Why do I need more than one camera for my project?
Dear Slow Clap,
I recently secured budget approval to create a customer testimonial video for the legal contracting startup where I work. Initially, I assumed this could be filmed with just one camera, but every quote I’ve received suggests using 2-3 cameras. Why is that?
– Perplexed Product Marketer
Dear Perplexed Product Marketer,
Congrats on getting the budget! Investing in a customer testimonial video is a smart move. These videos have a unique way of connecting with audiences, sharing your impact through real, personal stories.
The short answer to your question is that more cameras provide greater flexibility for capturing different shots, resulting in a more dynamic video, but let’s break this down a bit more:
Using more than one camera allows you to record from different perspectives simultaneously. It also allows you to incorporate a wider variety of shots such as wide shots, close-ups, and over-the-shoulder angles for example. This in turn allows for seamless edits, whereby the editor can switch between angles to maintain continuity and flow.
For a testimonial video, this means:
A primary camera can focus on the customer as they share their story.
A secondary camera can capture close-ups, side profiles, or creative angles to add visual variety.
An additional camera might focus on props, products, or surroundings to provide context.
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Filming with multiple cameras also allows for a more efficient shoot as you can capture all the necessary angles in one go, reducing the need for repeated takes.
Testimonials are about connecting emotionally with your audience. Multiple cameras allow you to:
Zoom in on the speaker’s expressions, emphasizing key moments of passion or sincerity.
Show reaction shots if there’s an interviewer, creating a conversational feel.
Incorporate cutaways, such as the customer interacting with your product or service, to enrich the narrative.
These varied shots make the video more dynamic and engaging, holding the audience’s attention. Capturing footage from multiple angles gives editors greater creative flexibility — they can highlight key emotions or seamlessly cut to another angle to cover minor mistakes. It also eases the pressure on the interviewee, allowing for multiple takes without the need to get everything perfect on the first try.
With multiple cameras, editors can:
Switch between shots to match the flow of the testimonial.
Highlight important points by cutting to close-ups.
Create a visually varied video that avoids monotony.
If you get it right, a customer testimonial video can be a great investment and a piece of content that you can use for years to come! And a multi-camera setup will ensure your testimonial video delivers maximum impact and demonstrates the professionalism of your brand, Slow Clap happens to be an expert at testimonials 😉— good luck!
Katy at Slow Clap
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