Mastering Multicam in DaVinci Resolve

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What You need
3. Downloading DaVinci Resolve 17
4. Choosing the footage
5. Importing the footage
6. Adjusting frame rates
7. Optimizing your system
8. Creating the multi-cam clip
9. Editing the multi-cam clip
10. Switching between camera angles
11. Making edits and adjustments
12. Rendering and exporting the video
13. Conclusion

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to Record a video using multiple camera angles. Many people assume that this is a complicated process, but with the right software and equipment, it can be surprisingly easy. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to Create a multi-cam video using DaVinci Resolve 17, a free software that can be downloaded online. We will also cover the necessary equipment and provide sample files for practicing. So, let's dive in and learn how to impress your audience with multi-cam videos!

What you need

To get started with recording a multi-cam video, you will need the following:

1. Two or more cameras: Any camera will do, even an old cell phone.
2. DaVinci Resolve 17: This free software will be used to edit and sync the footage.
3. Footage for multi-cam editing: You can either use your own footage or download the provided sample files.

In the next sections, we will guide you through the process of downloading DaVinci Resolve 17 and importing your footage. Let's get started!

Downloading DaVinci Resolve 17

Before you can start editing your multi-cam video, you will need to download and install DaVinci Resolve 17. The good news is that it is entirely free to use. You can find the download link for DaVinci Resolve 17 in the description below. Once you have downloaded and installed the software, we can move on to the next step.

Choosing the footage

Now that you have DaVinci Resolve 17 installed, you need to decide what footage you want to use for your multi-cam video. This could be a work presentation, a school project, or any other event that you want to capture from different angles. If you don't have any specific footage in mind, don't worry! We have included sample files in the description for you to practice with. These files will allow you to follow along with this tutorial.

In the next section, we will Show you how to import your footage into DaVinci Resolve 17. Let's Continue!

Importing the footage

To import your footage into DaVinci Resolve 17, you will need to navigate to the media page. Once you are on the media page, the easiest way to import your media is by dragging and dropping it. Simply select the video files you want to import from your desktop or folder and drop them into the media pool in DaVinci Resolve.

When importing your footage, you may come across a prompt that asks if you want to change the project frame rate to match the clip frame rate. It is important to ensure that both video files have the same frame rate when you recorded them. Click on "change" to automatically update the project frame rate Based on the clip frame rate.

If you are working with multiple camera angles, it is worth noting that it can be taxing on your machine, which may result in lag. To overcome this, you have two options. First, you can generate proxy media, which creates lower-resolution versions of your clips. Second, you can generate optimized media, which provides better performance when working with multiple camera angles. These options are particularly helpful if you are working with many different camera angles.

In the next section, we will guide you through the process of creating the multi-cam clip. Let's proceed!

Adjusting frame rates

Before we synchronize the footage for the multi-cam clip, it is essential to ensure that both clips have the same frame rate. This step is crucial for seamless editing and switching between camera angles throughout the video. Take a moment to double-check that the frame rates match for all the clips you imported. If necessary, you can use DaVinci Resolve's frame rate adjustment functionality to modify the frame rates of your clips to match each other. Frame rate consistency is key to achieving professional-looking multi-cam videos.

In the next section, we will discuss how to optimize your system for smooth editing with multiple camera angles. Let's continue!

Optimizing your system

When working with multiple camera angles, it is important to optimize your system to ensure smooth editing and playback. Depending on the capabilities of your machine, handling multiple high-resolution video files can be resource-intensive. Lag and performance issues can hinder your editing experience. To overcome this, DaVinci Resolve provides options to generate proxy media or optimized media. These options create lower-resolution versions of your clips, which can significantly improve performance. It is recommended to experiment with these features if you encounter any performance issues during editing.

In the next section, we will focus on creating the multi-cam clip in DaVinci Resolve. Let's proceed!

Creating the multi-cam clip

Once you have imported your footage and prepared your system, you can now create the multi-cam clip in DaVinci Resolve. Start by selecting all the files you want to include in the multi-cam clip. You can do this by holding the Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) key and clicking on each file. When you have selected all the clips, right-click on one of them and choose the option to create a new multi-cam clip using the selected clips.

A dialog box will appear, allowing you to define the settings for the multi-cam clip. You can specify the start point of the multi-cam clip, give it a name, and select the frame rate. Additionally, you can choose the method for synchronizing your different camera angles. DaVinci Resolve offers various options, including visual sync, timecode sync, and marker sync. For simplicity, you can opt to sync your clips based on the audio.

Next, you have the option to name the different angles in the multi-cam clip. You can choose between sequential names or use the existing clip names. If you have specific preferences for naming the angles, you can customize them accordingly. There are additional options available, such as splitting the multi-cam clips at gaps or detecting clips from the same camera. Make sure to review these options based on your specific needs.

Once you have defined the settings for the multi-cam clip, click on "Create" to proceed. DaVinci Resolve will create the multi-cam clip and organize the original clips in a separate bin, simplifying the editing process. Now that we have the multi-cam clip set up, let's move on to the next section and start editing our video.

Editing the multi-cam clip

With the multi-cam clip created, we can now start editing the video in DaVinci Resolve. Switch to the editing view, where you will find the media pool at the top. If you don't see it immediately, you can toggle the media pool on or off by clicking on the corresponding icon. Locate your multi-cam clip in the media pool and drag it down to the timeline below.

At this point, your video clip on the timeline may only be utilizing one camera angle and one audio source. In the following sections, we will explore how to switch between cameras and make adjustments to create a dynamic and visually engaging multi-cam video.

In the next section, we will discuss how to switch between camera angles in the multi-cam viewer. Let's continue!

Switching between camera angles

To switch between camera angles in your multi-cam video, you will need to focus on the source viewer and the final video viewer in DaVinci Resolve. By default, you will see two video clips side by side in the viewers. If you prefer to work with just one viewer, you can toggle between one or two viewers by clicking on the corresponding icon.

To select different angles in the multi-cam viewer, simply play your timeline and click on the video clip you want to have displayed. As you click on different video files in the multi-cam viewer, the timeline will automatically adjust to reflect your selection. This allows you to switch between camera angles in real-time.

Alternatively, you can use shortcut keys to switch between camera angles. For example, pressing the "1" key will select the first camera angle, while the "2" key will select the second camera angle. This shortcut can be a convenient way to quickly switch between angles as you review and edit your multi-cam footage.

In the next section, we will explore making edits and adjustments to your multi-cam clip. Let's proceed!

Making edits and adjustments

Now that you understand how to switch between camera angles, you can start making edits and adjustments to your multi-cam video as desired. By playing the timeline and selecting different camera angles, you can create a dynamic and visually engaging video that seamlessly transitions between perspectives.

If you need to make fine adjustments to the start or end points of your clips, you can utilize the editing tools provided in DaVinci Resolve. These tools allow you to trim and rearrange clips, ensuring smooth transitions and precise timing throughout your multi-cam video. Take some time to experiment and refine the sequence to achieve your desired result.

In the next section, we will discuss the process of rendering and exporting your multi-cam video. Let's continue!

Rendering and exporting the video

Once you have finished editing your multi-cam video, it is time to render and export it as a final product. To do this, navigate to the deliver page in DaVinci Resolve. Here, you can define the settings for your video export.

In the top left-HAND corner, select the appropriate output option based on your intended use. If you plan to upload your video to YouTube, choose the YouTube option. Give your video a file name, choose a location to save it, and set the resolution and format preferences.

Once you have configured the settings according to your needs, add the video to the render queue. The render queue allows you to manage and organize multiple render jobs. Once the video is in the render queue, you can initiate the rendering process, which will finalize your multi-cam video according to the selected settings.

Congratulations! You have successfully created and edited your own multi-cam video using DaVinci Resolve. Now you can share your impressive work with others or use it for professional purposes.

Conclusion

Recording a video with multiple camera angles may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it becomes an achievable task. In this tutorial, we explored the step-by-step process of creating a multi-cam video using DaVinci Resolve 17. We learned how to import footage, synchronize clips, switch between camera angles, and make edits to create captivating videos.

By leveraging the power of multi-cam editing, you can add a professional touch to your videos and impress your audience. Whether you are creating work presentations, school projects, or creative content, multi-cam videos offer a dynamic and engaging experience.

Now that you have mastered the art of recording a multi-cam video, why not explore other editing techniques and further enhance your video editing skills? The possibilities are endless, and with practice, you can continue to refine your craft and create amazing videos.

So, go ahead, experiment, and have fun with multi-cam video editing! The world is waiting to see your creativity in action.