We’ve got an article today by Amanda Smith, focusing on live streaming equipment. She covers what you need to live stream and goes over some pointers on what you should consider before getting into live streaming.

Here’s Amanda…

Streaming live video connects you to an abundant gathering of people from all over the globe. A few online enterprises present to you impeccable live video streaming software which would aid anybody to stream live video.

In spite of the fact that these businesses give you a chance to interact virtually with every other person, you should get hold of some live streaming equipment before you can commence your venture.

Or, on the other hand, there might be cases where you’ve not yet commenced your research, as you’ve most likely found and understood that choosing the proper gear can be tough and exhausting.

Here we will enter into a discussion where we will briefly describe the gear you would need for an Amateur Live Stream, a Semi-Professional Live Stream, and finally a Professional Live Stream and a World Class one as well.

Some of the basic gears required to stream live are:

Computer

Even if a tablet phone works fine most of the time, it is appreciated if you use a PC or a laptop with a fast processor. Video won’t lag as long, as the processor speed can keep up with the specifications of your camera.

It is suggested that you connect with the internet by means of a wired connection. Despite the fact that a wireless connection will work, a wired connection will give faster, higher-definition video recordings.

Camera

You have a lot of choices in choosing a camera; what you select will depend on your content. In case it is simply you talking to a group of people, at that point it may not be crucial to get anything else besides a basic webcam.

However, if you’re broadcasting a huge occasion, it might be valuable to get the best professional camera. In case you get hold of one of the best cameras, make sure that your camera has a “Live Video” mode, so that you can use it as a webcam.

Audio

The sound gear you utilize depends on your content. Most cameras support pre-installed receivers, yet these are low quality and cannot get rid of the noise. Buy an external mic for impeccable recordings.

If you’re streaming a bigger event, it might be important to get condenser microphones, and in addition a sound mixer they can record into. You would then be able to take the output from the sound blender and put it straight into your PC.

Streaming Server

There are two routes for you to live stream your video content. You can utilize live streaming software, which will enable you to stream your content and will also include endorsements on your video.

The second is to set up your own particular server. This will require a dedicated server host, and in addition a PC that can be used as a server. This will ensure the most immaculate quality video and no advertisements, yet is troublesome and expensive to set up.

Broadcaster software is definitely required so that the portal can be accessed from any place with a certain amount of payment per month. StreamNow is one such broadcaster software allowing smooth and continuous live streaming without any hindrance.

A subscription plan is enabled and premium videos can only be fancied post subscription. Users who are not enticed by the subscription plan can also seek assistance from the “Pay-Per-View” scheme. With safe and robust payment gateways StreamNow is one such broadcaster software which acknowledges sharing benefits between the user and the business software provider.

Live Streaming Equipment: Gear Guide

Below discussed are the gears required for a beginner’s live stream.

Camera: Canon Vixia HF R700 is a great option if you are fresh to this business and it comes in at a very reasonable price point. Even at night, one can shoot a 1920*1080 pixel video with this by keeping it inside his pocket.

Tripod: Magnus VT-4000 is robust and long-lasting and can be used at any level. It has a fluid drag head which prevents any disruption to the video.

Production: Boxcast Switcher is a $300/year application which does not encourage the use of cables and lets you shoot multi-camera events with its live switching technology.

Let us discuss the gears required for a semi-professional’s live stream:

Camera: Canon XA35 is a solid option and is inclusive of certain features which you could have got only at twice the price. It has a 20x zoom lens and the HDMI and SDI outputs help it to work with other equipments. The 2X XLR inputs produce high-quality audio.

Tripod: Magnus VT-4000

Production Software: Wirecast, one of the best switcher software in the market is labeled at $495. One can easily modify angles with the help of Wirecast and implement them into your stream.

Production Hardware: Roland V-1 HD is a famous consumer switcher used in multi-cam streaming of events. It has 4 HDMI inputs, an in-built sound mixer and offer professional features for producing an excellent live video.

Let us discuss the gears required for a professional live stream.

Camera: Panasonic AG-DVX200 is a brilliant camera for more experienced individuals looking to shoot 4K video. The integrated Leica Zoom lens helps to click wonderful images along with the HDMI connector providing 4K output.

For a more professional look, a Canon 5D mark III or a Canon C100 will do the job.

Tripod: Benro S7 Dual Stage Video Tripod is a great piece of kit and works best for outdoor events (as it’s incredibly robust). You might find this a more easy-to-use piece of gear than the Magnus VT-4000.

Production: Blackmagic ATEM 1 M/E 4K is famous for its sophisticated qualities. It is quite cost-effective and does not compromise when it comes to video quality.

Live Streaming Equipment — Lighting

Let us discuss lights as well since it actually determines the quality of any stream.

Anybody commencing a live stream needs to think about lighting. There are a wide range of alternatives accessible to suit distinctive requirements. Pro-lights can be costly, and aren’t generally important. Here we’ll go over a few alternatives for modest lighting for video and also more expert setups.

Lighting your recordings appropriately doesn’t require particular, costly lights and top-notch gear. Regularly, it just means exploiting the materials lying around. A seat can serve as a light stand. A mirror can be utilized as a reflector. A pile of books can get your camera to the correct height.

Whatever you’re recording video for, there is one fundamental lighting setup that is utilized significantly than the other techniques. This is the easiest, capable, powerful 3-light setup. Here is the manner by which it works.

Each of your lights will suffice a particular need. The main, the first light, is the most essential. This will light up the content of the individual you are recording. This light needs to be at eye-level, and must be put somewhat off to the other side.

The second light you will require is the filler light. This light shouldn’t be expected to be as capable as the fundamental light, but its only intention is to fill in the shadows cast by the key light, giving a more normal look to your face. It must even make any shadows cast on the backdrop less noticeable.

The third light in this plan is the backlight, which enables the subject to ‘stand out’ of the background by upgrading the presence of depth inside the frame. This light needs to be set to the side of or marginally behind your subject, off to the side, and somewhat lifted so the light is coming somewhat downwards.

Live Streaming Equipment — In Conclusion

So, mentioned above briefly are the different live streaming equipment and gears one could put to effect while streaming a live video. These gears have also been classified according to their related uses. Try getting the best equipment in the market, but remember that renting is also an option, too. Create a memorable live video experience for the viewers which will be photocopied in their minds for a long time.

Do not forget to know every speck about the gears you are going to use. Learn, investigate and then go ahead to make a selection. And, last but not least, make sure your gears are not kept unused in some corner of your room. Get to work and make use of them!

Did we miss a piece of live streaming gear out? I hope you’ve found this article on the different type of equipment for live streaming helpful. If you have any questions, ideas or thoughts, let us now in the comments below.