Picking the Right Live Streaming Camera

If you are beginning with live streaming, you must know that the right camera, fast internet connection, and effective streaming camera software are very necessary. Picking a camera can be tough. You may have probably looked at several webcams, DSLR cameras, PTZ cameras, professional and consumers camcorders, and action cams.
However, do you know these cameras are different from each other? Or, how to pick the right one for you? Well, to obtain answers to these questions, let us first understand the various types of live streaming cameras.
Webcams
These are USB powered devices that are easy to use and connects directly to the computer. Many encoders also readily accept the webcams as the USB video sources. A laptop generally comes with an internal webcam but such webcams are usually of poor quality.
The modern external webcams, however, offer great quality at reasonable prices. These cams can also have extra features like face recognition, built-in microphones, and zoom. This type of camera is popular among gamers. People also use webcams for conducting business meetings, video chatting, and narrating lectures.
DSLR Cameras
DSLR cameras were digital analogs of film cameras. Designed originally with photography in mind, these cameras are not really intended for shooting videos for long duration or for live streaming. There are several caveats when capturing live signals from DSLR comes into question.
Firstly, not all DSLR models have HDMI out. Second, they are at times not able to provide a live video feed. Third, DSLR processors and sensors overheat after long duration of operation, which is not ideal for live streaming. Lastly, some DSLR cameras turn off after a period of zero activity to save battery.
However, a lot of live streamers choose DSLRs over other camera types because they are versatile, take good pictures, portable and compact, and perform better in poor lighting conditions. The need to use streaming camera software is there. If you are going to shoot shorter live streams, which do not exceed 30 minutes, a DSLR would be suitable.
Action Cameras
An action camera is perfect for capturing fast movements like sports. Additionally, they can be easily mounted on various surfaces. These cameras usually have wide-angle lens in order to shoot maximum action. Action cameras have been popular to survive deep dives in the ocean and falls from several thousand feet. They are good for capturing fast-paced activity, wide shot, and streaming on the go.
Digital Camcorders
These are the new standard for broadcasting videos. They are designed for easy handheld shooting for long duration of time. If you want to live stream for hours in good quality, a camcorder is a good option. If you combine streaming camera software and digital camcorder, you can produce big live production of every kind like events, concerts, sports, news, etc.
PTZ Cameras
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) cameras are the ones that are embedded within solid frame and are controlled remotely. They usually have flat bases and can be securely attached to several surfaces like table, tripod, and ceiling. They are usually found as a part of permanent installation at the venue that performs a lot of recording and streaming.
The operator can control several cameras at one as PTZ cameras can be controlled easily from a remote or a computer. PTZ cameras provide great optical as well as digital zoom. They are great for churches, concerts, lecture capture in huge halls, and all the other set-and-forget scenario.
The Bottom Line - Choosing the Right Camera for Best Live Streaming
The camera should provide a clean line output, which means it should send video over SDI or HDMI without UI overlay elements (like battery remaining, etc.)
The camera should be able to charge from AC power directly. Live streams may run for long duration and you would not want to run out of battery during your stream. So, your camera should be connected to AC power. DSLR cameras shut off if they are not being used continuously and the only method to keep them functioning all the time is connecting them to the power utilizing AC adapter.
Lastly, make sure the camera does not overheat and shut off automatically in the middle. To preserve battery, some cameras shut off.
Some other important things to take into consideration are output resolution, adding audio, connection time, simultaneous recording and streaming, going mobile, rotating display, budget, purpose, compatibility with streaming camera software, etc.