The quality and overall experience of your streams can be considerably improved by upgrading your streaming equipment. Nonetheless, it can be challenging to decide which equipment is worth investing in, given the variety of possibilities available. Because of this, I've divided each piece of equipment into the good, better, and best options. You may choose which equipment to buy based on your budget and streaming requirements. Let’s explore how to upgrade your streaming gear, so you can elevate your streams to the next level.
Good: Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam($99) - This camera is a great option for those who are just starting out with streaming and don't want to spend a lot of money. It has 1080p resolution, 30fps, and a built-in microphone, making it a solid choice for basic streaming needs.
Better: Sony Alpha EV-Z10 Camera($800) - This camera is a big step up from the Logitech C922x and is ideal for streamers who want better video quality and more advanced features. The Sony EV-Z10 is my current streaming camera. It allows for interchangeable lenses which give a wide variety of options and great low light visibility. Keep in mind once you upgrade to a camera like this you will need a capture card to connect the HDMI signal.
Best: Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera($3,700) - The Canon EOS R5 is the top-of-the-line streaming camera for those who are willing to invest in the best equipment. It has 8K resolution, 30fps, and is packed with advanced features such as eye-tracking autofocus and image stabilization. This camera is best suited for professional streamers who demand the highest quality and features for their streams.
Good: Neewer USB Gaming Microphone Kit($53) - This microphone is a great choice for those who are just starting out with streaming and want a basic, affordable option. It includes a CM25 USB microphone, a mic boom arm stand to securely hold the mic on a table, a shock mount to reduce vibration, and a pop filter to avoid popping sounds.
Better: Elgato Wave:3($120) - Wave 3 is a premium microphone and digital mixing solution that fuses plug and play convenience with broadcast-grade circuitry. Never clip again thanks to proprietary anti-distortion technology. And combine all your audio sources, plus create two independent mixes one for you, one for your audience with the Wave Link app.
Best: Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone($400) - The Shure SM7B is the top-of-the-line streaming microphone for those who want the best possible sound quality and features. It has a cardioid polar pattern, a pop filter and windscreen, and switchable bass roll-off and mid-range boost controls. It also includes an integrated shock mount and requires an XLR connection. This microphone is best suited for professional streamers who demand the highest quality and features for their streams.
https://amzn.to/3KcR0Vs
Good: HyperX Cloud Stinger($30) - This is a budget-friendly headset that is comfortable to wear and provides decent sound quality. It's a great option for casual gamers and streamers.
https://amzn.to/3nscpBn
Better: SteelSeries Arctis 7($170) - This headset offers excellent sound quality and is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. It also has a long battery life and a high-quality microphone, making it a great option for serious gamers and streamers.
https://amzn.to/3Kb0q42
Best: ASTRO Gaming A50 Wireless Headset($300) - Experience legendary performance and sound of astro audio V2, with the convenience and freedom that comes without wires. The A50 wireless + base station delivers premium acoustics (Dolby Atmos), ergonomics, comfort and durability that gamers demand. The all-new base station provides clear, low-latency voice communication, while making headset pairing and charging simple.
https://amzn.to/3TLR7e0
Good: Neewer Ultra-Thin LED Soft Light($58) - This is a budget-friendly option that provides a decent amount of light for streaming. It's easy to set up and has adjustable brightness levels, making it a good option for beginner streamers.
Better: Elgato Key Light($180) - This is a professional-grade lighting solution that is easy to set up and provides a high-quality, adjustable light source for streaming. It's compact and can be easily controlled via an app on your phone, making it a great option for streamers who want to take their lighting setup to the next level.
https://amzn.to/3TQILBC
Best: Neewer 2 Packs 660 PRO RGB LED($330) - This is a high-end lighting option that offers exceptional brightness and RGB color. It features two 50W powerful lights that provide flicker-free illumination, 3200K~5600K color temperature, a 0~100% dimming range, and 360° RGB colors. It's also controllable via an app, giving you complete control over your lighting setup.
Good: 4K HDMI Video Capture Card($18) - This is a very budget-friendly option that offers solid performance for recording and streaming gameplay. It has low latency and can capture footage in up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, making it a good option for beginner streamers.
https://amzn.to/3lKtkyn
Better: Elgato Cam Link 4K($130) - This capture card is capable of capturing footage in up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, making it a great option for streamers who want to offer the highest quality streaming experience to their audience. It also has low latency and is easy to set up.
https://amzn.to/3zel0di
Best: Elgato Cam Link Pro($160) - This is a high-end capture card that offers 4 HDMI inputs for professional-grade features for advanced streamers. Its powerful video mixer engineered for multicam production, Cam Link Pro equips you to capture four HDMI signals from cameras, computers, laptops, tablets and more. Stream or record in 4K or 1080p60 Full HD, get independent source control in broadcast software, and add four cameras to video conferencing apps with Elgato Multiview.
https://amzn.to/3TO5NJu
Here is a list of my streaming gear. Currently I am in the mid-range setup with a few pieces in the best category.
Sony Alpha EV-Z10 Camera with a VILTROX 23mm f/1.4 Lens
Elgato Wave:3 Microphone
PHILIPS SHP9500 Headphones
2x Neewer Ultra-Thin LED Soft Light
Elgato Cam Link Pro
Elgato Stream Deck Classic
Be sure to share your streaming setup and any recommendations you may have in the comments below. By giving the good, better, and best options, you should be able to find your next upgrade a little easier to find. Also if you have any questions feel free to ask!
* The links provided are Amazon affiliate links, so I will get a commission if purchased, but please do your own research before final purchase.
