What camera can I go live on Facebook?

Picking the best camera for streaming is crucial if you want to see success – or, at the very least, see the best video quality – on platforms like Twitch, Facebook, and YouTube. 

Obviously, you can stick with the native camera on your laptop or desktop computer, but don't kid yourself – the results won't be a patch on what you can expect from the best cameras for streaming. 

Both the video and audio quality are significantly better on a dedicated device, which won't just elevate your content – it will hopefully increase your viewership, too.

That's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the best camera for streaming. There are two predominant categories, so we've divided our recommendations into two main sections. 

First, we have webcams that plug straight into your computer and are a super simple way to stream. If you purely want a camera for streaming or video calls on your computer, these are ideal – but if you want one that you can also use to take photos and video, check out the cameras and camcorder section. Both kinds of cameras have pros and cons, so you'll just have to decide what is most important to you. 

We've included a range of options that vary significantly in price and specs so that there are budget options and high-end choices. While you do generally get more features the more you pay, every camera on this list will do an amazing job at capturing live streams. 

Most cameras here come with a pretty decent built-in mic, but to get the very best out of your audio it would be a good idea to pick up one of the best microphones for vlogging (opens in new tab) as well. You might also want to think about getting a ring light (opens in new tab) or an LED panel (opens in new tab) so that your video is well-lit. However, if you can only afford to get a mic or a light, we suggest you go for the mic.

Now that so many people stream content, it's harder to stand out but investing in the right kit will definitely make your videos more enjoyable to watch. Either jump to the section you need or scroll through the list to find out what makes a good webcam…

The best camera for streaming in 2022

Streaming webcams

(opens in new tab)

This versatile webcam is the best camera for streaming all-round

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p recording, 720p live streaming

Frame rate: 30fps at 1080p, 60fps at 720p

Field of view: 78 degrees

Size: 44 x 95 x 71mm

Reasons to buy

+

Can fit to monitor or tripod

Reasons to avoid

-

No external mic support

We think the best camera for streaming right now is the Logitech C922. This is a standout choice for anyone either getting into streaming for the first time or who wants to upgrade from the webcam they already have. It clips neatly onto the top of your television or PC monitor or can be attached to a tripod if you want to get more creative with your angles and framing. The camera shoots and streams live in 1080p Full HD resolution at 30 frames per second, and there's also a ‘hyperfast’ mode for streaming 720p at 60fps.

Dual microphones create stereo audio so you don’t really need to both with a separate microphone, and the camera comes with an 18.5cm tall tripod. The lens offers a 78-degree wide view, and it comes with a free three-month license for Xsplit streaming software. Also, check our guide to the Best Logitech webcam (opens in new tab)s.

Read our full Logitech C922 Pro review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

A simple, high-quality webcam that also offers pleasing depth of control

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p

Frame rate: 60fps at 1080p

Field of view: 82 degrees

Size: 58 x 80 x 48 mm

Connectivity: USB 3.0, USB-C

Weight: 103g

Reasons to buy

+

Uncompressed 1080p video

Reasons to avoid

-

No built-in mic

The Elgato Facecam is a relative newcomer to the streaming circuit, placing a firm emphasis on accessible, high-quality content. It shoots video at a streaming-friendly resolution of 1080p, uncompressed, with a 60p frame rate. The default image it produces is bright – some might call it overexposed – but if it’s not to your taste then it’s easy enough to fix the settings with Elgato’s Camera Hub software.

In other respects, the camera is pretty simple. The focus is fixed, and in a move that seems surprising but makes sense once you think about it, there’s no onboard mic. Elgato's reasoning is that anyone who’s willing to spend almost $200 on a streaming camera probably isn’t planning to use a crappy on-board mic, and either has or is going to acquire their own. Fair enough, though this does mean you have to factor in the cost of a mic on top of the already slightly chunky asking price. See our full Elgato FaceCam review (opens in new tab).

Read our full Elgato Facecam review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

The best webcam with integrated light, great for Full HD video recording

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p or 720p

Frame rate: 30fps at 1080p, 60fps at 720p

Field of view: 90 degrees

Size: 69 x 69 x 48mm

Weight: 200g

Reasons to buy

+

Full HD resolution at 30fps

Reasons to avoid

-

No external audio support

The Elgato Facecam is a relative newcomer to the streaming circuit, placing a firm emphasis on accessible, high-quality content. It shoots video at a streaming-friendly resolution of 1080p, uncompressed, with a 60p frame rate. The default image it produces is bright – some might call it overexposed – but if it’s not to your taste then it’s easy enough to fix the settings with Elgato’s Camera Hub software.

In other respects, the camera is pretty simple. The focus is fixed, and in a move that seems surprising but makes sense once you think about it, there’s no onboard mic. Elgato's reasoning is that anyone who’s willing to spend almost $200 on a streaming camera probably isn’t planning to use a crappy on-board mic, and either has or is going to acquire their own. Fair enough, though this does mean you have to factor in the cost of a mic on top of the already slightly chunky asking price. See our full Elgato FaceCam review (opens in new tab).

Read our full Elgato Facecam review (opens in new tab)

Designed for streamers, this webcam does everything you need

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p

Frame rate: 60fps at 1080p

Field of view: 78 degrees

Size: 58 x 66 x 48 mm

Connectivity: USB-C

Weight: 150g

Reasons to buy

+

Auto-framing feature

Reasons to avoid

-

Non-detachable USB-C cable

While the Logitech C922 Pro (see below) has staked out a place as a near-ubiquitous camera for conferences and the like, the Logitech Streamcam is a newer model that’s pitched directly toward streamers. Its video quality is excellent, with 1080p 60fps footage that looks excellent. You’ll have no reason to worry about your streaming quality once this camera is up and running – the auto framing and exposure features keep you centered and keep the image balanced for a pleasing output. You can also install the Logitech Capture software, available for Windows or Mac, to further streamline the process.

The cuboid Logitech Streamcam looks pretty chic and comes with a range of mounting options including a diddy desktop tripod, which makes it easy to put the camera at exactly the angle you want it. Our only real gripe is the fact that the USB-C cable is both short and non-detachable, meaning you can’t simply replace it with a longer one of your own. This does diminish positioning versatility a bit, but it’s a small strike against an excellent streaming camera. 

Read our full Logitech Streamcam review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

The best camera for streaming if you're on a tight budget

Specifications

Resolution: 720p

Frame rate: 30fps

Field of view: 60 degrees

Size: 44 x 39 x 109mm

Weight: 90.7g

Reasons to buy

+

Low price

Reasons to avoid

-

Only 720p

A budget option, the HD-3000 by Microsoft proves you can start streaming without having to shell out the big bucks. This webcam is limited to 720p HD resolution at 30 frames per second, but that’s still high definition and will be perfectly acceptable when viewed on a mobile device like a smartphone. The camera offers automatic face tracking, and low-light adjustment has a built-in microphone and claims to attach to all types of computer monitors. 

There is also a digital zoom function, although we would advise against using this, because the 720p resolution, while acceptable when viewed normally, doesn’t provide enough pixels for images to remain sharp when zoomed in. Finally, there is a manual focus option for making sure the image stays exactly the way you want it – we prefer this, as autofocus can have a habit of incorrectly adjusting in some lighting conditions, taking you out of focus.

Read our full Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

6. MEVO Start

Best PTZ streaming camera

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p

Zoom/digital: Digital zoom

Frame rate: 30fps at 1080p

Field of view: 84 degrees

Size: 34 x 75 x 87mm

Connectivity: Wi-Fi (NDI), USB-C, 3.5mm mic

Weight: 232g

Reasons to buy

+

Pan, tilt & zoom facility

Reasons to avoid

-

You need Mevo Plus for 4K

With a dedicated and easy-to-use phone app, the Mevo is a purpose built streaming camera that enables you to pan, tilt and zoom during your recordings. The camera is controlled via a Wi-Fi connection or a personal hotspot so that you can live stream wherever you are. The Mevo Start follows on from the Mevo Plus released in 2018 but bears the qualities of a polished, second-generation model. 

This tiny camera is capable of shooting at either an 84-degree width or I can crop in and track your face. It also records your live stream to a Micro SD card so if something does go wrong you've always got a backup. There is also a built-in mic that uses Fraunhofer upHear Spatial Processing but you could also record sound via your phone or a 3.5mm mic. 

In terms of operation, the app is not only easy to use and connect to standard streaming platforms (Facebook, Youtube, and RTMP), but offers extensive picture adjustments – either preset or manual. A paid subscription will allow you to stream to multiple platforms at once, and add live graphics.

If you’re looking to take your streaming channels on the road, this device gives you the power to broadcast anywhere, wirelessly, with impressive sound quality. You can keep going for up to 6 hours on a single charge, too.

Read more: Best PTZ cameras (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

7. PlayStation 5 HD Camera

Got a PS5? Then you need this camera to stream!

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p

Size: 198 x 121 x 70mm

Weight: 317.5g

Reasons to buy

+

The only native PlayStation 5 camera

Reasons to avoid

-

Not compatible with PlayStation VR

If you're a PlayStation 5 gamer keen to stream, then you're going to want to check out the PlayStation 5 HD Camera as it's the only native option at the moment. You can use the existing PS4 camera via an adapter, but it's limited to 720p resolution and doesn't feature the cool tricks that the new one possesses. This includes built-in background removal tools, so you can crop your background or even remove it entirely automatically if using a green screen. The PS5 HD Camera integrates seamlessly with the console – simply hit the 'create' button on the DualSense control pad and you can start recording or live streaming video, offering picture-in-picture broadcasting so you can present content on your preferred platforms, such as Twitch and YouTube (opens in new tab). 

Cameras and camcorders

(opens in new tab)

The TikTok-ready action cam adds simplicity, and a new 8:7 sensor

Specifications

Weight: 4.5 oz / 127 g

Waterproof: 33.0' / 10.0 m

5K video: up to 60fps

4K video: up to 120fps

2.7K video: up to 240fps

Stills resolution: 27MP

Battery life: 2-3hrs estimate

Reasons to buy

+

Captures versatile 8:7 content

Reasons to avoid

-

Lowlight video isn't great

Despite the Hero 11 Black looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019, with upgraded hardware and software, it's a triumph on all fronts. The new, almost square sensor is supremely versatile, the camera's software has been simplified successfully, and GoPro's companion app, Quik has also been improved. With best-in-class stabilization, great-looking video in all but dimly-lit and dark scenes, and some fun new modes like light painting, the Hero 11 Black is an excellent addition to the line.

The Hero 11 Black's 8:7 aspect ratio is also a standout highlight for content creators. Able to shoot in 5.3K resolution, 8:7 video at up to 30fps, its footage can be losslessly cropped to create new 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video.

On top of 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black captures 5.3K resolution video at 60 fps, 4K resolution video at 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at 240 fps. You can also grab 27MP stills from 5.3K video.

The Hero 11 Black might not have wildly improved the line's lowlight performance. Still, with its new 8:7 sensor, a simplified interface, and enhanced horizon leveling, it's upgraded GoPro's offering in a meaningful way. Particularly appealing to folks who use multiple social platforms, nothing else can do quite what the 11 Black can.

Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black review

GoPro Subscription explained: what you get, and is it worth it

(opens in new tab)

A full-frame mirrorless system that makes a superb camera for streaming

Specifications

Resolution: Ultra HD 4K

Frame rate: Up to 120fps in Full HD

Field of view: N/A (35mm sensor, body only)

Size: 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm

Weight: 650g

Reasons to buy

+

Record and stream simultaneously

Reasons to avoid

-

Very pricey...

If you're looking to seriously increase the quality of your streaming, a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera like the Sony A7 III will fit the bill. This powerful shooter can record and stream high-quality footage simultaneously, and thanks to its FE mount, is compatible with some seriously impressive lenses. This is the perfect pairing with the gorgeous 4K UHD footage the camera produces. 

As well as the big-ticket headline features, the A7 III also has some welcome quality-of-life features that are particularly good for streamers. For instance, it's possible to charge the battery in-camera via USB, which makes it much easier to give the camera a quick shot of juice if you're out and about.

Read our full Sony A7 III review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

A versatile action camera that also offers high-quality live streaming

Specifications

Resolution: 5.3K Ultra HD with HDR (streaming limited to 1080p)

Frame rate: Up to 60fps at 5.3K and 120fps at 4K

Field of view: Up to 132 degrees

Size: 71 x 55 x 33.6mm

Weight: 153g

Reasons to buy

+

Rugged and compact design

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive if only used for streaming

An action camera might not be your first choice when looking for a streaming camera but bear with us. You might not need the GoPro Hero10 Black’s waterproofing, tough design, or ability to attach to bike handlebars and surfboards, but what you are investing in here is image quality and ease of use. 

With a front-facing screen to help with framing shots, the Hero10 Black’s live streaming resolution reaches 1080p resolution (the same as the GoPro Hero9 Black (opens in new tab)). It works with YouTube, Twitch, Facebook Profiles, and Facebook Pages. However, the real plus is its ability to stream with arguably its key feature engaged: HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilization. That means live-streaming super-fast action sequences is on! 

Used as an action camera it reaches an incredible 5.3K resolution. A ‘mod’ called the Max Lens Mod brings an ultra-wide 155º field of view as well as some alluring 360º modes pioneered by the GoPro Max (opens in new tab), including 360º horizon lock – allowing the camera to be rotated through 360º – and an ultra-wide 155º Max SuperView mode in 2.7K 60 fps. 

For more options in this range, take a look at our guide to the best GoPro cameras (opens in new tab).

Read our full GoPro Hero10 Black review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

The best webcam with integrated light, great for Full HD video recording

Specifications

Resolution: 4K (streaming limited to 1080p)

Frame rate: Up to 120fps at 4K

Field of view: Up to 155 degrees

Size: 39 x 39 x 23mm

Weight: 57g

Reasons to buy

+

Image stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-

Dual touchscreen pack is more expensive

As a streaming tool, the Action 2 is very neat. If you have your phone to hand, you can take the 39 x 39 x 23mm camera, connect it to the DJI Mimo app, and initiate a stream. The camera itself is waterproof to 10m so you can splash it around a bit. The camera’s excellent image stabilization will still work during a stream, so you can also broadcast the action live.

The versatile little square also makes a more traditionally vlogging-friendly device with its modular front touchscreen unit attached (it happens almost magically by magnet). The 1 / 1.7” sensor provides a good image and the 2.4 or 5GHz wi-fi ensures a clean signal, while a front-facing screen makes lining up the shot easier as well as bolstering battery life; even together both parts are smaller and lighter than a GoPro. 

YouTube, Facebook, and RTMP set-up steps are covered in DJI’s initial software, updates may add more. You can also use the camera as a webcam for desktop-run live streams, and for the professionally inclined DJI’s spatial microphones (built into secondary modules).

Read our full DJI Action 2 review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

Full-frame depth of field and interchangeable lenses over USB!

Specifications

Resolution: Up to 4K

Frame rate: Up to 60fps

Field of view: N/A

Size: 112.6 x 69.9 x 45.3mm

Weight: 422g

Reasons to buy

+

USB connection 

Reasons to avoid

-

A very expensive pure webcam!

It may seem a very leftfield recommendation, but the Sigma fp has an ace up its sleeve – it works natively as a webcam over USB, meaning that you don't need to invest in an additional HDMI capture card to use it. Of course, you do have to invest much more in the camera itself, but this can work both ways; since the Sigma fp is a highly modifiable, modular system, it can replace your webcam, your 'proper' camera, and your video camera. So if you stream, shoot, and film, this could be the ideal purchase. 

The key benefit, of course, is the ability to achieve a cinematic look on your live streams by taking advantage of the full-frame sensor's depth of field capability, as well as the choice of any lens you want. If you want to use an f/1.2 lens for bokehlicious blur and tip-top low-light performance, now you can – and it will certainly make your streams stand out from the crowd. Yes, it's expensive, but the cheers you receive for your image quality might pay dividends!

Something else to note: Sigma has released a successor to this camera, the Sigma fp L. While we were pretty impressed by this camera in our full review (opens in new tab), we're sticking with the Sigma fp as our streaming recommendation, as it's much cheaper and does everything a streamer needs – and then some!

Read our full Sigma fp review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

Canon's slick and sophisticated compact is a hit with YouTubers

Specifications

Resolution: 4K UHD at 30p

Frame rate: Up to 120fps at 1080p

Field of view: N/A (24-100mm equiv. focal length)

Size: 105 x 61 x 41mm

Weight: 304g

Reasons to buy

+

4K video, no crop

Reasons to avoid

-

Can't change lenses

If you want to improve the quality of your live streams and also have a camera that can be used for photography, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a great choice. It's one of the most popular cameras when it comes to vlogging thanks to its front-facing screen and the addition of live streaming capabilities makes it even more desirable.

You can shoot high-quality 4k with no crop, it has a 24-100mm lens which offers a versatile shooting range and there is also a 3.5mm port for connecting an external microphone. One of the downsides of the G7 X III is there isn't a viewfinder so you'll have to rely on the LCD screen but if you're using it mainly or streaming, this won't be an issue. 

Read our full Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review (opens in new tab)

(opens in new tab)

14. Panasonic HC-V770

A highly regarded, Full HD camcorder perfect for Twitch or YouTube

Specifications

Resolution: 1080p with HDR

Frame rate: Up to 120fps at 1080p, or up to 240fps with interpolated software

Field of view: N/A (4.08-81.6mm focal length)

Size: 65 x 139 x 73mm

Weight: 354g

Reasons to buy

+

Flip-out display for self-framing

Reasons to avoid

-

No 4K option

The Panasonic HC-V770 camcorder is highly regarded in streaming and YouTuber circles, thanks to its compact design, ease of use, and HDR video shooting at 1080p Full HD. There’s 20x optical zooming, so you can frame your video perfectly without any loss in video quality or resolution, and a 3.5mm audio jack means you can attach an external microphone for improved audio quality. The camera has a flip-out display so you can see yourself while filming, it attaches to any industry-standard tripod, and live Full HD video is sent through the HDMI port.

Finally, a smart feature of the Panasonic HC-V770 is that a smartphone can be wirelessly connected and used as a second camera. That way, you could use the camcorder as your main camera, then have a smartphone shooting a second angle – over the shoulder, for example.

What to look for in the best cameras for streaming

Between cameras, lighting and audio equipment, it can be easy to quickly rack up an expensive bill when investing in good livestreaming equipment. However, the best camera for streaming definitely doesn't need to break the bank. While it's essential to have a certain level of production value (which all of the cameras on this list fulfill), pricey lights and fancy backdrops aren't going to be the deciding factor on whether or not your audience tune in – they're there to watch you after all!

If you're working with a smaller budget, then a basic webcam (opens in new tab) such as the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 is perfect, with 720p HD video that's great for being viewed on a camera phone (opens in new tab).

However, if you have a little more cash to play with, then you might want to take a look at the Logitech C922 Pro, which is a standout choice for anyone wanting stream in 1080p Full HD. This livestreaming camera isn't overly expensive, but packs a lot of bang for its buck. Alternatively, you might also want to take a look at 4K cameras, cameras with zoom and slow-motion and – the gold standard of streaming cameras – one with an audio input option. This means that you'll be able to connect an external microphone (opens in new tab), which will help boost your audio quality. 

However, if you're obsessed with image quality and you only want the best for your audience, then why not consider investing in a mirrorless or DSLR camera. Up until as recently as last year, streaming with an interchangeable lens camera was a little complicated, but now most manufacturers have provided firmware updates that turn cameras into USB webcams (opens in new tab), including the Canon EOS R (opens in new tab). The Sigma fp (opens in new tab) was actually one of the first "proper cameras" that could be used natively as a webcam without an HDMI capture card, but now the streaming world is your oyster!

Another interesting option that you might want to consider is an action camera (opens in new tab) such as the DJI Osmo Action (opens in new tab) and the GoPro Hero9 Black (opens in new tab). Both of these cameras feature a front-facing display that makes it easy for users to frame themselves and see what their viewers will see. Camcorders (opens in new tab) have a similar function as well, featuring articulating displays that are incredibly helpful for streaming.  If you are looking for a permanent installation, for a church or theater say, then a more professional option is a PTZ camera (opens in new tab) with a built-in motorized head and zoom. 

When you're investing in your new livestreaming camera, it's worth remembering that many cameras can't actually stream at the same resolution that they're capable of recording at. For example, some cameras may be able to record in 4K Ultra HD, but are only able to output 1080p Full HD when being used to stream. 

Another feature that you might want to keep an eye out for is automatic background deletion. This is where a camera gives you the ability to cut yourself out of video footage and replace your background with anything you like. Lighting is also a key element that you’ll want to keep in mind. You might want to invest in one of the best ring lights (opens in new tab) for added production value, but it’s worth noting that the Razer Kiyo actually has its own integrated LED light ring.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what features are most important to you – and how much you’re happy to spend to get them. If you’re just starting out, we’d recommend investing in a more affordable option while you build up your audience. However, if you’re looking to upgrade your kit, then it might be time to pick up an action cam, a camcorder, a mirrorless camera (opens in new tab) or a DSLR (opens in new tab) to give you even more creative control over your streaming.

Read more:

The best webcam for home working (opens in new tab)
12 best cameras for vlogging (opens in new tab)
The best 4K camera for filmmaking (opens in new tab)
The best YouTube camera (opens in new tab)
The best microphone for vlogging (opens in new tab)
Best microphone isolation shields (opens in new tab)
Best PTZ cameras (opens in new tab)
Best conference webcams (opens in new tab)
Best streaming services (opens in new tab)

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a magazine and web journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients as diverse as Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photographic and lighting tutorials, as well as industry analysis, news and rumors for publications such as Digital Camera Magazine (opens in new tab), PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine (opens in new tab), N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine (opens in new tab), Digital Photographer (opens in new tab) and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and demonstrations at The Photography Show (opens in new tab). An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

Related articles