Best Techniques for Editing Multicam Footage in DaVinci Resolve
Best Techniques for Editing Multicam Footage in DaVinci Resolve
OK, you have just filmed your first project on multiple cameras. What next? You need to edit it, right?
In this blog, I have detailed how to multicam edit your footage using DaVinci Resolve (free and paid version)
Editing multicam footage can significantly enhance the storytelling of your videos, allowing you to switch between various camera angles seamlessly. DaVinci Resolve offers a robust set of tools for multicam editing, making it a popular choice among video editors. This guide will walk you through the best techniques and a step-by-step process to effectively edit multicam footage in DaVinci Resolve.
Understanding Multicam Editing
Multicam editing is essential when working with multiple camera angles, such as during live events, interviews, or performances. The key benefits include:
Efficient Workflow: Quickly switch between different angles without manually cutting each clip.
Improved Storytelling: Capture various perspectives to create a more engaging narrative.
Enhanced Production Quality: Maintain viewer interest with dynamic visuals.
Preparing Your Footage
Before diving into the editing process, ensure that your footage is well-prepared:
Record with Multiple Cameras: Use at least two cameras to capture different angles. Ensure they are synchronised in terms of frame rate and audio.
Organise Your Clips: Label your clips clearly (e.g., Camera 1, Camera 2) to streamline the editing process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Editing Multicam Footage
1. Create a New Project
Open DaVinci Resolve and create a new project by clicking on "New Project" and naming it appropriately.
2. Import Your Media
Go to the Media tab, right-click, and select "Import Media" to bring in your video clips from different cameras.
3. Create a Multicam Clip
Select all the clips you want to include in your multicam edit.
Right-click on the selected clips and choose "Create New Multicam Clip." In the dialog box:
Choose a sync method (audio sync is recommended for most projects).
Name your multicam clip and set the starting timecode if necessary.
4. Edit the Multicam Clip
Switch to the Edit tab.
Drag your newly created multicam clip into the timeline.
To view all angles simultaneously, enable the Multicam Viewer by clicking on the icon in the viewer panel.
5. Switching Angles During Playback
Play through your timeline. As you watch, click on the desired angle in the Multicam Viewer to switch between camera feeds seamlessly.
You can also use keyboard shortcuts (like numbers 1, 2, 3) corresponding to each angle for quick switching.
6. Fine-Tuning Your Edits
After making initial cuts, you can refine your edits by:
Adjusting clip lengths.
Replacing angles by selecting a new angle while in edit mode.
Flattening the multicam clip if you want to make further adjustments without switching angles.
7. Adjust Audio Settings
If your cameras recorded audio, select the best audio track for your final output. You can do this by right-clicking on the audio track within the timeline and choosing "Change Source Audio."
8. Colour Grading and Final Touches
Once satisfied with your cuts, proceed to colour grade your footage using DaVinci Resolve’s powerful colour grading tools.
Ensure all clips have consistent colour tones and exposure levels for a professional look.
Tips for Successful Multicam Editing
Use Good Sync Points: Ensure that all cameras are recording audio during filming; this will help DaVinci Resolve accurately sync clips based on sound waves.
Organise Your Timeline: Keep your timeline tidy by renaming tracks and organising clips logically.
Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarise yourself with shortcuts and features through practice projects before tackling larger edits.
Editing multicam footage in DaVinci Resolve can be an efficient and creative process when approached correctly. By following these steps and techniques, you can produce high-quality videos that captivate your audience with dynamic visuals from multiple angles. Whether you're working on live events or narrative films, mastering multicam editing will elevate your video production skills significantly.