Hey Guru, what’s the best camera for streaming?

HANNAH

That would depend on your face. Buyers who are sensitive about their mugs but nonetheless want to use facecam may be best served picking up the cheapest low resolution camera possible and taking advantage of the inherent soft focus that comes with limited pixel counts. Streamers more in GaGu’s range of dashing handsomeness may find joy in the Logitech StreamCam, which Guru himself has been testing. It’s really sharp, and pulls off 60fps, though there’s not a huge focus range if you’re using it up close – a bit of an oversight given that, well, you’ll almost certainly be using it up close.

There are some very reasonable options on a lower budget, too. Logi’s long-established C922 remains a popular choice, and it’s surprisingly flexible for a webcam; Razer’s Kiyo can do a lovely smooth 60fps if you pull it down to 720p, and builds in a handy ring light which, GaGu has to say, really brings out your lovely e yes, reader.

There are purpose-built streaming cameras out there, but they tend to be more intended for the semi-pro livestreaming market, and you can co-opt a device like a GoPro Hero 9 Black if you like. The real secret, though, is that those bokeh-infused images of aesthetic streamers often come from ‘proper’ cameras. GaGu does suspect that keeping the sensor burning on something like a DSLR may lower its lifespan somewhat, but using a higher-end camera gives you access to better lenses and incredibly precise options when it comes to light capture. Guru’s high-end recommendation would be the mirrorless Sigma fp, which, aside from being a stone cold design classic, is built to operate in webcam mode when it’s plugged in via USB.