Finding the best broadcast camera suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 PTZ IP Streaming Camera with Simultaneous HDMI and 3G-SDI Outputs - Gray
Feature
20X Optical Zoom for properly targeting your subjectIP Streaming with RJ45 input - Dual Streaming with H.264, H.265 & MJPEG (simultaneous high and low bit rate streams)
Simultaneous 3G-SDI, IP and HDMI Video Outputs for connection flexibility and std VISCA RS232 control
Full 1920x1080 Video Resolution and 10 IR / 255 RS232 PTZ presets
Low Light: 0.5 Lux with Noise Cancellation via the latest 2D and 3D noise reduction
Description
This is the 20x-SDI Gen2 model of the PTZOptics lineup of advanced live streaming cameras, in gray, featuring a 3G-SDI output for connecting to switching equipment for broadcast conferencing. The Gen2 model is capable of 1080p60/50 recording (instead of a max of 30 fps), and streaming in H.265 and MJPEG in addition to H.264. Bundle Includes: Set of PTZOptics-20X-SDI and 1 Microfiber Cloth2. Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 4K 2
Feature
Effective Sensor Size: 13.056mm x 7.344mm / Focus: Auto focus. Peaking mode. / Lens Mount: Active MFT Mount. / Lens Control: I ris, focus, zoom on supported lenses.Total Video Input: 1 x SDI. / Total Video Ouput: 1 x SDI / SDI Rates: 1.5G, 3G, 6G, 12G. / Optical SDI: Supports optional SMPTE optical module.
Analog Audio Input: 2 x XLR , phantom power. / Analog Audio Output: Aviation headphone jacks (Fixed Wing Plugs) output for talkback and audio monitoring.
SDI Audio Output: 2 channels in 12G-SDI 48Khz and 24 bit. 2 channels for talkback on channel 15-16. / Remote Control: 1 x 2.5mm LANC for Iris Control and Focus. SDI CCU control from ATEM.
HD Video Standards: 720p50, 720p59.94, 720p60, 1080p23.98, 1080p24, 1080p25, 1080p29.97, 1080p30, 1080p50, 1080p59.94, 1080p60, 1080i50, 1080i59.94 and 1080i60 / Ultra HD Video Standards: 2160p23.98, 2160p24, 2160p25, 2160p29.97, 2160p30, 2160p50, 2160p59.94 and 2160p60
Description
The Blackmagic Studio Camera 4K is the live broadcast camera that's ready for multi camera Ultra HD production today. Featuring a massive 10" viewfinder, MFT lens mount, talkback, tally indicators, phantom powered microphone connections, 12G-SDI and user upgradeable optical fiber connections that let you connect to your switcher with a single cable! The advanced 4K model is switchable to 1080 HD, that means you can work in HD today and you're always ready for Ultra HD production.3. Elgato Cam Link - Broadcast Live and Record via DSLR, Camcorder, or Action cam in 1080p60, Compact HDMI Capture Device, USB 3.0
Feature
Easily connect your DSLR, camcorder, or action cam to your PC or MacGo live on any platform in no time thanks to ultra-low-latency technology
Broadcast in stunning quality up to 1080p at 60 fps
Requirements: Windows 10 (64-bit) / macOS Sierra 10.12, USB 3.x port, 4th generation quadcore Intel Core i5 CP (i5-4xxx or comparable)
Want to check whether your camera is compatible with Cam Link? Take a look at our comparison chart pdf under Technical Specifications.
Description
With Cam Link, easily connect your DSLR, camcorder, or action cam to your PC or Mac. Use your camera as a webcam in your favorite apps. And broadcast via any platform. Want to check whether your camera is compatible with Cam Link? Take a look at our comparison chart pdf under Technical Specifications.
What's in the box
- Cam Link
- USB 3.0 extension cable
- Quick Start Guide
4. Marantz Professional Turret - Self-Contained USB-C Broadcast Video System |Full HD webcam, USB condenser microphone with pop filter, Dimmable LED light ring and internal USB hub
Feature
Everything You Need - Self-contained, freestanding broadcasting system featuring full HD webcam with H.264 video compression - perfect for streaming, vlogging, video conferencing and moreSound At Your Best - High-quality USB condenser microphone with integrated pop filter and professional on-board converters capture audio at studio-grade 48kHz / 16-Bit resolutions
Perfect Lighting Everytime - Dimmable LED light ring / daylight-balanced with Cool, Warm and Diffusion filter accessories
Hassle-Free Connectivity - USB-C output to computer for high-speed, low-latency capture / broadcasting
Connectivity Covered - Internal USB hub with 2 USB 3.0 ports and Integrated headphone amplifier
Description
High Performance A/V Capture
Introducing the Marantz Professional Turret, a unique, easy-to-use and simple-to-install solution for users demanding a complete, high-performance A/V capture / broadcast system, all housed in a space saving, aesthetically pleasing footprint. Marantz Professional is a leading manufacturer of no-compromise recording solutions and draws upon a decades-long history of critically acclaimed engineering innovations. With the introduction of Turret, Marantz Professional's core engineering know-how fuses with a firm focus on value delivering a full HD webcam with built-in H.264 video compression, a high-quality 48kHz/16-bit USB condenser microphone with pop filter and an LED light ring (daylight-balanced, with both cool and warm filter accessories). Seeking premium A/V capture, ideal for streaming, broadcasting, podcasting, vlogging, Skype and much more? Look no further than Marantz Professionals Turret
Everything You Need
Take the hassle out of your streaming and broadcasting needs. The Marantz Professional Turret is a unique, all-in-one broadcast tool that gives any podcaster, gamer or live internet streamer high-quality components with a multitude of configurations for creating professional presentations. Compact and simple-to-configure, Turret is perfect on a desktop yet portable enough to take on location. Truly self-contained and capable of handling any streaming/podcast/gaming task without the need for additional equipment, Turret features a high-speed USB-C output for low latency capture and an internal USB hub for connecting any peripheral USB-compatible equipment; plus, theres even an on-board headphone amplifier for effortless audio monitoring capability. Everything the demanding streaming/broadcasting enthusiast needs is right here, in one convenient, high-performance package.
HD Camera Included
From optimal lighting conditions to resolution requirements, professional video capture demands the right tools for the job. Turrets integrated camera features an auto-focus design, Full HD 1080p video (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) and automatic low-light correction, fully integrating all video-shoot essentials into one convenient device. Make the complications of sourcing and configuring external lighting rigs a thing of the past - thanks to Turrets on-board LED Ring Light with a 100mm diameter, a colour temperature of 5600K (daylight-balanced), dimmable functionality and the included Cool / Warm / Diffused Filter Accessories (plastic, snap-on), ideal lighting is guaranteed every time regardless of the recording scenario.
Convenient Studio-Grade Capture
Recording audio needn't be a chore courtesy of Turrets fully integrated studio-grade microphone with adjustable boom arm. Combining a condenser design, a 14mm diameter back electret capsule, sensitivity of -34dB 2dB (0dB = 1V/Pa @ 1kHz), max SPL of 132dB (THD: 0.5% 1kHz) and a wide-range frequency response of 150 - 15kHz, you can be sure every subtle nuance of your delivery is captured, all in studio grade 48kHz/16-bit resolution. For the utmost in user convenience, the preamp is integrated with the microphone gain control on the tower, alongside a thoughtfully positioned headphone output with an independent level control - now users can directly monitor the microphone signal while recording/streaming, without the nuisance delay of monitoring through the computers headphone output.
Control Simplified
Turrets central Tower has been meticulously engineered for ergonomic ease of use, containing all the main controls that the streamer/podcaster requires to manage the system. There is an LED light dimmer (with click/off at extreme left position), a headphone output jack, a headphone volume control, a Mic gain knob, a Mic mute button, and camera on/off switch. On the rear of the tower is a single USB-C jack for high-speed / low latency output to PC/MAC, (2) USB 3.0 jacks for connecting peripheral equipment and a 12VDC input jack. This space-saving, user-friendly layout fuses with a distinctive design making Turret the choice for easy and intuitive use, without compromising the high-performance users demand.
5. Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast Camera
Feature
Shooting Resolutions: 3840x2160, 1920x1080Lens Mount: B4 2/3 inch
Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported. Off-speed frame rates up to 60p.
4-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen
12 Month Limited Manufacturer's Warranty
Description
Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast is an advanced Ultra HD broadcast camera that works with your existing HD or Ultra HD B4 lenses so you can shoot HD today and switch to Ultra HD when you're ready! You get professional broadcast controls, built in ND filters, non stop 12-bit recording of ProRes and DNx files to dual SD UHS-IIor CFast cards, and new extended video range for stunning broadcast ready shots that can go straight to air. URSA Broadcast is two cameras in one. Use it for production work or add a Blackmagic URSA Studio Viewfinder to turn it into a live studio camera with remote control and built in color corrector!6. Mevo - Live Event Camera for select Android and iOS devices- Black
Feature
Your mobile device is now your personal video editing suite - zoom, pan and cut with ease, all from a single camera & app. Available for Android (6 or higher) and iOS (9.3 or higher).Stream live to your customers, fans, & friends from virtually anywhere via Wi-Fi or LTE. Mevo streams to Livestream, Facebook Live, YouTube, Periscope and Twitter.
No rig required. Simple, small and discreet-the Mevo camera & free app are all you need to record or stream your live events beautifully.
150 degree all glass lens with Sony 4K sensor. Stream live in up to 1080p Full HD and record in up to 4K. The camera can generate it's own network (access point) and stream via the mobile LTE connection
Built in stereo microphones with dedicated DSP, and the ability to plugin external audio through the your mobile device or the Mevo Boost Accessory.
Limited battery life (30-45 minutes) while not plugged into an outlet
Description
Mevo is the pocket-sized live event video camera and companion app that lets you edit while you film. Now you can share live events in real time with unprecedented production value. Stream live in up to 1080p or record in up to 4K. Available for iOS and Android.
7. Mevo Plus - The Live Event Camera, Stream in Full HD 1080p or Record in 4K, Compatible with Android and iOS
Feature
Stream to Vimeo, Livestream, Facebook, YouTube, Periscope and Twitter in up to Full HD 1080p from virtually anywhere over Wi-Fi or LTE.Your mobile device is now your personal video editing suite - zoom, pan and cut with Ease, all from a single camera & app. Available for Android (6 or higher) and iOS (9.3 or higher).
New - 802.11ac Wi-Fi chip with 2x2 MIMO antennas delivers faster data transmission speeds, stronger Wi-Fi performance and increased range.
150 all-glass Lens and Sony 4K/ 12MP CMOS sensor enables recording in stunning 4K or streaming in up to full 1080P HD.
Features built in stereo microphones, plus the ability to plugin external audio for crystal clear sound , Operating temperature - 35-77F.Facebook maximum streaming resolution is 720p
Description
Introducing Mevo Plus, the latest camera from Livestream, re-engineered for faster and stronger performance. Mevo Plus transforms any event into a professional live production. Edit video in real-time and stream live to every major platform. Your story matters. Tell it beautifully with Mevo Plus.
8. PTZOptics ZCam-4X 2.7MP 1080p Full HD Box Camera, 4x Optical Zoom, 30fps, H.264, HD-SDI, RJ45 Network Video Output Interface
Feature
PTZOptics ZCam-4X 2.7MP 1080p Full HD Box Camera - 4x Wide Angle Zoom Lens - Power Adapter - User Manual - RS 485 Adaptor - PTZOptics 3 Year WarrantyVideo CMOS Sensor: 1/2.7" CMOS, 2.07 Mega Pixels
Frame Rate: 1080p 30/25, 1080i 60/50, 720p 60/50
Included Lens: F 2.8mm - 12mm, F1.4
Incl. Lens Zoom: 4x Optical Zoom
Description
The PTZ Optics ZCam-4x is a 1080p box camera with 4x optical zoom for capturing HD video with a variety of lenses. With support for HD-SDI & IP Streaming this camera is ideal for broadcasting high definition video signals for broadcast or video conferencing applications up to 1080p/30 resolution. Panasonic 1/2.7" inch HD CMOS Sensor HD-SDI High Definition Video Output H.264 IP Streaming Output (dual stream) High performance in low illumination situations Full 1920x1080p HD Resolutions up to 30 frames per second 2D and 3D noise reduction with their latest "low noise CMOS sensor" Motion Detection built in Button controls on back of camera RS485 and ONVIF compatible IP remote camera control Wide Dynamic Range and defeatable IR auto-day/night mode C/CS Type Lens Mount Be seen in 1080p Crystal clear High Definition 1080p video with lossless 4x optical zoom letting you get up close to see and interact with your team. Panasonic CMOS Sensor Full 1080p quality from a built-in 1/2.7" HD CMOS Sensor. HD-SDI Connectivity HD-SDI is a preferred cabling for 1080p video over long distances. Wide Field of View The 4x PTZOptics ZCam models offer a wide field of view with the ability to zoom into narrow a 28 degrees. RS-485 Camera Control The RS-485 control interface can be used with VISCA or Pelco commands for zoom controls.Less Thanbr9. Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam Full 1080p HD Camera Background Replacement Technology for YouTube or Twitch Streaming
Feature
Web Camera specifically designed and optimized for Professional quality video streaming on social gaming and entertainment sites like Twitch and YouTubeStream and record vibrant, true-to-life HD 1080P video at 30Fps/ 720P at 60FPS
Background replacement technology (powered by personify) allows you to integrate your live image and any background Scene, right onto your stream (only works with Windows 7 and above)
Full HD glass lens and premium autofocus deliver razor-sharp, clear video in consistent high Definition while two Built-in mics capture your voice in rich Stereo Audio
Record clear videos even in dim or poorly backlit settings with automatic light Correction
Description
Power your online video content with the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam. This HD Camera is more than capable of streaming and recording high-quality videos with crystal-clear audio, all in your home.
This web camera is specially designed to meet the needs of streamers who like to broadcast on popular websites such as Twitch and YouTube. You need a camera that works fast and well for this, and the C922x is exactly that. It has a full HD lens that records 1080p videos at 30 frames per second and is also capable of 720p resolution at 60 frames per second. You and your viewers can enjoy superior quality that doesnt lag behind your games. The premium autofocus adjusts to various lighting conditions, whether the glare of a multiple-monitor setup or a dimly lit bedroom. The professional quality of this webcam gives you that edge to rise above the rest! Two integrated omnidirectional microphones with noise-reduction technology pick up sounds from every direction for a complete video that doesnt lag.
Dont bore your viewers with the backdrop of a blank wall when they watch your stream put yourself right in the action with Personifys background replacement technology. It is incredibly easy to use and doesnt need a green screen. Integrate your live image hassle-free and turn up the heat as you play your favorite games in front of a live internet audience.
Breaking through as an online streamer can be challenging if you dont have the right tools. Logitech helps you get started by giving you a free, six-month Xsplit license, whether for fun or professional use. One of the most popular streaming apps today, Xsplit allows you to fine-tune all of the different aspects of your live stream, including sound levels, lighting, text overlays, music, graphics, and so much more. This license includes access to both the Broadcaster and Gamecaster apps. Record, edit, and broadcast all of your adventures in the gaming world with Logitech!
Compatible with Windows 7-10, Mac OS X 10.9 or later, Chrome OS, and Android v5.0 and above, all you need to start broadcasting is a USB port! Get high-quality professional video right out of the box with the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam, your trusted partner for streaming online.