If you want to be taken seriously as a video content creator, you need to make high-quality videos. The best camera for streaming is a camera that’s capable of producing high-resolution videos, and that’s where 4k cameras come In.
These types of cameras are capable of shooting videos with a high-definition resolution that is four times higher than that of full HD cameras, thus producing videos that are crystal clear, sharper, and more detailed than its counterpart.
In this post, you’re going to see the best 4k cameras for live streaming. Hopefully, we’ll be able to help you pick the best 4k camera that suits your streaming needs.
Contents
What is a 4k streaming camera?
UltraHD or 4k cameras are one of the recent technological upgrades in the world of videography and broadcasting. The “4k” is a marketing term that represents horizontal pixels of approximately 4000, that’s responsible for the high-definition resolution the camera produces. Video resolutions are defined by the number of pixels contained in each image, which determines the image quality. A 4k camera displays images at 3860 x 2160 pixels, this means that with 4k streaming, you’re capturing 8,294,400 pixels, thus producing clearer and more realistic videos.
Features to consider in a 4k streaming camera
At this point, I should tell you that when looking for the best 4k camera for live streaming, there’s no single camera that fits all purposes. Different cameras are suited for different purposes, and as such, the first thing to consider is the purpose for which you’re buying the camera — is it for a zoom meeting, video conference, or do you want to take videos of yourself swimming underwater? Being sure about what you intend to use the camera for is the first step.
The next thing to consider is the battery life. You wouldn’t want your camera to shut down when you’re in the middle of something. Considering that most internal batteries don’t last up to 60 minutes, if you can (and you should!), you need to make sure to have an AC power adapter to keep your device running.
The camera’s run-time is also an important feature to look out for. Some cameras are limited in terms of the video length they can capture at a time. Besides battery issues, you wouldn’t like for your camera to stop midstream.
Last but not the least, you should also consider overheating. As some cameras are more prone to overheating than others, you should settle for a camera that is capable of extended usage without overheating from the start.
Now that we’ve cleared up these important factors, it’s time to show you the best 4k cameras for streaming.
Best 4k streaming cameras
As we already said, the best cameras for streaming vary depending on the purpose for which you intend to use them. Considering this, we’re going to list the best streaming cameras based on the following categories:
- Webcams
- Camcorders
- Action cameras
- DSLR
- Cinematic camera
- Digital film cameras
Now, let’s see the best camera for each of these categories…
Best 4k webcam
PC webcams are awful. Whether for a zoom meeting, video conference, online classes, or whatever, these 4k webcams are the perfect alternative…
1. Logitech Brio UltraHD Pro
This is probably the best webcam you’re going to find. It captures 4k UltraHD videos at 30fps; HD1080p videos at 30 or 60fps; and HD720p videos at a performance of 30, 60, or 90fps. Apart from its high-resolution ability that guarantees crystal clear videos, it has excellent autofocus and 5x HD zooming. It also boasts of a high dynamic range (HDR) technology that enables the camera to automatically adjust in lightning conditions such as lowlights, direct sunlight, or high contrast lighting. Logitech brio Ultra HD Pro is currently priced at $199.
2. Aluratek Live 4k webcam
Besides the crystal clear and sharp images, the Aluratek 4k HD webcam boasts amazing features including built-in dual stereo noise-canceling microphones, auto light adjustment, 5x digital zoom, to mention a few of them. Aluratek 4k webcam captures 1080p and 720p videos as well. And it’s priced at $119.70.
3. Dell UltraSharp webcam
Dell UltraSharp webcam is currently priced at $199.99. The selling point for this webcam is the possession of the Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor that’s found in Sony DSLR cameras. The benefit of this feature is that it helps the camera to perform better in low-light conditions. Dell UltraSharp webcam shoots 4k UltraHD videos in 24 and 30 fps, full HD at 24, 30, and 60fps. Plus, it allows 65, 78, and 90-degree field views. Also, it has an auto-framing feature that follows the user’s face anywhere it goes, alongside an autofocus functionality.
Best 4k Action cameras
An action camera is small and suitable for action moments such as sports, adventures, travels, and so on. This type of camera enables you to capture shots that would otherwise be impossible with a full-size camera — whether you’re swimming deep underwater, mounting it on a drone, or any other action. Here’s the best 4k streaming camera for this category:
4. GoPro HERO 9 Black
Dell UltraSharp webcam is currently priced at $199.99. The selling point for this webcam is the possession of the Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor that’s found in Sony DSLR cameras. The benefit of this feature is that it helps the camera to perform better in low-light conditions. Dell UltraSharp webcam shoots 4k UltraHD videos in 24 and 30 fps, full HD at 24, 30, and 60fps. Plus, it allows 65, 78, and 90-degree field views. Also, it has an auto-framing feature that follows the user’s face anywhere it goes, alongside an autofocus functionality.
5. Akaso Ek7000 Pro
While the GoPro HERO 9 Black may probably be the best action camera, Akaso Ek7000 pro isn’t a slacker. It’s a budget-priced camera that’s equally good. Just like the GoPro HERO 9 Black, this camera is waterproof — up to 40 meters. It captures 4k videos at a performance of 25fps and 1080p videos at 60fps have a battery life of up to 90 minutes per charge and have a 2-inch touch screen. The product is priced at $74.
Best 4k DSLR camera
DSLR cameras are perfect for people who love to take still photos, but still want to be able to stream high-quality videos on the side. Here are the best 4k streaming cameras in this category:
6. Sony alpha A7 iii
This camera is priced at $1,698. Maybe expensive, but it’s worth it. It streams 4k videos at a performance of up to 30fps, has a battery with long life, a touch screen, a 24 MP frame BSI CMOS sensor, 5x built-in image stabilization, 93% autofocus coverage, and Dual SD card slots.
7. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 Mirrorless
This camera is priced at $597, and it’s suitable for broadcasters that are just learning the ropes. It offers 4k streaming up to 30fps and 1080p streaming up to 60fps, boasts a 1.4x viewfinder, audio recording, LCD screen, and built-in Wifi.
Best 4k Camcorders
8. Panasonic AG – CX350
Everyone who knows about this camera will probably mention it as the best 4k camcorder for streaming. It Captures 4k videos up to 60fps, has a 5- points image stabilization, HEVC recording option, 1″ MOS sensor, an Intelligent autofocus setting, and Built-in live stream support.
9. Sony FDR – AX33
This compact mini-camcorder is best suited for video enthusiasts that are looking for a budget-friendly and handy 4k camcorder with excellent features. The camera captures videos at 4k UltraHD, and also 1080p at 60fps. It boasts of 10x optical zoom, and also a 20x clear image processor, Exmor R CMOS sensors that make it possible to capture high-quality images even in low light, a 3-inch touch screen, plus a 0.24 inch EVF, an Optical steady shot image stabilization, LCD screens with high resolutions, 0.27″ OLED viewfinder, and a wide-angle lens.
10. Panasonic HC-VX981K
This is one of the best 4k camcorders for broadcasters who are at the entry-level of live streaming. The camera supports 4k UltraHD videos at 24/30fps, and also 1080p videos up to 60fps. Also, Offers the ability to extract still photos directly from 4k videos, 5x image stabilization, in-camera 4k cropping and editing, Lecca Dicoma lens with 20x optical zoom, 3″ Touchscreen LCD, and a High dynamic range (HDR) movie mode.
Best Digital film camera
If your goal is to produce videos with cinematic quality, then these are your best options…
11. BlackMagic Pocket cinema camera 6k Pro
This camera is a step up from a 4k stream. It is capable of producing 6k streaming which ultimately blows 4k streaming away. It’s Capable of 4k, 5k, and 6k streaming, has a battery life of 60 minutes, an LCD touch screen, color correcting tools, a built-in microphone, and supports a wide range of codecs. The camera is valued at $1,995.
12. Canon EOS c300 mark iii
Due to its cannon dual gain output technology, this camera can stream remarkable picture quality at low lights. It can perform 4k recordings at 120fps, or 2k recordings at 180fps, and other notable features including electronic image stabilization, High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, wireless remote capabilities. The camera is available in stores and it’s sold for $10,999.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are the best 4k cameras for screaming. Expensive or not, you can be sure they’re worth it. So, if you’re looking for a camera that’s capable of shooting at high resolution, and producing crystal clear and more realistic videos, these are the best cameras to go for.