The third camera of a production—for special angles, POVs, crash-shots, or additional coverage in complex scenes. Often smaller and more specialized than A and B.
What is a C Camera?
The C Camera (English: C Camera or Third Camera) is the third camera on a film production. It is used for specialized tasks: POVs, crash shots, unusual angles, or additional coverage in complex scenes. Often more compact and flexible than A and B cameras.
Technical Definition
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Function | Third/Specialty Camera |
| Position | Unconventional, specific |
| Equipment | Often more compact |
| Usage | Situational, not continuous |
The Camera Hierarchy
| Camera | Role | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| A Camera | Primary Camera | Premium, main angle |
| B Camera | Second Camera | Matches A, coverage |
| C Camera | Specialist | Flexible, compact |
| D+ Cameras | Further Specialists | As needed |
Typical C Camera Tasks
POV Shots
| Setup | Description |
|---|---|
| Helmet Mount | On actor |
| Vehicle POV | Inside car |
| Glove Cam | Boxing, stunts |
Crash Shots
| Situation | Usage |
|---|---|
| Explosions | Dangerous proximity |
| Stunts | Potential destruction |
| Water | Splash hazard |
Special Positions
| Position | Application |
|---|---|
| Very Low | Floor level |
| Very High | Ceiling perspective |
| Hidden | Integrated into set |
| Mobile | With the action |
C Camera Equipment
Typical Cameras
| Camera | Advantage | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Blackmagic Pocket | Compact, affordable | POV |
| RED Komodo | Small, 6K | Universal |
| GoPro | Tiny, robust | Crash |
| Sony FX3 | Compact, full-frame | Mobility |
| Canon C70 | Versatile | Coverage |
Comparison to A/B
| Aspect | A/B Camera | C Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Compact |
| Cost | Premium | Moderate |
| Quality | Maximum | Sufficient |
| Flexibility | Standard | High |
When to Use a C Camera?
Sensible Situations
| Situation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Stunts | Unrepeatable |
| Action | More coverage |
| Complex Scenes | Additional options |
| Special Angles | A/B not possible |
| VFX Plates | Background material |
Typical Productions with C+
| Genre | Number of Cameras |
|---|---|
| Drama | 1–2 |
| Action | 3–5+ |
| Stunt Sequence | 5–10+ |
| Live Concert | 10–20+ |
Coordination in Multi-Camera Setups
Communication
| Command | Meaning |
|---|---|
| „A, B, C rolling" | All cameras rolling |
| „Cut C" | Stop C camera |
| „C getting special" | C capturing something special |
| „C-Cam in position" | C ready |
Team Structure
| Role | Task |
|---|---|
| DP | Overall coordination |
| C Camera Operator | Special shots |
| C Camera AC | Focus pulling (if needed) |
Example Setups
Dialogue Scene (3 Cameras)
| Camera | Position | Task |
|---|---|---|
| A | OTS on Person A | Main angle B |
| B | OTS on Person B | Main angle A |
| C | Wide/Detail | Establishing/Reaction |
Stunt Sequence (5+ Cameras)
| Camera | Position | Task |
|---|---|---|
| A | Main Angle | Master |
| B | Side | Alternative |
| C | Low | Dramatic |
| D | Crash | Close action |
| E | High | Overview |
Chase Scene
| Camera | Position | Task |
|---|---|---|
| A | Chase Vehicle | Main |
| B | Pursuer | Intercut |
| C | Driver's POV | Subjective |
| D | Passenger Angle | Reaction |
The Legacy
In Film History
- Silent Film Era: Multiple cameras standard
- Classic Hollywood: Focus on efficiency
- Action Revolution: More = Better
- Digital: No film limit anymore
Influence
Multi-camera setups allow capturing unrepeatable moments from multiple angles – essential for action, stunts, and live events.
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Standard for action/stunts |
| Equipment | Compact cinema cameras |
| Cost | Moderate (vs. repetition) |
| Trend | Increasing number of cameras |
Modern Development
Affordable, high-quality compact cameras (RED Komodo, BMPCC, Sony FX3) have made multi-camera setups accessible for any production.
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