Best 4k Cameras for Streaming in 2022

As we reflect back on what was another wild year, 2021 brought us a lot of new and exciting ways to capture livestreams. Whether that would be for multi-day virtual conferences or small board meetings while everyone is still working from home. The start of the new year is a great time to catch amazing deals on technology from 2021. That is why today we at Render Perfect Productions, your Baltimore, Maryland video marketing experts wanted to showcase a few of the best 4k cameras for streaming in 2022.

Entry Level Camera: Panasonic HC-VX981K

The best-selling entry-level 4K video camera on B&H Photo Video is the Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder.

Currently priced at $797.99, this camera averages 4.5 stars from a couple of dozen reviews. It features a Leica Dicomar lens with a 20x optical zoom. In 35mm equivalent, the lens reaches 30.8mm on the wide end and will zoom in to more than 600mm.

Some features of this camera include:

• 1/2.3″ MOS, backside-illuminated 18.91-megapixel sensor
• Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) recording mode
• Wi-Fi
• Records to SD cards
• Supports 49mm filters
• Micro-HDMI video out
• Support for external mic via 3.5mm jack

DSLR: Sony Alpha a7III

Choosing a DSLR live streaming camera for live streaming makes sense for some users. If you have to use unusual lenses, or already have a great lens collection, it can be a good option.

A DSLR camera is good for users that prioritize still photography, but you want to do 4K live streaming on the side. Either way, a DSLR is a brilliant choice.

The best 4K camera with a DSLR form-factor is actually not a DSLR. It’s the Sony Alpha a7 III, a mirrorless camera.

The Alpha a7 III costs $1,998 for the body, but it includes a wide range of features useful for live streaming. These features include:

• 24.2-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor
• Full-frame 35mm equivalent
• ISO up to 204800
• 4K video up to 30 fps
• Silent autofocus
• Built-in 5-axis image stabilization
• HDMI-out
• Dual SD card slots

Professional Camcorder: Panasonic AG-CX350

There is a vast range of professional cameras available. Different professionals will need different form factors and features.

By choosing two necessary features—support for SDI and XLR connections—we can provide a rock-solid choice in a mobile format suitable for most professional 4K live streaming.

Our pick is the Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder. With a price of $3,695, the AG-CX350 provides excellent image quality and expandability.

Here are some features of the AG-CX350:

• 4K recording up to 60fps
• 1″ MOS sensor
• 35mm-equivalent to 24.5 to 490mm zoom lens, 20x optical zoom
• HEVC recording option
• 5-axis image stabilization
• Manual control rings for iris, focus, and zoom
• Two XLR mic connections
• 3G-SDI, HDMI, and Ethernet/NDI video outputs
• Intelligent autofocus setting
• Built-in live stream support, no need for an external encoder for one-camera streaming

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): Panasonic AW-UE150K

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras are permanently installed in concert halls, conference centers, churches, and similar venues. They can be remote-controlled, allowing a single engineer to lead a complex multi-camera shoot from a central booth.

The best 4K camera for PTZ use is the Panasonic AW-UE150K UHD 4K. Running at $9,995, this camera is not cheap. Cheaper 4K PTZ cameras are available, but we’re simply reporting the best.

Some of the top features of the AW-UE150K include:

• 4K output at 60 fps
• 1″ MOS sensor
• 20x optical zoom, with support for 24x optical + digital zoom while retaining 4K quality
• 12G-SDI, HDMI, Fiber, and IP outputs
• Built-in optical image stabilization
• Built-in ND filters
• Power-Over-Ethernet compatible

About Render Perfect Productions:

Render Perfect has been built from the ground up to service growing businesses and help them realize their full visual storytelling and digital marketing potential. We’ve created a service offering and skill-set that spans video production, post-production, motion graphic design, 3D animation, web development, and video marketing strategy. Our insight and experience allow us to help clients make better planning decisions and get more out of their video production effort.