Regardless of which platform you use for your live event, the camera you select plays a crucial role in providing your audience with the highest quality broadcast. The idea is to use a camera that offers excellent audio-visual clarity and detail. While this generally rules out a smartphone camera, which comes with potential network and audio/visual issues, there are still many cameras to choose from for your next live event.
So what’s the best 4k camera for live streaming? The professionals at Seven Production are here to help you understand the fundamentals of 4k cameras to choose the best one for your next live broadcast.
Types of Live Streaming Cameras
First things first, you need to understand your camera options. From webcams and DSLR/mirrorless cameras to camcorders and action cameras, knowing the functions of each camera will help you determine which device best suits your event needs.
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Webcams
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Affordable and easy to use, webcams are one of the most common streaming cameras. Unlike your built-in camera on your laptop, a webcam is external and offers at least 720p resolution and a functional built-in microphone. Although these external cameras connect directly to your computer, they don’t provide the highest quality imaging or sound quality. Webcams are ideal for live streaming video games, live video chats, or other live streams that don’t involve much motion or getting out of your chair.
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DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras
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A digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR) provides excellent video quality, ultra-high photo resolutions, and impressive low-light performance. If you are looking for the same image quality as a DSLR with a more compact camera, you should consider opting for a mirrorless camera for your live stream. However, if you want to broadcast your event with a DSLR or mirrorless camera via live stream, you need to ensure you use a model that accommodates longer recordings. Your camera should also have a clean HDMI output that hides the viewfinder icons and status.
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Camcorders
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Camcorders are designed to produce high-caliber video recordings. Camcorders are among the most popular camera choices to shoot live videos. Easy to set up and handheld, their ergonomic design makes them ideal for filming longer videos. Camcorders provide clean HDMI outputs without sacrificing video resolution and frame rates. Best of all, their 4K resolution output provides the highest video quality for live streaming events.
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Live Action Cameras
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Action cameras are exceptional for capturing immersive videos. Despite their compact size, action cameras are powerful enough to produce superior footage. Ideal for live streaming action-packed events and sports, they are typically outfitted with a wide-angle lens to provide the audience with a first-person point of view.
The Best of Both Worlds
The Grass Valley LDX86N camera leverages the compact handheld design of a camcorder without compromising exceptional visual and audio quality. Backed with the 4K UHD capture, not only will your video streams look amazing, but the XtremeSpeed 6X camera system sets a new standard for super slow-motion image acquisition. By introducing a workflow with instant time-to-air without the cumbersome double-action memory buffer in the camera, the LDX86N camera provides a crystal clear live stream, so your viewer won’t miss out on a single moment of the action!
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- Built-in memory in XCU cradle stores settings
- Standard HD outputs for monitoring or any full performance live usage
- Extensive (analog/digital) audio connectivity
- Embedded audio
- Compact (2 RU) robust base station
- Wide color gamut
- 3X speed applications with improved performance
- 6X camera system sets a new standard for super slow-motion image acquisition
- And much more
Seven Production & Events
Now more than ever, your viewers expect the highest quality 4k live stream events. At Seven Production, our mobile production vehicles and live broadcasting services empower crews with the technology and solutions to produce precise, crisp 4K and HD content in real-time. Contact a member of our team to learn more about our mobile production vehicles and live streaming services.
