Beginner live-streaming gear can be a big deep dive. From my experience over the years, this is a list of gear that can get you started and/or grow. There are TONS of avenues to choose from, and it all depends on the production level at which you want to invest. So, for this post, I am focussing on getting started with more budget-friendly options for beginners.
A friend recently asked me for some advice on gear for a small church, which is where these suggestions come from. One of the great things about the camera world and tech in general is that it’s getting more minor but still packs a punch.
Consider These Thoughts
Streaming can be simple to complex. You have to ask yourself the following:
- How many cameras and will there be a camera operator?
- What audio sources are you using? Soundboard, small mics like Rode Wireless Go, or XLR options.
- Do you need graphics?
- Operate from a switcher, iPad, or computer?
The items below will help you get started. You need to determine what production level and budget you want to invest in. Also, do you like this to be a short-term or long-term solution? Do you want to build off the gear as you go?
Being that I stream all kinds of situations, from services to sports, I try to make what I have work well, and I have invested some gear to be only used for streaming, such as the Blackmagic cameras.
Cameras
- Mevo – These cameras are great for budgets and can operated from a phone or tablet.
- Mevo Core – Get a set of these or partner with the regular Mevo cameras. The Core lets you use MFT lenses, giving more flexibility in focal lengths and zooming.
- Blackmagic Studio 4k – Solid entry-level production camera for manned cameras
- Blackmagic Micro Studio 4k – is a little tank great for wide and/or stagnant shots/angles that are not manned cameras. Entry-level production cameras.
- Click the image below for kit links.
- These cameras are used with video switchers and computer combos.
Software
Ecamm – I’ve used Ecamm for years, and it continues to improve. I think it’s user-friendly and allows flexibility in simple or complex ways.
- Can connect NDI cameras
- Graphics
- Remote calls
- Records the stream
- Stream to multiple platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
- many more features
Blackmagic ATEM – Blackmagic leads the industry with its gear and streaming software. Using the ATEM switcher, two software programs give deeper settings. Software Control and Setup. Software control will let you stream right from the ATEM using RTMP.
Hardware
Blackmagic ATEM Mini Switcher – This device connects all camera feeds and lets you switch cameras during a recording. It allows you to connect an audio source via an aux port, or if you have an SDI version, you can connect that way, too.
I highly suggest getting the ATEM if you have HDMI or SDI cameras. Specifically, I like the ATEM Mini ISO Extreme as it allows you to record video and audio tracks to an SSD, makes a Davinci Resolve project file, and saves a recorded stream file.
You’ll connect the switcher to a computer to operate.
Rode – The new Rode video switcher lets you connect video and audio sources in a small package. I like this option for HDMI and USB C video and audio units. You’ll connect the switcher to a computer to operate.
Computers
Apple laptops, Minis, and just about any computer with the M processor will be a solid choice. I would get something with 3 or more USB ports.
Audio
This can be a rabbit hole! In short, if you already have a soundboard that you are using for in-person audio, you can connect that board to devices like the ATEM. Remember that the in-person audio will be mixed differently than the stream mix.
If you can’t tie into a soundboard, you can go as simple as a Rode Wireless Go as a second mic attached to a speaker (i.e., the pastor) or around a podium mic.
Don’t Forget!
Depending on the type of kit you put together, you will need to get things like:
- HDMI cables
- SDI cables
- Extension cords – I like to get ones with USB ports built-in
- Surge protectors
- Headphones
Questions / Consultations?
I hope this post was helpful to you. If you have further questions, please feel free to reach out. I offer consultations over the phone, via video chat, or in person.
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