Filming an interview where the interviewee is on camera and the interviewer is off-camera might
seem straightforward—but the choice between using one camera or two can dramatically affect
how your final video looks and feels. Both setups have their strengths, and understanding the
difference helps you decide what’s best for your production, budget, and story.

The One-Camera Setup

A single-camera interview setup is simple, efficient, and ideal for smaller productions or quick
shoots. In this approach, one camera focuses entirely on the interviewee. The interviewer sits just
off to the side of the lens so that the subject appears naturally engaged—looking slightly off-
camera, as if speaking to someone just out of frame.

Pros:

• Efficiency: You only have one camera to manage, which means faster setup, fewer
  technical issues, and less gear to transport.
• Cost-effective: Perfect for tighter budgets, solo shooters, or smaller production teams.
• Streamlined post-production: With one angle, editing is simpler and faster—ideal for
  projects with short turnaround times.

Cons:

• Limited flexibility in editing: If the subject stumbles, it’s harder to cut seamlessly
  without a second angle to hide the edit.
• Less visual variety: The audience sees only one viewpoint, which can feel static or
  repetitive during longer interviews.

Still, a one-camera setup can look excellent when framed properly, with good lighting and audio.
For quick testimonials, social clips, or short interview bites, one camera often does the job
beautifully.

The Two-Camera Setup

A two-camera setup adds another layer of professionalism and storytelling flexibility. Typically,
one camera remains locked on the interviewee for a medium shot, while the second camera
captures a close-up or a different angle—such as a tighter shot of facial expressions or profile
view.

Pros:

• Dynamic editing options: With two angles, editors can cut between shots to maintain
  pacing, emphasize emotion, or cover mistakes and filler words seamlessly.
• Visual engagement: Switching between angles keeps the viewer’s attention, making theconversation feel more alive and cinematic.t.
• Better storytelling control: You can highlight subtle reactions, add emphasis during key moments, and create smoother transitions between answers.

Cons:

• More setup and coordination: Two cameras require extra lighting adjustments, more
  gear, and careful matching of color and exposure.
• Higher cost: More cameras mean more crew, more data, and more time in post-production.

Despite these challenges, a two-camera setup is the gold standard for polished interview
work—especially for documentaries, corporate videos, and promotional pieces where
storytelling depth and viewer engagement matter.phasize emotion, or cover mistakes and filler words seamlessly.

Which Should You Choose?

If you’re shooting a quick, low-budget piece where simplicity and speed are key, a single camera
works perfectly. But if your project demands a polished, professional look—or you anticipate
heavy editing—a two-camera setup gives you the flexibility to elevate your production quality.
In short: one camera captures the message, but two cameras capture the story.