Home » How to Choose a Webcam for Streaming
webcam

How to Choose a Webcam for Streaming

Streaming video games have become incredibly popular over the last few years thanks to platforms like Twitch and Youtube. In fact, it has been reported that Twitch gets as many viewers as TV stations like ESPN, CNN and MSNBC. This number is only going to grow in the coming years as more and more people begin to watch streams on the platform.

This popularity has not only increased the number of people viewing streams, but also the number of people streaming video games for others. There are now over 175,000 people making money from streaming on Twitch alone, and many people can make a ton of money if they grow their audience enough.

webcam

As a result, many people are getting into streaming and starting their own in hopes of either making money, growing a brand or simply just having fun. However, getting started with streaming doesn’t just happen overnight and there are a few different things that you will need to consider.

When you are looking to start streaming, the first thing to think about is getting a good computer, with a good graphics card to be able to handle the games. In addition to that, you will need things like streaming software, headset, microphone and more.

However, one important aspect of streaming video games or any other sort of content that often goes unnoticed, is having a quality webcam. While you can stream without a facecam, almost every popular streamer has one and you should to.

If you want a little more information on some of the actual options you are considering, as well as some reviews, GameAuthority’s guide is worth checking out. It is a great place to start if you are looking to get a webcam for streaming, but are not sure which option out there will work best for you.

This article is going to look at some of the reasons why you should have a facecam for streaming, and what to look for when trying to find the right webcam to use.

What to Look for in a Webcam for Streaming?

Of course, in order to add a facecam to your stream, you need a camera. When most streamers are looking for a camera to use, they go for a webcam. They are widely available and very affordable. But with so many options out there, what should you look for in a webcam for streaming. Well, there are a few things to look for, and they include:

  • A camera that is affordable. You likely don’t want to spend hundreds and hundreds on a webcam when you are just starting out, so look for deals if possible.
  • You want to find a webcam with a high resolution to be able to capture you are clearly as possible. In addition to that, you should look for a camera with other features such as focus, digital zoom, light correction, high frame rate and more.
  • You want to make sure that it is compatible with the computer and operating system that you will use for streaming.

Also, if using a webcam isn’t your thing, there are other options too. For example, you could use a camera on a tripod or mounted on your desk. However, a webcam will be more inexpensive, while still offering you high quality, so it is a great place to start if you don’t have a ton of capital when you start up your stream.

Why Is It So Important to Have a Solid Webcam?

So now that you know some of the things to look for in a webcam for streaming, why is it so important to have one? Well, first of all, it simply enhances the quality and professionalism of your stream. A high quality facecam, along with other information and overlays can show people that you take pride in your stream and are putting in a lot of hard work to make it as successful and high-quality as possible.

It also makes your stream unique to you, and won’t allow anyone to steal and/or rebroadcast anything you put out, as your face will be on it. Stealing content is unfortunately quite common in gaming, and having your face attached to it can help ensure no one tries to pass off your gameplay or commentary as their own.

Next, and perhaps most importantly, it allows your viewers and fans to connect with you on a deeper level than if you were just playing a game. Not only will they be able to see your face and put a face behind the commentary or gameplay, but they will also be able to see your reactions, what you’re wearing and so much more.

Body language is an absolutely massive part of communication, and without a facecam, you are simply missing out on that aspect of communicating with your viewers. Think of it like talking to your friends and family with your eyes closed. Sure, the words are there and you can sort of make sense what’s up, but visuals are a huge part of communication, so don’t underestimate the power of having a facecam while streaming.

All of this helps you appear more personable and helps people relate/connect to you more than other streamers who just have their own gameplay on screen, with no facecam. Of course, if you are a little bit camera-shy, that is totally fair and no one will ever force you to use a facecam. However, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will get in front of the camera. And remember, this isn’t a beauty pageant, so even if you aren’t a model, viewers will generally appreciate a facecam.

Hopefully, this article (and the guide we linked to) can help you figure out what is the best webcam for streaming and what you should be looking for. While your webcam isn’t the only thing to focus on if you want to start streaming, it is one of the most important. Without a solid webcam, becoming a popular streamer will be a tall task.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *