YouTube offers a wonderful opportunity to share your content with the world. Live streaming takes it a step further. You can go live, connect, engage your audience and build your channel.
However, to succeed at this, you need a camera with the right specifications. But with the market flooded with so many new and advanced cameras, picking the right one can be intimidating. We have decided to help you in this regard.
Here, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best cameras for YouTube live streaming. We have considered factors such as image quality, video resolution, and more to help you find the perfect camera that will suffice your needs.
Cameras for Youtube Live Streaming: A Comparison
| Title | Panasonic Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera | Logitech C922 Pro Stream | Canon XA11 | Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 | Logitech Brio | Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 | Panasonic HC-V770 | Canon VIXIA HF R800 | Logitech C920s Pro HD | GoPro HERO9 Black |
| Prime status | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Star rating | 4.6/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Review | 1,802 | 413 | 74 | 403 | 163 | 3,639 | 41 | 1,697 | 186 | 4,008 |
| Megapixels | 16 MP | 3 MP | 3.09 MP | 21.77 MP | 8 MP | 4 MP | 12.76 MP | 3.28 MP | 2.1 MP | 20 MP |
| Maximum resolution | Full HD ( 1920 * 1080 ) at 50p | 1920 x 1080 p | Full HD 1920×1080 | 5184 x 3888 px | 4096 x 2160 | HD 720p | Full-HD 1920 x 1080 | Full HD 1920 x 1080 | 1080p | 1080p |
| Frame rate | 8 fps with AF-S, 6 fps with AF-C | 720p at 60fps | 28 Mbps at 50 fps | 180 fps in Full HD and 60 fps in DCI 4K | 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, HD 1080p at 30 or 60 fps, and HD 720p at 30, 60 or an ultra-smooth 90 fps | 30 fps | Full-HD (1920 x 1080) at 120 fps | 1080p/60fps at 17/24/35 MBps | Full HD (1080p at 30fps) | 5K with 30 fps or in 4K with 60 fps |
| Connectivity | Micro USB, HDMI | USB-A, 1.5m cable | Xlr | USB-C | USB-C | USB 2.0 | Wi-Fi | Wifi, HDMI | USB | USB |
| Field of view | 75° to 29° | 78° | 45° | 100° | 65° | 68.5° | 180° | 180° | 78° | 155˚ |
| Zoom | 3x | 1.2 x | 20x | 4x | 5x | 100 x | 20x | 32 x | 1.2x | 1.33x |
| Price | 697.99 | $66.89 | $355.99 | $1,247.99 | $109.98 | $26.27 | $829.16 | $389 | $62. | $249.00 |
10 Cameras for Youtube Live Streaming
Panasonic Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera
Price: $697.99 on Amazon
Features:
- Digital single-lens mirrorless camera
- Remote control with Bulb function
- Built-in Wi-fi connectivity
- 4K UHD video recording at 30/24 fps
- Synchronisation: 1/160 second
Panasonic Lumix G7 is a mid-range camera for all YouTube streamers and photographers looking for an alternative to DSLRs. As a micro-four-thirds camera, it provides you with impressive audio, video, and creative controls.
The YouTube streamers will find the 4k video feature to be handy. The ability to shoot a 4k video means that the result will be four times sharper than when recorded with 1080p resolution. It also allows you to capture 8 Megapixel photos from the video even when shooting at a high speed of 30 frames per second.
The camera is responsive and focuses quickly, even in low light conditions. Other features worth considering include built-in Wi-Fi, silent shooting up to 1/16000, and timelapse.
Pros
- 4K photo/4K video
- Outstanding handgrip
- Responsive touchscreen display
- Electronic shutter allows fast shutter speeds
Cons
- Dials and buttons give a plastic feel
- No weather-seal
Logitech C922 Pro Stream
Price: $66 on Amazon
Features:
- Background replacement customizable
- Corrects low-light automatically
- Dual stereo microphones
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
- Works with Android and Chrome
With a field view of 720P at 60 FPS, Logitech C922 Pro Stream has impressive capture abilities, even in low light. So you can create videos or stream them on YouTube and customize them simultaneously. The webcam utilizes H.264 technology for seamless uploads.
The diagonal field of view is as wide as 78° when set on an adjustable tripod (included as an enhancement) allowing you to include everyone in the group call easily. You can also mount it on a book, tabletop or an LCD screen.
There is also an automatic low light correction feature to create clear footage in low light. Last, the camera has a robust body constructed with high-quality plastics making it durable and portable.
Pros
- Good audio quality
- Available at a reasonable price
- Utilizes Logitech Capture Software
Cons
- No privacy shutter
Canon XA11
Price: $1,389 on Amazon
Features
- LCD touchscreen with an electronic viewfinder
- Optical image stabilization system
- Assignable buttons
- Ergonomic and portable design
The small and compact Canon XA11 is perfect for video recording and YouTube live streaming. Streamers will especially find the high-quality sensors, 20x optical zoom, and ability to connect to other devices features helpful.
The two XLR inputs means you can record on two channels. So, use the 3.5mm output jack designed for headphones to insert a mic and start shooting. Canon XA11 includes a 5-axis image stabilization system to keep the video stable while streaming. The Instant AF focusing system improves auto focus accuracy reducing the time to focus at low light.
Pros
- Outstanding image reproduction
- Dual SD card slots
- Ultra-compact with detachable handle
Cons
- Does not support Wi-fi
- Slightly expensive
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II
Price: $1,247.99 on Amazon
Features
- High-speed autofocus system
- Dual SD card slots for continuous recording or overflow recording
- High-quality 4K footage at up to 60 frames per second
- In-built image stabilization (IBIS) for smooth footage
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 is an efficient camera for YouTube and Facebook live streaming. The video quality is excellent (4K video at 59.94p and 48p) and with wireless control and photo transfer, it allows for more streamlined streaming.
The intelligent autofocus feature keeps your subject in focus when recording videos. It can also detect faces and eyes to ensure everything is clearly visible. Note that this feature works better at 24 fps than it does at 30 or 60 (fps).
The advanced algorithm for interpreting movement along with faster sensor readout provides more accurate autofocus.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- In-body stabilization
- All-weather build
- Dual UHS-II card slots
Cons
- Focus tracking slows down the shooting rate
- Slightly expensive for beginners
- Removes built-in flash
Logitech Brio
Price: $149.99 on Amazon
Features
- Multiple video resolutions support
- RightLight 3 for optimal image quality.
- Dual omnidirectional microphones for call quality
- Supports 5x HD zoom for image customization and quality
The Logitech BRIO is a 4K HDR webcam capable of YouTube streaming and video recording. It comes with a stereo microphone and a 90-degree field of view, giving you a perfect wide-angle to work with.
The camera allows streaming 30 frames per second in 4K, but in 1080p, 60 frames per second are possible. The low light performnace is excellent as it maintains a high degree of quality even when used with just a desk lamp.
Adjusting contrast, saturation or brightness is easy with the camera setting software provided.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good audio quality
- Outstanding HDR
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Chrome
Cons
- Inconsistent autofocus
Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Price: $26.27 on Amazon
Features
- Omni-directional microphone
- TrueColor technology (24-bit color depth)
- Movie maker software
- Skype certified
- Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 & 10
The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is an affordable webcam option for YouTube streamers who want an upgrade from an old low-quality laptop webcam. It delivers HD video at a resolution of 1280×720.
The LifeCam HD-3000 comes with a glass lens and a built-in microphone. It supports digital zoom up to 4x and is Skype-certified, for you to use with popular video conferencing platforms.
The camera is a plug-and-play device that does not require any software or drivers to set up. However, you can use Microsoft’s LifeCam software to adjust digital zoom or brightness if required.
Pros:
- Delivers HD video
- Skype-certified
- Works with Zoom
Cons:
- Image quality is not as good as some other webcams
- Head movement can cause blurring
- No autofocus
Panasonic HC-V770
Price: $829.16 on Amazon
Features
- Back side illumination sensor to suppress noise
- Shutter speed 1/2 – 1/2000
- Long 20X zoom
- Remote Shooting with wi-fi functions
The Panasonic HC-V770 HD camcorder is for YouTube streamers looking for an alternative to an average smartphone. It offers HDR, Wi-fi connectivity, and good optical zoom.
It comes with an impressive feature 4-drive lens system. This is a unique technology where all 4 groups of lenses function separately, providing high-quality images despite its compact body.
Another interesting feature is the wi-fi menu. Select the Wireless Twin Camera option and it switches your app into Twin camera mode. This feature allows streaming a video from your smartphone back or front camera into the camcorder.
Other features that may help YouTube streamers include a microphone, built-in flash, and a touchscreen display. You can also control the camera remotely
Pros
- Impressive image quality
- Wide range of features
- Built-in touchscreen display
- Variety of manual controls
Cons:
- Can be heavier
Canon VIXIA HF R800
Price: $355.99
- Full HD CMOS Image Sensor captures high-resolution video with natural color, even in low light.
- DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor enhances image quality
- 57x Advanced Zoom and Super Range OIS for a wide range of shooting possibilities.
- MP4 1080/60p recording for smooth, fluid playback.
The Canon Vixia HF R800 is an all-around camcorder that is easy to use and produces good image and video quality. It can shoot 1080p HD video at up to 60fps and has a 20x optical zoom lens.
The camera has several manual controls in addition to automatic settings making it easy to use for beginners. YouTube streamers can especially take advantage of the long battery life, and record 2 hours of video in a single charge.
The camera does not have 4K recording, but the other features make it a good choice for vloggers and other content creators.
Pros
- Good image quality, especially in bright conditions
- Easy to use, with several automatic and manual settings
- Built-in ND filter
- Creative filters
Cons
- No 4K recording
- Slow autofocus in low-light conditions
Logitech C920s Pro HD
Price: $62.00 on Amazon
Features
- Full HD 1080p video at 30fps
- Full HD glass lens with 78° field of view
- HD auto light correction
- Dual mics for clear stereo sound
- Privacy shutter
The Logitech C920s Pro Full HD Webcam is a perfect webcam that gives you clear and detailed video in high definition (HD). It records video at a resolution of 1080p and 30 frames per second, making the images sharp and smooth. The unique lens made up of high-quality glass captures a broad view of 78 degrees.
The webcam can also correct lighting automatically, so you always look good even if the lighting is not perfect. The webcam has two microphones that capture sound in stereo, making your voice sound clear and natural while streaming on YouTube.
The C920s webcam works with Logitech’s Logi Tune software.
Pros
- Privacy shutter available
- Automatic light correction
Cons
- Field of view is not adjustable
GoPro HERO9 Black
Price: $249.00 on Amazon
Features
- Impressive 5K video
- Detachable lens + mod compatibility
- Waterproof to 33ft and built tough
- Advanced video stabilization from HyperSmooth 3.0
The GoPro HERO 9 Black, an action camera with a larger front-facing display, a 23.6MP sensor, and the capability to record 5K video at 30fps.
The camera is an excellent choice for YouTube streamers streaming during the day. It can record videos in 5K, and HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization feature assists it well. However, the video quality is not so good in low light.
GoPro HERO 9 has an inbuilt feature that corrects the camera’s orientation, even when set at an angle.
Pros
- 23.6MP sensor
- Ability to record 5K video at 30fps
- Improved image stabilization
- Low-light performance
Cons:
- Expensive
- No built-in microphone input
Factors to choose the best camera for YouTube Streaming
There are many things you should think of before picking up a camera to suffice your requirements. Some of them are discussed below.
Types of cameras for YouTube streaming
DSLR
DSLR’s ability to shoot in poor light and greater control over the final image makes it the first choice for live streaming. These cameras come with many lenses, each with different functions. You can adjust how fast the camera takes a picture, blur the background, capture wide views, or make other small changes. A DSLR can be connected to several devices; however, they are not portable like other options in the market.
Mirrorless cameras
Unlike DSLR cameras, mirrorless cameras lack mirror mechanisms, hence the name. They are lightweight and portable, making them an apt choice for streamers. Make sure the camera you pick can record for a long time and has a clean HDMI output that hides the viewfinder status and icons. Also, the camera should have the ability to connect to a video encoder for you to stream your videos online easily.
Webcams
Webcams are ideal for video streaming on a budget. They are simple to use and work well for streaming video games, live video chats, or any other live content. However, they are different from the webcams embedded into your laptop. These external cameras offer a minimum of 720p resolution and come with a built-in microphone. You can connect them to your computer directly without a separate video encoder or buy a separate microphone or headset.
Camcorders
Camcorders are designed to record live videos. They offer clean HDMI outputs with a high frame rate. A significant advantage is their 4K resolution output, ensuring excellent video quality. They are easy for handheld shooting and can be used for filming longer streams for your audience.
Action cameras
Action cameras are mostly used for adventure and extreme sports. One can also use these cameras for live streaming purposes, such as on YouTube, Facebook, etc, and they provide excellent results. Connect your camera with HDMI, USB, or other means, followed by the action camera app, and start streaming. They have built-in Wi-fi and all the streaming capabilities to make a high-quality video.
Frame rate
The frame rate measured in frames per second (fps) is essential for recording smooth and clear videos, especially if there is a lot of movement. So, if you plan to move around a lot during your YouTube live streams, choose a camera with the highest frame rate possible. The minimum frame rate you should look for in a webcam is 30 fps.
Recording limits
The recording limit is a crucial factor in YouTube streaming. Some cameras allow shooting for only 29 minutes and 59 seconds, as recording high-resolution video produces a lot of heat. This may hamper your streaming. So, look for cameras with cooling fans to stream long videos.
Autofocus
When shooting a video, the camera will capture all it’s focusing attempts. Therefore, you need a camera whose autofocus you can rely on. The best camera for streaming is the one that can track the subjects and has the power to refocus quickly. This ability depends solely on the camera and the lens you pick. So, put in some research or try a few options before buying.
Image stabilization
One of the easiest ways to achieve image stabilization is using a tripod with a video-friendly head. But that doesn’t always help. You need a camera with in-body stabilization that offers more flexibility. Such cameras allow adding dynamic motion to your streaming endeavors and have different modes to remove shakes and smooth out intentional camera movements.
Resolution
The resolution of a camera is responsible for its video quality and clarity. Most webcams can record high-quality videos with at least 720 pixels. If you’re new to YouTube live streaming and want to save money, a 720p webcam is fine. But look for webcams with 1080p or 4K resolution if you want better videos. Remember, higher resolution requires more internet strength to stream well, so consider getting a dual-band router to avoid interruptions.
Zoom
Cameras with large zooms are difficult to hold steady when fully zoomed in, making it difficult to get sharp videos even with good image stabilization. Fixed-lens cameras have an advantage with regard to zoom operation. They have zoom mechanisms for easy control with a button. Interchangeable lenses can be more complex for beginners. One must zoom in manually with a ring; the process offers more control but can be intimidating for newbies. So, think about what will suit you before buying one.
Settings carry-over
Camera manufacturers often do not mention whether the camera maintains the same exposure and settings switching between still photo and video shooting. This is so because you need specific settings for photos, but videos may require different ones. It’s better to have separate settings for exposure, white balance, and focus modes for each mode. Having separate settings can simplify the process and save you from constantly adjusting the camera.
Audio
The next feature you should consider is the audio quality. Remember, a bad sound is always more noticeable than a bad, blurry video. Look for a camera that has a microphone input socket to insert an external mic, as internal microphones can pick up unwanted noises. This also helps in checking sound levels and eliminating background noise.
Price
The market is inundated with live-streaming cameras running from high-end to affordable options. Beginners in YouTube streaming should consider the price before buying. Look for the features you want and be mindful of the price you are spending, as you would also require some streaming setup. A camera with decent video quality that also fulfills your streaming needs should be fine.
FAQs
What is meant by a live streaming security camera?
These cameras allow streaming video directly to your mobile devices. This means you can check your video from home or anywhere and see if it is streaming well.
How to set up live streaming equipment?
Here are the steps:
- Connect the video and audio sources to the streaming device
- Set up the encoder.
- Connect the encoder and streaming platform. Use the stream key and URL provided by the streaming platform.
- Test the internet connection and uploading speed
- Stream
How is live streaming different from recording?
Live streaming gives you the freedom to engage with your audience instantaneously and get reactions, while recording gives you control over your content. You can edit the latter before publishing, something impossible with the former.
Final Thoughts
While you can stream with any camera, our list of cameras provides you with the best in function and functionalities. For instance, if you are looking for a high-quality camera with a variety of features for YouTube streaming, the Panasonic Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera is a great option. It offers 4K video recording, built-in Wi-Fi, with a responsive touchscreen display.
However, if you are on a budget, the Logitech C922 Pro Stream is a great webcam with a high-quality video, a built-in microphone, and multiple OS compatibility. You can pick any as per your requirements or preference.
