How to film a video podcast with several iPhones

What you need

1. Gather the phones

Two to four iPhones with iOS 17 or later as cameras, on tripods or clamps. Optionally a spare iPhone, an iPad or a Mac to switch angles; without one, a camera can lead the others. Install ActionCheese from the App Store on each phone; the Mac app is a free download from this site.

2. Place the cameras

A typical layout: camera 1 wide on the whole table, cameras 2 and 3 on each host or guest, camera 4 overhead or on a detail. Give each a name such as Wide, Host or Guest; names carry into the timeline.

3. Pair the devices

Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on every device; no network is needed. Tap This is the camera on each camera phone and Podcast deck on the spare phone, then confirm the six-digit code on both screens once. Next time they reconnect on their own.

4. Match the angles

From the deck or the lead camera, set ISO, shutter, white balance and frame rate once and apply them to every camera with All. Zebras, focus peaking and false colour help you check exposure and focus without walking to each phone.

5. Choose the sound

Pick each camera's microphone, for example a USB-C or Bluetooth mic on the host's phone, and watch the levels live. The deck can later use one camera's sound, follow the picture, or mix them all.

6. Record and switch live

Press record on the deck, or say “action”: every camera starts with the same timecode. Tap whoever is speaking to put that camera on air. Say “mark” for moments to find later and “cut” to stop.

7. Edit on the phone

When a take stops, every camera sends the deck a 1080p copy. Your live switches are the first cut: change cameras at any frame, remove sections, trim, undo, then export a finished 1080p video to Photos or Files and share it.

8. Or finish on the Mac

Tap Send, or plug the phones in by USB cable. The Mac app imports every take already synced by timecode and writes timelines for Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve (FCPXML) and Premiere Pro (Premiere XML), with your markers and a Program timeline of your live switches.

Questions

How many iPhones do I need for a video podcast?

Two is enough for a one-on-one conversation (a wide shot and a two-shot, or one camera per person). Three covers a wide shot plus one camera per person; four adds an overhead or detail angle. A fifth device to switch is optional, since one camera can lead the others.

Do I need an iPad, a laptop or an ATEM switcher?

No. A spare iPhone works as the switcher (the podcast deck), and the deck edits and exports the episode itself. A Mac is only needed if you want the 4K originals in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

Does it need Wi-Fi or internet?

No. Devices connect directly over peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, like AirDrop, so it works in studios, homes and venues without a network.

How do the angles stay in sync?

Every camera shares one timecode set by the deck or lead camera, so takes line up in the editor by themselves. Other cameras and audio recorders can be lined up by sound with the free ActionCheese Sync for Mac.

What does it cost?

Switching, the deck editor and Mac imports are free, and one camera can film 3-minute takes for free. Full-length takes on up to four cameras need ActionCheese Pro: $39.99 a year or $6.99 a month, or $99 once as a launch offer.