10 Best Live Streaming Cameras in 2024

Teaching a class online is very different from teaching a classroom full of students. Students are less engaged, and there’s also a sense of isolation since they can’t interact as openly in an online class.

Instead of sitting and talking throughout the class, introducing a bit of movement, use of animations, realia, props, or a whiteboard can make your lecture that much more engaging.

Regardless of how you choose to teach, a laptop’s camera won’t provide clear enough video to your students. Ensuring that students can see and hear you clearly is a top priority no matter how you approach taking an online class.

Live streaming cameras provide a crystal-clear picture and good audio quality, making your online classes more engaging and easier to watch. Here is a list of the best live streaming cameras in 2023.

Camera Model	Resolution	Optical Zoom	Simultaneous Video Outputs	Warranty
Sony ZV-1	3840 x 2160p	30X optical zoom	3G-SDI, HDMI, & IP Streaming	Two years
Mevo Start	1920×1080	Digital zoom only	IP streaming	One year
FoMaKo 20X-SDI	1920×1080	20X optical zoom	3G-SDI, HDMI, IP Streaming	One year

10 Best Live Streaming Cameras in 2023

1. PTZOptics Live Streaming Cameras

Setting up a camera for an online class can seem complicated if you haven’t done it before. The PTZOptics camera simplifies the process, making it easy for those new and experienced with the technology.

You can control the camera through the app available for both iOS and Android phones. The RS-232 and Rs-485 ports enable you to use VISCA commands via systems such as Crestron and Extron.

It allows between 12x to 30x optical zoom, making it perfect for streaming in medium- to large-sized rooms. The 60.7° field of view makes it that much more impressive.

The camera supports H.264 and H.265 streaming over its RJ45 LAN port, and the PoE features make for easy camera control. It can also capture images and videos and store them on the internal memory, which is a nice plus.

2. Mevo Start

If you need a reliable live streaming camera for a reasonable price, the Mevo Start is the right option for you. It has a battery built-in, allowing you to stream on the go, and the easy-to-use bundled application makes streaming a lot more convenient. 

You can connect it to any Wi-Fi network and start streaming right out of the box. If your phone’s internet connection is fast enough, you can take an online class when you’re out and about. The built-in battery enables you to stream for up to six hours.

The bundled Mevo app comes with features such as Auto-Director, allowing you to make your content more engaging. But the best thing about the Mevo Start is that you can connect up to three of them together and make a convenient to use Multicam setup.

3. FoMaKo 20X-SDI

Designed for large conference rooms and churches, the FoMaKo is an impressive live streaming camera with 20x optical zoom. Its features make it great for taking an online class with a big whiteboard.

The H.264/H.265 support ensures smooth and clear video even when the bandwidth is low. The 1/2.8 inch CMOS sensor captures 1080p video at 60 FPS. The low-noise CMOS sensor makes for a high SNR image, which, coupled with the 2D/3D noise reduction tech, reduces noise further.

The FoMaKo camera boasts a PTZ auto-flip function and installing it is easy. The step driving motor makes for accurate and smooth tilting and panning.

You can make up to 255 presets and apply ten of them using the included remote control. The remote also allows you to zoom in and use shortcuts. The several supported network protocols and simultaneous streaming modes make it one of the best live streaming cameras in 2023.

4. AVKANS NDI Camera

The AVKANS NDI camera performs like the PTZOptics camera but for half the price. It’s undoubtedly the best live streaming camera in its price range.

It offers three video outputs: HDMI, 3G-SDI, and IP streams, and you can have the camera output in all three formats simultaneously. The H.265 and H.264 support enables you to stream on Facebook and YouTube directly without any hassle.

What’s more impressive is that the camera supports POE. It consumes between 12 and 15 watts of power, and you can use the port for streaming and controlling the camera. The POE coupled with the NDI tech makes for a simple camera setup process for your live streams.

5. Sony ZV-1

If ease of use is the top priority, the Sony ZV-1 is a live streaming camera that won’t disappoint. It comes with excellent autofocus features, ensuring that the image is never blurry on your live streams.

The three-inch LCD screen flips out to the side and allows you to compose shots quickly. The 20.1MP CMOS sensor captures video with optimized color and enhanced skin tone reproduction.

The image stabilization feature is decent, and the high-quality onboard mic captures clear audio. You can also plug a mic into the 3.5mm port and fit it into the camera’s shoe.

The ZV-1 is compact and lightweight, and features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, time-lapse, and slow-mo make it stand out from the other options on this list.

6. Angetube Streaming

The Angetube Streaming camera is the most affordable option on this list. Its feature set is impressive considering the price. 

It comes with a ring light with three brightness levels. The camera works perfectly with software like OBS, and you can use Chromacam to change the background when you take your online class.

What’s more impressive is that the camera comes with two mics and an amplifier chip, ensuring clear audio on your stream. The Angetube camera automatically filters out the background noise, improving sound quality.

The autofocus function is reliable, so you won’t have to worry about keeping the camera steady. The H.264 encoding ensures smooth video in low-bandwidth conditions.

There’s a lot to like about the Angetube camera, especially the price, which makes it one of our top recommendations if you’re on a tight budget.

7. GoPro HERO9

The GoPro Hero9 is the only camera on this list that can shoot a 5K video. But you’ll also be surprised to learn that it is one of the more affordable options on this list.

The 20MP sensor allows you to capture professional-looking images and videos. It comes with a front display that makes for easy framing, and the rear touch screen allows intuitive camera control.

Its most impressive feature is that you can live stream on social media and get the HyperSmooth stabilization that the company is known for. So if you want a camera for taking an online class when you’re out and about, this is one of the best options to consider. 

The Quik app allows you to import files from your phone to edit videos easily. The app also enables you to control the camera from your phone. But you don’t have to do that, since the Bluetooth remote will give you all the control you need. 

The remote has a high-resolution display that shows you the camera’s status at a glance.

8. SMTAV PTZ

If you’re looking for a live streaming camera that offers you the best value for money, the SMTAV PTZ camera may be the perfect option for you.

The camera has an impressive Panasonic 1/2.7 inch CMOS sensor, which coupled with the TAMRON lens provides a 60.7-degree FOV. In addition, it boasts 20x optical zoom and can zoom 16x further digitally. 

The sensor features high SNR, and the 2D and 3D digital noise reduction tech ensures the image is noise-free in low light conditions. 

The SMTAV PTZ can rotate horizontally and vertically, and you can control it with the remote, over HTTP, or using VISCA via the RS-485 and RS-232 ports.

The professional live streaming camera can simultaneously output a 1080p at 60 FPS over 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP. You can use it with tripod brackets of all kinds, including ceiling brackets. Installation is made more convenient with the instructions provided on the free app.

9. AViPAS AV-1081W

The AViPAS AV-1081W features a 1/2.8” CMOS sensor that captures 1080p video. The elegant and compact design allows for easy installation, and features such as the 10x optical zoom and 60.9° angle of view make it perfect for any live streaming setup.

Features such as backlight compensation, auto/manual white balance modes, and noise reduction make it that much more impressive. 

While it cannot output over three streaming modes simultaneously like some cameras on this list, it has IP streaming and HDMI outputs, making it more than capable of sitting at an instructor’s desk. 

You can use a 100-foot ethernet cable with it without any worries. You will need to sync the video and the audio, but it shouldn’t be too much trouble to do in OBS. 

The low-power sleep function makes it more convenient to permanently set up in a classroom with a big whiteboard.

10. Panasonic X1500

The Panasonic X1500 is compact, has an SDI output, and works decently in low light, making it hard not to recommend to teachers taking online classes. But to get the most out of the camera, you will need to work on lighting your setup well.

The scene file management features make it easy to work with, and the high zoom capability makes it great for any setup. What’s more impressive is the color correction menu, which can completely change how your online class looks.

The LCD screen makes it easy to use, and you can precisely set the gain and shutter speed. The robust focus settings and the excellent overall design make it a solid option for live streamers.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Good Live Streaming Camera

It’s important for you to look at the camera’s resolution and determine whether it has the right ports for your preference. A good HDMI port is often enough, but you may want ethernet ports if you want to control the camera without having to fiddle with it.

Not all live streaming cameras have batteries, but getting one with a battery is vital if you want to take an online class when on the move. 

It’s also important to note that not all cameras can stream at the resolution they capture video at. A camera may be able to record 4K video, but it may only stream at 1080p. A good mic and a robust design may also be essential considerations depending on how you want to use it.

Ultimately, you must decide what features you need the most and how much you’re willing to pay for them.

Conclusion: What is the Best Live Streaming Camera in 2023

There’s no right or wrong option when it comes to live streaming cameras. There are only options that are fit for your use and options that won’t give you what you need.

We’ve listed options across all budget ranges in this post and weighed out the pros and cons. All you need to do is bear in mind what features you need the most, and skim through the options.

You’ll find the best live streaming camera in a matter of minutes.