Twitch. Periscope. YouTube Live. Brightcove. Hell, even Chaturbate. With a multitude of online streaming services spanning across the internet with niches in all sorts of topics, the world of livestreaming has become more prevalent than ever in 2021. Audiences are growing at a rapid pace, bringing more streaming hopefuls to the internet to express their interests, hobbies and talents to their viewers. But, any good streamer will know that the camera built into your laptop or desktop computer isn’t going to cut it. If you’re going to take your livestreams seriously, it’s best if you invest in one of the best cameras for livestreaming.
The best cameras for livestreaming come in a number of shapes, sizes, brands and prices, depending on what it is you need it for. Video game streamers might require a different camera than someone who streams makeup videos, for example. Heck, those of you that still use Zoom every single workday might even need a camera specific for meetings and business calls. Your audience, whether it be your fans, friends or coworkers, do not want to see you as a pixelated blob on their computer screen. It ruins the livestreaming experience altogether for those actively trying to create a following and will likely leave you subscriber-less.
It’s time to take your streams seriously and ditch your built-in webcam for something bigger and better. We’ve gathered together the best cameras for livestreaming you can purchase online right now to make things easier for you. From Microsoft to Logitech to even GoPro, we’re certain there’s going to be a camera that will fit your streaming needs. Time to go live.
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1. Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
BEST OVERALL
Not to be dramatic, but the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is probably the best livestreaming camera you can snag in 2021. This is the camera to have whether you’re gaming, performing, Zooming or anything else. It has 1080p for recording at 30 frames per second and 720p for livestreaming, making it as top-quality as it gets. Image quality is razor-sharp and totally HD so you’ll never lag or look pixelated for your viewers. It’s compatible with any and all computer monitors and tripods so no matter how you film, it’s going to work. This is the perfect camera for anyone who’s trying to upgrade their camera quality and for those just starting out.
2. NexiGo 2021 AutoFocus 1080p Webcam
RUNNER UP
With over 7,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, the NexiGo 2021 AutoFocus 1080p Webcam is hard to beat. This affordable webcam essentially has an infinite range in terms of focus and features 1080p at 30fps. Video quality is as crystal clear as it gets and constantly auto focuses to ensure you’re in focus at all times. It comes with a webcam cover so no one can spy on you when you aren’t paying attention, too. It’s complete with a noise-canceling mic to keep your sound quality pristine.
3. Panasonic Full HD Camcorder HC-V770
BEST CAMCORDER
For those of you that prefer ditching the webcam for something with a little more weight, check out Panasonic’s Full HD Camcorder HC-V770. This is perfect for streamers that also create content that lives on YouTube in the form of a regular video. It has a 120fps frame rate at 1080p and can even connect to your smartphone as a second camera because, you know, angles. There is a jack to add an external mic into the mix if you’re feeling extra spicy and it even has a flip-out display system so you can watch yourself at the same rate your viewers do. Simply stick this on a tripod and you’re ready to go.
4. Angetube Streaming 1080P HD Webcam
BEST LIGHTING
Let’s keep it real. If you’re going to be streaming, you’re going to need to purchase lighting equipment separately to ensure your viewers can actually see you. Nobody likes a streamer in the dark. But, with the Angetube Streaming 1080P HD Webcam, you can forego any extra lighting equipment due to the fact that this webcam is complete with its very own built-in ring light. The light has three brightness levels in order to keep you well lit no matter how dark it is. It has superb video and sound quality and fast, accurate autofocus to keep you as the star of the show the entire time.
5. Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000
MOST AFFORDABLE
You don’t really need to break the bank when purchasing the best camera for livestreaming and the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is evidence of that. This webcam is only $30 and has 720p HD video for livestreaming and video chatting with friends, family and coworkers. It has an excellent picture and exceptional color, which is something a number of webcams seem to forego. It’s a few years old at this point so it isn’t as high-tech as the other options on this list but it’s still a stellar choice to go with if you’re looking to live stream on a budget.
6. Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera
BEST COMPACT CAMERA
The best part about using a mirrorless camera for your live streams is that your streaming won’t be this baby’s only service. Take up a new hobby and snap some photos like the professional photographer you are whenever you aren’t streaming. You can’t do that with a webcam! The Panasonic LUMIX G7KS 4K Mirrorless Camera captures video in 1080p at 60fps, making this camera completely HD. Autofocus will track you as you’re streaming to ensure the focus is on you the whole time. Don’t love the lens? Change it. It’s time to take streaming to a whole new level.
7. NexiGo 1080P Business Webcam
SHARPEST IMAGE
NexiGo is really a top-notch brand when it comes to high-quality webcams, just take a look at the 1080P Business Webcam and you’ll understand what we mean. With a 1080p (1920 x 1080) full HD 2 megapixel CMOS and a lens glass with a focal length of 3.6mm, the image is as sharp as you can imagine. It will look like you are quite literally with your audience in person, bringing the live stream experience to a whole new realm. It comes with a built-in noise-canceling microphone, but you can always plug another mic in if need be.
8. GoPro HERO9 Black
BEST ACTION CAMERA
Alright, hear us out. Yeah, you can use this for regular livestreaming situations. You know, the kind where you’re sort of just hanging out in your room on your computer. The kind we’re all used to. But, you can also use the GoPro HERO9 for what it’s meant for. Action. Bring this baby out and live stream your next ski, snowboard, surfing or skating sesh with the utmost stabilization you can ever expect from a camera. Just clip it on and get going.
9. Logitech StreamCam
SMOOTHEST STREAM
With full HD 1080P at 60fps, your streams will never go as smooth as they will with Logitech’s StreamCam. This live stream-specific camera has the smoothest, most-accurate streaming quality that keeps your live video actually live. The preciseness here is tremendously on point, which is great for those currently dealing with any lag issues while streaming. It can also turn at 90-degrees to ensure everything you want to be in the frame will be, making this one of the best cameras for livestreaming you can ever buy.