In the age of technology, even churches need an online presence. More and more churches, big and small, are creating websites to upload videos of their services to, but they want to live stream their services. Below is a long list of different cameras from professional to budget-friendly and PTZ. There are even a few switchers and tripods to help guide you on your selection.
Continue reading to learn more!
Best camcorders for church live streaming
Without further ado, here are the top cameras best used for live streaming church events:
Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder
Allows the full 4K60p experience with its 400 Mbps maximum. The Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder is the first handheld camcorder to include a built-in NDI HX network through CAT 6 connection. The large 15.81mm diameter sensor is perfect for capturing high-quality video. It even has integrated zoom, so you don’t need bulky lenses to get the job done.
Camera Specs:
- Power: DC 7.28 V and DC 12 V
- Power Consumption: 17W and 11.5 W
- Operating Temperature: 0 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius
- Operating Humidity: 10% to 80%
- Weight: 4.19 lbs. without lens and 5.07 lbs. with lens
- Dimensions: 180mm x 173mm x 311mm
Panasonic HC-X1
Its moderately-sized one-inch MOS sensor works great with fixed-lens cameras like the Panasonic HC-X1. It shoots DCI and UHD 4K60p, so the color and picture quality are both notable. However, it does require either SDXC or SDHC memory cards. It also doesn’t have SDI outputs, so if this is necessary for you, you might choose a different camera. Other than that, it’s overall a very user-friendly camera.
Camera Specs:
- Power: 7.28V and 12V
- Power Consumption: 19.7W
- Dimensions: 173mm x 195mm x 346mm
- Weight: 4.41 lbs. without lens
- LCD Monitor: 3.5” Wide
- Viewfinder: 0.39” OLED
- Manual Ring: Focus/zoom/iris
- Accessory Shoe: Yes
Canon XF405
The Canon XF405 can shoot up to 16 hours of quality 1080p/MP4 video, which makes it great for long church services or events. It also offers daisy chain set up between the two SD cards, so you don’t have to worry about missing a second of the event due to a full memory card. This camcorder also has awesome low-light capability, bringing out the richness in colors and textures without the need for extra lighting.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 8.4 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
- Digital Zoom: 2x
- Image Processor: Dual DIGIC DV 6
- System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- AE/AF Control: Face-priority AF
- Digital Video Format: H.264
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Canon XA55
This all-in-one camera helps you with audio mixing and editing as you shoot, so there is less to do in post-production. That is the main difference you get with this camera and other, cheaper 4K quality cameras. It works great in low-lighting and helps to reduce background noise during church services. You can even stretch your images 800% past standard and still produce quality and natural-looking images. The Canon XA55 also has a solid fact-finding feature, so you never have to worry about the subject being out of focus.
Camera Specs:
- Resolution: 4K UHD / 25P
- CMOS Sensor: 1.0-Type
- Image Stabilizer: 5-Axis IS
- Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
- System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Sony PXW-Z90V
The PXW-Z90V single-lens camera is a hit for Sony. It is a grab-an-go style camera with documentary quality video. You don’t have to worry about sifting through a bunch of settings to get the quality you are looking for. The sensor isn’t as great in low lighting as some other cameras on our list, though. Still, you can easily track the subject to stay in focus with minimal effort.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 11.3 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: Exmor RS CMOS
- Image Processor: BIONZ X
- Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Optical Sensor Size: 1.0″
Canon VIXIA GX10
The Canon VIXIA GX10 is a bit different than some of the other cameras because it is built specifically for consumer use, meaning it is very straightforward in functionality. This is the perfect camera for those with minimal shooting and editing experience that still want the quality 4K video that other cameras produce. It even allows for an 800% wide dynamic range to give you detailed results and accurate, rich colors every time.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 8.4 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1.0”
- Image Processor: Dual DIGIC DV 6
- System: TTL Contrast Detection
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Sony HXR-NX100
The Sony HXR-NX100 is the ideal camera for the professional videographer or photographer. This camera is perfect for seminar and lecture-style video because it is handheld, easy to use, and produces high-quality, full HD video. Its relatively small sensor doesn’t stop you from clear, detailed images, mainly because it also features a 24x Clear Image Zoom. The cameraman can easily move around the room without worrying about much other than maintaining decent composition. It is one of Sony’s top professional cameras in the running today.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 6.7 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: Exmor R CMOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1.0″
- Digital Zoom: 48x
- System: TTL Contrast Detection
- Digital Video Format: AVC, AVCHD, DV, H.264, XAVC S
- Max Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Best budget video camera for church live streaming
Panasonic X1500
The Panasonic X1500 is the baby brother to the HC-X2000. It brings professional quality and all-in-one convenience and accessibility to the vloggers and indie filmmakers of the world. It has a 24x optical zoom to bring out all the detail any church service would want or need in their video, along with 4K60p video quality. It even has five-axis hybrid image stabilization to reduce shaking as much as possible. You can simply take this camera and get shooting. No expensive accessories are required.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 10.1 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: MOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 2.5”
- Digital Zoom: 10x
- Digital Video Format: AVCHD, H.264, HEVC, MOV
- Image Recording Format: JPEG
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Canon XA11
The Canon XA11 is a compact full HD camcorder that provides all the basics used in documentary filmmaking. Canon is known for its DSLRs and high-quality products in general. This is one of their cheaper options but still delivers quality results that are perfect for any church looking to create videos for their website or to live stream a service or event.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 7.2 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: HD CMOS Pro
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 2.84”
- Digital Zoom: 400x
- Image processor: DIGIC DV 4
- System: TTL Contrast and Phase Detection
- Digital Video Format: AVCHD, H.2.64
- Image Recording Format: JPEG
- Max Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Canon XA40
Canon claims that their XA40 camcorder is the most compact 4K UHD professional-quality camera available on the market. And you get it for nearly half the price of some of their other professional options. Its DIGIC DV6 image processor and CMOS sensor deliver high-quality 4K images in full HD. It also has a 5-axis image stabilizer and 20x optical zoom, so you can shoot in HD no matter how fast or slow the subject moves.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 3.3 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1/3″
- Digital Zoom: 400x
- System: TTL Contrast and Phase Detection
- Digital Video Format: H.264
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Canon VIXIA HF G50
Speaking of budget-friendly options delivered by Canon, their VIXIA HF G50 is the cheapest option that still brings professional 4K video quality. This camera is perfect for the beginner videographer or the small church that is just getting the hang of live streaming. It’s user-friendly and will teach you everything you need to know to get the ball rolling for your church. You can shoot up to 55 minutes of 4K video on a 64GB memory card with no problem at all.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 3.3 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 2.3”
- System: TTL Contrast and Phase Detection
- Digital Video Format: H.264
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
- Image Processor: DIGIC DV 6
- Optical Zoom: 20x
Canon VIXIA HF R800
You might not be able to shoot in 4K but can still produce quality HD video in 1080p with the Canon VIXIA HF R800. It features a 32x optical zoom lens to deliver excellent image quality, and the SuperRange optical image stabilization makes it easy to capture moving subjects without blur. There is even a pre-REC function to record the previous three seconds, so you don’t miss a thing. If you don’t need 4K video resolution and your church is relatively brightly lit, this is a great option!
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 4.6 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: CMOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 4.85”
- Digital Zoom: 1140x
- Image Processor: DIGIC DV 4
- System: TTL Contrast Detection
- Digital Video Format: JPEG
- Max Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Panasonic HC-VX981
The Panasonic HC-VX981 offers 4K HD video for under $1,000. It is the new and improved copy of its predecessor, the HC-VX870. It has 40x optical zoom for full HD recording! You can even record picture-in-picture using wi-fi mobile devices so you can record from multiple viewpoints simultaneously without all the extra money. It also lets you control the camera from a distance using a remote.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 5.5 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: BSI MOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 2.3”
- Digital Zoom: 1500x
- Digital Video Format: AVCHD, H.264, iFrame
- Image Recording Format: JPEG
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Sony FDR-AX43
The Sony FDR-AX43 is the cheaper compact option to the FDR-AX53 and provides quality 4K video content and stabilizing capabilities. It has Sony’s best Balanced Optical Steadyshot (BOSS) stabilization, so you have nothing to worry about where the focus is involved. The lens even goes down to f2.0 for shallow depth of field shooting to provide rich detail in your shots.
Camera Specs:
- Depth: 6.6 inches
- Widescreen Video Capture: Yes
- Camcorder Media Type: Flash Card
- Optical Sensor Type: Exmor R CMOS
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 2.5”
- Digital Zoom: 250x
- Image Processor: BIONZ X
- System: TTL Contrast Detection
- Digital Video Format: AVCHD, H.264, XAVC S
- Image Recording Format: JPEG
- Max Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160
Best PTZ cameras for church streaming
PTZOptics-20X-SDI
Unlike the above-listed cameras, the PTZOptics-20X-SDI is specifically designed for live streaming. It produces great videos as well, but the churches looking to live stream and nothing else, this might be the camera for you. If you have a video production kit, it easily connects to that as well. It features a full 1920 x 1080p HD resolution at 60 fps, along with 2D and 3D noise reduction, so you can’t really go wrong. It even performs well in low lighting!
Camera Specs:
- Dimensions: 5.6in x 6.5in x 6.7in
- Camera Weight: 3.20 lbs.
- Digital Zoom: 16x
- Output Resolution Range: 480i-30 to 1080p60
- Frame Rate: 60 fps
- Dual Streaming: Supported
- Power Supply: 12W
SMTAV PTZ Camera
The SMTAV PTZ Camera is half the price of the PTZOptics and is extremely similar in overall quality. This is a great camera that was recently updated by SMTAV to provide clearer 1080p HD images available in multiple video formats. This camera is user-friendly and great for beginners! The quality even holds up to some of the lower-end Canon cameras mentioned above.
Camera Specs:
- Optical Sensor Type: HD CMOS
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Digital Video Format: MJPEG, H.264, and H.265
- Optical Sensor Size: 1 / 2.7”
- Power Consumption: 12W
Mevo Start, The All-in-One Wireless Live Streaming Camera, and Webcam
For those just starting out and strictly looking to live stream without producing videos, the Mevo Start is a great place to start (no pun intended). The built-in microphone is great on its own, but you can connect external sound as well. Its 1-Chip CMOS sensor and 1080p video resolution make this camera a big contender among the other PTZ cameras, but its price is unmatched.
Camera Specs:
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
- Flash Memory Type: Micro SD
- Dimensions: 3.43 x 1.34 x 2.97 inches
- Camera Weight: 8.2 ounces
- Battery life: 6+ hours
- Sensor: 1-Chip CMOS
- Focal Length: 3.6mm
Best Video Switcher For Church Live Streaming
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme ISO Switcher
Churches looking to add more than one camera to their production setup can do so seamlessly with the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Extreme ISO Switcher. It is an HDMI video switcher and streamer with external media recording capability. With a total of 8 video inputs, this switcher is the perfect fit for larger churches looking to expand their reach even more with amazing video production.
Switcher Specs:
- Upstream Keyers: 4
- Downstream Keyers: 2
- Total Number of Layers: 9
- Pattern Generators: 5
- Color Generators: 2
- Transition Keyer: DVE only
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro
Similarly, the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro is the perfect fit for moderate streamers and video producers looking to use multiple cameras without the price of the Mini Extreme ISO. If you aren’t quite ready for the Mini Extreme ISO, the Mini Pro is the perfect stepping stone. It gives you everything you need to add that extra professional touch to your video production with minimal effort, and it’s even moderately priced. Any switcher from Blackmagic is worth the buy.
Switcher Specs:
- Total Video Inputs: 4
- Total Outputs: 2
- Total Aux Outputs: 1
- HDMI Program Outputs: 1
- HDMI Video Inputs: 4 x HDMI Type A, 10-Bit HD Switchable, 2-Channel Embedded Audio
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini HDMI Live Switcher
Lastly, the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini HDMI Live Switcher is the ideal entry-level switcher for live streaming church services and events. Its basic, user-friendly design makes for an easy learning experience to quickly increase your video production skills to make your streams and videos look more professional.
When it comes to live production, most will tell you a switcher is necessary. These three are perfect for the different skill levels to help you progressively get better.
Switcher Specs:
- Inputs: 4 x HDMI Type A, 2 x 3.5mm Stereo Analog Audio, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet
- Outputs: 1 x HDMI and 1 x USB Type-C
- Video Output Formats: 1080p
- Color Precision: 10-Bit
- Embedded Audio: 2-Channel Input and Output
- Audio Mixer: 6-Input, 2-Channel
Best tripod for church live streaming
GEEKOTO DV2 Video Tripod
This heavy-duty tripod is one that you can literally use forever and take it anywhere. It is great for DSLR cameras and video camcorders alike. Its various height settings allow for increased versatility as well. The fluid ball head feature is perfect for smooth panning during services.
Tripod Specs:
- Load Capacity: 33 lbs.
- Maximum Working Height: 72″
- Minimum Working Height: 33″
- Materials: Aluminum
- Camera Plate Features: Sliding Balance Plate
Cayer BV30L Tripod
This tripod is easy to use and carry with its specifically designed carrying case. The tripod isn’t very heavy either and easily portable, which makes it a great tripod to have around just in case the church decides to Livestream an event outside the church walls. Not to mention the price makes this tripod one great value. It doesn’t have as much height as the other tripod on the list but still sits at a perfect height for live streaming services.
Tripod Specs:
- Max Loading: 13.2 lbs.
- Head Type: 360-Degree Liquid Head
- Compatible Devices: DSLR
- Material: Aluminum
- Maximum Height: 64.4 Inches
- Minimum Height: 30.1 Inches
What is the best camera for live streaming church services?
The Panasonic AG-CX350 4K Camcorder is by far the best camera on this list for professional photographers and videographers. This camera has all the bells and whistles and more. A switcher might make your life easier, but with this camera, you really don’t even need one. It even helps with post-production because it helps to edit the audio and production in-camera!
That said, not every church can afford to drop four grand on a new camera, especially those just looking to get into live streaming their services. For those churches, the Panasonic HC-VX981 is the perfect fit. For the price, you get everything you need and then some. You can produce top-notch HD video and live streams for less than $1,000.
If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.
