It is indisputable that Digital Single-lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras are the best form of cameras to produce the best quality streams. Therefore, getting yourself such a camera with a minimum of Full-HD resolution, impressive autofocus feature, and adjustable resolution streaming camera is a good asset to give your audience the best streaming experience.
Most DSLR cameras are out of the league with other streaming camera categories such as camcorders and webcams. So proceed with our review guide to select the best DSLR camera for live streaming of your choice.
Let’s get started!
Factors to Consider before Purchasing a DSLR Camera for Streaming
DSLR cameras are the best form of camera and are one of the essential components of your streaming gadgets. Though they are expensive, it’s an asset to invest in to upsell your streaming channel among viewers.
If you want to give your audience an excellent experience during your streaming session with a DSLR camera, here are factors you should consider before investing in a DSLR camera.
1. Video Quality
The video quality of your streaming camera defines how detailed and the quality of your pictures and video. When considering video quality, bear in mind the Megapixels and Resolution of the camera.
The Megapixels determine the number of pixels present in your picture or video. It also accounts for the number of image sensors the camera has. The number of pixels directly affects your video quality. The higher the pixel, the more detailed your video or picture
The resolution of your streaming determines the number of pixels per inch (PPI). The resolution shows more pixels information to improve picture quality to create high-quality and crisp video and image.
Hence, the higher the camera pixels and resolution, the better the video quality. As a professional streamer, you should stream at least 1080p resolution, and anything above 16MP is excellent for you.
2. Speed of the Camera
If you’re looking for a good DSLR live streaming camera, a camera with a high speed is much better. The speed of the camera determines how much latency your streaming has.
The camera’s frame rate determines whether you are live streaming at high speed. The minimum you should stream at is 1080p at 60fps.
Though your streaming speed depends mostly on your internet connection during streaming, it would also be helpful to invest in high-speed cameras to limit stream buffering.
Note: You should use a wired internet connection instead of a wireless internet connection for your streaming session.
3. Connectivity
For ease of use, a DSLR camera with multiple options (such as HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, etc.) of connection to your PC is indispensable as your streaming gadget.
Many DSLR cameras have a software app you can install on your Windows or Mac OS to utilize the camera as a webcam to ease your means of connection.
However, it’s better to connect your camera to the streaming PC via an HDMI port to work at full capacity.
Best DSLR Camera for Live Streaming
Though tons of DSLR cameras are compatible with streaming, our recommendations below have unique features before they could make my list. Here is my list of the best DSLR camera you should consider for live streaming:
1. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Specifications
- 24.1 MP CMOS sensor
- 4K and HDR resolution with the frame rate of 30fps and 60fps
- 8-DIGIC processor
- Nine-point autofocus feature
- Built-in flash
- 3-inch tiltable LCD screen
Pros
Cons
Best for streaming beginners to get 4K resolution on their streams
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 camera is an impressive and cheap camera best for you to stream 4K and Full-HD resolution videos at 60fps. It is compact and lightweight with a 24.1 MP CMOS sensor and eight-DIGIC image processor to make your streams more lively and camera.
Also, the camera has a nine-point autofocus feature which is important to you as a streamer because you always want to be in focus during streams. It streams and records in 4K, but this resolution’s frame rate is 24fps.
A great feature of this DSLR camera is the 3-inch 360 degrees tiltable LCD screen. From the screen, you can view your streams during your streaming session. You can control the camera using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices on your smartphone. You can also use the CanonConnect app on your mobile device to control it.
2. Sigma FP
Specifications
- 4K resolution with 24.6Mp full-frame black illuminated CMOS
- Auto white balance setting
- Electronic Image Stabilization Sensor system
- A Contrast detection system, single autofocus, continuous autofocus, and manual focus mode
- RGB primary color filter system
- L-Mount lens format
- Electronic shutter
Pros
Cons
Best multi-purpose full-frame DSLR camera with interchangeable lens property over USB
If you want to stream, capture quality pictures, and film quality videos, the Sigma FP is your best purchase. It’s a modifiable camera that can work natively as a webcam for streaming via USB- you don’t need to invest in HDMI.
The Sigma FP is a 24.6MP full-frame black illuminated CMOS with RGB primary color filter system. It has an L-Mount lens frame that produces lossless quality streams and images. Additionally, it has SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card storage, HDMI SUPPORT, and a USB 3.0 connection.
Its exceptional feature in streaming is the Image Stabilization sensor and the ability to give your streams a cinematic look because of its full-frame sensor’s depth of field ability. In addition, it has an electronic shutter for its various setting, a full-frame interchangeable lens designed for 4K streams, and a 3.15-inch fixed LCD screen.
3. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Specifications
- 30.4MP full-frame Dual Pixel CMOS digital sensor
- 6+ DIGIC image processor
- 3.2-inch full touchscreen LCD screen
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
- Utility as a webcam for streaming with the EOS app
- Clean and decent HDMI output
- Multiple video resolution option (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
- Motion JPEGS
Pros
Cons
Best for professional streamers who want a premium multi-purpose camera
The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR camera is a perfect definition of an all-rounder camera to accomplish quality recording and up to 4K streams. It has a 30.4MP Dual Pixel CMOS digital sensor and a 6+ DIGIC processor to produce crystal-clear pictures with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
The camera records and streams in 4K at 24fps or 30fps but with 1.64 crops and in full HD (1080p) and 720p at 60fps and 120fps, respectively. In addition, this camera has an excellent autofocus feature and up to 7.0 fps speed for live streaming. These features make the EOS 5D one of the best DSLR cameras for streaming.
As a multi-purpose camera, it has an impressive feature of Motion JPEGS. This feature allows you to store all frames as images and extract them later. You can download and install the EOS software on your streaming PC or use an HDMI cable to use the camera as a webcam for streaming
4. Nikon D780
Specifications
- 24.5MP CMOS sensor
- Expeed 6 processor
- 4K UHD, Full HD, and HD resolution
- Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- 51-point autofocus system
- 7 FPS continuous shooting
Pros
Cons
Excellent camera with seamless wireless connection
The Nikon D780 is another excellent camera you should consider investing in if you want to stream at 4K, especially as a gamer. The camera has a jaw-dropping 24.5MP CMOS sensor with an Expeed 6 processor to produce high-quality pictures and streams.
One of the main advantages of using this camera for your streaming session is the 51-point fast and accurate autofocus system. In addition, it can stream and records at 1080p in 30fps, full HD from 25-100fps, and it has a time-lapse function.
If you’re a professional streamer and can afford it, it’s a great asset to your streaming setup with its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth component.
5. Pentax K-1 Mark II
Specifications
- 3.2-inch LCD screen, non-touchscreen
- 36.4 full-frame CMOS image sensor
- 33-point autofocus system
- Five-axis image stabilization sensor
- Wireless connectivity through Wi-Fi and GPS
- Full HD streaming and video recording
- 4.4fps continuous shooting
Pros
Cons
Best for outdoor streaming with its protection and connectivity
The Pentax K-1 Mark II is a tough, dust-proof, and moisture-proof camera with it magnesium alloy body. In addition, it has a five-axis image stabilization sensor and a 33-point autofocus system. These features help counter the effect of camera shaking and help keep you in frame anytime during streaming.
This camera has a 3.2-inch non-touchscreen LCD on its rear side, tiltable to obtain different angular shots. It uses a 36.4 MP full-frame CMOS image sensor to create detailed captures but is not capable of streaming or recording at 4K resolution.
It gives the best full HD (1080p) between 26fps and 60fps and HD between 50fps and 60fps. In addition, it has built-in wireless connectivity through GPS and Wi-Fi.
6. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
Specifications
- 4k resolution photos, videos, and streaming
- ×60 optical zooming
- ×120 intelligent zooming
- 18.1MP MOS
- Image Stabilization Sensor
- Fast autofocus system
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder
- Compatible with 20-1200mm lens
- Built-in Wi-Fi connection
- Touch-enable LCD screen
- USB and HDMI input
Pros
Cons
Best it low-light performance
The Panasonic Lumix is a superb 4k digital camera from Panasonic with it 18.1 MP MOS image sensor plus its ×60 optical zoom and ×120 intelligence zoom. Moreover, it has an adjustable lens to take high-quality pictures and create 4K resolution streams and video recordings.
It offers 4k streams at 30fps. With its image stabilization sensor, it makes your streaming session comfortable. In addition, it has a 3-inch touch-enabled LCD screen where you can configure your camera settings and view what you’re streaming.
Also, it has a low-light performance ability to balance lighting so that you can enjoy photography or streaming in a low-light environment. In addition, you can enjoy USB charging technology and Wi-Fi with your smartphone with the Panasonic Lumix FZ80.
Enjoy the HDMI D (micro), micro USB 3.0, and 2.0 additional connectivity input port
7. Nikon D3500
Specifications
- 24.2MP APS- C CMOS optical sensor
- Full HD resolution with frame rate between 24fps to 60fps
- EXPEED image processor
- 11-point autofocus system
- 3.0-inch LCD screen to configure settings and live view
- Electronic viewfinder
- 5fps continuous shooting
- Low-pass filter for low light performance
Pros
Cons
Best for beginning streamers
The Nikon D3500 is a high-quality and ideal camera for novice streamers who prefer a higher frame rate than resolution. This camera offer pictures, video recordings, and streaming in full HD (1080p) at 30fps, LiveView through its 3.0-inch non-touch LCD screen.
It has a high-quality 24.2MP APS-C CMOS optical sensor and uses an EXPEED image processor. In addition, this camera has an 11-point autofocus system capable of capturing at the highest speed if the object is central focused.
It has no built-in Wi-Fi, but it has Bluetooth and good battery life to capture long streaming sessions.
Conclusion
Investing in a DSLR camera for your streaming session is a great way to give your audience top-notch video quality and increase your channel. A DSLR camera offers you value more than other categories of cameras. Consider investing in one to upsell your streaming session on any streaming channel.
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