Before you buy a camera for streaming, you should decide what you want to stream. After all, you can have different types of cameras for different purposes. In our little tutorial, we will explain the types of cameras and give you some examples of inexpensive devices. And if you want to learn about the best mobile camera phone you can read about it in the Skylum blog.

What is a camera for streaming

Used for live streaming, game streaming - any streaming where you're static in the frame. They simply plug into your laptop or PC. The price for them usually does not exceed $330. There are more expensive models, but these are rather exceptions. Of course, we are not talking about cameras built into the laptop, but about external cameras, which are connected additionally. Why not a built-in camera? Their resolution is usually lower than 720p and for shooting video it is better to buy better equipment.

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Mirror and mirrorless cameras

The equipment helps to get a quality picture even in a bad light the room. If you plan to buy such a camera for streaming, you need to choose a model that supports continuous video recording - otherwise, the streaming will end at an inopportune moment. Mirrorless and SLR cameras for streaming are more expensive than webcams. But the image quality is better. It's also important that the device is connected to a video encoder. This is a program (or gadget) for converting video content into a digital format. This allows the HDMI output signal to be sent to online streaming platforms. Even the smallest camera today can record high-quality video.

Action Cameras

Compact, lightweight gadgets designed to capture dynamic events, and moving objects.

They're made for video recording:

  • designed for continuous recording;
  • are good for filming a static person as well as a moving one;
  • the quality of the recording is superior to analogs.

On the downside, a good camcorder is expensive.

What camera to buy for streaming for the computer

When choosing, you should rely on the following criteria:

  • Budget. You can find a good device for $85, and you can buy a premium unit for $5000. So it is better to determine the boundaries of the budget;
  • Resolution. This value of pixels is diagonally and vertically. The greater the ratio, the sharper the picture will be. For streaming, you need at least 720p;
  • FPS (frames per second) - an important indicator for those who record streaming through the camera. If the FPS is low (under 30) the video will seem too slow, and fast motion will seem choppy;
  • View angle - the size of the area that falls into the frame. On average, 68-180 is enough;
  • Microphone. Not always the presence of a microphone is an advantage. Especially in the budget segment, the quality of the sound recording is usually low. Therefore, it is better to choose a model without a microphone and buy it separately;
  • Additional features. These include autofocus, autocorrection of illumination, and backlighting. These are optional extras. But they will make it easier to do live broadcasts. Additional features increase the cost of the equipment.

A quality picture is more attractive and disposable to the viewer.

What's the best budget webcam for streaming

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000.

The first in the ranking is a low-cost camera from Microsoft. It meets the minimum parameters that are put forward for streaming cameras:

  • The resolution is 1280x720;
  • Frame rate 30.

The camera has a simple and convenient mounting and a long cord. This allows you to attach it not only to the monitor itself, but also to choose a more convenient place to shoot.

Logitech C922 Pro Stream

Next on the top of the best budget webcams for streaming is the Logitech C922 Pro Stream. It's a versatile gadget for video shooting and conferencing. Small (44x95x71 mm), lightweight (162 g) camera allows you to record video in 720p and 1080p. You can set the device on a tripod or attach it to the monitor. Tripod included. The camera is suitable for the first experience of shooting video and for those who want to upgrade technology but has a limited budget.

Razer Kiyo

Unusual web camera for streaming with built-in backlight. It has a neat round shape, compact (69x69x48 mm). With this camera, you don't have to worry about additional light sources. Built-in illumination is enough (12 LEDs) to illuminate the presenter. If the budget allows, it is better to buy more light sources. The illumination of the camera is not enough to create a three-dimensional image.  The camera transmits 1080p Full HD video at 30 frames per second or 60 frames per second at 720p.

Conclusion

Webcams for streaming are different from those used for video conferencing. The correct choice determines how comfortable it will be for the viewers to watch the video recording. When studying the characteristics of the devices, you need to pay attention to the matrix, permissible resolution, frame rate, type of focus, and availability of additional functions. If you want to know about the best mobile camera phone you can read about it in the Skylum blog.

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