The 5 Best Cameras for Live Streaming
Maybe the premise of obtaining Twitch fame appeals to you. Or perhaps you just can't contain your passion for your game of choice, and you're hoping to share that jubilance with the community. Whatever your reason for seeking out a camera for live streaming, we're here to help. There are enough options out there to make your head spin, and it doesn't help that wherever you turn to, someone is recommending a different camera. So we've taken the time to find the five strongest options, ranging from the budget-tier to the professional-grade.
Logitech C920
Old Reliable
It’s easy to debate the merits of one $500 camera versus another $500 camera. Option A has the edge in this regard, but Option B takes the cake in that regard. On and on it goes. But when it comes to a sub-$100 option, there is absolutely no competition: the Logitech C920 is the clear champion. Yes, most of the other options on our list cost 10x more (seriously), but that doesn’t mean you should expect 1/10th the performance from this one. No, here you can expect 1080p video with an image quality that blows the other contenders in this price range out of the water. It’s dependable, cost-effective, and it works excellently in low-light conditions. We think that for most folks out there, this is the obvious choice.
Pros:
- Built-in dual stereo mics
- Compact build
- Easy to mount
Cons:
- Mediocre audio quality
- Focus can be temperamental
Sony Alpha a6000
The Alpha of the Pack
If you’re trying to really differentiate yourself from the myriad of streamers out there doing the same thing, it’s good to start with gear. Money can’t buy personality, but what it can buy is a damn good streaming rig. If you have several hundred dollars to spend, the Sony Alpha a6000 is where you’ll want to invest. As a mirrorless-style camera, it has a competitive edge over DSLRs in the realm of continuous autofocus, and combined with its stellar image quality, compact form-factor, and its more than reasonable price, it’s easy to understand why. As a bonus, it’ll double as a fantastic photography unit, if you’re interested in taking photos with it.
Pros:
- Rechargeable battery and accessories included
- Available in four sleek colors
- Built with high-quality components
Cons:
- Battery life is lacking
- Small buttons are unfriendly to the large-handed
Sony A7 III
The Camera of Angels
Recommending a near-$2,000 camera to strangers on the internet is a questionable decision, we know. We’re also aware that most folks out there are simply not going to be able to afford this one. But if you’re one of the few and fortunate amongst us, let us assure you that the Sony A7 III is arguably the best that money can buy when it comes to live streaming. Flex on your peers and competitors with this kingly camera’s stunning specs, which include otherworldly 4k video, Sony’s proprietary eye-AF (autofocus) technology, face detection, slow-motion mode, and much more. The detail the A7 III is capable of capturing is simply stunning. It’s expensive, but truthfully, it’s perfectly priced so as to make professional-grade quality accessible to those who are willing to save for it.
Pros:
- Touchscreen focusing capability
- Fantastic performance in low-light conditions
- Strong and reliable battery
Cons:
- Menu is not as intuitive as it could be
- Dedicated battery charger not included
Logitech Brio
The King of Convenience
If convenience and simplicity are important to you than nifty features and the like, then the Logitech Brio may be for you. It’s certainly the most simple camera on our list as far as setup is concerned, especially considering its clever clip-on design. It’s capable of capturing 1080p at 60fps, or 4k at 60fps, both of which are impressive for the price this one’s sold at. Though it is backwards-compatible with USB 2.0 inputs, you’ll get the most out of this unit if your computer is 3.0-compatible. So if you already have a high-powered computer that can support the Brio’s features, and you want a camera that’s essentially just plug-and-play, look no further.
Pros:
- Easy to adjust settings
- HD digital 5x zoom
- Utilizes both optical and infrared sensors
Cons:
- Background removal often disappoints
- Facial recognition is unreliable
Panasonic Lumix G7
Surely Panasonic deserves a place on this list with their masterful G7 camera. Those looking for a dual-purpose camera for both live streaming and photography will have a friend in the G7, which boasts a 16 MP micro 4/3 sensor, 4k video & photo, a 2,360K-dot live viewfinder, and a 3-inch tilt/swivel LCD. It’s fairly similar in function, price, and design to the aforementioned Sony Alpha a6000, and though it’s perhaps not quite as strong, it comes very close. We think that those searching for a camera that’ll only be used for streaming should lean into the a6000, while those who may use the camera for photography purposes as well are in good hands with the G7.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Intuitive user interface
- 14-42mm MEGA O.I.S. lens
- Available in either black or silver
Cons:
- Has a bit of a learning curve
- Not the best image stabilization
- Mediocre lens quality
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do these cameras cost so much? Can’t I just use a standard webcam?
Sure, you certainly can. Many people do this, and there’s nothing stopping you from doing it. But if you’re serious about your live streaming endeavor, you’ll likely be looking for something capable of producing video of a decent quality. To be frank, webcams can’t do this. Most of them, that is. With the exception of Logitech’s C920, C922, and the Brio, most webcams are fairly awful. Considering there are thousands upon thousands of streamers out there, setting yourself apart from the competition is important. We understand not everybody has hundreds of dollars to spend, which is why we’ve deemed the C920 a perfect choice for most folks.
So once I buy my camera, am I good to go?
This depends on the camera you buy, as well as the rest of your rig. Check your computer’s capabilities before buying a camera to make sure that they’re compatible. Once you confirm that, you’ll want to think about your audio setup. The built-in mics on most of these cameras are probably not going to cut it – not if you’re aiming for professional quality, that is. You don’t need to spend much money to get a decent audio setup.
Aside from this, you need to consider your lighting arrangement. Light is arguably the most important factor here, even more important than the camera you choose. Even if you splurge on a pro-grade camera, if your lighting sucks, your video will, too.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.