Multicam Editing
Final Cut Pro has an incredible multicamera feature. There are some critical settings that you must check in order for multicam to work correctly within Final Cut Pro.
A common trick, is to use a camera flash that can be used as a frame of reference. That's right! Just have someone snap a picture, with a flash, while everyone is rolling camera. Then use the frame where each camera sees the camera flash.
Or as below use a hand clap.
Sync all layers. Play back to check each layer video and audio are synced.
You can use ALT + L arrow or ALT + R arrow to nudge tracks
Position the play head at the left most position to begin your videos.
Select the top video track, use the match frame tool (F key) to move the source clip to the viewer.
In the viewer window add an input for the clip (I key)
Do the same for the other clips
These inputs will serve as the sync reference for the multiclip
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The next step is to select of your clips within the Browser window. Right click Select Make Multiclip.
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A synchronize box will appear showing the sync relationship between your clips. Choose In points and click OK
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This will create a multiclip icon. Double click on the multiclip icon to load it into the Viewer window. You should now see all the angles that you've included in your multiclip.
Crete a New Sequence. Next, you need to drag down the multiclip to the timeline window. You must hold down the option key in order to the first camera angle to the timeline. Go ahead and select the master camera from the multiclip within the Viewer window and drag it to the timeline.
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For most multi-camera edits, you'll edit to a master audio track. Therefore, you may want to change the Playhead sync menu within the Viewer window to Video only. This will allow you to cut to different video angles while maintaining your master audio track.
The blue border indicated the active video source, the green border the audio source
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Next, navigate to the RT menu in the upper left corner of the timeline window and make sure multiclip playback is selected.
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Now, in order for the sequence and the multiclip elements to play together, you must set the playhead sync within the Canvas window to open. This will sync the two windows together based on the in-points of your multiclip.
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Navigate to the Tools/ Keyboard Layout / Multi-camera Editing, this will configure the keyboard keypad with the ability to switch between multiclip angles on the fly.
For most users, I've found they require cutting ability instead of switch. Therefore, you'll need to hold down the apple key when pressing the corresponding keypad number in order to cut between angles instead of switching between them.
*You might want to consider remapping your keyboard by going to Tools / Keyboard Layout / Customize and changing the default keypad commands so they perform a cut edit instead of switching angles.
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If you'd like to do this. Type the keyword cut video into the search box (do not press return). Then drag the corresponding Cut Video to Angle # to the appropriate keyboard shortcut key. *Make sure the keyboard is unlocked to make changes to the existing layout.
That's it! You've successfully configured your system for multi-camera editing. When you play within with sequence window, your camera angles should play in sync with your playhead indicator. *Make sure you use the play buttons from the canvas window, or the equivalent keyboard commands with the timeline window activated.
As it's playing just click on the Camera angle within the Viewer window, or use (apple + keypad #) tocut toeach camera.
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Notes:
Roll edit (R key) lets you move an edit.
Right clip in timeline, - collapse multiclip – shows edits with individual clips
-Uncollapse multiclip reverses the above
Adapted from.