional broadcast studios. With Broadcast, you get direct email support from the developer.

Basic Features:

• Live mixing tools to switch between multiple sources in real-time
• Low latency design using proprietary “SyncLok” feature
• Modular audio mixer
• Video effects and green screen support
• Custom scripting language

VidBlasterX supports multiple cameras via the camera module. More than one camera module can be added to the monitor, making it easy to switch between different cameras.

Key Features:

• Modular user interface; everything is customizable
• Includes macro and scripting functionality to automate or hot-key actions
• Supports overlays and lower thirds
• Chroma key support
• Live streaming and recording up to 4K resolution
• Compatible with social media platforms as well as most OVPs, including Dacast with a direct integration
• Audio mixer
• Multiview support

Pros:

VidBlaster X stands out because it is a feature-rich software encoder and video production tool. It is also easy to customize the software to fit your needs. Plus, they have plans for a wide range of budgets.

Cons:

One of the biggest cons of VidBlasterX is that it isn’t compatible with macOS, so if you use an Apple computer, you will need to find a different encoder tool. It is slightly complex, making it ill-suited for inexperienced broadcasters. 

Pricing:

VidBlasterX is available in three versions. Each of the following options is priced with an annual subscription model:

1. The Home version ($9/year) supports 7 modules.
2. The Studio version ($99/year) supports 25 modules.
3. The Broadcast version ($999/year) supports 100 modules. This version also supports multiple recorder & streamer modules in a single profile.

The difference between the versions is the number of simultaneously active modules you can have. The Home editions support up to seven modules, enough for basic live streaming. The Studio edition supports up to 25 modules, and the Broadcast edition supports 50 modules. These higher limits allow professional users with multiple monitors to set up and oversee complex workflows.

Additionally, the Broadcast edition also supports UDP streaming, multiple streaming sources, and recorder modules in a single profile, and includes priority support.

2. Wirecast

Wirecast is a powerful live streaming software available for Mac and Windows. This live-streaming software easily incorporates pre-recorded video content into your broadcast. It also supports encoding HD and SD sources for streams broadcast simultaneously to multiple servers and streaming platforms.

Basic Features:

• Support for multiple sources, including cameras, webcams, IP cameras, and NDI sources
• Screen share and videoconferencing built-in
• Stream and record streams locally
• Tool for animating titles and graphics

Key Features:

• Input sources from cameras, mics, webcams, IP cameras, capture cards, and desktops
• Ideal for sports: instant replay, scoreboards, clocks, and timers
• The free wireless camera app allows you to use any iOS device as a video source
• NDI support
• Graphics and titling tool
• Audio mixer and up to 8 audio tracks
• Built-in video conference tool
• Stream to more than one destination simultaneously
• Support for MIDI hardware controllers
• Stream and record simultaneously, with re-stream and live caption options
• Multiple bitrate streaming
• Integrates with Facebook Live and Twitter for sharing comments on-screen
• Includes instant replay, scoreboard, and timers for sports
• Free wireless camera app turns iOS devices into mobile live video sources
• Stream to multiple destinations simultaneously
• Integrated video chat via “Wirecast Rendezvous”
• Local program output

The latest version of Wirecast is 15.1.2. The newest full version features several enhancements and fixes, including FBLive polling, a rewritten WebStream plugin, and Virtual Camera improvements. 

Pros:

Wirecast is a great encoding option, as it is an easy-to-use and user-friendly platform, making it great for new and experienced broadcasters. It is compatible with most operating systems, so it should work with your computer. 

It is also a fully loaded program with lots of valuable features you can use to enhance the quality of your multi-camera live stream.

Cons:

The biggest drawback of Wirecast is that it has a high price point, making it a tool more for experienced users with big budgets. Also, Wirecast consumes a lot of computer memory, so you need a powerful computer to use this program. 

Also, many of the best features are locked in the “Studio” version.

Pricing:

The software comes in two versions:

• Wirecast Studio for enhanced live production & streaming: pricing is $24.92/month billed annually. Includes NDI, screen capture, supported GPU-accelerated decoding and more.
• Wirecast Pro for advanced live production and streaming: pricing is $799 for Lifetime LIcense, which also comes with a free trial. You can also purchase a subscription plan for Wirecast Pro which includes Wirecast Premium Access Support.
  • 1 month for $49/month, billed monthly
  • 1 year, billed monthly, for $39/month
  • 1 year, billed annually, for $420/year ($35/month)

There are two different versions available, with different pricing options. Wirecast Studio costs $33.25/month billed annually. Includes 7 remote guests, ISO recording, PTZ camera control and more.

Check out this document for some recommendations for using Wirecast with multiple cameras, or click here for a real-life example.

3. OBS Studio

The last of the multi-camera live-streaming software options we’ll examine here is OBS Studio. OBS Studio is an open-source software application available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. OBS offers many great features for new broadcasters who are just getting the hang of live streaming. The software has a set of  OBS-specific settings and system requirements to ensure the most optimal live broadcasting experience.

The latest version of the classic OBS Studio Version 27.1.3 was released on October 4, 2021, and is a free download available for macOS 10.13 or newer, Windows 8, 8.1, and 10, as well as Ubuntu 18.04 operating systems. For the Linux version, FFmpeg is required. 

Basic Features:

• Support for a wide range of sources including cameras, audio devices, screen capture, webcams, etc.
• The “Scenes” feature allows you to preconfigure complex arrangements of graphics, video, overlays, etc.
• Audio mixing capability
• Video transitions and effects including green screen
• Support for a wide range of plugins to add features such as NDI support
• Modular user interface

OBS supports multiple camera sources natively. These sources (up to 8 of them) can easily be monitored via the Multiview feature. Multiview also makes it easy to see multi-camera streams and transition to any of them with a single click.

Key Features:

• HLS Live streaming and recording functionality
• Audio and video mixing, filters, and transitions
• Support for hotkeys
• Chroma key/green screen support
• Scenes allow you to prepare overlays in advance for rapid switching
• Support for a wide range of video, audio, and image sources, as well as screenshots
• Expandable via plugins to add NDI functionality, remote control via WebSockets, advanced scene switching, and more
• One notable negative is that OBS Studio does not offer multi-bitrate streaming
• Detailed wiki and highly active user forum for support/help. Many YouTube tutorials are available as well.

Pros: 

There are many reasons to use OBS Studio, with one of the most prominent being that it is free to use. Plus, OBS Studio works with most video hosting platforms, making integrating your video hosting solution easy.

OBS Studio works with Windows 8, 8.1, 10, macOS 10.12+, and Linux. It is also open-source, allowing for ongoing development and crowdsourced improvements. It is a great encoder and video production tool for beginners and advanced broadcasters.

Cons:

OBS Studio does work with macOS but only offers very basic compatibility. You can’t access all of the features on a Mac. 

The program is taxing on CPU and memory, requiring a well-equipped rig to run the software. There also isn’t a lot of detailed guidance or support.

Pricing:

OBS Studio is free to use and can be modified or extended by anyone via an API, plugins, and scripts.

To learn how to live stream using OBS Studio, check out our dedicated guide to streaming with OBS on Dacast.

Equipment Requirements for Multicam Live Streaming

Like any professional broadcast, you’ll have to consider the live streaming equipment needs. Multicam live streaming has a few specific requirements.

We’ve already covered multi-camera live streaming software options, but let’s look at the physical equipment needed for a multi-camera set-up, including a camera, switcher, and audio equipment.

1. Camera

You will need two or more cameras for a multi-camera live streaming experience. Your chosen cameras must be equipped to shoot in HD (high definition). These days, it’s easier to acquire affordable multiple cameras that shoot at 1080i and output either an HDMI or HD-SDI signal. 

It is very important to shoot in HD, even when streaming at SD (standard definition) bit rates. This is because HD sources have significantly higher visual quality than SD sources, even when encoded at lower bit rates to accommodate a diverse viewership.

For example, check out the Canon EOS C200 4K HD camcorder.

This camera has a 4K CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC DV 6 Image Processors, an ISO range of 100 to 102,400 dual XLR inputs, and HDMI outputs, and is compact enough for travel. Make sure to select fluid head tripods that fold up compactly enough to fit in a suitcase.

2. Switcher

Seamless switching between the various cameras is a must. In addition, the ability to add transitions, effects, and graphics is key for a multi-camera live streaming setup. 

Some viable switcher options include software-based products such as Telestream’s Wirecast, which we mentioned above in our encoder review. 

For hardware switchers, you might consider the Black-magic Design ATEM Television Studio or all-in-one streaming boxes such as the Livestream HD500.

3. Audio

For some events, a few wireless mics will be sufficient. More often than not, there will be a live sound system to which you can connect. We recommend bringing a small audio mixer to control the volume level of the feed you receive.

With a mixer, you can also add an ambient mic. The mic can capture the audience and venue sounds not picked up by the PA system.

Another consideration is maintaining sync between the audio and video. Typically the video switcher introduces a delay of 2-3 frames, which means you want to delay your audio by the same duration.

Sometimes the solution involves routing the audio output of your mixer through one of your cameras. That way, the audio embeds the video inside the camera. Then, it reaches the switcher through one of the video inputs. At that point, the switcher maintains the audio/video sync. This is one way to achieve live video and audio mixing. 

However, if you bring the audio directly into the encoder, note that you will need an audio delay unit to compensate for this lag.

Set-Up and Operation for Multi-Camera Live Streaming

To help put the scope of the multi-camera setup and operation into perspective, we will run through a live-streaming success story where a one-person crew controlled the two cameras, switcher, audio mixer, and encoder.

In this configuration, two cameras were connected to a Black-Magic Design ATEM Television Studio Switcher. The switcher was compact and affordable, with a list price of about $1000. To use it, the operator employed a laptop as an external control surface and a field HD television as a multi-view monitor.

The ATEM has 6 inputs and HDMI and HD-SDI outputs. It also featured a real-time H.264 output for recording an archive of the program stream.

The HDMI program was routed to a Matrox O2 Mini external video capture device. This device, in turn, connects to a second laptop, which acts as the encoder. A Mackie 1202 mixer receives a feed from the house PA system. 

The output then went to a Behringer DEQ2496 processor. The processor delayed the audio by 2 frames. From there, it converted it to a digital AES/EDU signal for input to the ATEM switcher.

Also included in this system is a Matrox DVI convert. This conversion transcodes the screen of the host’s computer into an HD video signal that you can switch to a video source. A pair of studio headphones monitor the audio from the Mackie mixer and the encoder laptop. 

Finally, the encoder laptop also serves to monitor the webcast. 

Other Considerations for Multi-Camera Live Streaming

There are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to multi-camera live streaming. The most important thing is to designate one of the multi-camera setups as your wide/master shot and the other for your close-ups.

You’ll spend most of your attention framing the close-ups. When changing angles, switch to the wide shot until your new close-up is appropriately framed. You may need to adjust your master shot from time to time. However, when you lose your close-up with multi-camera live streaming, you typically use this camera to fall back. 

The idea is to avoid panning and zooming to cover the action. It would be best if you refrained from panning unless you’re actively tracking a moving subject.

Additionally, a small multi-camera setup showing a team is ideal, but you can operate a multi-cam live stream with one person.

Technical Roles

With the above context in mind, let’s take a closer look at the necessary roles and design requirements for successful multi-camera live streaming.

By nature, one-person multi-camera live streaming requires a single person to wear several distinct hats. These roles include:

• The work of 2 (or more) camera-people
• Director of Programming
• Technical engineering director
• Audio engineers
• Encoding engineers

This streaming setup should be enough to get you through your first multi-camera streaming project!

Conclusion

Using a multi-camera setup can prove to be a beneficial approach to live stream webcasting. Whether it’s via your website, broadcasting live sports events or professional content for your organization, a multi-cam setup will help increase your quality, viewer interest and base.

Using our guide, you should now feel more confident in setting yourself up with several cameras. As we mentioned and gave examples of, the software you use is of vital importance. You need a professional-grade platform with the technical capabilities and support you need to get started on the right foot.

Dacast is one such professional platform. Dacast is a complete live-streaming solution. Its white-label features mean you can create your unique brand identity for your multi-camera setup streaming setup. Also, you’ll have full support from our technical experts who can help get you up and running with your webcast in no time.

You can try Dacast’s streaming and hosting features right now with our 14-day risk-free trial.

Start for free now

Good luck with your multi-camera live streaming setup, and thanks for reading.

This article originally appeared as a part of our Tips & Tricks series, educates readers on advanced tricks of the trade for video, and has been updated with the latest information as of February 2024.

The series comes from the expertise of outside experts in the field, and some parts of this post were written as a guest post by Gregg Hall. He joined us from Webcast and Beyond, an online video service that researches the best equipment and techniques to produce high-quality yet affordable webcasts.