10 Best Streaming Camera in 2024 (Twitch, YouTube and More)

If you want to get serious about live streaming, you need the best streaming camera. Whether going live on Twitch, YouTube, or Instagram, you want your videos to stand out. And the right camera transforms your video. So you look like a professional live streamer.

The Elgato Facecam is our choice as the best streaming camera. With Full HD video shot at a rapid 60 fps (frames per second), you get high-quality streaming at an affordable price. It’s the perfect entry point for new streamers. But it also has the quality for experienced influencers.

Finding the Best Streaming Camera

Do you want professional-level videos to attract more viewers and followers? It’s time to leave your native computer or phone camera behind. You need a camera that’s up to the job.

Livestreaming has become a competitive arena. And a good streaming camera gives you a leg up on the competition. But you need to consider a few things when buying a camera for streaming.

First, you should consider the type of live streaming you want. Are you playing computer games on Twitch? Are you doing reviews or vlogs on YouTube? Or are you doing more creative live productions that need a more complex setup?

Also, consider if you want to make other multimedia content, like photos and videos. For a simple streaming setup, you can go for a webcam. They’re small and convenient. And they attach to your computer.

Webcams give you a step up from your computer’s native camera. And they have far better video quality when going live. They’re ideal for streaming, vlogs, and video calls.

Our list also has multifunction machines like action and mirrorless cameras. They offer an excellent range of creative possibilities.

You can use them for live streaming. But they can also take high-resolution photos and videos. So these digital cameras are complete multimedia packages.

The main specifications you need to consider are video resolution and frame rate. The resolution determines the quality of the footage. And a fast frame rate gives you smooth, unbroken footage.

Here’s a quick look at our list of the best cameras for streaming. We look more closely at each streaming camera in the next section below.

10 Best Cameras for Streaming

Now we dive into the details so you can find the best streaming camera for you. We’ve included something for everyone. We have webcams, action cameras, and mirrorless cameras. There are budget-friendly options as well as professional cameras for elite streamers.

The Elgato Facecam MK.2 is one of the best webcams on the market today. It has excellent video quality for silky-smooth livestreaming. It’s easy to use and offers good value for money. This is the best camera for streaming in the webcam division.

The outstanding feature of this webcam is the quality of the video footage. It records Full HD video (1080p) and shoots at 60 fps. Most webcams give you 30 fps if you’re lucky. But this doubles the frames per second to give you incredibly smooth videos. A fast frame rate like this one is essential for game streaming. 

The webcam has an all-glass Elgato prime lens with a max aperture of f/2.4. Without getting too technical, that aperture allows plenty of light into the camera. You can get bright shots even when shooting indoors.

The lens also gives you a wide-angle shot with a max 84-degree field of view. You can go for a tighter shot for close-ups. Or you can use the full field of view to include your background in your videos.

Lesser webcams have a habit of losing focus easily. If you raise your hand or lean back, the camera has to refocus. That’s not the case with the Elgato Facecam MK.2. It has a sophisticated fixed focus that allows you to move freely without losing focus.

You have the option to turn the HDR (high dynamic range) mode on or off. The HDR mode tends to give you a better picture in uneven lighting, but it’s nice to have the option to turn it off when it isn’t necessary. 

You can connect to your computer using a USB 3.0 or a USB-C cable. And the Camera Hub software is compatible with Windows and Mac systems. It’s easy to tweak the settings until you find the combination that works for you. 

The internal memory stores your camera settings for each device. So you don’t have to set it up from scratch for every stream. Plus, the Facecam MK.2 easily clips onto your computer monitor.

The Logitech StreamCam is a premium webcam. They made it with streamers and content creators in mind. It’s one of the best cameras if you want something small and simple that gives you amazing results.

This webcam guarantees excellent picture quality when going live on Twitch or YouTube. You can live stream at Full HD resolution with a frame rate of 60 fps.

The footage is incredibly smooth without stuttering or lag. And it’s a massive step up in quality from a native webcam. The lens glass ensures crisp footage.

Plus, the automatic exposure settings make sure you look perfectly lit no matter where you are. And the camera adjusts the aperture and ISO automatically as light conditions change. So it’s quick to react and maintains a natural-looking exposure.

Streamers and vloggers love the autofocus on the Logitech StreamCam. It’s quick to focus on human faces. And once you’re in focus, you stay in focus. You can move your head from side to side or back and forth, and it keeps tracking. So it’s ideal for more animated vloggers.

The Logitech Capture software gives you more control over the video camera. You can control the camera from your computer. And it gives you extra functions and features to improve your live streams.

You can fix the StreamCam to a computer monitor and other surfaces using the simple clamp. And you have landscape and portrait framing options for extra versatility.

Finally, the USB-C cable gives you a stable connection. So your streams are never broken or interrupted.

The EMEET S600 is the best streaming camera for 4K resolution. Plus, it’s one of the most popular 4K webcams. And that’s no surprise when you look at its features and performance. That’s why it’s at the top of our list of the best 4K webcams.

The 4K resolution is absolutely fabulous. You get stunning clarity and detail. And the color rendition is brighter and more vibrant than on Full HD webcams. Using 4K resolution is a great way to get ahead of your streaming rivals.

The 30 fps frame rate is perfect for vloggers, YouTubers, and Twitch streamers. But you can also opt for a faster 60 fps frame rate.

You have to drop the quality down to Full HD. But the faster frame rate gives you ultra-smooth footage. So it’s perfect for video game streaming.

The webcam also has two built-in microphones. They give you professional stereo sound recording. And they have noise-canceling technology to help transmit your voice. Your streaming sound will always come through clearly, without audio distractions.

The autofocus is accurate. And it’s reliable for keeping your face focused even when you move around. That’s good news for the more animated streamers out there.

It also has an excellent auto light balance feature. This makes sure you’re always perfectly exposed. And it gives you professional-looking footage in changing conditions.

The S600 is perfect if you want better-quality streaming footage. It’s the best 4K webcam on the market. And it will take your streaming quality to a whole new level.

It’s a fantastic webcam for video calls and professional conferences. But it’s also one of the best streaming cameras for Twitch, TikTok, and YouTube.

Are you looking for a reliable webcam? The Logitech C922x Pro might be the best camera for streaming in that category. It gives you outstanding video and audio quality. And while affordable, it makes the perfect upgrade to improve your live streams.

The max video resolution is Full HD 1080p, which records at 30 fps. But this resolution is only available for recording video. So you have to settle for 720p resolution when you’re live streaming.

Yet the drop in quality isn’t significant. And 720p is recorded with a faster frame rate of 60 fps, so you get extra smooth footage on Twitch or YouTube.

The webcam is equipped with dual microphones for stereo audio. The extra directional sound recording and audio quality put this on the best webcam list. You don’t need to fork out money for external microphones. It’s an all-in-one unit.

The lens is of excellent quality. It makes your footage looks clear and bright. And you’ll notice the difference compared to native laptop webcams. Their videos are dark and foggy.

The C922x Pro gives you a nice 78-degree wide field of view. And the wide-angle shot is favored by many streamers. That’s because it includes their surroundings in the shot.

This webcam also clips onto your PC monitor. Or you can use the separate tripod with it for better positioning. You simply connect with a USB and start up the OBS software. Then you’re streaming to all your followers.

The Razer Kiyo is the perfect webcam for live streams, vlogs, and important zoom meetings. It offers excellent value for money. And it has all the features you need to make your streaming channel successful.

This a high-quality webcam. It gives you Full HD options for recording and livestreaming. You have the option of 1080p at 30 fps. Or you can switch to 720p at 60 fps if you’re happy to swap a bit of quality for extra smoothness.

This webcam could be the best camera for streaming to save money on lighting. The Razer Kiyo has a built-in ring light that gives you even, balanced lighting. It’s a 5600K adjustable light. So it removes awkward shadows and makes your eyes sparkle.

Along with the ring light, it’s also equipped with a built-in microphone. The Razer Kiyo is an all-in-one professional streaming unit. It combines excellent video and audio.

The autofocus is excellent. It keeps your photos in focus even when you move the frame around.

Plus, you can clip the Razer Kiyo onto your monitor. Or you can use it as a desktop camera. And you can use the included desktop stand to give yourself more framing options.

The OBSBOT Tail Air 4K Webcam is the most advanced webcam on the list. It delivers glorious 4K streaming footage and has features that use artificial intelligence (AI) for improved results.

It’s a glimpse into the future of webcams. And it’s one of the best streaming cameras you can find. 

The 4K video has a max frame rate of 30 fps. That gives you stunning video footage for attention-grabbing live streaming. And you can switch to Full HD for a faster 60 fps rate if needed. This is beneficial for game streamers. 

An f/1.8 max aperture lets in plenty of light, so you can stream from dimly lit environments and still have watchable footage. It also has an ND filter for overly bright situations, giving you a more evenly balanced exposure with no blown out highlights. 

The autofocus is the most advanced of any webcam. It uses AI to track your movement in the frame. This is ideal if you move a lot during recordings. It can deal with fast-moving subjects. And it doesn’t get distracted by objects moving in the background. 

The camera also has auto-framing features. This keeps you perfectly positioned within the frame. No matter what your movements are, you remain centered in the frame.

You can also control the camera using hand gestures. That means you can change the framing or modes without touching the camera or your computer!

The Tiny PTZ 4K Webcam has a built-in gimbal for stabilization. The camera can swivel on its mount. This is great for tracking your movements.

But the design can be sensitive to camera shake and movement. But the two-axis gimbal makes sure the footage is always shake-free. 

The Nikon Z30 is a fabulous little mirrorless camera. It’s lightweight, compact, and has the perfect array of features for vlogging, streaming, and other types of video production. 

As with many mirrorless cameras, you can record 4K videos. But the Z30 also gives you 4K live streaming, which blows the video quality of most webcams out of the water. 

There’s a max frame rate of 30 fps in 4K, which is fast enough for most situations. But you also have a 60 fps streaming option if you switch down to Full HD resolution. 

You also get the same high-quality autofocus when streaming. It has eye-detection and tracking, so you never go out of focus. 

A rotating touchscreen LCD allows you to see yourself while you record. And there’s a record light on the front of the cameras that tells you when the camera’s rolling. USB charging also allows you to record for long periods without running out of battery. 

The Z30 records decent audio with its built-in stereo microphone. But it also has ports for external audio devices if you want even better sound with your video. 

You can also use the Z30 as a normal camera, capturing stunning 21 MP images. That’s a big improvement on smartphone cameras, allowing you to create more eye-catching social media content. That’s what makes the Nikon Z30 such a well-rounded content-creation machine. 

The Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is the best option for streamers on a tight budget. It’s the best-value webcam on the list. But you still get excellent streaming quality.

It’s only compatible with Windows software, though. So Mac users have to look elsewhere for a bargain.

The max video resolution is High Definition (HD 720p). That doesn’t reach the heights of some of the other webcams. But it gives you a nice picture for basic streaming and online conference calls. It’s also a good first webcam for younger users.

The camera gives you a 60-degree angle of view and a nice tight composition. And there’s also a 4x digital zoom to help you get the perfect frame when going live.

Despite being a budget webcam, it has built-in microphones for sound recording. They’re unidirectional and have some noise-canceling abilities. So you get excellent sound quality for the price.

The LifeCam HD-3000 has a universal stand for different mounting options. So you can position the webcam anywhere in your office setup. And you can attach it to your laptop screen or computer monitor.

The GoPro Hero12 Black is the best action camera on the market. It’s a rugged camera with fantastic video specs. And it’s also an excellent option for live streaming. It’s an all-around content machine with photo, video, and streaming capabilities. It’s ideal for the adventurous streamer.

The max video quality is 5.3K, filmed at 60 fps. You also have the option of 120 fps at standard 4K. And you can turn these into fabulous slow-motion videos.

The webcam and streaming capabilities are limited to Full HD (1080p). But that gives you excellent footage for live streams on YouTube or Twitch. 

It also gives you incredible image stabilization. It uses its unique HyperSmooth 5.0 system. And it gives you impressively smooth footage no matter what you’re doing.

The front-facing screen helps you compose your shots and see yourself while shooting. And it’s completely waterproof. That means you can record yourself surfing, mountain biking, or kayaking. 

The GoPro lens has an ultra-wide-angle 132-degree field of view. It’s almost a fisheye lens. And it looks fantastic on action videos, photos, and streams. It gives you a wide shot, so you can include your environment when recording. 

The Hero12 Black is a complete multimedia machine. It records adventure videos and doubles as a webcam. It’s the best streaming camera for thrill-seekers and adventurers.

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is a compact mirrorless camera. It’s a multimedia camera that solves all your content problems in one machine. It has superb photo and video specs. And it’s a webcam when you want to live stream.

The video capabilities make the G100 one of the best cameras for vloggers and streamers. The 4K video footage runs beautifully at 30 fps. But you can also switch to Full HD for a quick 60 fps frame rate. And the built-in microphone is an exciting feature for streamers.

You need a USB cable and the Lumix Webcam Software to transform the G100 into a webcam for vlogs and live streams. But the fully articulating screen helps you get the perfect shot when you go live.

The face-recognition autofocus is another key feature for streamers. The good ISO range means you can live stream in darker conditions. And it keeps digital noise to a minimum. Plus, the 5-axis image stabilization helps keep your footage shake-free.

The Lumix G100 also gives you excellent photo options. It has a 21.7 MP resolution sensor with stunning image quality. And the ISO range and image stabilization help maintain image quality—no matter what you’re shooting!

And the rotating screen and face detection AF means you can take your selfies to the next level. It has everything you need. So it’s worth your consideration if you want the best camera for streaming.

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Streaming Cameras

The best streaming camera has to meet your needs. The best webcam for a team leader working remotely might not be the same as a webcam for professional streaming. Thankfully, there is a wide range of streaming cameras available. The trick is finding the right one for you.

Here’s some information to help you replace your native webcam with a proper streaming camera.

What Type of Camera is Best for Streaming?

Webcams are the most popular type of camera for streaming. They are small, easy to install, and clip right onto your computer.

Even budget webcams now have Full HD streaming resolution, which is enough for most streamers. But you can also get excellent 4K webcams for high-resolution live stream footage. 

You can also use interchangeable lens cameras for streaming. Mirrorless cameras like the Nikon Z30 or Panasonic Lumix G100 are the perfect examples. They offer Full HD webcam functionality, but you can also record 4K footage and shoot high-res images. They are perfect for content creators.

Video Resolution

The video resolution determines the video quality of the camera. Ideally, you want Full HD quality. That gives you a video resolution of 1080p. That’ll give you enough clarity for conference calls and video chat apps. That should be enough for casual game streaming. But professional YouTubers and Twitchers will need 4K.

720p is best avoided if you’re doing anything of a professional nature. That includes video calls for work. This quality look dated and doesn’t give you much of a boost from your native computer webcam. 720p is fine for casual video calls with family and friends. But it won’t serve you much more than that.

Frame Rate

The frame rate is measured in frames per second (fps). A faster frame rate gives you smoother video. 30 fps will serve most people well, especially with 4K video quality. But 60 fps gives you an extra smooth video. You’ll have no lagging or jerks when using the webcam. But 60 fps is rarely seen with 4K quality.

Field of View

The field of view tells you how much of the scene the camera sees. A wide field of view gives you a wide-open shot. A narrow field of view gives you a tighter, cropped shot.

A Mac webcam usually has a field of view between 60 and 90 degrees. That’s a fairly wide and open shot. But some cameras give you the option to change it. That allows you to get the perfect shot.

Webcam Mount

Many webcams have a clip for mounting on your computer. That’s a handy feature. But it doesn’t give you many framing options. You might want something less direct. Many streamers prefer a side shot or a position above their line of sight.

You can buy other mounts like tabletop tripods if you prefer. Some Mac webcams come with additional mounting options. Again, how you mount your webcam depends on what you’re using the camera for.

Setting Up Your Mac Webcam

Setting up a new tech device can put some people in a cold sweat. But setting up your Mac webcam doesn’t have to be like that. In fact, it’s easy. Whether you’re using a Logitech or a Razer webcam, there’s an easy setup process. We’ll give you some tips on how to get set up and get the best results.

Webcam Setup

Many of you will be happy to hear you don’t need to install software to use a new webcam for streaming. Simply connect your webcam to your computer using the cable provided. This is usually a USB cable. But some webcams now use a USB-C cable. Most webcams use the computer as a power source, so you won’t need other power cables.

Once connected, open a video conferencing app like Zoom or FaceTime. Go to the video settings and you’ll see your webcam listed as one of the camera options. Select the webcam and the app will change to the camera’s view. You’ll see the jump in image quality straight away.

If you still need to know how to use a Logitech webcam, watch this video. You can also get the Logitech Capture video software if you need more creative options.

Audio Settings

If your webcam doesn’t have a built-in microphone, the computer will continue to use its native mic. That doesn’t give you the best audio quality. If the webcam has a microphone, go to the app’s audio settings and select the webcam.

Webcam microphones don’t produce the best audio. That’s no problem for casual video calls. But professionals and streamers might want a better microphone. You can get a microphone as part of a headphone set. The Logitech H930 is an excellent choice. Or you can get a standalone mic for premium sound quality. The Rode Podcaster is popular with podcasters and streamers.

Using Lights with Your Webcam

Not everyone needs additional lighting for their streaming camera. If you’re in a bright room with plenty of natural light, you’ll have no problem with video calls. But if you’re struggling for light, you might need some extra. The glow from your computer can be unflattering, and streamers need to look their best.

We’ve listed a couple of webcams that have built-in lights. This is handy for conference calls. But you still might need something more powerful. Ring lights are very popular with content creators of all kinds.

A ring light gives you an even brightness that removes shadows on the face. You can see our top ring lights here. You can also see our list of LED lights if you want something funkier.

Conclusion: The Best Streaming Camera

Being the best live streamer on social media isn’t easy. There’s a lot of competition, so your videos need to stand out. That’s why you need to find the best streaming camera. You need a blend of video quality and usability for live content that grabs attention.

The Elgato Facecam MK.2 is the best webcam for streaming. The Full HD quality is super-smooth with a 60 fps frame rate. And it has a lovely wide angle of view and works well in low light.

We also have the Nikon Z30 and Panasonic Lumix G100 if you want an all-round content creation machine. They work as fantastic streaming cameras but also offer high-resolution stills and recorded video.