When it comes to live streaming, a few upgrades in equipment can make a world of difference in the quality of your production. In this article, we're going to go over a few recommendations for camera and microphone options that will blow your built-in webcam and stock mic out of the water. 

This list will specifically highlight options that don't require professional audio or video interfaces to produce a professional quality result - minimal technical knowledge required, with maximum quality output.

Cameras

The wonderful world of webcams has seen some tremendous advancements in recent years, offering some 4k quality options at incredibly reasonable prices, with video that rivals that of DSLR cameras. 

Logitech Brio 4k

Price: $135 on Amazon

Compatible with:

Windows 8.1 or higher required for resolutions greater than 1080p

macOS 10.10 or higher

2 GB RAM or more needed for 1080p video streaming

With an integrated noise-canceling mic, the Brio is an exceptional quality camera with up to 4K quality video available for a budget-friendly price.

Lumina 4K

Price: $150-200 on Amazon

Ultrawide 4K camera: 95 degree wide angle field of view and 4K high resolution

Stereo audio with dual mics: capture natural sound and eliminate distractions and noise from your surroundings

Lumina Studio App: 30+ different settings including: exposure, white balance, saturation, background blur, field of view, AI auto-framing feature

Available at most retailers at $200 or less, this is another incredible value that gets you 99% of the way there towards professional video quality.

ElGato Camlink 4K: Use your DSLR as a webcam

Price: $110 on Amazon

Other requirements: HDMI chord, USBc adaptor for Mac/Apple products, a compatible DSRL (view the camera compatibility article from elGato here)

Using the Camlink 4K and an HDMI chord, you can take your DSLR camera and turn it into a webcam! All you need to do is plug it into a USB port (you'll need a USBc converter if using a Macbook or Apple desktop).

This is the best quality for a simple, professional studio quality level video for your streams.

Microphones

When it comes to microphone options, people often get overwhelmed by the price, and the other audio interface requirements that are required to set them up. These are 3 simple options for a direct-to-USB microphone solution with professional-grade audio:

Best in Class: Shure MV7

Price: $224 on Amazon

The highest price point of the 3 microphones we'll recommend, this is a direct USB version of Shure's legendary SM7B, delivered at a lower price tag, and less audio interface requirements. Both USB and XLR connections available, so you CAN use an audio interface if you want. 

Great intuitive touch-slide controls to adjust both mic and headset levels. Just make sure you have a USBc adaptor if you're using a Mac.

Runner up clone: RELACART PM2

Price: $149.99 on Amazon

Almost an exact clone interface-wise as the Shure MV7, at a more budget-friendly price tag. Same specs of both USB and XLR interfacing, and exceptional audio quality reviews.

Classic Budget Starter: Blue Yeti Mic

Price: $89 on Amazon

The "Classic" beginner podcasting USB mic, renowned for a good reason. The budget-friendly, easy setup, and decent quality audio with 3-capsule array (chosing the audio field that's captured) is a great entry-point for the budding podcaster to get going. 

An added bonus: comes with its own proprietary Blue Voice Software: "Craft The Perfect Broadcast Vocal Sound And Entertain Your Audience With Enhanced Effects, Advanced Modulation And Hd Audio Samples."

Other Considerations:

A few other things that can make a massive difference in the production quality are lighting and backdrop. You can pick up decent ring lights for as little as $29, and a quality backdrop stand for as little as $55.

All in, you could have a budget setup of a new mic, webcam, light, and backdrop for as little as $308 - a small price to pay for how much better your streams will look and sound as you begin your production journey.