Single-camera setup VS Multi-camera setup

A single camera is employed on the set and each shot to make up a scene is taken individually. Single cameras set up are mainly used for POV shots (Point of View) they are also used in documentaries to create more creativity and more surreal, they are also used for low budget programmes or sitcoms.

A Multi camera setup has 3-5 camera set up in different positions that capture close up , mid and long shots.

The reason why they might film in single camera is because its cheaper or to catch good camera angles and camera movements but also you would see alot more camera effects. where as if you were using a multi-camera it would be more expensive but you would capture most angles and you would see a multi camera-set up in a studio.( Sky Sports News)

The advantages on using a single camera set-up, you have more flexibility you cam literally follow your actor or who ever you are shooting, its much cheaper to have a single camera aswell its also very useful if you are shooting a documentary and you can take you camera everywhere.

The advantages for multi camera set-up are you could catch unexpected emotional scenes, also it would be in chronological order and much easier to edit because it would go in an easy flow.

However the disadvantages on using a single camera set-up are mainly editing, all that footage from one camera is going to take alot of your time where as multi camera set-up is shot with 3-5 cameras. Also you might not able to capture some footage where some emotional parts are happening (unexpected) plus if your shooting a single camera is will very low budgeted. Where as a multi camera set-up  would take up much longer because you would have more equipment to carry and set-up.

Also you would have to spend a lot more money because you would have more crew members and much more cameras.

If you were to see a multi-camera scene but used in a single camera programme/ film they would only use that for a scene that would only be shot once so they would want to capture every single angle and movement because if you did that using single camera set-up you would be retaking scene after scene

 The best example I know would be from the film; Quantum Of Solace in the first opening scene a car chase erupts and the chase leads them down a tunnel which would be great for a multi-camera set up, catching every single camera angle.