What are the things to consider when buying a webcam for streaming? Read on to find out!
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The first thing you should know about webcams for streaming is that they are very different from your regular webcam. A standard webcam is best used in a one-on-one conversation with a family member or friend, whereas a streaming camera has to handle all sorts of abuse in a high-pressure environment. For example, a standard webcam will not hold up when there’s direct sunlight blasting it from behind, whereas a streaming camera can take both the bright lights and loud noises without creating any interference.
- Do you need an HD webcam?
There was a considerable debate about whether it was better to buy an HD or non-HD webcam for streaming purposes. In late 2009 when live streaming came into the public eye, non-HD webcams became popular simply because HD webcams were not taking off. Nowadays, it is safe to say that you need an HD webcam for streaming purposes since most modern computers can support the video demands of HD video feeds.
- So what kind of webcam should I buy? Regular or Webcam?
If you are new to streaming and relatively low on cash, you should probably start with a regular webcam until you can afford something better. A typical webcam will give you excellent picture quality during the day, but it will struggle in low-light situations (that’s where your studio lights come into play). The upside is that they are typically cheaper than webcams. If you have a little more money to spend, go ahead and get yourself a webcam since they are far better in low-light situations. This step is essential if you want to find the best webcam for streaming purposes.
- What should I look for when buying a webcam?
When looking at webcams, there are four main specs that you should look out for: HD Resolution (1080p), Capture Resolution (720p), Frame Rate (30 fps), Bitrate (3000kbps). These four things will give the best picture possible while streaming live video over the internet.
- What PC components do I need for video streaming?
To have a smooth and reliable stream, you will need a decent PC since streaming puts a lot of strain on your computer’s hardware in terms of memory and processing power. If your specs are not high enough, this can result in downgrading the quality of your video feed, or it might even cause your whole software setup to crash. Make sure you upgrade these components yearly if possible to ensure that your hardware can handle video streaming demands.
- What kind of software do I need?
There are three main components that you will need for your PC to stream videos: The Capture Card (webcam), Streaming Software (OBS, XSplit, Wirecast…etc.) and finally, Encoder Software.
- How much money should I spend?
The answer to this question depends entirely on how much money you have available at any given time. You can get started without spending too much by using a regular webcam until you start making more money from your streams or donations. If you’re more serious about your streaming and want the best quality, it is recommended to get a webcam for $70 or more and a decent PC for streaming purposes.
