With More People Livestreaming Than Ever, Here’s How to Make Your Video Quality Better
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The rise of broadband internet and lower-cost video equipment has caused a boom in livestreaming. It’s easier than ever to turn your living room, bedroom, basement, or closet into a broadcast-ready internet TV station. Twitch, the most popular livestreaming platform, has over 92,000 live broadcasts and more than 2.4 million viewers online as I’m writing this (these numbers increase at night and on weekends).
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Related: Watch Rolling Stone on Twitch
Streaming on Twitch, or its main competitors YouTube, TikTok, Facebook Live, and Instagram is totally free. That’s not even taking into account Zoom meetings, FaceTime or Skype calls where you’re interacting with your colleagues and friends on camera.
But as much as a livestream is based on the content you provide; you also want to make sure you’re putting your best face — and footage — forward. Nothing ruins a livestream quite like a shaky camera, buzzy audio, or too dark of an image.
If you’re building a streaming setup from the ground up, or want to upgrade the one you currently have, we’ve collected the best livestreaming gear and accessories that will improve the production value of your stream. We’ve covered the basics, from the right camera, to lighting and audio equipment you can use in your studio or take on-the-go for remote shoots. The only thing you need now is something to say, and someone to share it with.
1. Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera
The Sony ZV-1F is a versatile camera designed by Sony specifically for content creators. Improving on the more expensive ZV-1, the ZV-1F features a 20mm wide-angle lens, a flip-out screen, and simple-to-use video features. It also includes a built-in directional microphone and supports the addition of external microphones for improved audio quality.
Plus, with both USB and micro-HDMI ports, you have flexibility in how your computer captures the camera’s output. This camera finds the perfect balance between easy-to-use functionality that gives a high image quality, without sacrificing many extraneous features that only the most hardcore photophiles use in favor of an easy user experience.
Sony ZV-1F Vlog Camera
Note: If you’re livestreaming indoors, and want a webcam that can handle 4K video, we recommend Logitech’s Brio, which is available for $199 on Amazon.
2. AnkerWork M650 Wireless Microphone
If you’re looking for a wireless microphone that delivers crystal-clear sound quality, long battery life, and easy setup, look no further than the AnkerWork M650 Wireless Microphone.
This microphone is designed to work seamlessly with your laptop, phone, or tablet, and it comes with a portable charging case that doubles as a stand. Whether you’re giving a presentation, recording a podcast, or hosting a webinar, the AnkerWork M650 Wireless Microphone will make you sound your best.
AnkerWork M650 Wireless Microphone
3. LiveU Solo Pro
Whether you’re a touring musician, an aspiring travel vlogger, or someone with mediocre WiFi, the LiveU Solo Pro is an all-in-one solution for professional live streaming that offers top-tier performance and ease of use.
It’s compact design and robust capabilities allow you to stream live broadcast-quality video and audio through multiple network connections, including WiFi, ethernet, and cellular. This bonded connection ensures reliable and uninterrupted streaming even in challenging network conditions.
Its intuitive interface and remote control capabilities allow you to focus on your content while leaving the technical details to the device. With the addition of SRT streaming, the LiveU Solo Pro provides lower latency streaming for remote streamers, meaning you can interact with your viewers in ultra-HD without the lagging latency delay of traditional remote broadcasting.
LiveU Solo Pro
4. Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)
Anker’s Power Banks are our secret weapon when IRL streaming – and our personal favorite is the Anker 737. With its ultra-powerful two-way charging capability, this portable charger is can quickly recharge itself and provide a 140W ultra-powerful charge to your devices via USB-C and USB 3.0 ports.
Its high capacity of 24,000mAh and 2× longer-lasting battery life ensures we can juice up our LiveU, our camera, our routers, and our cellphones fast without worry. Plus, the smart digital display makes it easy to monitor the output and input power, as well as estimate the time required for a full recharge.
Anker 737 Power Bank
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