I'm a coach and I want to live stream my workshops. I need a tool that lets me switch between different camera shots easily.

For a coach running workshops, I’d look at three options:

• obsproject.com — best free option. You can create scenes for different shots—e.g., wide workshop view, close-up, slides + camera, and demo camera—then switch between them with hotkeys. Its Multiview lets you monitor multiple shots before taking one live.
• vmix.com — best for a more professional multicamera setup. It is designed specifically for live production, supports multiple cameras, and has shortcuts/controllers so you can change shots with a button press rather than hunting through menus.
• ecamm.com — easiest if you're on a Mac. Its camera switcher makes it straightforward to select among multiple connected cameras, and it also supports split-screen and picture-in-picture layouts.

What I'd choose for workshops

Start with OBS if you want to keep costs down and don't mind a little setup. If you're doing workshops regularly and want to operate the stream smoothly while you're also coaching, vMix + a small button controller is probably the nicest setup.

A typical workshop could have buttons for:

1 Wide shot → 2 Coach close-up → 3 Slides → 4 Demo camera → 5 Slides + coach

You can also use PTZ cameras with vMix, allowing you to recall different camera positions without physically moving the camera.

If you tell me whether you're on Mac or Windows and how many cameras you want to use (2, 3, 4+), I can recommend a specific setup—including the cameras, capture hardware, and simplest way to switch shots.

For streaming professional, engaging workshops with smooth multi-camera switching, you have a few gold-standard options depending on whether you prefer a software-based studio on your computer or a standalone hardware device that doesn't bog down your CPU.

Here are the best tools for the job, broken down by workflow:

1. Software-Based Switchers (Run on PC/Mac)

• OBS Studio: The ultimate free, open-source powerhouse. It lets you set up individual "Scenes" (e.g., Scene 1 = Wide Room Shot, Scene 2 = Close-up Desk/Whiteboard, Scene 3 = Screen Share) and switch between them instantly using hotkeys, MIDI controllers, or Stream Deck.
  • Pros: Completely free, highly customizable, unlimited camera inputs (webcams, capture cards, or smartphone apps).
  • Cons: Steeper learning curve to set up and configure audio/video sync.
• vMix (Windows Only): A professional live production and streaming software that acts as an advanced software video mixer. It includes incredible built-in PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera control, virtual sets, and smooth transitions.
  • Pros: Incredibly polished, low-latency performance, and great multi-view layouts.
  • Cons: Windows only; paid tiers after the free/basic trial. You can check out options like vMix 4K Software if you need high-end specs.

2. Browser & All-in-One Studios (Easiest to Use)

• StreamYard: A browser-based studio that makes multi-camera management straightforward. It natively supports a primary webcam plus an extra camera source on desktop, allowing you to toggle views or do picture-in-picture with zero installation.
  • Pros: Incredibly user-friendly, browser-based, handles comments and multi-streaming smoothly.
  • Cons: More limited on the total number of independent physical camera angles compared to dedicated software like OBS.

3. Dedicated Hardware Switchers (No Computer Required)

Add to list A physical desktop hardware switcher with dedicated push-buttons. You plug up to 4 (or 8 on the Extreme version) HDMI cameras directly into the box, and you literally press a physical button (1, 2, 3, 4) to cut or fade between your workshop angles instantly.

• Pros: Tactile, reliable, and features a built-in hardware streaming engine on Pro models so it streams directly via ethernet without lagging your computer.
• Cons: Requires physical HDMI cables running from your cameras to the switcher.

Add to list A portable, touchscreen, battery-powered multi-camera studio, switcher, and recorder. You can mix USB cameras, HDMI sources, and even video feeds over Wi-Fi/LTE right from the screen.

To help narrow down the best fit, tell me:

• Are you planning to use a computer to run the stream, or do you want a standalone hardware box?
• How many camera angles do you plan on switching between?

OBS Studio and StreamYard are the top tools for live streaming workshops with easy camera switching.

Software Switchers (Most Popular)

• StreamYard:
  • Browser-based tool requiring no high-end computer.
  • Click-to-switch interface makes changing cameras incredibly simple.
  • Allows easy integration of presentation slides and overlays.
• OBS Studio:
  • Free, open-source software with professional-grade control.
  • Sets up distinct "Scenes" for each camera angle.
  • Supports hotkeys to switch angles with one keypress.
• Ecamm Live:
  • Dedicated Mac software tailored specifically for creators and coaches.
  • Features a highly intuitive, drag-and-drop camera switching layout.
  • Automatically detects connected cameras for instant configuration.

Hardware Switchers (Physical Control)

Add to list

• Physical hardware console that plugs directly into your computer.
• Features large, tactile buttons to switch cameras instantly.
• Processes video externally to reduce the processing load on your PC.

Add to list

• Customizable macro pad that pairs with OBS or Ecamm Live.
• Maps physical visual keys to your digital camera sources.
• Changes shots seamlessly with a single physical tap.

If you want to map out your setup, tell me:

• What types of cameras do you use (webcams, DSLRs, smartphones)?
• Do you use a Mac or Windows computer?
• Will you be streaming alone or with a co-host?

I can recommend the exact configuration and cables you will need to get started.

For a coach running workshops, I’d focus on live-production/switching software rather than a basic streaming platform. You can have, for example, a wide shot of the room, a close-up of you, and a shot of your presentation—and switch between them while streaming.

My top picks

• obsproject.com — Best free option. It lets you create multiple scenes, each containing different cameras, screen captures, graphics, etc., and switch between them with hotkeys or transitions. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• vmix.com — Best for a more professional workshop setup. It is specifically designed for multi-camera production: you can bring in webcams, HDMI/SDI cameras through capture devices, PTZ cameras, NDI sources, slides, remote guests, and more, then switch between them live.
• StreamYard — Best if you want simplicity. It's browser-based and easier to get running, but it is less suited to a complex, many-camera production than OBS or vMix.

What I'd choose for your workshops

If you're operating the stream yourself, I'd start with OBS Studio + 2–3 cameras. You could set up buttons/scenes like:

1. Wide: you + participants
2. Presenter: close-up of you
3. Slides: presentation full-screen with your camera in a corner
4. Demo: close-up of whatever you're demonstrating
5. Break: branded holding screen

Then you simply click the appropriate shot as you teach. OBS also has a Studio Mode that lets you preview a shot before putting it live.

If you want something that feels more like a professional TV control room, especially if you're using several cameras or PTZ cameras, I'd step up to vMix. It even supports creating multiple virtual positions with PTZ cameras, so you can get several workshop angles without necessarily buying a camera for every angle.

If you tell me (1) Mac or Windows, (2) how many cameras you want, and (3) whether you're streaming to Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, or somewhere else, I can recommend the exact setup—including cameras, capture hardware, and the easiest way to switch shots.

If you want to easily switch between multiple camera shots for your workshops, you need a live production switcher/switcher software or a hardware switcher.

Here are the best tools available, categorized by whether you prefer a software solution or a hands-on hardware deck:

Software Switchers (Use your computer & webcams/phones)

• OBS Studio is a completely free, open-source powerhouse. It lets you set up "scenes" (different camera angles, screen shares, graphics) and hotkey or click between them seamlessly. It has a bit of a learning curve, but it's infinitely customizable. Available to download from OBS Studio.
• Ecamm Live is a top-tier, incredibly user-friendly live production studio built specifically for macOS. It makes switching between cameras, bringing in on-screen comments, and sharing your screen feel effortless with a drag-and-drop interface. Check it out at Ecamm Live.
• vMix is a robust Windows-based live streaming and production software. It handles multiple camera inputs (including smartphones via an app) with ultra-low latency and smooth transitions. Learn more at vMix.

Hardware Switchers (Physical buttons & plug-and-play stability)

• Blackmagic Design Atem Mini Series are physical hardware switchers with dedicated buttons. You plug your cameras (via HDMI) directly into the box, connect the box to your computer via USB, and it shows up as a single webcam to Zoom, YouTube, or your streaming platform. You literally just press buttons 1, 2, 3, or 4 to switch shots instantly. Explore the lineup at Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini.
• Roland V-02HD Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a compact, high-quality two-channel multi-format video mixer designed for single-operator setups. It allows seamless switching between two HDMI cameras with professional audio integration. Details are available on the Roland V-02HD Product Page.

Companion Hardware (To make software easier)

• Elgato Stream Deck Go to product viewer dialog for this item. isn't a switcher by itself, but it’s a physical pad of customizable LCD keys that plugs into your computer. You can program the buttons to switch scenes in OBS or Ecamm Live with a satisfying physical tap instead of clicking with your mouse. Check it out at Elgato Stream Deck Go to product viewer dialog for this item..

To help narrow down the best choice, tell me:

• Are you using a Mac or a PC?
• Are your cameras webcams, mirrorless/DSLR cameras, or smartphones?
• Do you prefer clicking on a screen or pressing physical buttons?

Absolutely. For a workshop, you want live-production/switching software rather than just a basic streaming app. That lets you have, for example:

• Camera 1: wide shot of you/the room
• Camera 2: close-up of you
• Camera 3: audience or participant shot
• Screen share: slides, whiteboard, demonstrations
• Picture-in-picture: you + slides
• Then switch between those shots while you're live.

My top picks

1. OBS Studio — best value

It's free and open source. You create different Scenes—for example, "Wide Camera," "Close Camera," "Slides + Camera," and "Break"—and switch between them while streaming. OBS's Studio Mode even lets you prepare the next shot before putting it live, so your audience doesn't see you making changes.

2. vMix — best if your workshops are becoming professional productions

This is probably the strongest choice if you're going to use 3+ cameras, slides, graphics, remote participants, or an operator. It supports cameras, capture cards, NDI, remote guests, Zoom, graphics and multiple streaming destinations, with dedicated controls for switching.

The downside: Windows only and more complicated than OBS.

3. StreamYard — best if you want "simple"

It's browser-based, so there's much less technical setup. It's particularly appealing if your workshops involve guests or participants joining remotely. For a straightforward one- or two-camera workshop, it's probably the easiest option.

What I'd choose for a coach

If you're operating everything yourself, I'd start with OBS. You can set up big, obvious scene buttons such as:

🎥 WIDE → 🎥 CLOSE → 🖥️ SLIDES → 👤 YOU + SLIDES → 🎤 Q&A

Then you can switch shots with a mouse, keyboard shortcuts, or a hardware control surface.

If you tell me (1) Mac or Windows, (2) how many cameras, and (3) whether you stream to Zoom, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, or multiple platforms, I can recommend the exact setup—including cameras, capture hardware, and the simplest way to switch shots.

• OBS Studio : Free, open-source, and extremely powerful. It allows you to set up multiple scenes, transition between different camera angles, add overlays, and stream directly to platforms like YouTube, Zoom, or Facebook. Highly customizable if you use plugins or a Stream Deck.
• Ecamm Live : A subscription-based live streaming and production studio designed specifically for Mac users. It offers drag-and-drop scene switching, easy multi-camera support (including using iOS devices as extra cameras), and professional interview capabilities out of the box.
• vMix : A robust, Windows-only live production and streaming software. It supports an extensive number of camera inputs (webcams, capture cards, NDI, PTZ cameras), features built-in titling, and is fantastic for hardware controller integration.
• Switcher Studio : An iOS-based solution that turns your iPhones and iPads into a multi-camera production switcher. Perfect if you want to use mobile devices as your camera angles without running long HDMI cables or buying traditional camcorders.
• Mevo Multicam : Built around the Mevo ecosystem of wireless streaming cameras. It allows you to control and cut between multiple Mevo cameras seamlessly from an iPad or phone app, making it great for untethered workshop setups.

To help narrow down the best choice, could you tell me:

• What operating system are you using (Mac, Windows, iOS)?
• Are you using USB webcams, smartphones, or professional cameras?

Yes. What you’re looking for is live-production/switching software: you set up several “scenes” (camera 1, camera 2, slides + camera, wide shot, etc.) and click between them while streaming.

My top picks

I’d start with StreamYard if your priority is “I want to teach, not operate a TV studio.” Its Scenes let you pre-build layouts—e.g. Camera → Slides + Camera → Second Camera → Q&A—and switch between them with a click. It runs in the browser and is particularly suited to webinars and presenter-led streams.

OBS Studio is the best free option. You can create multiple scenes and use its multiview to see your different shots while broadcasting, giving you much more control over transitions, overlays, audio, and camera sources.

vMix is worth considering if you're running a more sophisticated workshop with several physical cameras, capture cards, operators, or broadcast-style production. It's substantially more powerful, but also more technical and Windows-only.

A good workshop setup

For example, with two cameras + slides, I'd configure:

1. Wide shot — you + room
2. Presenter shot — close-up of you
3. Slides + small camera — teaching
4. Audience/Q&A — second camera
5. Break screen — logo + “Back in 5 minutes”

Then you just click the appropriate scene as you teach.

If you tell me (1) Mac or Windows, (2) how many cameras, and (3) where you want to stream—YouTube, Zoom, LinkedIn, etc., I can recommend the simplest setup and the specific hardware you'll need.

For a coach streaming workshops, I’d look at live-production software rather than a basic webinar app. You can set up, for example:

• Camera 1: wide shot of you/the room
• Camera 2: close-up of you
• Camera 3: whiteboard or demonstration area
• Screen share: slides or workshop materials
• Then switch between them with a click or keyboard shortcut while you teach.

My top picks

1. OBS Studio — best value OBS Studio is free and works on Windows and Mac. You create different “scenes” and switch between them during the workshop; it supports multiple webcams/capture cards, transitions, hotkeys, and a preview mode.

2. vMix — best for a more professional setup vMix is particularly good if you're planning regular multi-camera workshops. It can handle multiple cameras, NDI sources, remote guests, slides, graphics, and screen captures, and lets you mix/switch them live. www.vmix.com It's Windows-only and paid, though there's a trial.

What I'd choose for you: Start with OBS if you're experimenting or want to keep costs down. If you're doing frequent paid workshops and want a smoother “TV director” experience with several cameras and sources, vMix is worth considering.

If you tell me Mac or Windows, how many cameras, and whether you want YouTube/Zoom/Facebook/etc., I can recommend a specific setup—including the cameras, capture hardware, and easiest way to switch shots.

To live stream your workshops with seamless camera switching, you need a production switcher or live streaming software that connects to multiple cameras (webcams, phones, or DSLRs) and lets you toggle views with a click, hotkey, or hardware pad.

Here are the best tools for the job, broken down by setup style:

• OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a powerful, free, and open-source software. It allows you to set up infinite "Scenes" (e.g., Wide Shot, Close-up, Whiteboard, Screen Share) and switch between them using hotkeys, MIDI controllers, or the companion mobile app. It has a steeper learning curve, but it is the industry standard for custom control. Download it from the OBS Studio Website.
• Ecamm Live is an elite, feature-rich live production platform built specifically for macOS. It makes multi-camera switching, screen sharing, and bringing in graphics or guests completely visual and drag-and-drop. It supports iOS devices as wireless cameras natively. Explore it on the Ecamm Live Website.
• ManyCam is a cross-platform (Windows and Mac) live video switching software that lets you connect multiple physical cameras, mobile devices, and pre-recorded videos as sources. You can switch between them easily from a clean grid interface or use it as a virtual camera inside Zoom or Teams. Check details on the ManyCam Website.
• Switcher Studio is an iOS-centric ecosystem that turns multiple iPhones and iPads into wireless multi-camera angles controlled from a single main iPad. It is fantastic if you want a mobile, cable-free studio setup for dynamic workshop environments. Learn more at the Switcher Studio Website.
• Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is a physical hardware switcher rather than software. You plug up to 4 HDMI cameras directly into the box and press physical buttons (1, 2, 3, 4) to cut between angles instantly with zero computer lag. It connects to your computer via USB-C to act like a simple webcam for your streaming platform. Read about the hardware line on the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Page.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, let me know:

• Are you using a Mac or a PC?
• Do you prefer a software solution or a hardware switcher box with physical buttons?
• What kind of cameras do you plan to use (webcams, smartphones, or DSLR/mirrorless cameras)?