High Quality, Low Cost: 8 Cameras for Livestreaming in 2023

As we all know, livestreaming can be a very expensive adventure. If you want to go beyond streaming from mobile phones, which are great, by the way, you will need to spend money on some higher-end equipment. This is why we put together a list of the top eight cameras for livestreaming that will deliver high quality at low cost.

Whenever shopping for gear, I always end up going to a website such as MPB.com to shop for used equipment. They not only save you money, they also have a very strict quality control policy meaning that you will get the item as described. Many people don't buy used because they are worried that the equipment will be damaged in one way or another. MPB has experts who check the gear for you, and then give an exact condition rating of the camera, meaning that you know exactly what you are getting. Another service that MPB offers is to sell gear, which is a fantastic option if you want to switch cameras and try out new systems. They will buy gear from you, cover shipping, and make the process super easy. If you are looking to switch gear, they provide a trade service. This way, you can constantly play with new gear while saving money and time.

It is almost expected that most events are going to be live-streamed in one way or another. Livestreaming derives from broadcasting. On the highest end possible, we have whole crews with dozens of cameras, each of them costing as much as a family house. These include robotic cameras, operators with high-end broadcast gear, a few trucks, and most notably, a huge crew. It is safe to say that these broadcasts cost a lot for the company producing them and are reserved for things such as sporting events or concerts of world-renowned stars. On the lowest end, we get Aunt Bridget, who is filming the shakiest footage possible and streaming to a whopping audience of two on a private Facebook group. If you're neither a production crew nor Aunt Bridget, you might need one of the following eight cameras.

While there has been quite the rumor that the M series will be buried soon, the EOS M50 Mark II is still a fantastic choice for those of us who want to start streaming without any fuss and at a good price point. Simply connect this camera to your phone or computer, and you are ready to go. The 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and the DIGIC 8 image processor offer decent performance over the ISO 100-25,600 range. As for video specs, this camera can do 4K at 24 fps, as well as 1080p at 60 fps, and even 720p at 120 fps for slow-motion capture should you want that. When released, this camera would cost around $700, however it is now available for a mere $479 from MPB in good condition.

A more or less DSLR version of the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, this camera has the same DIGIC 8 processor and a similar sensor that is found in the M series camera. In fact, the DIGIC 8 processor is found in the new entry-level cameras as well, meaning that the 250D will be future-proof. It can take the full range of relatively inexpensive EF lenses, which are widely available for any purpose. For a small price, you get an excellent still and video camera that is more than suited to fit any livestreaming needs.

If size is one of your primary concerns, this camera will be ideal as it can fit in your pocket and is comparable to a large smartphone in weight. It has a 20.1 MP sensor, fast-focusing performance, and classic 4K 30p video recording. A benefit for video production is that this camera has an HDMI output port and a 3.5mm microphone port, meaning you can plug in an extra monitor and an external microphone to up the production value of your live stream. An excellent choice, this camera is available from MPB for $699.

Going even smaller in size, a GoPro is a go-to solution for many creators worldwide. Being comparable in size to a webcam, a GoPro has much better image quality and can do a lot more than just livestream, making it a versatile solution. It shoots 5.3K video and has enhanced low-light performance as well as revolutionary HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization. All this equates to the camera being able to record incredible footage right from the heart of the action.

This camera is the perfect bridge between professional quality and affordability. It has a 20.9MP sensor that is able to produce stills and video. The power of this sensor combined with the EXPEED 6 image processor as well as intelligent autofocus is able to turn out great content no matter what. The camera is also capable of 4K UHD recording at either 30p and 20p. Once again, this camera can also serve as a foundation for a professional streaming setup as it has an HDMI and an external microphone port.

The Fujifilm X-T3 has a 26.1MP APS-C sensor which is great for both stills and video. This sensor was created to support a greater image quality across the sensitivity range of the camera, meaning a great low-light performance. Released in 2018, this camera can shoot 4K UHD video, has great focusing ability, and on top of that, features a microphone jack and wifi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. The camera also has a USB-C as well as MicroHDMI port. All this equates to a fantastic camera that can be a foundation of a solid setup with external audio, monitors, and continuous charging meaning that you won't run out of battery mid-stream. While not the most expencive of cameras, you can still save a pretty penny by purchasing it from MPB for $900.

It packs a punch and needs no introduction. Thousands of vloggers rock this very camera for their content on YouTube and other platforms. The beauty of this camera is that it has features that are normally found in full frame high-end equipment. It can shoot 4K video with full pixel readout, meaning better and faster performance. Sony is notoriously good at autofocus, and this camera is no exception. It has features such as face-tracking to always keep the subject in focus and razor-sharp even in difficult environments. Being a very popular choice, MPB has a solid stock of these cameras in good condition for around $780.

A king of stills and video, this is the go-to camera for tens of thousands of photographers worldwide. It has all the necessary features to make it a competent stills camera, such as a full frame sensor. The low-light performance is still one of the best on the market. When I tested this particular camera out, I was blown away by how well it handles high ISOs and difficult lighting scenarios. As for video, this is a strong performer as well, meaning it can shoot 4K at 30 fps, all on a full frame sensor. While a more expensive choice than the other cameras mentioned on the list, it delivers a lot for the money. And the money is saved with MPB, you can pick up this camera for approximately $1400, which is a fraction of what it would cost new.

One of the best ways to save money when buying equipment is to buy it used through websites such as MPB.com. As you might know, I am very conscious of spending on equipment and money in general, which is why I have gone on and on about buying used gear instead of new. MPB is offering fantastic deals on all of these cameras, so if you’re looking for a camera, it would be a shame to miss out on their amazing deals.

Illya Ovchar is a fashion photographer based in Europe. In his work, Illya aims to tell stories with clothes and light. Illya's work can be seen in magazines such as Vogue, Marie Claire, and InStyle.