From FaceTime to Zoom calls, Twitch streams, and YouTube Live, it's safe to say that live streaming has become a mainstay of the 21st century. Whether for staying in touch with friends and family, working from home, or developing a captivating online presence, live streaming is an incredible way to connect, create, and cultivate relationships. Read along as we give an overview of live streaming, how to live stream from a camera, and some of the best cameras for live streaming.
Why live stream?
Live streaming has only recently come into the mainstream. Many of us can remember the days of laggy, jittery video calls over dial-up internet — now, with internet access being ubiquitous around the world, live streaming is more accessible and more functional than ever before.
From a personal perspective, live streaming enables communication with friends and family near and far, as well as entertainment via a seemingly endless supply of online creators on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.
From a business perspective, live streaming offers several advantages a simple phone call can't:
- Reach a wider audience
- Add a human face to your brand or company
- Deliver a tailored brand message
- Provide personalised service from a distance — tutorials, reviews, and more
So how do you start live streaming? It begins with choosing the right streaming equipment — starting with the best streaming camera for your situation.
Choosing the best camera for live streaming
There are a few options when it comes to choosing a camera for live streaming. Depending on your situation, you'll find the best streaming camera for your setup.
Webcams
Popular due to their availability, most modern computers have built-in cameras that make live streaming with a webcam the most accessible and affordable option. That said, their affordability comes at the cost of image quality, especially when compared to a dedicated camera or camcorder.
Livestreaming with a dedicated camera
Using a dedicated camera as a webcam can improve almost every aspect of your live streaming setup. A mirrorless or DSLR camera can capture high-quality video far beyond what a webcam can achieve, and allows you to mix live streams with pre-recorded videos while maintaining a consistent level of quality throughout your stream.
If you don't want to deal with the stress of broadcasting live, check out our guide on how to start a successful vlog.
Do I need a microphone for live streaming?
While every digital camera has its own built-in microphone, they're usually of poor quality. If you're planning to talk during your live stream, you'll want to invest in a quality microphone. Check out our microphone buying guide for all the available options at Ted's. To make sure your audio is crystal clear, practice before you go live.
How does live streaming work?
Much like how making a phone call connects you to another device via satellites and different frequencies, live streaming relies on a free and open-source platform called Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) to stream video and audio over the internet. RTMP is used by popular streaming sites like YouTube, Twitch, and Vimeo thanks to its reliability and speed. For encrypted streaming — which adds a level of security — RTMPS is used instead.
What online platforms offer live streaming?
Several online platforms offer live streaming in some capacity. Here are ten of the most popular live streaming platforms available today:
- Twitch
- YouTube Live
- Facebook Live
- Instagram Live
- TikTok Live
- USTREAM
- Dacast
- Livestream
- Brightcove
- Castr
Can you stream to multiple platforms simultaneously?
Streaming to multiple platforms simultaneously — also known as simulcasting or multicasting — is one of the more exciting live streaming features. Services like Castr.io make this process easier by connecting your feed to multiple streaming platforms at once, while also consolidating viewers and comments into a centralised location.
Other live streaming options
If you're after a private platform for your live stream, you can implement a Content Delivery Network (CDN), which controls who has access to your content — making it suitable for paid live streaming services. CDN live streaming services can be integrated into Castr.io, allowing users to:
- Set up a paywall to charge for access to your stream
- Utilise your business logo and branding
- Enable 24hr streaming and restreaming options
- Limit access based on a viewer's location (geofencing)
Different live streaming methods
Depending on your streaming platform, you may have a choice over which broadcast method you use. This will also impact which camera you can use for live streaming.
Direct streaming (over IP)
As the most straightforward option, direct streaming only requires a device connected to the internet. Connect your camera to the internet, log in to your chosen streaming platform, and start streaming immediately. Check out our complete guide on how to live stream with a smartphone for more information.
Live to stream (computer + capture device)
Adding a capture device and computer to the live streaming mix will deliver a professional result at the cost of additional equipment. This is a standard method for live streaming video games on both YouTube and Twitch.
CDN business services (computer + capture device)
As mentioned above, a CDN allows you to set up various features including paywalls, a customised user experience, and geofencing. CDN is the chosen method for large businesses and organisations, including universities.
Streaming with a capture device
Capture cards are used to convert an HDMI signal into a video source that your computer can understand. Live streaming capture devices allow users to stream high-quality video to their selected platform using specialised software called Open Broadcaster Software (OBS).
For a camera to be compatible with this option, it must have the following:
- Clean HDMI out
- Constant power supply (AC adaptor)
- The ability to disable sleep mode
- 1080p / Full HD output minimum
- Vari-angle screen
A dedicated camera or camcorder is a great starting point for live streaming. Most serious streamers opt for mirrorless cameras due to their smaller form factor, enhanced image quality, and improved autofocus detection. Some of the best mirrorless cameras for live streaming, like the Sony A7C II, are fantastic alternatives to a built-in webcam, offering far more dynamic range and versatility.