When it comes to streaming your content to the world, one of the first things that you need to procure is a video camera of some sort. Since there is a wide array of camera options—from simple smartphone video cameras to professional video cameras—it can cost you thousands of dollars. In this article, we’ll briefly go into the most popular types of cameras typically used for video streaming.
Types of Video Cameras for Video Streaming
1. Smartphone Cameras
Smartphones are extremely easy to carry. Most of us have them within our reach at all times. That’s why using your smartphone for video streaming makes sense. Many streaming providers like TikiLIVE actually offer iOS and Android apps that make streaming your content to your iPTV channel extremely easy. While video quality will largely vary based on the quality of your smartphone camera, some devices can produce high image quality videos under the right conditions.
If you decide to use your smartphone for video streaming, you should invest in a few accessories to make the experience a better one. You can create high quality videos on a budget by investing in peripherals like an adapter for plugging in an external microphone, a tripod, wide angle and portrait lenses for different shooting situations, and even a video light.
Smartphones are great for well-lit video shoots where you’re able to keep your phone stable. Smartphones tend to suffer when it comes to fast moving video shoots with low light or changing lighting conditions.
2. Low-End Consumer Video Cameras
Low-end consumer video cameras have some of the shortcomings seen with smartphones. These cameras can produce usable video quality under the right lighting conditions. There are several features that you should most definitely look for if you’re investing in a consumer grade camcorder: a 3.5mm microphone jack, the ability to set white balance and exposure manually, and a headphone jack.
Many of these models are beginning to offer WiFi, allowing you to stream directly to certain streaming providers. It’s also a good idea to look for video cameras with an HDMI output so that you can connect them to a video mixer or some type of capture device that will allow for live streaming.
3. High-End Consumer Video Cameras
These camcorders are a step up from their lower priced counterparts and offer a whole host of additional features. They feature larger image chips, which help to deliver higher quality video—especially in varying light situations.
These cameras also offer control of shutter speed, aperture, and gain controls, usually located on the body of the camera as opposed to being situated behind a multi-menu LCD screen. High-end consumer video cameras typically lack XLR connectors for audio and utilize HDMI output instead of HD-SDI, which is becoming a much-preferred format for live streaming.
4. Prosumer Video Cameras
In the video camera world there is a “prosumer” classification, which indicates that a camera is a mix between a consumer and professional model. These models are obviously much more advanced than standard consumer models, but still lack a few of the features seen on more professional models.
Prosumer cameras typically utilize XLR connectors for a superior audio experience and also offer a variety of imaging chips allowing for HD-SDI output among other formats.
5. Professional Video Cameras
While all of the cameras listed above suffered in one area or another, with a professional camcorder, you truly get a high-quality experience. These cameras feature larger image sensors and other features that allow you to deliver the highest quality video possible to your viewers.
Many professional cameras offer WiFi connectivity (some even accept a 3G/4G card for mobile connectivity), high recording speeds, XLR audio inputs, HD-SDI as well as HDMI outputs, and dual-codec recording.
The only downside is that these cameras typically cost $6,000 or more, which may be more than you’re willing to spend for your video streaming needs.
Video Cameras Can Only Do So Much
While a video camera is incredibly important when it comes to producing high quality content, it’s only half of the equation of creating and streaming your content. After you’ve decided how you’re going to record your content, you have to determine which company you’re going to use for live video streaming.
Although there are loads of options when it comes to live streaming providers, we’re confident that TikiLIVE’s streaming solutions will meet your needs. A few of our most popular features enjoyed by our user base include:
• White Label iPTV Platform
Looking to create your own iPTV platform without all of the huge upfront costs? With TikiLIVE, you can create your own branded iPTV network that will allow you to stream your content without the distracting branding of a streaming provider.
• Support for Set Top Boxes
Broadcast your content to Roku Set Top Boxes, Apple TV devices, Chromecast dongles, as well as other set top boxes that support our Set Top Box APK.
• Pay Per View Options
Not only can you stream content live, but you can also charge viewers to watch or even record your content to be streamed later. This functionality gives you the same “on demand” functionality of cable and satellite providers.
• Robust Analytics
If you feel like you have no idea if your users are enjoying your content, you can use our analytics platform to analyze viewer behavior for every channel that you create. You can view statistics by day, month, or year.
• DVR
We now offer a full DVR functionality that allows users to record live programming, thanks to our cloud-based DVR.
• Deliver Ads
Using any VAST/VPaid compliant server, you can instantly deliver advertising directly into your content. This ultimately allows you to generate more income based on the success of your content.
Still Have Questions About Choosing a Video Camera or Streaming Provider?
If you’re still unclear about what you need in terms of a video camera or streaming provider, don’t hesitate to contact TikiLIVE today at 305-743-6722. We would be happy to get you started on your path to creating high quality streaming content.
