How to pick the best camera for live streaming
Nowadays digital cameras are multifunctional devices with a complete multimedia package. If you are going to create professional content to monetize and build an audience, consider these types of cameras:
Webcams
The webcams are portable, offer an easy plug-and-play solution and are ideal for long streaming sessions, not only in the studio, but also while traveling.
Digital single-lens reflex and mirrorless cameras
The latest generation of DSLRs and mirrorless cameras can now be used to create high quality video.
This type of camera offers great flexibility — you can change lenses according to the environment, adjust the lighting, exposure and white balance, use a wide aperture and shallow depth.
Almost all manufacturers have added software updates to integrate with laptops and configure high-speed data transfer with one click.
Camcorders
Camcorders have a wide range of I / O ports and zoom options. They have a long battery life.
The disadvantage is that some camcorders do not have built-in Wi-Fi. If you need to save the video, you will have to use a capture card or an encoder.
PTZ cameras
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) is a robotic camera controlled remotely.
These types of cameras are widely used in TV studios, sporting events and other places.
PTZ cameras have excellent optical and digital zoom capabilities. Streaming is done at 60 frames per second, ideal for lag-free broadcasting.
Suitable for those who plan to broadcast live with guests in the same room or for shooting from different angles during broadcasts.
What to look for when choosing a camera
The main characteristics are video resolution and frame rate.
Resolution determines the quality of the footage.
The high frame rate allows you to shoot smooth, continuous footage.
Resolution
Since streaming websites support 4K and even 8K video, the higher the resolution, the better.
Frame frequency
The frame rate is the rate at which images are displayed every second.
The higher the frame rate, the smoother your live streams will look. A minimum of 60fps is fine for most live broadcasts, but affordable high-end cameras are even more capable.
This is especially important for gamers who want to capture fast-paced and intense gameplay scenes in their live streams.
Zoom
The optical zoom magnifies the image with the lens, providing the best video quality with precise details and virtually no noise.
Note that normal digital zoom is simply a cropped image that has been digitally enlarged.
Top 9 Live Streaming Cameras
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

A hit among YouTubers.
Pros :
- High speed continuous shooting
- High dynamic range
- Pocket size case
- Flip-out rear LCD touch screen
- Live broadcast compatible
- Stylish design
- 4K video, no cropping
- Front screen
- Easy to set up streaming
Cons :
- Lenses don’t change
- No viewfinder, so you’ll have to rely on the LCD screen.
Specifications :
The 24–100mm equivalent focal length provides a versatile shooting range.
3.5 mm port — for connecting an external microphone.
Resolution: 4K UHD @ 30p
Frame Rate: Up to 120 fps at 1080p.
Size: 105 x 61 x 41 mm Weight: 304 g
Suitable for:
- for professional live broadcast
- for photography
- for vlogging.
GoPro Hero10 Black
A versatile camera for live broadcasts. High resolution photos + video, high frame rate even when shooting sharply.

- High resolution 23 MP for photo
- HyperSmooth image stabilization for photos and videos. Better low light performance and horizon leveling with higher tilt limit.
- Housing is compact, durable and waterproof
- 5.2–5.3K video resolution
- Up to 240fps video support
- Double frame rate for smooth motion.
- With 8x slow motion at 2.7K, you can pause the video and get 15.8 megapixel photos from video that look amazing.
- Average battery life 1.5–2 hours for a charge
Specifications
Megapixels: 23MP
Max Resolution: 5.3K Ultra HD with HDR (streaming limited to 1080p)
Frame rate: 5.3K at 60FPS, 4K at 120FPS and 2.7K at 240FPS.
Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Field of view: 132°
Processor: GP2 engine delivers fast performance, responsive touch controls and double the frame rate for smooth footage. Designed specifically for the GoPro, the GP2 SoC is the fastest system-on-a-chip at the time.
Lens : water-repellent hydrophobic lens cap that repels water to help eliminate flare and other artifacts. That allows for realistic textures and good contrast even in low light.
Transfer photos and videos from GoPro, to the cloud, and to your phone wirelessly via Quik app or USB. Unlimited cloud storage with easy auto-upload.
Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder
Full HD, perfect for Twitch or YouTube.

This camera has everything you need to get started, including a viewfinder with a 20x zoom function.
Specifications
- 3" LCD screen, viewfinder
- 5 oz (lightweight)
- Manual, external microphone input
- 20x optical zoom
- 1080 HD
Pros :
- Fuller angular field of view than 4k models
- According to reports, excellent file transfer and speed.
Cons :
- The camera microphone is not very good.