10 Best Cameras for Live Streaming

Arek Dvornechuck
10 min readOct 29, 2022

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10 Best Cameras for Live Streaming

If you are wondering which camera to use for your streaming needs, check out this list of the 10 best cameras for live streaming.

Most built-in laptop cameras will do the basic job, but they can severely limit you in terms of image quality and camera configuration.

Professional live-streaming cameras are ideal for producing high-quality videos, but there are other options that are less expensive.

What are the best cameras for live streaming?

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best camera for live streaming to cater to your specific needs.

In general, a basic camera will not be enough if you want to become a live streamer and want to gain an advantage over other streamers.

Here’s my list of the 10 best cameras for live streaming.

10 Best Cameras for Live Streaming

  1. Logitech C922 — Most versatile
  2. Razer Kiyo — Best all-in-one
  3. Elgato Facecam — Most powerful
  4. Logitech Mevo Start — Best wireless
  5. Microsoft LifeCam — Best budget
  6. GoPro HERO8 — Best for sports
  7. Logitech StreamCam — Best for content creators
  8. Panasonic HC-V770 — Best for beginners
  9. Canon XA11 — Best for professionals
  10. GoPro HERO9 Black — Best action cam

How to choose the best camera for live streaming

If you’re wondering what to look for when purchasing a camera for streaming, check out my buying guide.

Aside from your financial capacity, these are the important factors to consider when purchasing a camera for live streaming.

  1. Camera Type
  2. Output Resolution
  3. Power Supply
  4. Clear HDMI Out
  5. Frame Rate

To further understand why these things should be considered, here’s a further explanation:

Camera Type

A DSLR is the best choice for high-quality broadcasts because you can change the lenses to match the environment and adjust the lighting and exposure.

Camcorders and webcams are also ideal cameras for live streaming on PCs, but the only drawback is that some camcorders lack built-in Wi-Fi.

A Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera is one that can be operated remotely so you can tilt, change direction, and control the zoom.

Output Resolution

A camera that supports up to Full HD resolution is recommended for beginners and pro streamers.

A streaming camera should be able to output a minimum of 1280 x 720 resolution.

Despite the increasing prevalence of 4K displays, streaming in 4K is not necessarily required for streaming.

Power Supply

A power supply is an electronic circuit that provides various alternating current and direct current voltages for device operation.

Live streams usually last for several hours, so a long-lasting battery is also an ideal factor.

The Logitech Mevo Start can stream or record for 6+ hours, but for longer streams, you can plug in USB-C power.

Clean HDMI Out

To be suitable for live streaming, your camera must be capable of sending a “clean” signal over HDMI.

A clean signal refers to a signal that does not contain any UI elements.

Cameras with a clean HDMI output are ideal for externally recording higher-quality video for live streaming.

Frame Rate

Another important factor to consider is the frame rate, especially if you intend to stream sports or participate in live streams.

The frame rate is the number of times an image is displayed every second, and 60 to 120 frames per second are recommended for capturing fast action.

A higher frame rate is ideal for live streaming because the higher the frame rate, the more engaging your live streams will be.

With the above considerations in mind, here are 10 of the best cameras for live streaming in 2022 that we recommend for you.

1. Logitech C922

The Logitech C922 Pro HD Stream Webcam is a good streaming camera that captures vibrant, lifelike video.

The most versatile camera for live streaming.

It is a full-HD webcam that can record and stream 1080p video at 30 frames per second.

With the Logitech C922, you can connect with superior clarity when you go live on channels like Twitch or YouTube.

It is compatible with streaming platforms such as Open Broadcasting Software and XSplit Broadcaster.

The C922’s HD autofocus and light correction work together to fine-tune lighting conditions, resulting in razor-sharp, high-definition video in any lighting condition.

Streamers require a frame rate of 60 frames per second at 720p for exceptionally smooth video with no lag or distortion.

If you’re a serious streamer who wants to ensure that you always look great in your stream, then the Logitech C922 is an amazing option.

Specifications

Focus Type: Autofocus
Resolution: 1080p/30 fps, 3 MP
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 0.16 kg.

Pros

  1. Clear audio and video
  2. Ideal for green screening

Cons

  1. The mic is nearly useless
  2. A bit pricey

Buy Logitech C922 on Amazon

2. Razer Kiyo

The Razer Kiyo webcam is an excellent all-in-one camera that includes everything you need to stream live videos.

The best all-in-one live streaming camera.

It is an impressive product with good low-light capabilities and is great for live streaming on Facebook.

If you don’t want to deal with a separate lighting setup, the Razer Kiyo is an excellent all-in-one streaming device.

If you work in a room with poor lighting and don’t want to invest in a ring light, this will make you look professional.

The Razer Kiyo is also an excellent premium option for gaming streamers looking to improve their video quality.

Lighting is an important aspect of video production, and this device makes sure your face is brightly and evenly lit when streaming.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Razer Kiyo, which has its own integrated light ring made up of 12 LEDs, may be a better option.

Specifications

Focus Type: Low-light
Resolution: 1080p/60 fps, 2.1 MP
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 0.20 kg.

Pros

  1. Clarity even in low light
  2. Bright ring light

Cons

  1. Quiet microphone
  2. Not ideal for Mac

Buy Razer Kiyo on Amazon

3. Elgato Facecam

The Elgato Facecam is a solid first attempt at a webcam and a welcome addition to the Elgato streaming gear lineup.

The most powerful camera for live streaming.

It is by far one of the most powerful webcams, providing you with video quality that speaks for itself.

The Elgato Facecam succeeds in being a webcam designed specifically for streamers by removing features that most streamers do not require at all.

It is a professional optic in a webcam form factor that is designed to make you look fantastic.

This Facecam has a professional lens with an advanced image sensor and high-speed circuitry that produces breathtaking uncompressed video.

The Camera Hub makes it simple to capture the ideal shot on the fly, and the saturation, sharpness, and contrast can all be adjusted.

If you are looking for the most powerful camera for your streaming needs, the Elgato Facecam is a great option.

Specifications

Focus Type: Low Light
Resolution: 1080p, 60 fps
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 0.10 kg.

Pros

  1. Great video quality
  2. Amazing low-light capability

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. Cheap build quality

Buy Elgato Facecam on Amazon

4. Logitech Mevo Start

The Logitech Mevo Start is a wireless live-streaming camera that provides professional-quality video in 1080p HD resolution.

The best wireless live streaming camera.

It is intended for long-form events and has a streaming time of more than 6 hours.

The Mevo Start makes it simple to live stream on sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

It is small and portable, and it can stream for many hours on a single charge from its built-in battery.

The Mevo Start simplifies and lowers the cost of what was previously complex and expensive technology.

It has an internal built-in microphone that can capture most audio needs, as well as a 3.5mm input for external audio.

If you are looking for the best wireless camera for live streaming with long battery life, the Logitech Mevo Start is definitely the right device for you.

Specifications

Focus Type: Fixed
Resolution: Full HD, 1920 x 1080, 2.07 MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB-C
Weight: 0.23 kg.

Pros

  1. Easy-to-use and versatile
  2. Good microphone function

Cons

  1. Ineffective zoom at a distance
  2. Becomes hot after an hour of use

Buy Logitech Mevo Start on Amazon

5. Microsoft LifeCam

The LifeCam HD-3000 is a true HD camera that produces bright and colorful videos.

The best budget camera for live streaming.

TrueColor Technology also produces bright and colorful videos in almost any lighting condition.

This LifeCam is a fantastic high-definition webcam for personal or business use.

The Integrated Noise Reducer in its microphone automatically reduces background noise in any video you record.

The LifeCam HD-3000 may not provide full HD video, but it is a solid and hardworking device for the price.

You can share videos on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter through built-in social media sharing.

If you’re looking for the best webcam for streaming, the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is the one to get.

Specifications

Focus Type: Fixed-type
Resolution: 1280 x 720, 1 MP
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 0.09 kg.

Pros

  1. Affordable
  2. Crystal-clear audio capability

Cons

  1. Ideal for older versions of PCs
  2. Medial photo and video quality

Buy Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 on Amazon

6. GoPro HERO8

The GoPro HERO8 is a small, waterproof camera designed for action footage.

The best live streaming camera for sports.

It’s simple to use, well-made, and feels quite sturdy.

The HERO8 is the most versatile and stable HERO camera with 4K enhancement technology.

It has a motorized lens with horizontal and vertical lens shifts, as well as plenty of zooms.

This action camera is an excellent addition to a filmmaker’s toolkit and for live-streaming enthusiasts.

If you’re in the market for the best action camera for live streaming, the GoPro HERO8 Black is a good option.

Specifications

Focus Type: Fixed-type
Resolution: 12 MP, Ultra HD
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB-C
Weight: 0.70 kg.

Pros

  1. Excellent video and image quality
  2. Easy-to-use

Cons

  1. Inadequate low-light performance
  2. Mediocre customer support

Buy GoPro HERO8 Black on Amazon

7. Logitech StreamCam

The Logitech StreamCam is an excellent webcam aimed at streamers and content creators.

The best live streaming camera for content creators.

It is one of Logitech’s most versatile and expensive webcams.

The StreamCam is a streaming webcam with a high-quality and smooth 1080p and 60fps system.

It has a lot to offer in terms of quickly producing high-quality content.

The StreamCam is also a great all-around camera for the home office.

Even if it’s a bit pricey, you get what you pay for, and the video quality at 1080p/60fps is excellent.

If you are a content creator without a dedicated camera, the Logitech StreamCam is a great device to record footage for your YouTube channel.

Specifications

Focus Type: Auto
Resolution: 1080p, 2.1 MP
Connectivity: USB-C
Weight: 0.15 kg.

Pros

  1. Excellent HD video quality
  2. Great and unique design

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. Inconvenient USB-C cable

Buy Logitech StreamCam on Amazon

8. Panasonic HC-V770

Panasonic HC-V770 is a typical and affordable camcorder that will work for most of your streaming needs.

The best camera for beginner streamers.

It has excellent image quality and is reasonably priced.

The HC-V770 has wireless capability, an SD memory card slot, image stabilization, and manual controls.

These were just a few of the reasons this device is highly regarded in streaming and YouTuber circles.

The camera has a flip-out display so you can see yourself while filming.

If you are looking for the best compact and wireless camera for live streaming, the Panasonic HC-V770 is a perfect option.

Specifications

Focus Type: Zoom
Max Resolution: 1080p with HDR
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Weight: 0.35 kg.

Pros

  1. Simple to use
  2. Affordable

Cons

  1. Cannot sync with other files
  2. Not 4K

Buy Panasonic HC-V770 on Amazon

9. Canon XA11

The Canon XA11 is used by professionals in film and television studios.

The best live streaming camera for professionals.

Other than that, it can be used as a webcam to live stream.

This camcorder’s five-axis image stabilization system prevents your images from being blurry and shaky.

It is small and has an HD CMOS Pro sensor and HDMI and Composite outputs.

If you are a professional streamer looking for a camera to use, the Canon XA11 is a great choice.

Specifications

Focus Type: Low-light, Auto
Resolution: 60 fps, 1080p
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 0.73 kg.

Pros

  1. Built-in boom support
  2. Excellent performance

Cons

  1. Expensive
  2. No Wi-Fi connectivity

Buy Canon Ax11 on Amazon

10. GoPro HERO10 Black

The GoPro HERO 10 is an excellent action camera for vlogging and streaming.

The best high-quality camera for live streaming.

It is a well-known brand when it comes to action cameras and underwater adventures.

With a high-grade plastic body and a waterproof depth of 33 feet, this is incredibly durable.

The HERO10 may appear identical to its predecessor, but it is a more refined version.

It does an excellent job of reducing camera shake, making it useful for clients who prefer to record without a gimbal.

If you’re looking for a portable live-streaming camera, look no further than the GoPro HERO10.

Specifications

Focus Type: Low-light
Resolution: 5.3K Ultra HD with HDR
Connectivity: Wi-Fi
Weight: 0.15 kg.

Pros

  1. Excellent video quality
  2. Compact

Cons

  1. Overheating
  2. Short battery life

Buy GoPro HERO10 Black on Amazon

Conclusions

Your streaming journey will improve significantly if you use the best camera available within your capabilities.

When live streaming an event, look for a camera with a long recording time and excellent picture quality.

Which is the best camera for live streaming?

If you want to stream in 1080p full HD and have the money to spend, the Logitech C922 is a good option.

If you’re on a tighter budget, the Microsoft LifeCam is ideal for you.

It also depends on what type of camera you need to achieve your streaming goals.

DSLR cameras are excellent for streaming from a computer setup, while camcorders are ideal for vloggers and filmmakers.

On the other hand, PTZ cameras are ideal for streaming events or conferences.

Which of these cameras is your favorite after reading these recommendations?-Please leave a comment below.‍

Originally published at https://www.ebaqdesign.com on October 29, 2022.

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