Podcast Camera: Choosing The Best One For Video Podcasting

Choosing the right camera for your podcast is crucial, but that doesn't mean you have to be an expert. We’ll help you find the best podcast camera just by reading this guide.

With so many options available, you might not know where to start. Especially if you’re new to video, it can all sound intimidating. Don’t worry! We’ll take you through the essentials of choosing a camera and share the best podcast cameras based on your needs.

How can this article help you?

• This article curates the most important information about choosing the best cameras for video recording, specifically podcasting. 
• You will be able to understand what resolution and frame rate you need.
• You will learn about the pros and cons of using different types of cameras (external webcams, still cameras, and video cameras) for your podcast.
• You will be able to confidently decide what kind of podcast camera suits your needs the most.

Podcast Camera: Choosing The Best One For Video Podcasting

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What is resolution?

Resolution is the number of pixels that can be displayed on a screen. Pixels are the little squares that form a digital image.

Resolution is generally represented in a width x height format. For example, a 1280x720 video is thus 1280 pixels in width and 720 pixels in height.

Resolution can also be represented in an “X”p format. For instance, a 1280x720 video is thus 720p. Here, the “p” represents progressive scan, where all lines in the frame are captured in one sequence. This is instead of an “i” or interlaced scan where odd lines are captured first, followed by the even lines. 

Resolution is important because resolution affects video quality - The higher the resolution, the clearer the video & don't forget Riverside.fm supports 4k Video

Common resolutions:

• 360p - 480x360 
• 480p (“SD”) - 720×480 
• 720p (“HD”) - 1280×720 
• 1080p (“Full HD”) - 1920×1080 
• Ultra HD 4K - 3840×2160 
• Cinema 4K - 4096×2160 

What kind of resolution do you need for your video podcast?

We recommend a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p). 

You may be thinking… if higher resolutions give you clearer pictures, why stop at 1080p? If I can afford it, can’t I just get a camera that records in 4K?

Indeed, not only do higher resolutions give you clearer videos, but capturing high-resolution videos can also give you more flexibility post-production, allowing you to crop, zoom in or out or pan across the frame while still maintaining good video quality. So yes, you can potentially record at higher resolutions.

However, do note that higher resolution = larger file size.

In this case, shooting in 4K is not always ideal. That is why we believe that, in general, 1080p would give you a good balance between video quality and file size for podcasting.

Checkout our guide to the best Podcast Software, including the resolution

What is frame rate?

Frame rate is the number of individual still photos, or frames that your camera captures per second. Frames per second, or fps, is thus the number of frames captured per second.

Common frame rates: 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, and 60

What kind of frame rate do you need for your video podcast?

In general, there is no one best frame rate for shooting video. Different frame rates impact the viewing experience differently and thus suit other purposes. The standard for movies is generally 24fps. Sports videos do well with 30fps. Slow-motion videos and video game footage work well with 60fps. So, what frame rate should you use on your podcast video camera? We recommend a frame rate of either 24 or 30 fps. 

Do keep in mind that a higher frame rate = larger file size. Ensure that you have enough storage space when you record your video.

‍Balancing between resolution and frame rate for live podcasts

The highest resolutions and frame rates would give you the best video quality for your podcast in an ideal world. However, in our world, where Internet speed can often be slow, you need to balance between resolution and frame rate.

Let us explain…

• Bitrate is a live podcast’s audio and video processed over time.
• Problems arise when your live podcast’s bitrate is HIGHER than your upload bandwidth (e.g., Mbps).
• What happens? Choppy and unreliable video served on a platter to your audience. Yikes!

Thus, don’t go crazy with your resolution and frame rate for live podcasts. If in doubt, sticking to our recommendation of a resolution of 1920×1080 (1080p) and a frame rate of 24 or 30 fps should serve you well. Do note that live streaming platforms such as YouTube and Facebook also have maximum allowable frame rates (YouTube: up to 60fps, Facebook: up to 30fps). So if you’re looking for a recording camera for YouTube, Facebook, or the likes, it's recommended you capture video within these guidelines.

Can you use your iPhone as a video podcasting camera?‍

We would normally advise against using your phone’s microphone to record audio. However, we believe that many phones already have decent video recording capabilities for a video podcast.

• The iPhone 13 Pro offers 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, 60 fps, and 1080p FHD video recording at 30 fps or 60 fps.
• The Samsung Galaxy S21 allows for 8K video recording at 24 fps (7680x4320), 4K UHD video recording at 60 fps (3840x2160) and 1080p FHD video recording at 60 fps (1920x1080). 

Thus, you can use your smartphone to record video for your video podcast! Make sure that you:

1. Use your phone’s main camera;
2. Have enough storage space on your phone;
3. Ensure that your phone is hooked up to a power supply.

If you are looking to live stream a podcast using your smartphone as a webcam, be sure also to install an app that allows you to live stream directly from your phone or connect the camera to the computer.

For the best results, we suggest recording on the Riverside mobile app. It turns your phone into a recording studio in your pocket. Learn more here or sign up today!

While a mobile phone can do the job, an external camera often offers more. These cameras are built to take pictures, record video, and enable you to make specific adjustments (not run apps, enable web browsers, and get you a good phone signal).

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‍Can you use your built-in computer webcam as a video podcasting camera?

If you already have a laptop with a camera and a tight budget, this option would not cost you anything. Further, if you will be editing your video podcast in your editing software on your computer, using your built-in computer webcam is also a convenient way to hit record and start editing once you are done immediately.

However, built-in computer webcams typically offer lower resolutions than dedicated webcams, still cameras, and video cameras. Why? Well, your built-in computer webcam does not have much space for the best electronics and lenses compared to a dedicated external camera.

Note: Some laptops with high-resolution web cameras could work, such as the Dell XPS 13 Laptop. But there aren’t a lot of these laptops around, and they usually also come with a hefty price tag…

You also pretty much get a limited range of the angles that you can use, especially if you have one of those laptops with a camera at the BOTTOM of the screen…

Thus you could use your built-in computer webcam IF you don't want to spend anything more… But it won’t look too good.

If you are serious about video podcasting, we highly recommend considering the following best podcast cameras instead!

Types of good cameras for video podcasting

Alright, what types of cameras are good for video podcasting?

External webcam

External webcams are already popular with live streaming communities. External webcams come with dedicated video recording components and usually provide decent good-quality videos. If you’re going to use a webcam, these are the best webcams for podcasting.

Pros:

• Most, if not all, external webcams suitable for podcasting are USB webcams. This means that you can easily plug them into your computer and immediately use them.
• They are great cameras for live streaming. Want proof? Look at the number of gamers that use external webcams to stream on Twitch.

Cons:

• If you require specific camera placement far away from your computer, the chances are that an external webcam is not the product for you. Webcams are normally designed to connect to your computer via a cable. Unless you have an insanely long cable, consider using a different device for such purposes.
• Similarly, if you are doing an in-person interview or are speaking with co-hosts on-premise, a webcam would also not be the best option for you due to its limited portability.

Examples: Logitech C920, Logitech C922

Still camera - DSLR, Mirrorless, and Point-and-Shoot cameras

DSLR, mirrorless, and point-and-shoot cameras offer incredible resolution and video quality. You can either record directly from the camera itself or use it as your computer’s camera for a remote interview or a live podcast.

Pros:

• Fantastic resolution and video quality.
• A whole range of lenses to suit your podcast style and capture different types of shots.
• Using any one of these cameras can significantly improve the quality of your podcast instantly, regardless of whether you are recording a video directly with the camera onto its SD card or using the camera as your computer’s camera for a remote interview or live podcast.

Cons:

• Some camera sensors can overheat very fast. This might force you to drop your recording resolution to keep on shooting.
• Still, cameras typically have a limit of recording 30 minutes of video at one go. You are thus limited to 30 minutes of recording per take. This is not ideal if you record a longer video directly to your camera and want to record everything in one shot.‍
• Fun Fact: In the past, this was because camera sensors would overheat too fast. But, the present reason is quite different from that! In the EU, video camera recorders (cameras that record 30 minutes or longer of footage) currently face an import duty of 4.9% or 14.0%. However, still, image cameras are duty-free. If you were a manufacturer, what would you do? Most manufacturers thus choose to limit their camera recording lengths to under 30 minutes to avoid the EU taxes! Now you know why!
• These cameras generally run on battery, and this is something you’ll have to take into account. Most of them have long-lasting battery life, but you’ll have to remember to charge your camera before shooting, especially if you’re recording longer sessions. Note that some cameras charge when connected to a computer through a USB.
• A capture card is a device that takes an external video signal and turns it into a video signal that your computer can process. An HDMI capture card or HDMI interface unit is required for using a still camera as your computer’s webcam (e.g., for a remote interview or live podcast). While this gives you the awesome quality that can blow your audience and guests away, this also translates into extra equipment and additional costs. Do note that some capture cards can be trickier when using them as your webcam inside of certain apps like Skype.

Still Camera Examples: Sony a5100, Sony DSCHX80/B, Nikon D5300

Capture Cards Examples: Elgato Cam Link 4K, Epiphan AV.io HD

Video Camera/Camcorder

The last option is, of course, a dedicated video camera or a camcorder. You can either record directly from the camcorder itself or use the camcorder as your computer’s camera for a remote interview or a live podcast.

Pros:

• Best video quality.
• Camcorders have better built-in microphones compared to still cameras. This would be useful if you are filming b-roll or on-the-go shots. However, we still suggest that you record your audio (especially voices) with a dedicated microphone.
• Camcorders generally have better preamps than still cameras. Some even come with XLR inputs, allowing you to connect your XLR microphone directly. Although we still recommend that you connect your XLR microphone to an audio interface instead and record your audio separately, this is worth mentioning.

Cons:

• Camcorders can be very costly, depending on the model. This could represent a significant financial outlay and investment towards your podcast.
• These cameras also generally run on battery, and battery life and charging are something you might have to take into account. 
• Like still cameras, an HDMI capture card or HDMI interface unit is required to use a camcorder as your computer’s webcam (e.g., for a remote interview or live podcast). This means extra equipment and cost. Interestingly, GoPro has a live streaming service, allowing users to live stream from their GoPro camera to their account at GoPro.com without a capture card.

Examples: Sony CX405 Handycam, Panasonic HC-V770K, GoPro HERO 8 Black.

What type of camera should you use?

There’s a lot to choose from for a podcast camera. Below we’ve outlined what type of camera we recommend you use for podcasting. Also, if you’re looking to check out your new or current camera, feel free to use our webcam test. 

Is budget your main concern?

If budget is one of your main concerns, you can consider either using your smartphone to record your video, or you can purchase an external webcam.

Do you only care about improving the video quality of your podcast?

If you are not worried about price, we would recommend a still camera plus a capture card or, even better, a camcorder plus a capture card. What can we say? Dedicated video podcast equipment tends to deliver the top results, and that’s why these make for the best cameras for podcasting! However, several notable external webcams that many live streamers currently use also deliver good value for money when it comes down to video quality. We reckon that they would also be a good fit for podcasters.

Do you normally record in one location?

Your smartphone, a still camera, and a camcorder are portable to different degrees, even within their categories. It thus depends on you to determine how much equipment you would be willing to carry around if you record in other locations.

Are you recording on-premise with multiple people (e.g., guests and co-hosts)?

If you need something to angle and place in different positions, you can pair your smartphone, which is highly portable, with still cameras or camcorders. This would allow you to film you and your guests/co-hosts talking from different angles and positions, making your podcast appear more visually dynamic! 

Are you recording a live podcast?

Out of all the options for the best cameras for live streaming, an external USB webcam is an affordable and convenient way for you to get good-quality video. You can also go for a still camera plus a capture card or a camcorder plus a capture card. This would allow you to get mind-blowing video quality for a live podcast. Note that this would also depend on your upload Internet speed, as previously mentioned