Other important aspects to consider

In addition to the four essential criteria, there are a few other aspects to consider.

Output resolution

Today, a camera should be able to output a minimum of 1280×720 (i.e., 720p) resolution. We suggest going for at least 1920×1080 (i.e., 1080p), which most cameras today do offer.

Wondering whether you need 4K streaming? Chances are you don’t. Despite the ever-growing ubiquity of 4K displays, streaming in 4K is still unnecessary in most cases. For one, most viewers watch videos on their mobile devices (for YouTube, it’s over 70 percent of viewers), where even 1080p is more than enough for an enjoyable experience. Another reason is that sending and receiving 4K requires significant resources in terms of both encoding and bandwidth. Essentially, it’s a significant investment for a dubious advantage. Investing in a 4K camera (as well as powerful encoding hardware) is only reasonable when you know viewers will actually watch your live video on 4K displays.

Frame rate

Frame rate is another important aspect to consider, especially if you are planning to stream fast-paced activities like sports. For average-paced activities like interviews, 30 fps is reasonable; however, 60 to 120 fps is recommended for capturing brisk action.

Autofocus

We’ve all seen those videos where the camera just can’t seem to focus on anything. If you are planning to move about in the shot or show a close-up of something, fast and reliable autofocus is extremely important.

Another frequently overlooked aspect is how loud the autofocus is. If there’s a lot of noise coming from the camera focusing, microphones could pick it right up, ruining audio. We suggest researching online what users say about a camera’s autofocus before purchasing.

Adding audio

Always consider the path of your audio signal. Are you capturing sound with a mic separately, or is it routed through your camera? If it’s the latter, pay attention to the camera’s audio inputs. Basic cameras come with a 3.5-mm jack while more advanced models may offer professional XLR inputs. Some cameras don’t have any external audio inputs at all. Cameras like these rely on an internal microphone, which rarely produces great results.

An advantage of routing audio through your camera is that it eliminates sync issues because the audio and video signals arrive at the same time.

Pro tip: Check to see if your camera has live audio throughput.

Some older camcorder and DSLR models don’t output live audio. A fast way to check this is to connect the camera to a TV using an HDMI or SDI cable. If you can hear the sound on the TV, your camera has live audio throughput, and you’re all set.

Connector type

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is one of the most popular connector types for video. It comes in three varieties: HDMI micro, HDMI mini, and full-size HDMI. Check which one your camera uses and be ready to buy adapters.

Though popular, HDMI connectors are often said to be unreliable, especially the micro and mini varieties. It’s easy to accidentally pull out these cables in the middle of an important event. Additionally, HDMI cables are limited to about 100 ft in length, beyond which the signal starts to degrade.

Another popular connector is SDI (Serial Digital Interface). SDI is a faster connection than HDMI. SDI cable connectors also offer a physical locking mechanism and can run for distances of up to 300 ft.

Simultaneous streaming and recording

It’s a good idea to have a backup recording of your live stream, just in case. Keep in mind that some camera models don’t allow simultaneous internal recording and video capture for streaming. A quick way to determine whether your camera can do both is to connect it to a TV and press record on the camera. If the recording starts and you are still able to see the live feed on the TV screen, your camera is able to stream and record simultaneously.

There is another option when it comes to simultaneous streaming and recording: all-in-one hardware encoders like Pearl-2 and Pearl Mini can both stream and record video at the same time.

Rotating display (flip screen)

You want to be able to see what you look like on camera. Cameras with a screen that rotates to face you and flips the image are designed for this. This handy feature saves the extra effort it takes to set up an external confidence monitor.

Going mobile

If you are planning to use your camera for a mobile live stream, be sure to review the camera’s battery life (and get a few additional battery grips). Also consider the weight, size, and shape of the camera. For example, the design of many DSLR cameras makes it challenging to hold them steady without a tripod for extended periods of time. Camcorders, meanwhile, were designed for handheld shooting.

Other important gear (lights, tripods, etc.)

As amazing as camera technology is today, respecting the basic principles of filmmaking is still crucial. It’s important to pay just as much attention to lighting and composition as to your choice of camera. Even the world’s best camera won’t be able to save a poorly lit shot. Similarly, a sturdy tripod can do more for image stabilization than the best image stabilization software. Check out our guide to building your own live streaming studio to learn the basics of lighting and camera setup.

A capture card is a small piece of hardware that helps translate the camera’s analog video signal into a digital video format that your computer will understand. Capture cards can come in various flavors depending on resolution (HD, 4K) and connector type (HDMI, SDI, VGA, DVI).

There is, however, a way to live stream from a camera without a capture card. Hardware encoders like Pearl-2, Pearl Mini, and Pearl Nano, are purpose-built devices that can capture, stream, and record any HDMI or SDI camera signal. This way you can connect the camera directly and stream without a capture card or a computer.

Types of live streaming cameras

There are various types of cameras you can use for streaming, including webcams, camcorders, DSLRs, mirrorless, PTZ, and action cameras. For some scenarios, one type of camera is clearly better suited than another. Other times the budget plays the final role, and sometimes it comes down to consumer preference.

Webcams

Webcams are USB-powered devices that connect directly to a computer. The plug-and-play capability makes them highly user friendly. Both computers and hardware encoders can accept webcams as USB video sources.

Webcams were designed for capturing talking heads in indoor settings. Though webcam image quality is almost always inferior to that of “real” video cameras, modern webcams can produce very good video, especially with proper lighting. Advanced webcam features include digital zoom, face recognition, and background replacement. Webcams often come with a clip that mounts onto a laptop or computer monitor, and some even have tripod-ready mounts.

Pro tip: Choose webcams with glass lenses over plastic ones: the video will look crisper and more vibrant.

Logitech c920 webcam

Webcams are good for:

• Indoor video streaming
• Video conferencing/talking heads
• Online video game streaming
• Lecture narration

DSLR and Mirrorless cameras

Originally designed as digital analogs to traditional film cameras, DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer beautiful image quality. The lenses on these types of cameras are usually interchangeable, presenting opportunities for shot customization and fine cinematographic effects. Compared to camcorders in the same price category, DSLR and mirrorless have much larger image sensors, which means better image quality. Switching from a webcam to a DSLR or mirrorless is a great way to improve your stream’s video quality.

DSLR Panasonic Lumix GH5

/>Because DSLR and mirrorless were primarily made to be photo cameras, some of them are poorly suited for video recording or live streaming. Older models from this category can be particularly prickly when it comes to meeting the four criteria for live streaming cameras:

• Not all models have a clean HDMI out (or any HDMI out at all)
  Confirm that the camera has a video out, then check whether it’s a clean HDMI out. Online communities and professional reviews can usually help with this.

• Overheating
  DSLR sensors and processors tend to overheat over long periods of operation. Many DSLRs will show an overheating warning after about 30 minutes in live view mode and shut off. This seems to be an issue with many Canon DSLR cameras in particular.

• Automatic shutoff
  Some models shut off after a period of inactivity to preserve battery. This issue is usually resolved by either turning the energy saving timer off or connecting the camera to AC power.

Pro tip: Before purchasing a DSLR/mirrorless for live streaming, always check online for any known issues

With the live streaming industry rapidly evolving, newer DSLR and mirrorless models are designed with live streaming in mind. This means that most recent releases meet the four criteria for live streaming cameras. Additionally, companies like Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic have recently released firmware updates that convert a DSLR/mirrorless model into plug-and-play USB camera (much like a webcam).

Lenses: An additional expense with DSLR/mirrorless cameras

What sets DSLR and mirrorless apart from other camera types is the interchangeable lens option. This opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to fine-tuning your shot, but the costs for “glass” can also add up fast. Some high-end lenses can cost in the tens of thousand dollars. Depending on the look you are going for, you may end up spending as much (if not more) on the lenses as you did on the camera. This is why lens choice is always something to think about. One way to keep the costs down and help you decide what you really need is to rent the lenses first.

[image: Mirrorless camera Sony a6300]
DSLR Panasonic Lumix GH5

DSLR and mirrorless cameras are good for:

• Vlogging, live shows, webinars
• Upgrading from webcam-quality streaming
• Creating a customized cinematic look using lenses
• Serving double-duty as a photo and video camera
• Travelling, specifically for mirrorless cameras, which are compact and lightweight

Camcorders

Unlike DSLR and mirrorless cameras, camcorders are purpose-built for capturing hours and hours of video. Designed as digital versions of their analogue counterparts, professional camcorders are the industry standard for video broadcasting. Feature sets range widely depending on price point. The bottom line is, if you are looking to produce a lot of live video content, you should strongly consider a camcorder.

Camcorder main features:

• Long battery life
• Subjects are always in focus (flipside: lack of depth of field)
• Easy to use (ergonomic design, point and shoot)
• No recording or streaming time limit (unlike DSLRs)
• Versatility – one lens fits all (flipside: less control over cinematics)

Canon VIXIA HF G21 Camcorder

You can start streaming with the most basic prosumer camcorder like the Canon Vixia R800 for about $250 US, move up to a mid-level camcorder with more functionality and far better image quality for about $1,000 US, and graduate to a professional camcorder ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000.

A small number of high-end camcorder models offer direct-from-the-camera live streaming. This means the camcorder has an encoder unit built in that can stream to any destination via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a cellular connection. These include Panasonic, Canon, Sony, and JVC camcorders (all of which are quite an investment).

Digital camcorders are good for:

• Beginner videographers (more affordable models)
• Large live productions like concerts, conferences, live news shows, etc.
• Events where a camera operator is present or can be brought in

PTZ cameras

PTZ (Pan, Tilt, and Zoom) are cameras you can operate remotely. These cameras typically have a flat base that can be securely mounted on a shelf, a ceiling, or a tripod. PTZ cameras are widely used in permanent installs at churches, conference and concert halls, lecture auditoriums, and other large spaces.

These cameras offer ample optical and digital zoom as well as 60 fps streaming, making them a viable solution for sports streaming. One camera operator can remotely control multiple PTZ cameras at once. Some PTZ camera models offer automatic tracking, which means the camera can identify and follow a speaker as they move about the room.

Sony BRC X400 4K PTZ Camera

PTZ cameras generally do not feature audio capture options, which means audio has to be configured and synced separately.

PTZ cameras are good for:

• Church streaming, lecture capture, sports streaming
• Easy mounting and set-and-forget permanent installations in large spaces (churches, lecture halls, concert and conference venues, stadiums)
• Remote operation scenarios
• Automatic subject tracking

Optimal settings for a live streaming camera

To get the best possible video quality, be sure to check the following settings before going live. Some of these settings will be easily adjustable using dials on the camera body, while others may be hidden deep within the system menu.

Coordinate exposure and fps

Set the exposure time fraction to be a multiple of the chosen frame rate. For example, if you are streaming at 30 frames per second (fps), set your camera’s exposure to be 1/30; at 60 fps make it 1/60; etc.

Fully open aperture

The more light the camera receives, the better the image quality, as more light is able to hit the sensor.

Progressive, not interlaced

Video sources that are listed with the letter “p” are called progressive scan signals (e.g., 720p, 1080p), while those listed with “i” are interlaced (480i, 1080i). Progressive signals look better because they display both even and odd scan lines simultaneously. Interlaced signals alternate between even and odd scan lines, making the video look stripey. Always go for “p” for streaming, not “i”.

Deciphering a camera’s streaming resolution and frame rate

In the camera features lists that follow, you’ll see the following sets of numbers and letters:

• 720p60
• 1080p30
• 4K30

These describe the maximum resolution (e.g., 720p, 1080p, 4K) and frame rate (e.g., 30, 60) the camera is capable of streaming.