How to: Cameras Overview
Segment: Live video streaming & broadcasting
Keywords: AXIS, Top 10 Cameras, AXIS Cameras, Overview
When it comes to livestreaming, you won’t usually go very far without a good camera. When it comes to using in-camera streaming applications such as CamStreamer apps, you need an excellent one. That’s why we partnered with Axis Communications, whose wide selection of robust, reliable, and high-performance network cameras we fully trust. Whilst having so many excellent options is amazing, searching through them for the right IP camera can be a little daunting.
That’s why we’ve prepared 5 basic questions you should ask yourself to make the task a bit easier.
1. Where will the camera be placed?
Different environments have different camera requirements. Outdoor cameras have to withstand rain, snow, dust, wind, fluctuating temperatures, and vandals, while indoor cameras may need to blend in with the background.
2. What angle of view should the camera provide?
The angle of view determines how many “scenes” the camera is able to capture. Fixed cameras (dome, box, or bullet) precisely record one defined area, while PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras provide wide-area coverage from various angles.
CamStreamer App allows for automatic/manual switch of individual PTZ camera positions, while CamOverlay App provides each position with an individual dynamic graphic. |
3. What resolution should be used for livestreaming?
The most commonly used resolution is Full HD (1080p) as it offers a good ratio of image quality and bandwidth. For those searching for more detail in their streams, 4MP or 4K resolutions are the better choice image-wise but require more bandwidth.
4. Should the camera record sound?
When deciding whether to record audio, camera placement and its environment need to be taken into consideration. If the livestream requires authentic audio, cameras with built-in microphones and/or external microphone inputs are the right choice. Cameras without audio input can be equipped with AXIS C8033 IP audio bridge.
Add external audio with CamStreamer App or switch between in-camera and external audio with CamSwitcher App. |
What kind of content will be streamed?
For those looking to livestream 24/7, a camera with Lightfinder and WDR will be essential to combat poor lighting conditions. Those interested in streaming fast-moving objects will want a camera with a higher framerate. Most types of content and environment will also benefit from electronic image stabilization.
Now that you know what to look for in a camera, it’s time to find the perfect one. Below you’ll find 10 of the most commonly used cameras for livestreaming as recommended by CamStreamer.
Camera |
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|
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Design |
Indoor |
Indoor |
Indoor |
Indoor |
Indoor |
Camera Type |
Fixed (box) |
Fixed (box) |
Fixed (box) |
Fixed (box) |
PTZ |
Resolution |
Full HD (1920×1080, 25/30 fps) |
Full HD (1920×1080, 30 fps) |
Full HD (1920×1080, 50/60 fps) |
4K (3840×2160, 25/30 fps) |
Full HD (1920×1080, 60 fps) |
Optical Zoom |
× |
× |
× |
× |
30× |
Audio |
internal |
external internal |
external internal |
external internal |
external studio-grade |
× |
× |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
× |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
× |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
× |
|
✓ |
× |
× |
× |
× |
|
Limited (CamStreamer App, Store Occupancy Manager) |
Full |
Full |
Full |
Full; CamStreamer App 3-month trial included |
|
Suitable for |
Smaller stores, offices, hospitals. |
Retail stores, indoor markets, delivery areas. |
Entrances, open space offices, banks, hotels. |
Wide, open areas, sports streams using CamSwitcher App with Sport Tracker. |
Auditoriums, classrooms, indoor sports events, places of worship. |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Price |
$299 |
$419 |
$649 |
$849 |
$1,999 |
Data Sheet |
Camera |
|||||
Design |
Outdoor |
Outdoor |
Outdoor |
Outdoor |
Outdoor |
Camera Type |
Fixed (dome) |
Fixed (dome) |
Fixed (bullet) |
Fixed (dome) |
PTZ |
Resolution |
Full HD (1920×1080, 25/30 fps) |
12 MP (2992×2992, 25/30 fps) |
4K (3840×2160, 25/30 fps) |
4MP (2688×1512, 50/60 fps) |
Full HD (1920x1080, 50/60 fps) |
Optical Zoom |
× |
× |
× |
× |
32× |
Audio |
external |
external |
external |
external |
external |
× |
× |
× |
✓ |
✓ |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
× |
|
Full |
Full |
Full |
Full |
Full |
|
Suitable for |
Hotels, restaurants, retail stores, offices. |
Stores, hotels, offices, banks, schools, hospitals. |
Parking lots, service stations, indoor surveillance. |
Cities, airports, critical infrastructure facilities. |
Large outdoor/indoor areas. |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Price |
$319 |
$849 |
$949 |
$1,099 |
$1,999 |
Data Sheet |
Have you found the best camera for your streaming solution?
Do you need more tips or further help?
Let us know at support@camstreamer.com or +420 226 258 030 / +1 (908) 772-8672.