Live Streaming Camera Recommendations

When looking at a new camera for live streaming content, think about what the purpose of your live stream is and what you’re looking to accomplish. Do you want a cinematic feel, or are you trying to convey several different things at once? Your goal and broadcast style will influence which camera you should buy.  Things to consider when looking for a live-streaming camera:

• Does depth-of-field matter?
• What resolution do you want to use to broadcast content?
• How much zoom do you need?
• Are you shooting in low light situations?
• Do you need on-camera audio?
• What frame rate do you need to shoot at?
• Are you sharing your gear with other teams?
• Do you have an LED Wall behind your subject?
• Do you have power at each camera location?
  • If not, a MultiDyne Silverback compatible camera may need to be the avenue you pursue as it carries, power, signal, monitor, tally, and control in a single cable (fiber).

All professional-grade cameras have industry-standard SDI ports or HDMI output paths. You can purchase an HDMI to SDI converter and use any of these cameras with SDI.  Resi recommends SDI because it has less signal degradation over longer lengths of cable than HDMI and locking connectors at its ends. All of Resi’s encoders are compatible with SDI input, however only our server-grade encoders are compatible with HDMI input.

Here are eight cameras that customers report work well with Resi at several different price points:

$5,000+ 

Red Digital Cinema Komodo 6k

Red Digital Camera’s Komodo 6k model is the ultimate compact cinema camera that allows you to shoot in 6k resolution, with 4k and full 1920 x 1080 as an option tool. It allows you to stabilize shots in post and provides a high-resolution touch screen. Its mount allows you flexibility with lenses and you can mount it virtually anywhere. For technical specifications, read more about the Komodo on Red’s website. 

Canon EOS C300 Mark III

Canon's EOS C300 Mark III is a cinema camera that can capture 4k 120fps and 180fps with its 2k CROP mode. It boasts a Dual Gain Output Sensor capable of over 16 stops of dynamic range.  The camera has an LCD touch-screen monitor and up to 4-channel audio recording. It provides the ability for interchangeable lenses, production image stabilization and autofocus with support for Touch AF and Face Detection. For more information and technical specification, read more about the EOS C300 Mark III on Canon's website. 

$3,000-$5,000 

Blackmagic URSA Broadcast G2

Blackmagic’s URSA Broadcast cameras are designed for both traditional and online broadcasts. It can work as a 4k production camera, studio camera, or 6k digital camera. This camera is also exceptional in low light performances. It’s compatible with a wide variety of lenses and allows HD/Ultra HD recording. It’s also compatible with industry standard batteries and boasts a bluetooth system so you can control the camera on your iOS or Android device. For more technical specifications, see the Ursa Broadcast G2 on Blackmagic’s website.  

Sony A7SIII

Sony’s A7SIII is a compact camera that allows recording up to 4k resolution and 120p frame rate. It uses the Exmor CMOS sensor to deliver sensitivity, speed, and make it great for low-light shooting. Its BIONZ CR processing engine allows for efficient H.265/HEVC coding. The camera provides dual CFexpress Type A and SD compatible card slots and an LCD touch monitor. For more features and specifications, see the A7SII on Sony’s website. 

$1,000-$3,000

BlackMagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro

Blackmagic’s Pocket Cinema line now includes a Pro model camera. It has 6k digital film capability with a 6144 x 3456 high-resolution HDR sensor. It has dual-native ISO, an EF lens mount, and direct recording to USB-C disks. It also has an adjustable touchscreen and long-lasting battery. For more technical specifications, see Blackmagic’s Pocket Cinema Camera 6k Pro website. 

Canon XA45

The Canon XA45 is a compact 4k camcorder that offers a 20x optical zoom with 29.3mm wide angle. It provides infrared recording capability, in which users can capture video where there’s no ambient light, and offers recording in white or green mode. It allows for slow and fast motion recording in both UHD and HD. It provides a 3-inch touch screen and dual SD card slots. For full technical specifications, see Canon’s XA45 website. 

Under $1,000

Marshall CV344

Marshall’s CV344 is a compact camera that delivers clear progressive HD video up to 1920x1080p and 1920x1080i at 69, 59, and 50 fps. Its lens mount offers a wide range of varifocal lens options from ultra-wide to telephoto. It also offers digital noise reduction and digital zoom. For more technical specifications, see Marshall’s CV344 website. 

GoPro Hero 9

The GoPro hero 9 is a compact camera that can provide up to 5k video and 20 megapixel photos. A benefit of the Hero 9 is that it’s easy to bring a very compact camera around if you’re broadcasting from several different locations, but still want to provide high-quality video and audio. It’s waterproof up to 33 feet and allows for some lens customization. It has two screens, the rear being a touchscreen. It requires a microSD card, which you would have to purchase separately. For more specifications, see GoPro’s Hero 9 website.