Creating a multi-camera video shoot has always been a challenge. Producers have to set up different cameras, assign camera operators, run those cameras thru a switching device, assign a technician to the switcher, and have the capacity to direct everything (and everyone) in real time. Video products like NewTek’s TriCaster have made the process easier. But TriCasters don’t come cheap, and now that we’re all walking around with devices that have built-in HD cameras, it seems only obvious that we should be able to put those devices to work in a multi-cam setting. And that’s exactly what Switcher Studio was made to do.

Switcher Studio allows producers to record video and stream live to a number of popular platforms, such as YouTube, Facebook, Ustream, Twitch, and other RTMP-compatible services. The video production is managed using Switcher Studio’s Director Mode feature:

Use Director Mode to record 1080p HD video. This feature allows you to disable the built-in camera on the main mixing device and connect up to 4 additional iPhones or iPads as sources. Tapping “Rec+Broadcast” triggers a recording on each connected device so you have full quality video from each angle regardless of any glitches or hiccups on the network. When the production is complete you can composite the video from all angles with any edits made during your event. The final video can then be uploaded directly to YouTube or sent to your computer so you can make additional edits using Final Cut Pro X. Director mode can also be used in combination with a streaming video platform so you can broadcast at a lower bitrate while capturing full HD video to upload for on-demand playback after your production.

Switcher Studio offers a full suite of effects and features to make professional-looking videos:

Manage transition type(s) and duration or use the multi-view feature to cue multiple sources simultaneously

Select from layouts like dashboard, slots, flap and picture-in-picture or layer other content in your production

Add photos from your camera-roll or insert an image during your production

Prepare lower third graphics and logos to include in your broadcast

Take photos with another device and link with your iCloud account to update assets on the fly

Bring your computer screen in as a source (Pro account required)

Connect the primary Switcher to a TV or projector for viewing using a HDMI adapter or Apple TV via AirPlay support (Pro account required)

The most impressive feature of Switcher Studio is its ability to connect and control different mobile devices as individual cameras:

You can use the built-in camera of your mixing device as the primary camera or wirelessly sync up to 4 other iOS devices for multi-camera productions. Simply install Switcher Studio on any iOS device and select “Use as camera” from the welcome screen to connect as a source on the primary device. All devices communicate over a local wifi network and you can easily increase the distance between devices by expanding your network. Use Switcher Studio and capture unique perspectives to go where no one has gone before.

Switcher Studio is available under three different tiers. The free tier allows users to broadcast for up to 30 minutes a day for free. The Basic tier is $20/month and it unlocks more of Switcher Studio’s features. The Basic tier also has no limit on the amount of time video streams can last. For $25/month or $299/year, users can pay for Switcher Studio Pro, which offers the service’s full suite of options, including being able to connect up to four different iOS devices as cameras.