Best Camera For Facebook Live Streaming [7 Cameras To Try]
Streaming on Facebook has become quite a popular trend over the past few years. The competition in streaming is also getting stiffer day by day. Something that can highlight you even amid such competition is your stream quality.
How do you get better stream quality? Well, it’s simple, you get the best camera for Facebook live streaming and give the audience a much better experience. Of course, your gaming or entertainment skills play a huge role, but the camera quality can surely set you apart from the competition.
So, if you plan to stream on Facebook, we have the 7 best cameras that can give you the best streaming quality. Let’s get down to it.
Getting a good quality camera is very crucial if you want your stream to grow at a decent pace. Because nobody wants to watch blurry or low-quality video footage.
And to provide a clear and high-quality viewing experience, you will need a separate camera. Typically, you can use 4 different types of cameras for live streaming on Facebook.
Webcam
The webcam is one of the most common and convenient cameras you can use for streaming. Webcams are the best choice for people who can’t afford to buy higher-end cameras. These cameras are small and affordable.
Fortunately, some webcams these days even come with 4k video resolution, which truly seems to be a game changer in the streaming scene. Also, they don’t require any mount or stand, so you can have some extra space in your setup.
DSLR/ Mirrorless
If you plan to take your stream to the next level, upgrading to a DSLR or a mirrorless camera is highly recommended. The video quality will get to a top-notch level anyone can expect from a streamer.
Aside from the quality, they can have many features, and the best part is you can use the camera for other purposes. The only thing here is that you need to set up the camera, which can be a hassle for the first time. Still, it’s worth all the extra work.
Action Camera
When you want the compactness of a webcam with the portability and versatility of DSLR, action cameras are the perfect thing. You can set up action cameras with a mount on your pc, which takes up as much space as an action camera.
With some of the most modern action cameras, you can get video quality similar to DSLR cameras. Also, you can use action cameras to record videos in general.
Note: Besides these three types of cameras, you can also try camcorders or PTZ cameras, but they aren’t the best for streaming on Facebook. But for streaming in general, you might give them a shot.
Technical Requirements For Streaming Live On Facebook
While streaming on Facebook, you must maintain some basic requirements for your video. These requirements are as follows –
Keyframe size: For the keyframe size of your videos, try to keep them between 2 to 4 seconds. Never exceed 4 seconds.
Resolution and bitrates: Check the table below to see what combination of resolution and bitrate you need for a specific output –
Output | Resolution | Bitrate |
1080p at 60FPS | 1920 x 1080 | 4500-9000 Kbps |
1080p at 30FPS | 1920 x 1080 | 3000-6000 Kbps |
720p at 60FPS | 1280 x 720 | 2250-6000 Kbps |
720p at 30FPS | 1280 x 720 | 1500-4000 Kbps |
480p at 30FPS | 854 x 480 | 600-2000Kbps |
360p | 640 x 360 | 400-1000Kbps |
Never exceed a bitrate of 15 Mbps. Otherwise, you may face issues while streaming.
Streaming protocol: Always use the RTMPS Streaming protocol. Don’t know about RTMPS? Then, check out the video for an easy explanation.
What is RTMP streaming, and how does it work?
Video codecs: Without using the right video codec, you may not be able to go live on Facebook at all. The codecs they recommend are –
- H.264 (use level 4.1 if you want 30FPS at 1080P, and level 4.2 for 60FPS at 1080P)
- Facebook Live only accepts videos with H264 codec and audio with AAC codec.
Length of the video: You can’t have a video length of more than 8 hours on Facebook.
Aspect ratio: Always maintain an aspect ratio of 16:9; otherwise, the stream won’t work.
Sample rate: The sample rate has to be either 44100 Hz or 48000 Hz.
Audio bitrate: You have to stay within the 128 to 256 kbps range for audio bitrate.
Usually, maintaining these requirements is enough when you start to stream on Facebook. Read the policies, guidelines, and community standards before streaming to learn about the content requirements.
7 Best Camera For Facebook Live Streaming
Now that you are all caught up with Facebook live streaming let’s head on finding the perfect camera for your live streaming preferences.
We will check out some webcams, DSLRs, and some action cameras. So, you can choose based on your needs. Let’s get started.
1. Logitech Brio 4K Webcam - Best for quality
In computer peripherals, Logitech has always been a popular name. Their Brio 4k webcam is another testament to their dedication to delivering the streamers and gamers. It’s the very best webcam you can get for streaming on Facebook.
Starting with the fact that the webcam features a 4k high-definition resolution, which in itself is pretty insane. You get a professional quality video experience with 4 times the resolution of a regular webcam. And you also get a 5x HD zoom to adjust your appearance.
To make sure you look right in your setup, Logitech uses the RighLight 3 technology. It ensures that you always have the perfect lighting using HDR, regardless of backlit or low-light conditions. That’s a rare feature to have, especially on a webcam.
When you discover that the webcam can record videos at 90FPS, things get even better. Also, you can choose three different FOVs from 90, 78, and 65 degrees. It can help you put more focus on yourself compared to your environment.
2. Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam: Full HD
Streaming and gaming go hand in hand; in the gaming space, Razer is not a newbie. Razer Kiyo is another example of a high-quality Razer product packed with features to deliver satisfaction.
What makes the Razer Kiyo a unique webcam is its ability to adjust the brightness level. The webcam features a ring light with a 5600k daylight balance. So, you don’t need to get a separate ring light anymore, as you get the perfect lighting in your camera.
Moving on from the lighting, you come across the excellent software support it provides for streaming. Its compatibility with OBS, Streamlabs, XSplit, Twitch, and YouTube proves this camera’s perfect for streaming.
Coming to the camera quality, you get pretty decent performance with its 720p 60FPS recording and 1080p 30FPS recording capabilities. For the price, you can’t get anything better than this kind of quality out there.
3. Elgato Facecam - 1080p60 True Full HD Webcam for Live Streaming - Best overall pick
Elgato is a top name in the streaming industry, and almost every streamer has something from Elgato. To retain that reputation, the Elgato facecam doesn’t fall short of features and quality. It’s one of the best webcams available, for sure.
Right off the bat, you get an Elgato prime lens on the camera with an f/2.4 aperture. And things get even better with the Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor, which makes the video quality top-notch without getting any kind of noise, even indoors.
Another unique feature that sets the camera apart is its built-in custom heat sink. Because of that, even if the camera is in use for long hours, it doesn’t go through any overheating issues. Certainly great for long streaming sessions.
What takes this camera to another level is its uncompressed YUV video quality. Unlike other webcams, you don’t get any latency issues or artifacts. And the optimized fixed focus eliminates the annoying “camera focusing on hands” issue while streaming.
4. Logitech for Creators Mevo Start, Wireless Live Streaming Camera
Logitech made the Mevo Start cameras specifically for all streamers and content creators. It has features that are simply perfect for streaming, and its quality is more than you expect.
Something that makes the camera different from the other ones is its wireless connectivity. You can start streaming no matter where you are as long as you have network connectivity to stream. The camera even connects to smartphones as well.
The reason this camera is perfect for content creators is due to its easy multi-camera setup. You can create a broadcast-quality stream with multiple Mevo start cameras in different positions. And you can control all of it with intelligent app support.
Logitech provided exclusive support on this camera by integrating webcam mode, NDI/ HX, and RTMP protocol. And to top everything off, you get six hours of continuous 1080p video recording feature wirelessly.
5. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators - Best for hybrid streaming
Sony ZV-1 can be the perfect camera when it comes to the versatility of use. Since it’s a DSLR camera, you can always use it for other purposes besides streaming. But the features on this camera are too supportive for streaming on Facebook.
Until now, this is probably the best camera for video quality. With its 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor and the ZEISS Vario-Sonnar lens, the video quality is impressive for streaming. And with 20.1MP backing it up, the quality is just crystal clear.
No matter how much you move during your streams, the Bionz X image processor can track you with its fast hybrid auto-focus. There will not be a moment of blurry, out-of-focus footage in your streaming session. It also has a real-time eye autofocus feature.
The camera has automatic exposure, ensuring your face always gets the perfect lighting while streaming. And with the native 125-12800 ISO, lighting and exposure will never be of any concern to you.
6. GoPro HERO11 Black - Waterproof Action Camera
GoPro Hero11 is one of those dynamic cameras that can just do it all. Surprisingly, it has features and qualities that make it a top-tier choice for streaming on Facebook. And it’s not just about the high-resolution video quality either.
With its HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization, the camera stays in place whenever you are streaming. And it’s a pretty compact camera, so you can easily set this one up in your PC setup for streaming.
The camera also comes with a 5.3k video resolution and CMOS sensor, which makes the video quality very high for streaming. In fact, with such great quality, you can rely on the camera for other purposes like recording games, travel videos, and vlogging.
In the Hero 11, a new sensor with 1/1.9″ specifications allows the camera to have a better FOV. The camera gets an 8:7 ratio to get a wider view of the streaming scene you may have. And if that’s not enough, the camera has many advanced features.
7. Panasonic LUMIX GH5M2 Camera with Live Streaming - Best for professionals
To take your streaming quality to a whole new level, Panasonic LUMIX GH5M2 might be the perfect thing. It’s very expensive for a streaming setup, but the quality you can achieve is worth all the money.
First of all, this camera comes with live-streaming support. Whether you plan to stream indoors or want to do some IRL streams, this camera can do it all. It has both wired and wireless support to keep your streams going regardless, indoors or outdoors.
Coming to quality, it can record 4k videos at 60 frames per second. That’s more than enough quality for any streaming setup. And when you pair it up with the 12-60mm Leica lens with F2.8-4.0 aperture mode, it gets utterly impressive.
To add to the quality, the 20.3MP MOS sensor provides some great lighting conditions, even in the harshest environments. And with a maximum ISO of 12800, you won’t ever have to worry about fixing the exposure while streaming.
Things To Consider When Buying a Camera For Facebook Live Streaming
Still a bit confused about which one is the right pick for you? Well, let’s check out some factors you should consider when buying a camera for Facebook streaming.
Going through the factors gives you a clear idea of the best choice for your needs.
Purpose of the camera
The first thing you must consider is what kind of streaming you plan to do. If it’s the traditional way of streaming right in front of your computer, then webcams and DSLR might be your best options.
But a DSLR or an action camera is the best option if you plan to do hybrid streams. Because you will move back and forth between streaming indoors and outdoors. And webcams are just useless when it’s about streaming outdoors.
Resolution and Video quality
Next, you must consider the camera resolution and video quality it can provide. Of course, you will want something that provides better quality than a built-in webcam on a laptop.
Usually, any resolution between 1080p to 4k works pretty well for streaming cameras. If you have a good quality camera with 1080p, you can get excellent video quality in your streams. Also, look for cameras that use a top-notch sensor to get better value.
Frame rates
In this modern world, if you don’t have a setup to stream at 60FPS, then you are falling behind. You need a camera that can record at least 60FPS with a 720p to 1080p resolution.
Performance in low light
If you don’t want a separate lighting setup, it’s best to look for a camera that works well for low-light conditions. Especially if you are streaming indoors, you will need a camera with good performance in low light.
Usually, getting a camera with higher ISO settings or good exposure features works well. Anything that doesn’t make the video quality grainy indoors is a good camera for streaming. Any ISO starting from 800-3200 works well for low-light indoor conditions.
Focus settings
Even though it may not sound that important, having the proper focus settings is necessary. You should avoid a camera that focuses on your hands every time you make some hand movement.
Try getting cameras with advanced auto-focus with quick tracking or a fixed focus setup. Eye-tracking focus can also prove to be effective for streaming cameras.
Connectivity options
For the connectivity options, it comes down to personal preference the most. However, the best option is to go with wired connections because of lower latency and better performance.
While wireless connectivity can be convenient and easy to manage, it can have latency issues. So, for better performance, choose a camera with USB-C type connectivity, and for convenience, go with Bluetooth or Wi-fi.
Ease of installation
When it comes to installation, webcams are always better because of easy installation. They fit on your monitor, maybe with a clip-on or an included mount. Webcams don’t move around either, so shaky videos never become a concern with them.
For the other choices, you can look for DSLR or action cameras that can go on a mount easily without too much shakiness. Ease of installation is surely a necessity.
Pricing
Well, lastly, there is the pricing factor which depends solely on your needs and budget. Of course, if you are just a beginner, buying an affordable camera is better. The best thing to do is get a high-quality webcam because you can get them at lower prices and still have the quality.
But if you have been in the streaming scene for a while and make good money, upgrading to a DSLR is the move. It can take your streams to the next level and is a worthy investment.
Final Words
As you can see, choosing the best camera for Facebook live streaming can be quite difficult. Even with all the options, it gets tricky to decide on a camera if you don’t know what you are looking for.
In our opinion, the Elgato Facecam is the best overall pick out of all the cameras. Especially if you don’t plan to go outside for streaming, it’s the perfect pick with the quality, price, and overall streaming setup you can have around it.
But if it doesn’t sit right with you, several other choices have unique features. Go for the one that suits your needs the best. Whichever you choose ensures a good streaming experience, regardless.
Bordie Capron
Author
“Bordie Capron is a Sr. Content Maker who is working in The Clipping Path Service an US-based image and video post-production company for over 7+ years. She completed her degree in graphic designing and worked as a graphic designing expert for several years. She always loved writing”
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