The recommendations on this page will likely change regularly as I discover better, newer options. This page was created Feb. 3, 2022.
Video
Camera
#1
Canon Vixia HF G50
Note:
You're always better off getting a good quality camera that will last a long time. This camera has a great zoom lens and autofocus. Yes it is 4K which may seem like overkill for streaming that is usually 720p but most good cameras that are coming out right now, have 4K automatically. This also leaves room for future growth
A cheaper option. I have not personally used this tripod but I have used this brand. If you don't plan to move the camera while streaming live, then this is acceptable otherwise going with the #1 option above is the easiest way to improve the professionalism of your live stream.
You don't want to be reaching on the camera to zoom if you will be doing so live. This is a remote zoom that fits on the handle of the tripod. The conference owns 3 of these and multiple other churches have them and enjoy them.
Add a second of these capture devices to get the signal from your stage screen into the stream.
#1
Elgato HD60 S+
Note:
A camera needs a device like this in order to be detected by your computer. This is assuming you don't get a Camera Switcher Device and instead use a software like eCAMM Live or OBS to switch your cameras. This device basically converts HDMI to USB 3.0 signal.
I am a big Apple fan so I'm biased here but I believe an apple computer will last longer than any PC you can find and tend to keep their "speed" for more years than a PC. Also, my software recommendation of eCAMM Live only works on Apple. This Mac mini option is their 256gb storage option with upgraded memory to 16GB.
Monitor companies are always changing which are available and for how much. In searching Amazon, this was one I liked but it may change tomorrow. I recommend sticking with brands like Acer, ASUS, Samsung, HP, LG, and BENQ.
This device allows you to plug in 2 XLR cables and convert them over USB. I actually used an older version of this device over 10 years ago. They haven't changed much about it because it just works so well.
On the above Focusrite Scarlett device it has 2 xls inputs, one can be used for input from your sound board and I recommend that you plug in a microphone that points into the audience. This mic will stay on during your entire live stream (low volume) and when all the microphones are turned off, there is still something to be heard over the stream (crowd noise).
Software
#1
OBS Studio
Note:
This is an amazing free product that is very popular. It has a lot of features but can also be very tricky to figure out for some. For the price, you can't go wrong. You can always upgrade to Ecamm Live or something else in the future with the same equipment that you have.
ONLY WORKS ON MAC DEVICES! This software has quite a few perks that I think make it worth it for those wanting to improve their professionalism. I recently got it for my church and still need to figure out what all it can do but so far I like it. I'm still not sure if PRO is necessary but that's what I'll recommend here.
