If you want to succeed as a camgirl and you don’t already own an external HD webcam, you need one. The quality of your customers depends on the quality of your webcam and trust me, you don’t want low quality customers (they don’t usually come with money lol). So, unless your laptop’s built-in camera happens to stream in at least 720p HD, you’re lucky you landed here!
First, my top two choices for live broadcasting:
Logitech HD Webcam C525
I’ll save you some time. If you’re starting on a budget, buy this.
This is the webcam I personally started with and it definitely lives up to Logitech’s reputation. It’s been four years, it’s been through a whole lot of shit, and it still works like the day I bought it. It’s portable and it’s resilient, which makes it the perfect solution for live streaming.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Streams in 720p HD
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Takes 8 MP photos (not too shabby)
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Ultra-smooth autofocus
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Durable plastic lens
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Rotates 360 degrees (wee)
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Portable fold-and-go design
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
This is the most popular choice of HD camera in the webcam modeling community, and it’s currently Logitech’s bestseller with good reason. If you have the cash, this is definitely a step up from the aforementioned C525. Worth it.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Streams in full 1080p HD
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Takes 15MP photos
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Ultra-smooth autofocus
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Durable glass lens
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Dual HD quality stereo microphones
This next one is my go-to for content creation:
Logitech Conference Cam BCC950
It works for live streaming, but it’s a bit clunky. If you’re planning on selling homemade porn on a site like ManyVids, though, it’s a great option. What the conference cam lacks in portability it makes up for with that sweet remote control tilt/pan action – allows YOU more portability. Besides, you can just edit out the part where you were using the remote. 😉 Bit more of an investment upfront, but think of the awesome videos you’ll create. God I sound like an ad. But yeah no, if you have the cash, check this guy out. I would consider it a supplement to your ideally-more-portable streaming webcam.
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Streams in full 1080p HD at 30 frames per second
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Remote control pan/tilt/zoom with 10 foot range
[wp-svg-icons icon=”star” wrap=”i”] Omni-directional microphone with both noise and echo cancellation
The answer is yes. You will not succeed in this industry without smooth HD quality in both your live broadcasts and your content for sale.
Start out on the right foot by investing in a good quality webcam. This is arguably the most important tool you are going to be using. For some context, I spent about $50 in Canada when I bought the C525 to start working on cam four years ago, and I made just over $60 within my first few hours (ah, memories). You don’t even have to be amazing. A good webcam will pay for itself if you give it a chance.
[tweetthis]The quality of your customers depends on the quality of your webcam.[/tweetthis]
Take it easy.
You might notice these are all Logitech products. I don’t have a special relationship with Logitech. I’ve just always found their products to be simultaneously the highest quality and most budget-friendly. I do however have a special relationship with Amazon, and if you buy stuff through the links on this post you will be supporting O Camgirl. Thanks!
You forgot the best option of all. Using a real camera and a capture card.
Resolution doesn’t mean very much while camming because of the heavy compression and lower playback resolutions, but there is so much more to image quality than resolution. Besides, you’re making content too, right? RIGHT? A decent camera will take your videos to the next level.
Using a bridge camera or dSLR and a capture card is one of the best ways to get better image quality. Want blurry, buttery, bokeh backgrounds that focus the viewer on you and your body? Don’t use a webcam. Want better low light? Don’t use a webcam. Want rich, vibrant, accurate colors, including wonderful skin. No more webcams.
You want your camera to have four things:
1. At least 1080p video.
2. HDMI or Micro HDMI connectivity.
3. Accepts a AC/DC adapter charging battery replacement kit OR USB outlet charging.
4. A selfie screen
Bridge cameras are slightly different than dSLRs. They don’t have interchangeable lenses but can be easier to work with and a little less expensive – lenses are pricey and where you want to invest your money.
Recommended bridge cameras:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 (this is what I use)
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10K (smaller, better aperture, less zoom for artsy videos)
Recommended dSLR:
Nikon D3300 with Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art OR the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 SLD if you really need to save a buck. I recommend the Art lens though.
Canon 80D with Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art. This camera setup is expensive, but if you’re making a good amount of money and want to treat your camming as a career it’s worth investing in good equipment.
Recommended capture card:
HD60. It just works.
Download OBS or xSplit, I use premium xSplit. Get yourself a tripod, some photography umbrellas or softboxes, a few Gen 3 Philip Hue bulbs are you’re off to the races. Oh, and a good USB mic. Don’t forget a mic.
Wow, thanks for sharing your expertise on alternative setups. I know a lot of people will likely be overwhelmed by this kind of info, and that’s okay. To anyone reading this comment and shaking your head, just scroll up and get yourself an HD webcam -you’ll be fine. But to those wanting to go the next step in improving their cam game, this comment makes some excellent points and recommendations. Thanks for stopping by!
Would you say the C920 is worth it for a starting male model? I’m a student, so cash can be a little tight.
While I do highly recommend that C920, if you’re on a budget you can definitely get by with just the Logitech C525. It’s a good quality 720p HD cam – it’s actually the one I started out with.
Hi Cat,
Thanks for the info, great reviews!
I have been considering buying a Logitech Conference. Thanks for the heads up on best price!
Hey Wayne, Thanks for stopping by. Glad I could help! Best, Cat