Choosing one of the best cameras for streaming is essential if you're serious about content creation and going live online. Let's say you've decided to take up vlogging, or you've created a Twitch account, or are new to TikTok shop and simply don't know where to start. Sure, a basic MacBook webcam and microphone can do the job, but the visuals and audio produced will be of limited quality compared to the best streaming cameras.
From our experience, traditional webcams are great for streaming from a computer, and are usually the most affordable - but other types of cameras are better suited for quality streaming. Our expert reviewers have gone hands-on to compare their features, capabilities, ease of use, video quality, and value. This includes action cameras, PTZ cameras (pan-tilt-zoom), and the best camera phones too.
If you're a photographer or videographer, chances are that the DSLR or mirrorless camera you already own is perfectly fine for streaming, just grab one of the best ring lights to go with it and you're sorted. However, if you want a more compact setup then we've got you covered with several options that cover the best cameras for streaming in an array of budgets and formats. More interested in video calls? See our best conference room webcams guide.
The quick list
Here are our top six choices for the best streaming cameras right now, but we recommend you see our full list to make a truly informed choice.
We think this is the best streaming camera overall when considering the price, performance, 1080p HD quality, great portability, general reviews, and other key features. Read more below
This is the best budget streaming camera with illumination. We found that the built-in multi-step ring light making it ideal for gaming rooms and TikTok. The quality is 1080p at 30FPS, and you can stay sharp with fast autofocus. Read more below
This is the best premium streaming camera that can do a lot more besides. One of the best mirrorless cameras in the industry, this camera will allow you to stream in 4K resolution at 30FPS. Read more below
A smartphone is the best streaming option if you're only making quick updates for social media. Our phones are getting more powerful, and the seamless app integrations with the iPhone 15 series make this a top choice for social media streaming. Read more below
This compact camera from Sony is the best choice for vloggers who want optimum quality while filming and live streaming while out and about. It's not the cheapest though. Read more below
This might seem like an odd choice for a streaming camera, but if you're the adventurous type and like to document your activities outdoors then there's no better option than a GoPro. Read more below
The best cameras for streaming
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The best streaming camera for most purposes, at a great price
Our expert review:
Specifications
Max resolution: Full HD (1920x1080)
Frame rate: 30fps
Streams via: USB
Field of view: 78°
Reasons to buy
+
Incredibly easy to use
+
Great quality video and audio
+
Lots of mounting options
Reasons to avoid
-
Can't attach external mic
The Logitech C922 is the top choice of streaming camera for most users. It's not the cheapest webcam that Logitech offers, and nor is it the most advanced – it hits an optimal sweet spot in the middle to provide the ideal balance between price and functionality. It can capture Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, or HD 720p at 60fps, and what's more, it comes with its own tripod for easy mounting too.
We've heard it's super easy to set up and use, with good autofocus and light correction that automatically optimises the image to make you look your best. You can easily alter these functions in Logitech's software if you choose to. While you can't attach an external mic to the camera, you do have the built-in dual omnidirectional microphones that can record audio in excellent quality.
Many streamers and TikTokers find themselves buying a ring light to enhance the scene and add that polished glow to your face – well, the Razer Kiyo webcam has a multi-step LED built right in! This of course earns this webcam brownie points right off the bat, and it continues to impress with full manual camera controls and Full HD 30fps video that looks excellent.
If you take the resolution down to HD 720p then you can up the frame rate to 60fps (if you want Full HD 60fps, there is a more expensive Razer Kiyo Pro offering this, and a Pro Ultra model that's even flashier ). If you’re the kind of streamer who likes to tweak and fiddle with their image until you're happy with how it looks, the Razer Kiyo will let you absolutely go to town. Available for as little as $39/£65 from select retailers and directly from Razer, we consider this one of the best budget streaming cameras
Field of view: N/A (35mm sensor, body only) depends on lens
Reasons to buy
+
Can change lenses for the desired effect (fisheye, wide angle etc)
+
Record and stream simultaneously
+
Extremely high quality
Reasons to avoid
-
Super expensive option
-
Will need to buy lenses
-
No wireless streaming option
The Sony A7 III is one of the best mirrorless cameras on the market, used by millions of photographers and content creators due to its lightweight body, excellent 4K video capabilities and 35mm full-frame sensor for stunning imagery. It also works great as an option for streaming with the ability to both record and stream high-quality footage at the same time, but you'll need to connect it to a PC or laptop to do so through the HDMI port.
Sony advises using a third-party HDMI to USB video capture device to stream from a Sony A7 III, as the device can overheat when used for long periods of time. This can be done without a capture card, and simply by using a HDMI and USB cable to connect your A7III to the computer, with free Imaging Edge Webcam software installed. We found the camera's AF eye-tracking and face-detection modes to be super useful for keeping sharp focus; ensure these modes are enabled when you stream.
Who said you can't use a smartphone for streaming?
Our expert review:
Specifications
Max resolution: 4K video recording
Frame rate: 4K@24/25/30/60fps
Streams via: TikTok App and downloadable software
Field of view: Front cams, 24mm (wide), 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide) and 120mm telephoto zoom
Reasons to buy
+
Apple ProRAW images are great quality for stills and thumbnails
+
Amazing quality camera array.
Reasons to avoid
-
Great if you already own it
-
Expensive option if you don't
Yes, we know this isn't exactly a 'proper' camera or webcam intended for streaming, but smartphone cameras are catching up in quality, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max camera is perfectly good enough for social media streaming. In our experience, using an iPhone is also the easiest way to stream content directly to an app like Facebook, Instagram or Discord, and great for when filming on the go.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a great option and one of the best camera phones on the market right now. The 48MP main camera is impressive, and depending on whether you choose to shoot through the front camera or using the triple-rear array, then you're guaranteed to get a good quality stream.
Just make sure you have your phone set up on a smartphone tripod, gimbal, or something stable enough to keep it steady. The camera improvements on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compared with the iPhone 14 Pro Max series are only incremental, and won't make much of a difference to your streaming. So we'd suggest going for the 14 series if you're on a budget and find a good deal.
Sony's "ZV" cameras are specifically designed for vloggers who want a well-specced video setup without spending a fortune. The ZV-E10 steps forward as a mirrorless alternative to the fixed-lens ZV-1, giving you a host of great video features as well as access to the excellent E-mount stable of lenses.
In use, we appreciated the ZV-E10's excellent built-in mic setup. While you'll probably want to wire in your own mic to ensure optimal audio quality, having the built-in 3-capsule mic is a great backup, and means you've always got a decent option if your go-to mic packs in. It's easy to set the ZV-E10 up for streaming thanks to the USB-C connectivity, and the footage is right at the quality it needs to be. Some may bemoan the lack of proper optical stabilisation, but as a streamer, you're likely to have the camera locked off anyway and probably don't need to worry about it.
We do wish the menu system was touch optimised, as Sony's famously awkward menu system is difficult enough to navigate as is. Also, be aware that the ZV-E10 is known for some rolling shutter problems when panning – again, since you're probably not moving the camera when streaming, this shouldn't be much of an issue.
See our complete hands-on Sony ZV-E10 review for more on our experience with this camera.
An action camera might not be the first option you think of as a streaming camera, but the GoPro Hero 10 has a live streaming resolution of 1080p, and it works with YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook too. When we reviewed this model, we loved the rugged and compact design, the great image quality, and its ease of use.
There's also the latest GoPro Hero 12 model to consider, although it's slightly more expensive than its younger siblings, which are more than capable of getting the job done. If you're looking to stream fast-paced live-action scenes, GoPro's HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilization can be activated to keep the footage stable. And you really do want this camera for its action capabilities as well as streaming, otherwise, there are better streaming options on this list.
To stream using a GoPro, you'll need the GoPro app for IOS or Android, and to update the camera to the latest firmware via GoPro Quik or manually. You’ll be able to generate a private link to share with your audience through a GoPro Subscription or by using an RTMP URL. Instagram does not seem to be supported.
The best compact AI-powered webcam for 4K streaming.
Our expert review:
Specifications
Max resolution: 4K reslution
Frame rate: 4K@30fps,1080p@60fp
Streams via: USB-C to USB-C Cable
Field of view: 86°/78°/65°
Reasons to buy
+
HDR and auto-exposure technology
+
Advanced AI algorithm with auto framing
+
4X digital zoom
Reasons to avoid
-
Relatively high-priced
The Obsbot Meet 4K webcam is a great option for those who can afford to have a bit of fun. Primarily intended for conference calls more than streaming for the web or gaming, this cam is impressively equipped with AI features to always keep you centre frame and in the picture.
It has HDR functions too, and the AI power behind this cam will keep the exposure correct at all times too. We reckon it's a great option for those who spend a lot of time presenting on Google Meets or Microsoft Teams.
YouTubers love the Canon G7 X series, and this latest iteration is the most video-focused yet. The fact that it has a clean HDMI out means it’s easy to stream high-quality video, even in 4K UHD if you so desire, and having a 3.5mm mic input means you can attach a high-quality microphone for superior audio (though with no mic hotshoe on top of the camera, you’ll need to find somewhere else to put it).
Its 24-100mm equivalent lens provides a broad range of framing options, and there’s a pleasing range of frame rate options in Full HD. It’s on the pricey side for a compact camera with a 1-inch sensor, but if you’re a streamer, we think the video features just about justify the price.
The best streaming camera for Youtubers who like to see themselves
Our expert review:
Specifications
Max resolution: 4K UHD
Frame rate: 25fps
Streams via: Micro USB
Field of view: Depends on lens
Reasons to buy
+
The screen can be flipped for selfies
+
Mirrorless and lightweight
+
High resolution
Reasons to avoid
-
4K video is cropped
-
Needs EF-S lenses
-
Will need microphone
Another contender from Canon, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is not only an affordable and user-friendly crop-sensor mirrorless camera, but it can double as a webcam and vlogging companion too. If you're just getting started in the world of streaming and want a decent setup without spending a fortune, then this is the camera for you.
To stream, you'll need to use Canon's free EOS Webcam Utility software, and connect the camera to your PC or laptop. You might also need a separate microphone, the camera does have one but the utility software when connected doesn't always process audio.
Ideal for streamers and students, this is probably one of the most affordable options on our list if you plan to use the camera for some general photography too, but if you're only planning to use this camera for streaming then there are much cheaper alternatives and you should probably consider a webcam first.
For wireless streaming and seamless connectivity, we love the Mevo Start. Using the Mevo Camera App, or the Mevo Multicam App for multiple-camera setups, you can control the settings of your stream, switching between shots and editing on the fly.
The Mevo Start is also excellent for conference streaming, and has a great built-in microphone array that can capture audio in high quality from a considerable distance. There's also the pan, tilt, and zoom functionality – though the maximum zoom is only 2.3x so it’s not exactly a game-changer.
Thanks to the Wi-Fi integration, it’s possible and even easy to stream completely wirelessly with the Mevo Start; the only reason to plug it in via the USB-C connection would be if you’re worried about battery life.
Love it or hate it, this works as a streaming camera for PS5
Our expert review:
Specifications
Max resolution: 1080p
Frame rate: 120fps in some cases but mostly 60fps
Streams via: PlayStation 5 only
Field of view: 80-120
Reasons to buy
+
Background removal
+
Easy to use with DualSense
+
Affordable
Reasons to avoid
-
Only has one real purpose
-
Not VR compatible
-
No built-in microphone
While we don't recommend the Playstation 5 HD camera at all as one of the best streaming cameras, we're sorry to report that if you want to stream some games directly from your PlayStation 5 console, then this is your only real option. The PS5 HD camera is the only native camera option for the PS5 and sadly Sony has let gamers down in terms of the potential it could have had. The camera can't be used for party chats, it doesn't have a built-in microphone, doesn't support motion, and it isn't compatible with the original PSVR or PSVR 2 headsets either.
So does it have anything going for it? Well, it does have picture-in-picture broadcasting. The Playstation 5 Camera requires only one cable (a USB-A connector) to connect to the PS5. Since it has no microphone, you'll need to use your headset, or the microphone of the DualSense control pad, or an external mic to make the camera functional for its singular purpose - streaming.
The lack of 4K output given that the PlayStation 5 is a 4K console is a little baffling, so it might be a good idea to look into a different setup that doesn't involve directly streaming from the console itself if you want high-quality streaming. The camera also can't be used for other purposes, such as video calls via social media channels like Discord, Skype or WhatsApp, so it's not a great investment if you ask us.
While it may look like quite a price jump from a basic webcam, the Logitech PTZ Pro 2 is pretty cheap for a PTZ camera. It’s capable of capturing great-looking Full HD video, and thanks to its high-quality lens unit, can also optically zoom up to 10x, meaning you can get closer without the loss in quality that comes with digital zoom.
We found that this is ideal for streaming a conference or speaking event, as you can move from a wide room shot to a tight speaker shot with ease, controlling the camera via the hand-held remote. It plugs in via easy USB, and while the autofocus is sometimes a little temperamental, overall it offers excellent value for a PTZ camera.
How should I choose the best camera for streaming?
When picking the best streaming camera, it's worth looking at the specs for each product to figure out exactly what you need. Having a decent amount of resolution is a plus, but there's no need to overdo it – streaming in 4K is very data-intensive, and most of your audience probably won't watch it in that resolution anyway. Ideally, you want to shoot for Full HD (1920x1080), but HD (1280x720) will do just fine if you're up against it budget-wise.
The other half of the picture is the frame rate of the video. Having 30fps (frames per second) is good, and having 60fps is even better, though once again, you'll need to balance your budget to determine what you can afford.
To make this selection of the best cameras for streaming we compared our own hands-on camera reviews, written by experienced photographers and videographers, customer reviews online and an in-depth comparison of the specifications, features and capabilities of the cameras available on the market. We have endeavoured to include different types of cameras that suit different needs and budgets, considering everything from basic webcams to high-end cameras that can produce professional-looking 4K footage and action cameras that can be used for some extreme streaming.
PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras are capable of tracking your movement through different motions using motorized stands, which gives them freedom of movement compared to a fixed webcam.
Having a camera that can follow you around the room is an advantage, and a PTZ camera will boost the quality of your streaming at home, but they're also a popular choice for web conferences and video production. The main downside of PTZ cameras is that they cost more than standard webcams, and as many of them don't have built-in microphones, you would also need to factor in the cost of audio support.
Jon is a freelance writer and journalist who covers photography, art, technology, and the intersection of all three. When he's not scouting out news on the latest gadgets, he likes to play around with film cameras that were manufactured before he was born. To that end, he never goes anywhere without his Olympus XA2, loaded with a fresh roll of Kodak (Gold 200 is the best, since you asked). Jon is a regular contributor to Creative Bloq, and has also written for in Digital Camera World, Black + White Photography Magazine, Photomonitor, Outdoor Photography, Shortlist and probably a few others he's forgetting.
