Live streaming is exploding across the social media landscape, with live video becoming a new staple of almost every major platform. Influencers and brands are embracing live video to connect with their audience, and the results have been incredible.
As live streaming continues to grow, so does the need for quality video equipment. You want the resolution to be top-notch. You can’t just use any old webcam when you’re trying to reach a global audience. Accomplishing this takes much research, tweaking, and trial and error.
In this article, I’ll be going over some of the best webcams for live streaming and how to find one that best fits your needs.
Things to Consider When Buying a Webcam
Before you jump into the market and buy the first webcam you see, you should be aware of the following considerations:
Price Range
It’s important to consider your budget when shopping for a webcam. The price of webcams can vary greatly, and by focusing on models within your price range, you will be able to better compare the different features available in each one.
Camera resolution
This refers to how many pixels are on your webcam and determines how clear your picture will be. The higher the resolution, the clearer your image will be.
Frame Rate
The number of frames per second (fps) a webcam can record is called its frame rate. A higher frame rate means you’ll be able to record smoother videos without lag or choppiness. This is especially important if you record games or other fast-moving content.
Field of view
Some people prefer to capture a wide field of view, while others prefer the opposite. If you’re recording yourself, having a wider field of view will allow you to show more of your surroundings in the video. But having a narrower field of view can be helpful if you want to record others or focus on a specific area (such as an instrument).
Mounting options
Webcams come with a variety of mounting options that you can use to attach to your computer or monitor. Some have built-in stands that let you place them on top of your screen, while others feature flexible arms to position them however you want.
Make sure you do your research and read reviews and feedback from other users. You should also consider taking an online webcam test to ensure the product works as advertised and meets your needs.
Best Webcam For Streaming
The market is full of webcams that are touted as being the best for live streaming, and it can become overwhelming to look for a model that will suit your needs. Here are a few of the best webcams for streaming that will help you get a clearer picture.
1. C920s PRO HD
The C920s PRO HD webcam is one of the most popular webcams on the market, and it’s no wonder why. It offers excellent image quality at 1080p resolution, and its wide-angle lens allows you to capture large groups of people or a full view of whatever is in front. This model comes with a flexible arm that enables you to position it however you want, making it great for streaming purposes.
Resolution: 1080p at 30 fps – 720p at 30 fps
Camera megapixel: 3
Focus type: Autofocus
2. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
Streamers love this camera because of its superior image quality, which is why it’s one of our top choices for the best webcam. It comes with built-in noise-canceling technology, so you can expect crystal-clear audio quality. This is especially helpful if you’re planning on streaming in a noisy environment like a café or busy street corner.
Resolution: 720p at 30 fps
Camera megapixel: 4
Focus type: Autofocus
3. Logitech Brio Ultra HD Pro Business
Brio is a much more expensive web camera than the others on this list, so you’re probably wondering if it’s worth the extra money. The answer is yes because it has some of the best video quality we’ve seen in a webcam. It also has built-in noise-canceling technology for clear audio, just like Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000.
Resolution: 4K at 30 fps
Camera megapixel: 5
Focus type: Autofocus
4. Razer Kiyo
Razer is a trusted name for gaming peripherals, so their foray into webcams seemed like a natural move. The Razer Kiyo is a well-rounded webcam boasting a sleek design and solid video quality at an affordable price. Razer Kiyo’s camera is equipped with autofocus and automatic light correction, a full HD 1080p camera, a built-in microphone array, and optional external lighting. Try to view your webcam and check if your video needs the lighting.
Resolution: 720p at 60 fps – 1080p at 30 fps
Camera megapixel: 4
Focus type: Autofocus
5. Elgato Facecam
The Elgato Facecam is a fantastic choice for streamers and vloggers alike. It offers much better sound quality than most built-in webcams, and its 1080p HD resolution gives an impressive picture that fills up most laptop screens without looking distorted. It’s not just for streaming—if you ever need to make a Skype call with high-quality audio and video, this is one of the best choices.
Resolution: 1080p at 60 fps
Camera megapixel: 2.1
Focus type: Fixed
It was definitely hard to pick winners out of the five different options. We hope our list of choices will be a great aid for you in selecting the perfect webcam for your needs. And whether you’re a novice looking for a fun new way to connect with friends or an experienced user of streaming services like Youtube and Twitch, we’re sure you’ll find something on this list that will work perfectly for you.
