My Top Pick Live Streaming Kit (2021)

Canon EOS R5

It's no secret that the Canon EOS R5 is a beast.

The 45 megapixel full frame sensor, up to 8K30 RAW video recording, 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording up to 120 fps, Canon's legendary dual pixel autofocus, unlimited video recording in 8-bit codecs, and five-axis sensor-shift image stabilization all earn this the top spot.

It's a force to be reckoned with!

Pros:

• Stellar image quality
• 12-bit RAW recording in 8K up to 30 fps
• 10-bit 4:2:2 recording up to 8192 x 4320 at 30 fps or up to 4096 x 2160 at 120 fps
• Simultaneous HDMI output up to 4096 x 2160 at 59.94 fps

Cons:

• RF lens mount doesn't have a lot of support yet
• HDMI output only - not the most reliable connection, especially for cameras that move constantly
• Smaller monitor makes critical focus difficult in some situations
• Servo (motorized) zoom lenses that cover full frame are very expensive
• Internal recording time limited to 30 minutes (and even less if recording RAW)
• Has been known to overheat when recording higher quality video formats

Sensor: 45 Megapixel Full Frame

Outputs: HDMI (Type D - Micro)

Recording Formats: Up to 8192 x 4320 at 29.97 fps (RAW) or 4096 x 2160 at 119.88 fps (H.264 4:2:0 8-bit or H.265 4:2:2 10-bit)

Maximum Recording Time: Up to 29 minutes 59 seconds

Output Formats: Up to 4096 x 2160 at 59.94 fps (4:2:2 10-bit)

My Favorite Feature: 8K internal RAW video recording

Panasonic BGH1

Holy smokes, this little box packs a mighty punch!

This box style camera was designed specifically with cinema and live production in mind.

So many features, it requires a bullet list:

• Record up to 4K60 in 10-bit 4:2:2
• Dual SD card slots
• Dual native ISO
• 13 stops of dynamic range in V-LOG L
• 3G-SDI (up to 1080p60) and HDMI outputs (up to 4K60) available simultaneously
• Power and control over Ethernet
• Apply LUTS to recording and/or outputs
• Synchro scan shutter (fractional shutter adjustments to reduce/remove flicker and other anomalies from lighting, projectors, and LED walls)
• Genlock and timecode ports for true broadcast interfacing
• Netflix approved (not that it matters to 99.9% of situations, but it's a testament to how powerful this little box is)

I know many people will want to go with my previous top pick, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, mainly due to budget and ecosystem, but this camera was just too perfect for live production to not earn the top spot this year.

Pros:

• Amazing image quality and dynamic range for the price
• 10-bit 4:2:2 recording up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 fps
• Simultaneous HDMI and 3G-SDI output
• Box style form factor makes it versatile for various rigging situations
• Interchangeable MFT lenses provide tons of flexibility and options

Cons:

• No motorized zoom on nearly all lenses - shots usually need to be static or movement needs to be accomplished another way
• No built-in monitor

View My Recommended Micro Four Thirds Lenses

Outputs: 3G-SDI and HDMI (Type A - Full Size) - both outputs available simultaneously

Recording Formats: Up to 4096 x 2160 at 59.94 fps or 1920 x 1080 at 240 fps

Output Formats: Up to 4096 x 2160 at 59.94 fps (HDMI) and up to 1920 x 1080 at 59.94 fps (3G-SDI)

My Favorite Feature: You really want me to pick just one?! Nice try.

Canon XA40 & XA45

XA models have been consistently solid performers, and the XA40 and XA45 are no exception.

Pros:

• Record in formats up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps while outputting up to 1920 x 1080
• 3G-SDI output on the XA45 makes it a great budget-friendly option that can work with SDI broadcast switchers
• 20x optical zoom and f/1.8-2.8 gives you great versatility without a lot of light loss

Cons:

• HDMI cannot output anything higher than 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps (odd quirk, I know)
• 4K sensors smaller than 1" can be really tricky with light sensitivity - this camera needs good and adequate lighting
• Small monitor and lack of simultaneous output from HDMI and SDI ports makes an external monitor often necessary and rather awkward

Full Shot: 8.5'-175'

Medium Shot: 3.5'-72'

Outputs: 3G-SDI (XA45 only) and HDMI (XA40 and XA45)(Type C - Mini)

Recording Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps

Output Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 59.94 fps (SDI only) or up to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps (HDMI only)

My Favorite Feature: 20x optical zoom

*HDMI and 3G-SDI outputs CANNOT be used simultaneously

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Just like its little sibling, easily one of the best all-around video cameras for the price I've ever used.

This camera can feel at home in the studio, on set, connected to a switcher, and much more.

Pros:

• Incredible image quality for the price
• High quality recording up to 6K50 in Blackmagic RAW or up to 4K60 in ProRes or Blackmagic RAW
• Simultaneous HDMI output up to 1080p60
• Large and bright 5" monitor makes it easy for camera ops to frame and focus without the need of an external monitor
• Interchangeable EF lenses provide a myriad of options and flexibility

Cons:

• No motorized zoom on lenses under $4,000
• HDMI output only - not the most reliable connection, especially for cameras that move constantly
• Fixed monitor position makes usability difficult in some situations (handhelds, gimbals, etc.)
• Very short battery life - AC power or a third-party external battery solution is best

View My Recommended Cinema Lenses

Outputs: HDMI (Type A - Full Size)

Recording Formats: Up to 6144 x 3456 at 50 fps or 6144 x 2560 at 60 fps

Output Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: This is tough, but I would say the ability to record up to 6K while outputting 1080p for streaming is pretty awesome

Blackmagic Design URSA Broadcast

Full studio configuration, now possible for much less.

Capable of of full UHD or HD recording and output up to 59.94 fps.

B4 lens mount included, compatible with nearly all B4 lenses made for 2/3" sensors.

Additional accessories available like studio viewfinder, viewfinder, shoulder mount kit, fiber converter, and more.

IMPORTANT: Although this camera is a budget-friendly option, a complete URSA Broadcast setup will cost $10,000 minimum to do well. This just includes the camera body, lens, and viewfinder or studio viewfinder. Also don't forget other necessities like tripod, fluid head, zoom and focus controls, shoulder mount kit for handhelds, etc.

Pros:

• Broadcast features rarely found in this price range
• 4K UHD output through 12G-SDI
• High quality recording up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps in Blackmagic RAW or ProRes
• Multiple SDI outputs
• Additional accessories available like a studio viewfinder, fiber output back, and shoulder mount kit
• B4 lens mount - compatible with a wide range of broadcast lenses

Cons:

• Camera price is a bit misleading, requiring a good lens and other accessories to work well

View My Recommended Broadcast Lenses

Lens Mount: B4 (additional EF, F, and PL mounts available)

Outputs: 12G-SDI & 3G-SDI (monitor/viewfinder output)

Recording Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps

Output Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Camera control, program return, tally, and intercom all available through compatible ATEM switchers

Sachtler Flowtech 75

This system is slick, and has become very popular - and for good reasons.

When you need a reliable tripod that gets out of your way quickly, this will not let you down.

Pros:

• High strength to weight ratio - awesome for portable and mobile situations
• Speed lock mechanisms are super fast and incredibly useful for quick setup and collapsing.
• New leg design combines the benefits of single leg designs while offering added torsional strength found in tandem designs.

Cons:

• Doesn't go very high
• Over-engineered and wasted features for permanent installations

Material: Carbon Fiber

Head Mount Type: 75mm bowl

Maximum Height: 60"

Minimum Height: 11"

Folded Length: 27"

Weight: 6.4 lbs

Payload Capacity: 44 lbs

My Favorite Feature: Outside-the-box design and engineering

Manfrotto Nitrotech 608

This head will generally work well with all cameras, and most lens combinations, above.

If you need a great all-around performer on a mid-range budget - look no further.

Pros:

• Smoothness, especially for the price
• Build quality, (you guessed it) especially for the price
• Variable counterbalance makes it a great choice for even the lightest setups

Cons:

• Plate attachment can be a little finnicky
• Can have a bit of recoil or push-back during panning, but much better than anything else I've used in that price range

Base Mount: Flat Base with 3/8"-16 Mounting Hole

Camera Plate: Sliding (504PLONGR)

Load Capacity: 17.6 lbs

My Favorite Feature: Variable counterbalance works great for all kinds of cameras and setups ranging from 0-17.6 lbs

IMPORTANT: You will need a 75mm half bowl to flat base adapter if you use this head with the tripod above.

Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD

The most inputs, outputs, and professional features available in its price range - an absolute steal of a deal.

If you want an entry level switcher capable of up to 1080p60 that will give you versatility and room to go, scroll no further.

Pros:

• Amount of ins/outs for the price
• Proven reliability - I've seen tons of these in use the last couple of years and rarely see failures
• Blackmagic's ecosystem and software is nearly impossible to beat

Cons:

• No conversion or scaling on inputs - every source must be the exact same resolution and frame rate
• Lack of physical control surface - software control or an extra control panel required for use of all features
• Fans can be rather loud
• I've encountered a few RF interference issues created by these model switchers - it's best to keep wireless gear away from the switcher

Inputs: 4x 3G-SDI and 4x HDMI

Audio Inputs: 2x XLR

Program Outputs: 5x 3G-SDI

Aux Outputs: 1x 3G-SDI

Multiview Outputs: 1x 3G-SDI or 1x HDMI (same multiviewer output on both)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Basic control from front panel makes it a great budget-friendly option with tons of ins and outs

Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K

12G-SDI inputs and outputs, a full control surface, and standards conversion on every input - an amazing bang for the buck.

Pros:

• Up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps
• Re-sync and a full low latency standards converter on every input
• Full control surface - no computer required for almost all features and control
• Blackmagic's ecosystem and software is nearly impossible to beat

Cons:

• SDI only - no HDMI inputs or outputs (except for HDMI multiviewer output)
• Fader instead of a weighted T-bar for transitions
• Fans can be rather loud
• I've encountered a few RF interference issues created by these model switchers - it's best to keep wireless gear away from the switcher

Inputs: 8x 12G-SDI

Audio Inputs: 2x XLR

Program Outputs: 9x 12G-SDI

Aux Outputs: 1x 12G-SDI

Multiview Outputs: 1x 12G-SDI or 1x HDMI (same multiviewer output on both)

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 fps

My Favorite Feature: Standards converters on every input give this a ton of flexibility

Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Studio Mini

High quality recording codecs, lots of pro features, and a good track record of reliability - a great bang for the buck.

Records in a variety of popular codecs including ProRes, DnXHD, DnXHR, and H.264.

Pros:

• Record up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps
• Records to low-cost SD cards
• H.264 recording allows for smaller file sizes and instant uploads to video hosting sites
• Dual SDI outputs allow for playing video files with alpha channels

Cons:

• SDI input only
• Doesn't come with a power cable - trivial, yes, but important if you forget it
• Fan can be rather loud
• H.264 recording can be finicky, especially on longer record times

Inputs: 6G-SDI

Supported Formats: Broadcast formats up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps

Supported Codecs: ProRes (MOV), DnXHD (MOV and MXF), H.264

Media: 2x SD Card Slots (Supported SD Cards)

My Favorite Feature: Records to lower cost SD cards

Living As One Ray Encoder

With their patented Resilient Streaming Protocol, Resi (formerly Living As One) takes streaming quality and reliability to a whole new level.

Subscription plan options include social only (distribution to YouTube or Facebook), web streaming with an embeddable player and variable bitrates, and multisite capability to connect remote physical locations.

While the Ray Encoder is tied only to Resi's platform and is a minimum requirement, that's a good thing when you want an encoder and platform that just works.

Pros:

• Resilient Streaming Protocol provides Total Network Outage Protection - reliable streaming, even on inconsistent/unpredictable Internet connections
• H.264 and H.265/HEVC encoding
• Automated Scheduling
• User-friendly web interface

Cons:

• Proprietary encoder tied only to Resi's platform - encoder cannot be used elsewhere
• 1080p60 only possible with H.264

Input: 3G-SDI

Input Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps

Output Formats: H.264 or H.265/HEVC using Resilient Streaming Protocol

Supported Destinations: Resi (embeddable player), Facebook, and YouTube

Multiple Destinations: Yes, to any destination supported in subscription plan

Recording: Yes (SD card or USB drive)

My Favorite Feature: The Resilient Streaming Protocol is stellar