Cameras for Streaming on Popular Platforms in 2024

Recommended cameras for streaming on Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, Facebook.

Having a good camera for streaming isn't just about looking great in videos. When you have the right gear, you can create more engaging content that will surely strike a chord with your audience. In fact, a proper camera lets you capture eye-popping visuals that are crisp and clear and wow your viewers.

When it comes to streaming, there is a variety of cameras to choose from, so it's crucial to find the one that fits your needs. Many vloggers vouch for webcams as their go-to recording gadget and claim that the outcomes are quite pleasing. These cams are a hit for indoor shoots and usually pack in handy features like facial recognition, digital zoom, and even background replacement. With such functionality, it is really possible to make a viral video.

However, if you're after top-notch image clarity and some fancy features, you may want to check out camcorders or mirrorless cameras for streaming.

Camcorders are spot-on for live streaming events or recording videos for YouTube and social networks. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are great for seasoned streamers seeking exceptional video quality and a versatile tool for any situation.

Type: Webcam | Resolution: 1080p | Frame rate: 30fps at 1080p, 60fps at 720p | Streams via: USB

If you're just diving into the world of video streaming on YouTube or Twitch, or if you're on the lookout for an upgrade, the Logitech C922 may be the best camera for streaming.

You can quickly attach it to the top of your monitor or set it up on a tripod, enjoying the freedom to experiment with creative angles and framing. With this camera, you can stream in 1080p Full HD at 30fps or switch to 720p at 60fps for smoother visuals.

Before I got my hands on the Logitech C922, I was using a more budget-friendly option, the Aukey FHD Webcam. While that vlogging camera could handle 1080p video streaming, the Logitech C922 takes it up a notch, delivering smoother and more detailed content, especially in fast-paced streaming moments.

The Logitech C922 comes with a cool background replacement feature (you've likely seen it on Twitch streams), eliminating the need for a green screen. The Aukey FHD Webcam lacks this feature, making it a bit more challenging to step up your streaming game.

On top of that, both cameras come with built-in microphones, providing you with stereo audio, so there's no need to purchase a separate mic. What caught me off guard in a good way was that the Logitech C922 is even packed with a 7.3-inch tripod. Although it may seem a tad small for certain uses, it's a nice bonus.

Type: Webcam | Resolution: 1080p | Frame rate: 30fps at 1080p, 60fps at 720p | Streams via: USB

Unlike some of the fancier and more expensive cameras for live streaming, Razer has put its focus on delivering top-notch picture quality, which looms large for game streamers and vloggers.

A standout feature of this webcam is its "Light Ring," a ring of 12 LED lights encircling the lens. With 12 brightness settings, you are sure to find the perfect one for your recording environment.

Thanks to such lighting, you can be sure your face is well-lit and clearly visible in the video with no reflections hitting your face. Another advantage is extremely intuitive camera setup.

Type: PTZ | Resolution: 4K | Frame rate: Up to 60 fps | Streams via: USB

The Obsbot Tiny 2 gives you a bunch of motion tracking choices and a slick zoom feature, all thanks to its special deep neural network algorithm. So, whether you're streaming on YouTube or any other social media platforms, you can enjoy precise and smooth tracking.

What's more, the camera rocks two native ISOs in one CMOS, bringing you awesome image quality. Besides, it automatically spots your face and tweaks the settings respectively.

One cool thing about it is that it can monitor several people simultaneously. So, if you are on the hunt for a device for group video chats or Zoom calls, this one is probably worth trying. The facial recognition is staggeringly accurate, and it comes with beauty enhancements, so you can give your skin a smoother and sun-kissed look while toning down defects.

Type: Webcam | Resolution: 1080p | Frame rate: 60fps | Streams via: USB

The Elgato Facecam is one of the top cameras for live streaming especially when the lighting isn't ideal. It leverages a sophisticated back-lit Sony CMOS sensor, delivering pictures of better quality compared to other webcams, particularly in low-light situations.

A selling point of the Facecam is its Camera Hub software, offering users comprehensive control over image quality. You can tweak such parameters as shutter speed and aperture to take the most detailed and clear picture.

The bundled software, much like typical video editing software for Windows, provides a range of filters to spice up your recordings with different effects. In addition, you can save your favorite camera settings directly to the Facecam and easily enable them even when using a different computer.

Type: Full-frame Mirrorless | Resolution: 4K UHD 2160p | Frame rate: Up to 120 fps | Streams via: USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

This is a powerhouse in the streaming camera scene, definitely worth checking out. With its stellar performance and incredible recording capabilities, the A7R III raises the bar for full-frame cameras for streaming.

If you're on the lookout for a tool that can elevate your Twitch streams and give them a professional touch, this mirrorless camera for video is an excellent pick. Despite its higher price tag, it delivers top-notch video quality, ensuring you'll marvel at the results.

The autofocus on this camera is top-notch, ensuring your audience will catch every detail during your streams. You don't have to fuss with heavy-duty lighting gear when using the Sony A7R III. With its full-frame sensor, the visuals will be crisp and accurate even in scarcely lit places.

Type: Live Streaming Camera | Resolution: 1080p | Frame rate: 30 fps | Streams via: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

The Mevo Start really sticks out from cameras for live streaming with its impressive video quality, offering crystal-clear 1080p HD video. This is a dream come true for YouTube creators who prioritize video excellence. Designed particularly for casual streamers and gamers, it provides a broadcasting experience that beats out traditional webcams or other video cameras.

Another perk worth mentioning is the clever app control. Managing the camera from your mobile phone is a breeze.

Plus, it brings a useful multi-camera switching feature into play, so producing multiple-camera live streams is a simple task.

Type: Action Camera | Resolution: 1080p | Frame rate: Up to 60 fps | Streams via: Wi-Fi

With the GoPro Hero 9, you can begin live streaming in 1080p on YouTube or Instagram. Its bragging feature is the HyperSmooth Boost stabilization mode offers superior stabilization compared to the basic gyroscope stabilization found in other action cameras for live streaming. You can enable it in any video recording mode.

Moreover, this GoPro is equipped with a brand-new front color screen, a major upgrade from the black and white screens in earlier models. The innovation is particularly feted by vloggers and those engaged in general shooting, as it is possible to frame shots without using additional gear or devoting much time to video editing.

I particularly like the HindSight, which pre-records 30 seconds of video in anticipation of something interesting happening. Thus, you can stave off cluttering your memory cards.

Type: Camcorder | Resolution: HD | Frame rate: Up to 60 fps | Streams via: USB, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

If you are looking for the best camera for Twitch that can easily fit into live streaming setups, have a closer look at this model. It offers various HDMI, USB, and headphone outputs, allowing you to link monitors and HDTVs recording your streams. What's more, it supports external audio recording through a 3.5mm stereo microphone input, keeping sound quality always high.

This camera will fit the bill if you crave recording top-notch videos. It supports 4K and Full HD time-lapse recording, transcending multiple analogs. Besides, it offers a variety of special scene modes, granting you more creative freedom during recording.

Type: Mirrorless | Resolution: 2160p | Frame rate: Up to 120 fps | Streams via: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

If you need a flexible and budget-friendly camera for streaming and video calls, Canon R10 may tick the boxes. It has a fully adjustable screen, an embedded flash, and a variety of video recording modes, including uncropped 4K at 60 fps.

This cheap Canon camera is yet sturdy, has a comfortable grip and well-made controls. There are also integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so pairing it with your smartphone or tablet for remote control and wireless streaming will be a no-brainer task.

Type: Mirrorless | Resolution: 4K | Frame rate: 30 fps | Streams via: USB, Wi-Fi

If you're into live streaming on YouTube or Facebook, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is a solid pick with its 4K and full HD recording modes. What's cool is that it comes with a dedicated movie mode featuring scene presets and automatic control of ISO, shutter speed, white balance, autofocus, and metering. So, you won’t have to go the extra mile to receive eye-pleasing video content.

The G7 comes with a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a 3.0'' articulating LCD touchscreen, meaning you can frame your shots from various angles. Besides, there is integrated Wi-Fi, so you can share and control the camera remotely with your smartphone or tablet from the Panasonic Image app.

Think about the kind of stuff you want to stream because that will steer you toward a perfect camera. If you have limited funds, there are some basic webcams out there that are great for newbies. They may not have all the bells and whistles, but they'll do the trick at the start.

If you're up for splashing some cash and bringing your stream up, have a look at an entry-level DSLR camera. Such cameras deliver top-notch video quality and are handy for both shooting videos and snapping pics.

Resolution. If you're engaged in vlogging and aiming for top-notch content, resolution is paramount. You don't want compression to spoil the quality of your live streams, so go for a camera for streaming that can capture videos in Full HD 1080p. With the way screens are stepping up their game in resolution, sticking to old-school standard definition (SD) won't do the trick anymore.

Frame rate. When choosing a camera, opt for one with a high frame rate, hitting a minimum of 30 fps. Thus, you’ll be able to keep your footage super smooth and professional, making your streams a pleasure to watch.

Autofocus. Autofocus can either make or break your streaming game on YouTube or Twitch. With it, a camera can automatically zoom in on the main subject. When you're shopping for a camera, make sure it is equipped with a powerful AF, especially one that can handle low-light situations. I asked my friends to take a screenshot while streaming to compare the quality of the cameras in poor lighting. The result you can see above.

External power adapter. Streaming for hours is a common practice, but you have to consider your camera's battery limits. So, choose a camera that can plug into an external power adapter.

Cooling system. Similar to how computers warm up, your camera also produces heat during work. Well-designed heat dissipation is a must to keep your device from calling it quits in the middle of live streams.