Choosing a Camera for Live Streaming
Live streaming cameras vary widely in quality, price, and the details of how
they connect to your system. The right fit depends on exactly what your live
streaming goals are!
*Pricing provided is accurate at time of publishing and
subject to be changed by the various retailers.*
Webcams
Webcams are cameras that are built in to a computer or connected via USB. However,
some are external
and connect to the computer via USB. Since a webcam doesn't have its own internet
connection, a computer
is required to connect to a network and process the image into a format suitable for
streaming.
The advantages of webcams are simplicity of use and price. The controls are simple,
so
using a webcam for live streaming is very straightforward.
On the other hand, webcams don't generally deliver high image or sound quality. They
usually
lack zoom capability, variable focus, and any ability to customize the image. For
serious
professional-quality video, though, you should consider other options.
Our recommendations:
Smartphones
With built-in video cameras, microphones, internet connections, and the ability to
run apps,
a smartphone can be a handy all-in-one device for live streaming. It's possible to
get a decent
stream quality from a smartphone, especially from those with the highest image
quality.
However, many of the same drawbacks experienced with webcams apply here. Image
quality suffers in
low-light conditions, and the sound quality is generally poor. Zoom and other image
customizations
are generally absent or basic.
While a smartphone is fine for basic consumer-level streaming, professionals will be
better off
with an IP camera or professional-grade camera.
Our recommendations:
IP Cameras
These cameras have their own internet connection, so it isn't necessary to have a
separate computer.
While a little more complicated than using a webcam, they are much more versatile.
Since they connect via Ethernet, they can be positioned
anywhere you need them. Because many IP cameras include power over ethernet (PoE),
you can run
them continuously. This makes them ideal for 24/7 streaming.
Our recommendations:
Professional-Quality Cameras
The best camera quality option for live streaming is to use a professional-quality
HDMI or SDI camera.
You can change and upgrade lenses, use zoom, and wide-angle focus, and do all of the
things you'd expect
from a professional camera. One major advantage is support for XLR audio, which is
the professional standard.
Of course, versatility doesn't always equal ease of use. Professional video cameras
aren't as simple to use as a webcam.
If you don't already have experience with them, you will have to get ready to learn.
Our recommendations:
Conclusion
Knowing your audience and the purpose of your production is crucial to making the
decision of which camera to use. Whether you
plan to stream live video on your website or live stream an event, there's a camera
out there for you!