Best Camera for Streaming in 2024

When it comes to sharing your videos live, having the right camera makes a big difference. A good streaming camera not only gives clear and colorful images but also makes your content more enjoyable for viewers.

With so many options out there, it can be a bit overwhelming. Whether you love gaming, creating videos, or doing business online, picking the best camera for your streaming needs is important.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to look for in a streaming camera, so you can choose one that fits your goals and budget.

Best on a budget: Logitech C922x Pro

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Clear video

Cons:

• Hit or miss with sound quality
• Poor tripod mount construction

Features:

• 1080p recording at 30fps / 720p at 60fps
• Built-in mounting clip
• Automatic low light correction
• 78-degree field of view

Summary:

Logitech is a popular brand, and for good reason. I’ve been a long-time user and can attest to the quality of their webcams. The C922X is great for gamers, commentators, and other streamers who sit in front of their computer to stream. The built-in clip can sit on your monitor or you can use the mount on the bottom for a standalone setup with any standard camera tripod.

Best for YouTube: Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III

Pros:

• Compact, but powerful
• Videos and still images
• 5mm mic jack

Cons:

• It’s expensive
• Possible overheating issues

Features:

• 2x Optical Zoom Lens
• 4K 30p / FHD 120p Video
• Facial Recognition
• GPS features via a connected phone

Summary:

The PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a professional camera that’s way more pricey than these other options. Why do we add it to the list? For one, it’s “video creator ready” so you can live stream directly to YouTube. But it’s also a perfect option for any amateur videographer or photographer. It comes with a 3-inch LCD screen with 180° of tilt for selfies. It’ll shoot in 4K and it supports vertical videos so it’s also great for TikTok and Instagram.

Best for lighting: Razer Kiyo

Pros:

• Built-in lighting
• Simple brightness adjustments
• Compact and portable

Cons:

• Possible exposure issues

Features:

• 5600 K daylight-balanced ring light
• 1080p recording at 30fps
• Built-in mic and autofocus
• Built-in mount

Summary:

A big part of high-quality streaming is lighting. The Razer Kiyo seeks to simplify your setup by building a ring light into the camera. Lighting helps to provide detail on camera and reduce the grainy look you see in poorly lit videos. If you’ll be streaming in low light or at night, you can’t go wrong with this inexpensive webcam.

Best for the outdoors: GoPro Hero11 Black

Pros:

• Waterproof
• Built for the outdoors

Cons:

• More on the expensive side

Features:

• Automatic cloud uploads
• Extra-large field of view
• 27 MP high-res still photos
• Waterproof to 33 feet
• Cold-weather Enduro battery

Summary:

GoPro needs no introduction. 85% of the Amazon ratings for the GoPro Hero11 Black are 4 and 5 stars, so it’s been received really well. If you’re not familiar, GoPro cameras are marketed as action cameras, so when they’re not doubling as a dash cam, they’re used a lot by the outdoorsy type. If this sounds like you, you’ll love that this streaming camera comes with an adhesive mount so you can show off all your action shots.

Best for AI features: OBSBOT Tiny 4K Webcam

Pros:

• Smart and easy to use
• Useful privacy features

Cons:

• Not-so-useful software
• Mac compatibility issues

Features:

• AI tracking with automatic framing
• Gesture controls
• 1080p recording at 30fps
• Automatic low light correction
• Built-in mounting clip
• Headroom Mode to eliminate cutting off the top of your head
• Schedule sleep mode

Summary:

This is a good streaming camera if you’ll be walking around the room because it uses AI to track your whereabouts. The OBSBOT Tiny 4K webcam’s gesture controls let you zoom up to wherever you are after you make the right hand signal. This’ll save you time later so you don’t have to edit in those zooms. I also like the privacy features: switch the camera downward to shut it off, or cut off power to the camera directly from the switch.

Buying Guide: How To Choose the Best Camera for Streaming

Picking the right camera for streaming is about looking at a few important things to make sure your videos look good. First, check the camera’s resolution – that’s how clear the video is. Go for at least 1080p resolution for sharp visuals. Some cameras even offer 4K, which gives super high-quality images.

Think about how well the camera works in low light. Since your streaming space might not always have perfect lighting, a camera that does well in low light helps people see you clearly. Look for cameras with big sensors and low f-stop numbers (the aperture opening) – they make low-light performance better.

Autofocus and frame rate matter too. Autofocus keeps you in focus even if you move, and a higher frame rate makes your movements look smoother. For streaming, aim for at least 30 frames per second. If you’re doing gaming or fast stuff, you might want even more.

Check how the camera connects to your streaming setup. It should have the right ports like USB or HDMI. Also, make sure it works with the software you plan to use for streaming.                                                                                                                                                              

Your budget is also an important factor, quite possibly the most important. Decide if extra features like built-in microphones or special lenses matter to you. You want a camera that fits your needs without breaking the bank.