Best Podcast Camera in 2023 + Video Podcasting Setup Tips

These are the 9 best podcast cameras for live streaming and filming your next podcasting session in 2023.

Each of the cameras for podcasting I reviewed below feature excellent video quality, and some also offer great audio quality too.

(Although I recommend investing in a dedicated microphone for the best audio.)

Filming your podcast is a great way to expand your audience, whether you’re live streaming to YouTube, uploading video podcasts to Spotify or just adding clips to social media.

Your fans will appreciate putting a face to a voice, and with some 177 million people listening to podcasts each year, you’ll never be short of new listeners.

In this guide, I’ll let you know the webcams, camcorders and mirrorless cameras for podcasting that can produce high-quality videos.

I’ll also discuss how to choose your next podcast video camera and some tips on creating a solid video podcast setup.

Let’s take a closer look at the recommendations.

Related: What are the best photography podcasts to listen to?

What are the Best Cameras for Podcasting in 2023?

Image	Product	Features
	Lumina AI WebcamOUR #1 CHOICE	User Friendly Setup Lightweight Build Quality Compact & Robust Design Supports both Windows & Mac	View Price →
	Logitech C922 Pro Stream WebcamGREAT VALUE	Tripod Included Crisp Audio Quality Extremely Low Price Offers H.264 Streaming	View Price →
	Panasonic Lumix G7HIGHLY RECOMMENDED	Excellent Day or Night Quality Incredible 4K resolution Customizable Layout Large & Bright LCD Monitor	View Price →
	Canon EOS M50 Mark IITOP RATED	Sharp Eye-level Autofocus Articulating Swing-out Touch LCD Both Bluetooth & Wi-Fi supported Supports External Microphones	View Price →
	Logitech BrioBEST ALLROUND	Supports Windows Biometric Face Login Offers Ultra 4K Resolution Excellent In-Built Dual Microphone Robust Build Quality	View Price →
	Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder	Exclusive HDR Option for Crisp Video Quality Offers Wireless Connection for Smartphones Built-in Wind Shield Zoom Mic Offers Crisp Audio Quality	View Price →
	Sony a6400	Extremely Compact Design Sharp & Accurate Autofocus No 4K Video Recording Limit Crisp 4K Video Quality	View Price →
	Canon VIXIA HF G50 Camcorder	Sleek & Solid Design Offers Mini HDMI Output Dual Card Slots for Continuous Shootin User Friendly Menu	View Price →
	Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder	Professional 4K Video 2 Channel XLR Audio Option Customizable AF Speed & Sensitivity Wireless Remote Control Option	View Price →

 

Lumina AI Webcam

New podcasters who are working on a limited budget often opt to use a webcam for their shows, with the Lumina AI webcam among the most popular options.

This pocket-sized webcam delivers surprisingly sharp 4K video footage through its in-built f/2.0 24mm glass lens for broad coverage of your podcasts.

A nice selection of calibration settings allows users to adjust white balance, saturation, and other options to further customise the overall look delivered by the camera while podcasting.

Lumina frequently updates its app, with recent changes including raw microphone volume adjustment, smoother cameraman and colour card processes, and fixing a range of bugs.

This ongoing international support offers peace of mind that the Lumina AI webcam is future-proofed and won’t let you down, regardless of your podcasting platform of choice.

Lumina’s AI webcam isn’t going to compete with dedicated mirrorless cameras or camcorders, but as an entry-level camera for podcasting, it performs its core functions admirably.

• Read more: Lumina webcam review

Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam

An alternative webcam option for recording video podcasts is the Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam, which lacks the 4K video of the Lumina but makes up for it with a variety of useful recording modes.

It’s capable of 1080p at 30fps and 60fps when set to 720p, all captured on a CMOS sensor with a standard resolution of 2MP for crisp and clear results.

The camera’s autofocus, automatic exposure, and white balance correction further improve its capacity for great visual image quality without the need to play around with settings.

With two internal omnidirectional microphones recording in stereo featured in the webcam, you can get clear audio in a studio without having to splash out for an external microphone.

Setting up the Logitech C922 is incredibly easy, with its plug-and-play design making it essentially fool-proof, particularly for podcasters with little or no experience shooting video.

It also comes with a tripod, lending additional versatility for positioning the camera during a podcast, should you wish to bring more variety to your show’s shot compositions.

• Read more: What is the best webcam to use with Zoom?

Panasonic Lumix G7

The Panasonic Lumix G7 goes further than the best webcams available for podcasters, with this compact mirrorless camera delivering full 4K UHD recording on a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor.

Performance in low lighting conditions is aided by a high ISO sensitivity range of up to ISO 25600, while its swift autofocus means your guests will remain clear as they move around the frame.

There are plenty of in-camera options to tailor the video to your circumstances, too, including a selection of colour profiles in addition to the more standard options for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.

If you’re hosting lengthy podcasts for in-depth discussions, the ample battery life will ensure everything is captured without the need to pause the conversation to switch batteries mid-podcast.

With built-in WiFi connectivity making it ideal for live streaming, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is an affordable option for professional-quality podcasting, with the versatility expected from a premium mirrorless camera.

• Read more: What is the best webcam to use for conference rooms?

Canon EOS M50 Mark II

One of the most popular mirrorless cameras used by bloggers, podcasters, and content creators is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which delivers high-quality videos through its 24.1MP APS-C image sensor.

Canon has long perfected the useability of its cameras, and the EOS M50 Mk II can be set up with ease through its intuitive menus navigated via the LCD touchscreen.

As with most mirrorless cameras, the onboard microphone is passable, but support for external mics means you can easily set up a dedicated podcasting microphone to ensure your dialogue sounds crisp and professional.

The EOS M50 Mark II also comes with a more advanced autofocus system than its closest rivals, with face and eye tracking likely to benefit podcasters with multiple guests, for instance, in a roundtable discussion.

This autofocus does fall short when shooting in 4K (which is also heavily cropped), but if you’re video podcasting in 1080p, this issue with focus reliability isn’t something you’ll have to worry about. 

With platforms such as TikTok and YouTube shorts recording vertically, the vertical video recording mode makes this an appealing camera for podcasters who use short videos to promote their long-form content.

The EOS M50 Mk II is a solid camera for up-and-coming video podcasters who aren’t fussed about broadcasting in 4K but would like a flexible camera they can also use for photography and location shooting.

Logitech Brio

Returning once again to webcams for podcasting with the Logitech Brio, a high-end, feature-rich webcam that delivers far superior 4K video quality than most webcams in its price range.

Crystal-clear video quality comes through its combination of auto light correction and autofocus, as well as its exceptional HDR capabilities and the integrated RightLight 3 technology.

The results are especially notable when recording a podcast with nearby harsh lights from windows, with the HDR working to effectively balance out shadows and highlights for a more pleasing image. 

It’s also a versatile camera that enables users to adjust the field of view, along with a 5X digital zoom available in full HD, offering more scope to close in for a tighter shot at appropriate moments.

Dialogue can be recorded with clarity through the camera’s omnidirectional microphones combined with its noise-canceling mechanism, far surpassing the quality you’ll get from a native laptop mic.

The Logitech Brio is a premium webcam that nevertheless performs to a high standard and is ideal for shooting podcast videos without the need for complicated setups or extensive customisation. 

Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder

Panasonic’s HC-V770 Camcorder is a compact and lightweight camcorder that has been designed with beginners in mind, offering entry-level tools and a wealth of WiFi-based features that are ideal for podcast videos.

This connectivity allows you to easily connect to your smartphone, laptop, or PC, with remote shooting, remote view, and live streaming modes all combining for exceptional versatility for podcasters.

Video quality from the HC-V770 Camcorder is closer to functional than exemplary. It lacks 4K, but its built-in HDR Movie feature goes some way to balancing out highlights to offer greater detail, even in low light conditions.

One of its strongest selling points is the battery life, with 3.5 hours of life allowing for the continuous recording of long-form content and podcasts where plenty of time is needed to really cover the details of a given subject.

For podcasters and videographers looking for more bells and whistles to play around with, there’s a nice selection of video modes and special effects such as slow motion, 8mm Movie, Silent Movie, and Miniature Effects.

Complete with features comparable to its more expensive 4K counterparts, the Panasonic HC-V770 Camcorder offers an impressive battery life for video podcasting with outstanding WiFi connectivity options.

Sony a6400

Sony’s A6400 has proven to be incredibly popular for many uses, from photography and videography to being widely used by digital content creators and vloggers.

While the price point may be off-putting for some, those who can afford it will be rewarded with crisp and vibrant 4K footage, ably assisted by the camera’s fast and accurate autofocus settings.

The A6400 is a compact mirrorless camera that captures video through its 24.2-megapixel image sensor, supporting various shooting modes to cater to all kinds of podcasts.

Sony has established a strong reputation for manufacturing mirrorless cameras with exemplary video quality, and the A6400 is no exception, thanks to its Exmor RS CMOS sensor.

Connectivity options with Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi allow podcasters to stream easily while out and about, with the selfie screen adding a bonus for content creation, such as travel vlogging.

More experienced podcasters, or beginners with more money to spare, will find much to appreciate with the Sony A6400, from its pin-sharp 4K video to the outstanding autofocus options.

• Read more: Sony a6400 review

Canon VIXIA HF G50 Camcorder

One of the best cameras for podcasting on the market is the Canon VIXIA HF G50, an upgraded version of the G40 used by the most popular podcast host on the planet, Joe Rogan.

With a range of resolution options, including 4K UHD and an impressive battery life of up to five hours, the G50 camcorder offers premium picture quality at 30fps and 60fps.

As you’d expect from Canon, the CMOS sensor delivers optimate performance, while the 20X optical zoom expands the range of coverage well above the basic requirements for a video podcast.

Other recording features include a selection of shooting modes, such as portrait and sports, with digital and optical image stabilisation ensuring everything is framed correctly.

With its mini-HDMI connector allowing users to send the podcast feed to a larger screen, the Canon VIXIA HF G50 is an excellent camcorder for studio-based podcasters with a flexible budget.

Panasonic HC-X1 4K Ultra HD Professional Camcorder

Panasonic’s HC-X1 camcorder is firmly geared towards the professional videographer looking for the full range of connections and manual modes for a bespoke, customisable filmmaking experience.

While it offers far more tools and features than a beginner podcaster will require, established content creators who want to produce content that rivals their professional counterparts will benefit immensely from its in-depth customisation options. 

These functions include everything from multiple lens rings and built-in HD filters to assignable buttons for optical image stabilization and monitoring waveform and zebra settings, all easily accessed from the camera’s body.

The overall package delivers studio-quality results. The Leica Dicomar 24mm 4K f/2.8-f/4.5 lens serves up sharp images with rich and vibrant colours and a whopping 20X optical zoom for maximum coverage.

The relatively steep learning curve and high price might deter amateur podcasters from investing, but for those with more experience and a higher budget, the Panasonic HC-X1 is one of the best cameras for podcasting available. 

How to Choose a Great Podcast Video Camera

Choosing the best video camera for your podcast depends on a range of factors, from your expected budget to the variety of footage you wish to broadcast.

Let’s take a look at the factors you need to consider when choosing a great podcast camera:

• Budget

Before you start looking for a podcast camera, determine your budget so you can narrow down the results to those you can afford.

• Lenses

Different lenses deliver different results, and for podcasts, you’ll want to choose a wide-angle lens so you can capture everything in a single shot.

• Autofocus 

While shooting a podcast, you’ll be moving around within the frame, so look for a camera with decent autofocus to make sure your footage is always clear.

• Resolution and video quality

The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality, and for podcasting, you’ll want a minimum of 1080p, with 4K offering truly professional images.

• Battery life

Battery life is another important factor, especially if you’re planning to record lengthy podcasts with large video files.

• Sound quality

If you aren’t planning on investing in dedicated microphones for your podcast, check the sound quality on a camera before investing.

• Face tracking

Some cameras include a face-tracking feature as part of their autofocus settings, so if you plan on moving around within the frame, check to see if this feature is included.

• Memory card

The size of the memory card you use with your camera will determine how long you can record for, so choosing one with enough capacity is essential.

• Ease of use

While some cameras offer a wealth of options and tools, these could be overwhelming if you’re new to video cameras, so choose one with a shallow learning curve if you’re new to podcasting.

What Camera do Most Podcasters Use?

• Joe Rogan uses the Canon VIXIA HF G40.
• Javier Mercedes uses the Sony A6400, which I reviewed above.
• Videography Vlogger and podcaster Potato Jet uses the Sony Alpha 7S III
• Filmmaker IQ uses a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K  

How do you Set Up a Camera for Podcasting?

When setting up a camera for podcasting, you need to take several steps before hitting the record button. These include:

• Selecting a camera with a wide-angle lens. 

When shooting a podcast, a wide-angle lens is preferable since this will capture more of the action within the frame. 

A 24mm lens is commonly used for podcasts, although some podcasters go as wide as 16mm to ensure all participants are captured within the shot.

• Changing the aperture to blur the background. 

If you’re delivering a solo podcast or have a multi-camera setup covering each participant, you may want to blur the background behind each subject.

Choose a lens with an f/2.8 aperture to achieve this blurred effect in-camera, with an even lower f-number delivering even more blur.

Podcasting cameras like the Lumina AI have the ability to do this in realtime with AI software, which is handy if you don’t have the budget for expensive ‘fast’ lenses

• Choosing the appropriate AF tracking mode. 

Once your podcast is live, you won’t have the luxury of adjusting your camera focus, so you’ll need to choose one with autofocus tracking modes.

The best cameras feature real-time autofocus tracking with eye or face recognition, so your subjects will always be in focus.

• Getting a clean output through HDMI. 

Sending your video directly to a stream or hard drive can significantly improve video quality.

If your camera includes an HDMI output, make sure you use this for your podcast.

• Using a sturdy tripod. 

Many cameras can be prone to shaking if not set up on a stable surface, even if they do include their own internal stabilisation features.

Using a sturdy tripod helps you to avoid potential shaking and keeps your subjects consistently framed within your shots.

You can try an iPhone tripod for starters, which are usually compact and strong enough to hold smaller podcasting cameras.

• Hooking up an external microphone. 

Built-in camera microphones are rarely up to professional standards, so recording audio with an external microphone is crucial for crystal-clear dialogue.

 Mounting an external mic on a boom arm allows for a greater degree of flexibility when recording audio for a podcast.

See also: What are the best external microphones for Zoom meetings?

How do I set up a multi-camera podcast?

 

Setting up a multi-camera podcast requires the installation of the appropriate software capable of live streaming from various sources.

These online video platforms allow users to operate and organise multiple cameras, transitioning from a wide shot of the studio to close-ups of the podcast participants.

The various cameras used are linked to a central hub (often along with multiple audio input sources), and controlled via a switcher such as Telestream’s Wirecast or Blackmagic’s Livestream HD500 streaming box.

Popular software for multi-camera podcasts includes OBS Studio and VidBlasterX, allowing users to mix between cameras and add graphics, overlays, and transitions on the fly.

See also: What camera is best for live streaming on YouTube?

What do you need for a Video Podcast Setup?

Before beginning your video podcast, ensure you have all the appropriate equipment and software to start.

You’ll need the following:

1. Camera. Whether this is a basic webcam or a 4K video camera, you’ll need this to record your podcast.
2. Microphone. You can use the built-in microphone featured in your camera, but a separate dedicated microphone is preferable for better audio quality. You may also prefer a wireless mic if you don’t like the idea of wires dangling from your subject and camera.
3. Headphones. Headphones are essential to prevent unwanted sounds from distorting audio, so you’ll need a pair for each person involved in the podcast.
4. Lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, you’ll need lights to make sure the video quality is nice and clear for the audience. Clip-on ring lights are an affordable alternative to expensive professional lights.
5. Audio recorder. A basic one-person podcast might get away with using a USB microphone plugged into a computer, but you’ll need a digital interface with multiple inputs for anything else. There are lots of great soundcards and digital interfaces available that can handle multiple inputs.
6. Recording software. Whether you’re using Mac or PC, you’ll need podcast recording software to record your show, so it’s ready to upload online. These range from free software such as Audacity to professional audio editing programs such as Logic Pro.

What else can you use to film a podcast – FAQs

What kind of camera do you need for a podcast?

Various types of cameras are suitable for podcast use, ranging from basic point-and-shoot models to mirrorless cameras and camcorders.

The camera needs to include a video mode; the higher the video resolution, the more professional your podcast will be to viewers.

For those on a tight budget, cheaper cameras such as streaming webcams or smartphones can also be used to film podcasts.

Can you use an iPhone for a podcast?

iPhones offer great picture quality compared to other smartphones and can be used to record your podcasts provided you install an appropriate app.

The Voice Memo app is popular and allows users to record a podcast on their iPhone and edit the audio file before uploading it online.

You may want to consider upgrading to a dedicated podcasting microphone, which can be connected via the headphone jack or Lightning port.

Can you use GoPro for a podcast?

With their wide-angle lens and high performance in various lighting conditions, GoPro cameras can deliver great results for podcasts.

Its compact and lightweight design combined with built-in image stabilisation makes it a good choice for podcasts out and about.

If you’re using GoPro for in-studio podcasting, make sure you use a tripod, as its light weight makes it more prone to shaky footage.

Can you use a webcam for a podcast?

If you’re new to podcasting and don’t have a large budget at your disposal, using your laptop or computer’s built-in webcam is a great place to begin.

Most laptops feature an HD webcam as a standard feature, and there are plenty of cheap external webcams you can buy that clip onto the top of the screen.

Final Words

Launching a podcast is a great way to share your knowledge and passion with a broader audience in a fun and engaging manner to connect with like-minded people.

While you can host podcasts with audio only, introducing video opens up a range of possibilities, taking your show to the next level with eye-catching imagery. 

Whether you’re completely new to podcasting or an old hand looking for the best image quality possible, there’s a camera that will deliver the results you’re looking for,

As your podcast continues to grow in popularity, you can expand your array of cameras as part of a multi-camera setup for a more professional-looking podcast.

If you have any experience using any of the cameras we’ve featured here on your podcast you’d like to share, feel free to let us know about them in the comments.