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Single camera set-up is usually used as a method of shooting films and television programs. This is a easier and cheaper way to film as it will cost less in general. Shows like The Office and television adverts are usually filmed with one camera. The name single camera set up indicates that only one camera is used when filming, each shot is filmed at different times which then the camera is reset and moved to get different angles.

This image shows how single camera setups are usually used with one camera and one camera man, often looking straight at the actors or scene to show was is being looked at. Single camera setups are also a good way of showing some ones point of view for example Peep Show is filmed using a single camera and mainly each shot is showing the persons point of view, this enables the actors to move freely with the camera without bumping into any other cameras along the way and is very effective.

Single camera set ups are different to multi camera set ups as multi cameras set ups are based using a variety of different cameras to capture different shots which could be happening at the same time.  However this method is more expensive as to hire more cameras it will cost more money and it will also cost money to pay the people who are controlling the cameras, where as a single camera shot is only used by one person so only one person would get paid for using the camera.

This image shows how multi camera set ups are usually used with a multiple of people using different cameras at the at the same time to capture different angles of the same shot. A multi camera shot may be used in live shows to ensure the get every movement of the person being filmed so they don’t miss anything .however these cameras may not need to move from the position they are in as they may bump into other cameras and other cameras will have already captured the action.

There are many advantages and disadvantage of using a single camera set up. The advantages may be that it is easier to film a point of view shot as the person will be able to walk around freely with a camera to capture everything the person sees this could make the viewer feel like they are actually there. Single camera set ups are also easier and cheap to produce as the company will not have to pay out for other cameras to be used as they would only need one, this also means that money will be saved on wages as they may only need one person to film as there is only one camera being used.

The disadvantages of using a single camera shot is that it may take longer to produce something as only one camera is being used. This means that they may only be able to use the 90 degrees rule as it may take too long to film other angles, this also ensures the viewer doesn’t get confused where the actors are standing. Single camera shots will also take longer as the camera person will have to film the same scene multiple times, with each time the shot taken at a different angle.

It may be more appropriate to use a multi camera set up when filming live shows as then every angle of the scene is being filmed so every little detail gets captured. As they do not have time to stop the scene to capture it from a different angle as the show is live. They will also not be able to edit the show so they need as many cameras as possible, this may be used to capture people facial expressions and movements that are made so nothing is missed.  Multi camera set ups may also be used when filming an explosion as they may not be able to re film that specific scene as it may cost a lot of money, so if they have a variety of cameras on set the can capture every single angle and detail and edit it in a later process.

Programmes like The Office tend to use single camera set up, as this may be a low budgeted show and it may cost the company less money in producing it, as the scene is just based in one place ‘the work office’ they will not need a variety of cameras to capture the shots, this means at the end they edit the show before airing it. Certain adverts may also use single camera set ups as they will be cheaper to film as most adverts are on low budgets. Merlin is also used using a single camera this allows the camera to move freely without capturing other cameras in the scene as there will be no 180 degree rule, however this may take longer to film but it will cost the company less money to produce as only one camera is being used and only one camera man will be needed.

A single camera set up may not work for a news programme is it is live as they will not have time while filming to edit certain parts. A single camera set up will only be able to focus on one specific place. This means that the camera may not be able to capture other things that are happening.