How to Record Two Cameras at the Same Time in OBS
To record with two cameras in OBS, you can either combine them into one layout or record them as separate files using a plugin. The standard way is to add both as "Video Capture Device" sources in one scene and arrange them as a split-screen or picture-in-picture.
This guide will walk you through combining them into one layout, the easiest way to get your dual-camera setup running in minutes.
Part 1: Does OBS Record Two Cameras at the Same Time?
Yes. If you can plug it into your computer, OBS can usually see it.
Think of OBS as a digital canvas. You aren't limited to one image; you can drag, drop, resize, and layer as many camera inputs as your PC can handle. Most creators use this for:
- Side-by-Side Interviews: Two people, one frame.
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Perfect for gamers or tutorials where you need a face cam over a screen or product close-up.
Why bother with two cameras?
Honestly, a single angle gets boring pretty fast. Adding a second perspective keeps viewers' brains engaged. Here is a quick breakdown of why it's worth the extra setup effort:
| Setup Type | Key Benefit | Post-Production | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cam | Simplicity and speed. | Limited to one angle. | Quick vlogs, Zoom calls. |
| Dual Cam (OBS) | Context & Detail. Show the big picture and the close-up simultaneously. | Fixed layout; ready to upload. | Tutorials, Reviews, Interviews. |
The Best Camera for OBS Recording: OBSBOT Tail 2 Live Production Camera
If you are going to juggle multiple angles in OBS, you need gear that plays nice with the software. The OBSBOT Tail 2 is a beast here. It's designed specifically for live production, meaning it integrates smoothly and, crucially, handles AI tracking so you don't need a cameraman for either angle.
Why it works for Multicam:
- NDI & Wireless Support: You aren't tied down by short HDMI cables. Connect via NDI or Ethernet for a cleaner OBS setup.
- AI Auto-Tracking: You can move around, and the camera follows. Essential if you are managing the OBS stream by yourself.
- Remote Control: Control both cameras from one spot without running back and forth.
- 4K Clarity: Because if you're going through the trouble of a dual-cam setup, the footage better look crisp.
It essentially removes the headache of "technical difficulties" so you can focus on the recording.
Part 2: How to Record Two Cameras at the Same Time in OBS
Ready to set this up? It's straightforward, but there are a few technical gotchas you should watch out for. Here is the workflow.
Step 1: Install and Launch OBS Studio
- Grab the latest version from the official OBS website.
- Install it and open it up. (Make sure you allow it access to your cameras if your OS asks).
Step 2: Connect the Cameras (The Tricky Part)
- Connect your first camera via USB or HDMI (with a capture card).
- Connect the second camera.
- Important Warning: Try to plug them into different USB controllers (e.g., one in the front of the PC, one in the back). If you plug two high-res webcams into the same cheap USB hub, the bandwidth will choke, and one camera might freeze or not show up.
Step 3: Add Video Capture Sources
This is where the magic happens:
- Look at the Sources box at the bottom. Click the "+" icon.
- Select "Video Capture Device". Name it clearly, like "Main Camera".
- Choose your device from the list and hit OK.
- Repeat this process! Click "+" again, select "Video Capture Device", name it "Side Camera", and select your second device.
Step 4: Arrange Your Scene
Now you have two video feeds piled on top of each other. Time to design:
- Resize: Click the red corners of the camera source in the preview window to shrink or expand them.
- Layer: In the Sources box, whatever is at the top of the list is "on top" visually. Drag your PiP camera above your background camera.
- Crop: Hold the Alt key (Option on Mac) while dragging a handle to crop the video if you need to cut out messy room edges.
Step 5: Don't Forget Audio
- You likely don't want audio from both cameras, as it will cause a weird echo.
- In the Audio Mixer, mute the camera audio you don't need. Ideally, use a dedicated external microphone and set that as your primary audio source to keep things professional.
Step 6: Settings & Go
- Check Settings > Video. Ensure your Canvas Resolution matches your desired output (usually 1920x1080).
- Hit Start Recording.
Pro Tip: detailed settings guide can be found here: the best OBS setting for recording.
Part 3: Guidelines to Improve Multicam Recording
Getting the cameras to show up is half the battle; making it look good is the other half.
- Match Your Lighting: This is the biggest giveaway of amateur video. If one camera is cool/blue and the other is warm/yellow, it looks jarring. Try to set the White Balance manually on both cameras to match.
- Frame Rates Matter: Ensure both cameras are running at the same frame rate (e.g., both at 30fps or both at 60fps). Mismatched frame rates can cause weird jittering in OBS.
- The "Eye Contact" Rule: If you are talking to the audience, look at the lens that is currently "active" or dominant in your layout.
Conclusion
Recording with two cameras in OBS isn't just a tech flex; it's a genuine way to make your content more watchable. It allows you to tell a better story by showing more detail. Whether you're using a simple webcam setup or advanced gear like the OBSBOT Tail 2, the steps are largely the same: Add sources, manage your USB bandwidth, and design your layout. Open OBS, plug them in, and see what you can create!
