Today, we are living in the age of social media and influencers. Of all the social platforms that dominate our lives today, perhaps the most important is YouTube.
Whether it’s promoting your business or simply becoming an online celebrity through conducting reviews, YouTube streaming has become a real profession.
However, in order to attract those subscribers, the videos themselves have to be of high quality. For that purpose, a vast array of cameras are available for you to choose from. But which is the best camera for YouTube live streaming? We are here to help you decide just that.
Welcome to our reviews of the 7 best cameras you can use for streaming your YouTube content.
Best Camera for YouTube Live Streaming Review
We took the best of the best and narrowed them down to the seven top cameras that you can get for your streaming needs. The rankings have been constructed after taking into account multiple parameters such as video quality, software compatibility, extra features and support, and many others.
1. Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
Kicking us off is this high definition webcam from Logitech. From a company known for making some of the best audio and video devices on the market, the C920 is no different.
Why this is one of the best cameras for live streaming? Well there are many reasons.
First, this full HD camera gives you video recording at 1080p and video calling at both 1080p, coupled with the updated version of Skype, and 720p with supported clients. The camera also comes with a 5 feet long cable that gives you a lot of flexibility with regards to your set up.
Aside from the video quality, there are a host of other features that make this camera a joy to use. You get video compression software built-in dual stereo mics with tools for cleaning up the sound and filtering out background noise, and its tripod ready clips can be attached with laptops, monitors, or even LCDs.
It also provides good compatibility with Apple devices, being able to work in USB Video Class mode for MAC OS 10.0 or newer. You can also choose to Facetime with this camera in 720p video quality.
Other compatible systems include Chrome OS and Android 5.0 or higher. The HD video recording is also possible with QuickTime Player. In addition, it comes with USB ports should you need to transfer videos or files.
Pros
Almost every feature of this camera can be considered a pro. First of all the HD video recording and streaming. This is the main reason you buy these sorts of cameras and it provides the absolute best service when it comes to recording and broadcasting your content.
Then there is versatility. We mentioned the variety of operating systems and software it is compatible with. This makes sure regardless of what tools you use; this camera will have you covered.
Cons
Now this may come as an obvious consequence of its powerful nature, but this camera will put a lot of stress on your processor, and hence, you will need a powerful one in order to use this.
2. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
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At number two, we have the LifeCam HD-3000 from Microsoft. This reliable camera will give you a widescreen video recording that can cover any kind of content you may want to create. The video quality can be crystal clear at 720p. Both recording and video calling/chatting can be maintained at this quality.
The microphone built into it does more than just record sound. This device has noise reduction software that cleans the recorded sound of noise, making your videos easier to hear and understand.
Staying with the video quality, this camera also comes with something called TrueColor technology. In very simple terms, these are more software features that elevate the clarity and visual appeal of the videos.
Moving over to its structure, its universal attachment base will let you fit this camera to a number of devices such as laptops, desktops, notebooks, and others. Regardless of which device you use for working on your videos, this camera will be compatible with it.
Pros
Once more, we will cite video quality as the major plus point, given that is the first and foremost reason for getting a camera such as this. In particular, the TrueColor technology lets you do wonders with the visual aesthetics of your streams.
After this, the universal base is the second biggest reason for getting this camera. The convenience and versatility it offers is well worth the money. You also have to worry less if you find yourself changing devices after buying the camera.
Cons
Sometimes the software may glitch and fails to recognize the downloaded driver it is meant to work with. Also, it might not very suitable for the Windows 10 operating system.
3. New EKEN H9R Action Camera 4K WiFi Waterproof Sports Camera Full HD
Here we have the H9R Action Camera from EKEN. This 4k quality video recording tool will let you capture all your thrilling experiences with perfect quality.
With the new streaming feature of this 4k streaming camera, you can also broadcast these over mediums such as YouTube in real-time.
To make your life even more convenient, you have WiFi connectivity and HDMI support. This lets you watch or work on your videos whenever you need to and be able to view your videos on a TV should you want to. The EZ iCam app it comes with makes going live that much easier.
In terms of hardware, the camera is protected by a waterproof outer case. You can thus be free of any worry when using this camera to record your water sport or underwater activities.
There is also a 2 inch LCD FHD display, which allows you to view your content as it is being recorded or afterward when you are on the move. You may preview or edit your videos using this.
Finally, we would like to mention the other accessories that come with this camera. You get an action camera tripod, 2 rechargeable 1050 mAh batteries, a controlling remote, and 14 other things, including mounts that can work with most other action cameras.
Pros
For a camera as loaded with features such as this, there several pros to go through. The quality of the video is one. With 4K resolution, it will take your YouTube content to a very quality.
The WiFi and HDMI amenities are also important, making editing, viewing, and streaming much easier. If you are going to stream baseball games or other sports this one is a good fit.
The streaming feature itself is tremendously convenient and an easy way to broadcast your videos. Lastly, waterproof protection greatly improves the longevity of the camera and ensures it lasts a long time.
Cons
The software can be prone to freezing from time to time.
4. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera Kit w/EF-M15-45mm and 4K Video
Up next we have the EOS M50 from Canon. It is one of the perfect vlogging cameras which offers some smart features. This is a sports action camera, able to follow wherever your extreme sports activities may take you. With its 4k video recording quality, you can capture all your adventures in the best possible way.
The streaming function will let you broadcast all the action over platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and others. Although this feature is limited to the IOS operating system.
As for other features, the camera comes with WiFi support and HDMI input. The latter means you can edit and preview videos on the go. The app EZ iCam is preloaded to make your video editing easier.
In terms of hardware, the camera is encased in a tough waterproof casing. It can withstand the harsh conditions you may encounter on your travels. The helmet camera can be mounted and worn, giving you excellent angles of video capture for activities such as surfing, hang gliding, etc.
The 2 inch LCD FHD display can be used to watch your videos as they are recorded in real-time. Its settings and display parameters can be easily adjusted to fit your needs.
Pros
A whole host of its features can serve as a reason for buying this camera. Let’s start with its range of uses. You can take this camera on almost any activity. It is best suited for church streaming, birthday parties or streaming for social media twitch and other apps as well.
Then there is the 4k video quality, which allows you to capture these activities in perfect high definition.
Finally, there is a tough, durable nature of it. The waterproof casing also helps it remain functional for long periods of time regardless of how much it is used in tough conditions.
Cons
It’s not anything significant, but the iPhone app that it works with can be prone to glitches from time to time.
5. Spedal Full HD Webcam 1536p
Into our final three now and here we have a camera tailor made for online streaming. The Spedal Full HD Webcam 1536p comes with special H. 264 compression technology that greatly speeds up the upload and transmission of videos. All your streams can now be done much faster and in excellent quality.
Aside from the obvious use of YouTube streaming, this camera will also let you broadcast your content on other platforms with just as much ease. In particular, this is especially good for streaming games on places like Twitch.
The camera itself boasts a 7 element optical glass lens for clear recording and outputs videos at full high definition 1536p quality. You also get a wide 100-degree angle view, making it very good for conference video calls and other such purposes, free of optical distortion.
The automatic low light correction feature enables good, lifelike video capture even when the lighting conditions are dim. For the manual focus, you need only gently rotate the lens until the view is clear. This also gives you the chance to capture more details.
It’s built-in digital noise-canceling microphones make sure the sound in your videos is as clear as it can be. There is also an independent sound chamber for optimizing the sound, polishing its quality further. This is another reason why video conference calls can be better than ever with this camera.
Pros
It’s difficult to know where to even start. The video quality is the first obvious pro. The 1536p camera gives you excellent streaming quality and detail. The H. 264 compression tech gives you faster uploads and broadcasting, which is perhaps the most important factor for YouTube personalities.
The seven-element optical lens with its 100-degree angle view is another massive plus point, giving you more options when recording. Finally, the noise-canceling microphones and low light correction put the cherry on the cake if you are a video content creator.
Cons
The motion recording might be a slight issue for this camera.
6. PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera
Our penultimate entry is the LUMIX GH5 from Panasonic. This is a powerful camera made for heavy-duty professional use. This has a 20.3 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor.
In addition, there will be no low pass filter so that you can take sharp images. The performance is artifact-free and boasts a larger dynamic range.
Moving on to the hardware, you will find this camera incredibly durable under heavy environmental stress. It is freeze proof with its magnesium allow the body, is not damaged by splashing and dust and has weather seals on all of its buttons, joints and dials.
As for features that aid you during photo and video capture, the camera comes with a 5 axis dual image stabilization system that corrects the lenses in order to eliminate the effects of shaking and blurs.
The video recording is of 4k quality, 60P/50P with internal 4: 2: 2 10 bit 4K video recording. Additionally, you also get 6K PHOTO and 4K post focus photos of 60 frames p/s.
In terms of memory and connectivity, you will have at your disposal two SD card slots, which are US II U3 compatible, an HDMI port for connecting to televisions, and a 3.5 mm audio port that can be used to pair the camera with devices having USB 3.0 ports.
Pros
This is an ideal choice for professional photo and videographers, especially those who run exploration channels on YouTube or elsewhere. The various for cleaning up and elevating the video quality, such as the Four Thirds sensor and 5 axis image stabilization, make your life very easy.
Its durability is another reason for getting this camera if you experience tough weather and environmental conditions.
Cons
With so many features and very professional design, the LUMIX GH5 is quite expensive, which might be a big factor for those just starting their channels.
7. Besungo Ultra HD 4K Camcorder Video Camera
We finish off with this ultra HD 4K camcorder from Besungo. The unique thing about this product is the power mechanism. Instead of being powered by a battery like most other products, this one has a rechargeable microphone that stores and provides the electrical supply to the device.
Moving on to memory storage, this camera comes with its own built-in SD card. With a large capacity of 32 GB, you do not have to worry about constantly buying and changing memory cards.
The actual video quality is also right up there with the best. Its 4K video recording means your streams will have pristine, clear visuals. If you want to keep to photography, it will still provide the quality of service by clicking breathtaking shots of whatever you are trying to capture.
The hardware is also pretty, with its heavy-duty CPU and CMOS, together with the longer-lasting power source, ensuring you can shoot for long periods without the need for a recharge.
It also comes with a 2G remote that lets you control the camera while shooting. You can switch angles, change settings, or even pause recording without being physically near the camera.
Pros
The power unit is the major benefit of owning this camera. Owing to its longer-lasting nature, you can shoot or record for longer compared to a lot of other products. Secondly, the powerful hardware makes sure the device can meet the demands of heavy-duty constant use.
Since it is a camera, video quality, as always is of paramount importance. This camera excels in that department too with its 4K quality.
Cons
There might be an occasional issue with the sound during extended periods of use.
Considerations while Buying
We talked about a lot of camera features and how they are important for streaming. Now it’s getting into them in more detail and explain which of these you should be looking at before deciding to buy a certain product.
The following are the areas you should be paying special attention to;
Video Quality
Let’s get the most one out of the way first. The main purpose of getting any of these cameras is to record and broadcast videos. Hence the most important feature that determines how good or bad a camera is, is video quality.
In today’s market, you should not be settling for anything that gives you less than 720p video recording. Almost all cameras offer 1080p quality and the more expensive ones capture videos in 4K.
Battery Life
This is extremely important if the content you stream involves traveling to remote areas such as mountain tops or forests. You want to be able to shoot for long periods of time without the need for constantly changing batteries. As a general rule, cameras with at least 1000 mAh batteries offer good service.
Internet Connectivity
If you want to stream content directly to YouTube, then your camera has to offer internet connectivity. You will also want to be able to various apps and other software for editing and improving picture quality.
Other Hardware Support
Although these are considered basic features now, nonetheless you should make sure your camera has HDMI ports, USB ports and other features that enable them to be connected to a variety of devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below we try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding cameras for YouTube streaming;
Q: Are these cameras very expensive?
Ans: It depends on the camera you are buying. If you are a beginner or short on cash, then don’t worry because there are plenty of options available at moderate prices
Q: Do these cameras connect directly to YouTube?
Ans: Yes, many of these cameras come equipped with features that allow you to stream your videos as they are being recorded in real-time.
Q: Can I take my camera underwater?
Ans: Many of these cameras have waterproof casing and weather seals on all their parts, hence you may use them freely to record underwater videos such as while snorkeling,
Q: Do I need to buy the accessories separately?
Ans: Many of the accessories such as tripods come with the camera. You may have to buy any extra utilities you want to add to your kit.
Q: Are these cameras high definition?
Ans: Yes, most of the cameras you will encounter in this category can record videos in high definition.
Conclusion
Video streaming on platforms such as YouTube is one of the most popular hobbies/professions today. However, in order to succeed and attract as many subscribers as possible, you need the quality of your videos to be as high as possible.
Hence, the camera becomes the most factor in deciding how well you are received. We hope our reviews help you understand these devices better and choose the best camera for YouTube live streaming for you.
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