There are a lot of cameras to choose from. The best camera for you is going to depend on your budget and the quality you’re looking to get out of it. Let’s run through a few of the best cameras for streaming.
Writer’s note: with the current COVID-19 situation there is a high demand for at-home camera solutions, you’ll find items sold out or marked up for the time being.
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema – one of the best for streaming on a budget
There is something about having a camera on stream that really makes people feel more connected with the streamer. So while the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema is not the nicest camera on our list, it gets the job done. This camera can output 720p quality and even has a built in microphone if you don’t have an external mic. This is a great camera for a brand new streamer that wants to test the waters.
Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam for Business – Black
Logitech C920 is a very popular entry-level streaming camera
This is one of the most popular cameras on Twitch. Partly because Logitech has done a really good job at marketing it. It also happens to have a pretty good camera for an entry-level streamer. It’s a good contender for the best camera for streaming on a budget. With a proper light source and its ability to output 1080p, you’ll have a high quality setup.
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop Webcam
Razer Kiyo is the best camera for a streaming all-in-one
The great part about the Razer Kiyo is that it has a built in circle light. One of the biggest things that will lower your camera quality is not having a proper light source. Razer has thought about this for you and added a circle light right around the camera lens. This camera’s 1080p output coupled with the light makes it a hard bargain to pass up. Razer is known for their efforts in making straight-out-of-the-box products so that you can get your stream on with as little configuration as possible.
Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam: 1080p 30 FPS / 720p 60 FPS – Ring Light w/ Adjustable Brightness – Built-in Microphone – Advanced Autofocus
Logitech Brio is the 920 on steroids
If you’re looking for an all around bump up from the Logitech 920, we reccomend the Logitech Brio as one of the best streaming cameras. This camera offers a high quality lens and a high quality 4k image sensor. You’ll easily be able to stream a sharp 1080p image on Twitch or any other streaming service. Since this camera is able to stream in 4K, you have the added benefit of high quality video recording off stream as well. With such high quality, you can make good use of the 5X digital zoom. And with the up to 90 degrees of viewing, there can be plenty on screen.
Logitech BRIO – Ultra HD Webcam for Video Conferencing, Recording, and Streaming
Mevo Plus is the best camera for streaming multiple scenes with one device
We wanted to include the Mevo Plus because it’s one of the more unqique cameras in this lineup. This camera is able to connect remotely to your iOS or Android device so you can edit your camera on the fly. This includes being able to quickly zoom for those extra beautiful shots of your pearly whites. The Mevo also includes a motion tracking mode and facial recognition so that you can let the camera software do the editing for you. This camera may not be for everyone, but it can allow you to set yourself apart from other streamers. Take note, this camera will not work out of the box and you’ll need to work through an RTMP server to use it with OBS, but for those that like to tinker, you’ll enjoy this.
Mevo Plus – The Live Event Camera, Stream in Full HD 1080p or Record in 4K, Compatible with Android and iOS
Sony A7 IIK – really high-end picture quality
If you’re really looking to bump up the camera quality for your stream, we reccomend the Sony 17 IIK. This mirrorless digital camera can be set to run the entire length of your stream. It’s compatible with sony’s E mount lenses and can capture high 50 Mbps bit rate. This camera can have serious benefits both on and off stream. Not only is it going to last you through those multi-hour streams, but it can shoot an extremely high quality YouTube video as well.
Sony Alpha a7IIK Mirrorless Digital Camera with 28-70mm Lens
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