Originally Aired August 19, 2020
Jon Magnuson, Mighty One Productions
Ashley Podoll, Intelivideo
Erin Moynihan, Intelivideo
See below for our camera, audio and lighting recommendations!
We have laid out a few different options for livestream equipment you should consider adding into your livestream mix. With gyms and studios closing down across the nation, it’s time to change how the fitness world reaches customers and how those customers workout.
Live Stream Cameras
Logitech Webcam $268
The Brio Ultra HD Logitech webcam offers users a quick “setup and film” approach to their fitness streaming. With 4K and 1080p capabilities and a built in microphone this camera supports multiple connection types, including USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. You can easily plug into your desktop or laptop device and start recording. Using Intelivideo's livestream platform you can direct your stream to any RTMP and give your customers the ultimate gym workout at home.
MEVO Livestream Camera $400
Mevo is the cutting edge of livestream video technology and the Mevo Start gives you an all-in-one camera. With an easy workflow that allows livestream to most RTMP platforms. Using a microSD you can record your fitness sessions live and then edit them to post later. The Start has a mic port for clean audio but does require the MEVO App to operate. Though it only records 1080p the ease of use outweighs its limited recording resolution.
iPhone 11 128GB $749
Simple, small and livestream ready. The iPhone 11 offers an impressive 4k camera and an easy setup through APP integration to livestream. Download the Pro Camera Moment App to have full control over all your camera settings. Lock in your ISO, Aperture, and Focus to give your customers a great workout. With so many apps out there the iPhone can do more than ever and for the price is a great option for livestreaming.
Panasonic GH5 $1398
While the step up in price is significant. The GH5 is known as being a workhorse camera. With 4K capabilities and 10 bit recording to give you the max amount of information straight out of camera. The GH5 is sure to give you the crisp cinematic look to your workout videos. It does require a Cam Link to be able to livestream. The setup is easy to use and the GH5 allows you to take still photos as well, so you can show off your trainers and your studio.
Sony A7iii $2198
At the highest price point of all the cameras on this list the Sony A7iii has dominated the DSLR game for years. With this bundle you not only get a workhorse 4k camera with an impressive 25.3 megapixel for your stills but you also get the 24-70mm f3.5 Sony lens–a $400 value. This lens and camera will give you the versatility of camera angles needed for group sessions. Again you will need a Cam Link to be able to livestream, but Intelivideo now offers a great livestream platform that is easy to use so you can focus on getting your customers the best workout videos right from the comfort of their home.
Live Stream Audio
Rode VideoMircro Shotgun Mic $60
Rode is known for having the highest quality of audio out there and at $60 this shotgun mic is a bargain! Simply plug in the mic using a 3.5mm jack and your trainers audio will sound like you are in the room with them. Important to note you will need extra gear for the MEVO, Iphone, and Logitech if you want to use them together. For the DSLRs the Rode mic simply slides into the top mount, plugs in and you are ready to record.
Rode Boom Mic Set $179
If you are looking for some more direct audio this kit is your answer. The Rode Boom Mic set allows users to place the boom out of frame above a trainers head getting even better audio while not compromising your shot. This kit comes with everything you need to achieve the audio you want and get your livestream out quickly.
Zoom Recorder $253
Zoom has continued to improve their device year after year and the new Zoom H4N is an easy to use external recorder. Allowing two audio channels you can plug in a mic and a music source giving your livestream a catchy tune to get your customers pumped up during their workout. The H4N can also be used as a boom mic but the downside is you will have to sync your audio with your footage in post if you plan on editing it later.
Rode Wireless Lav Mic $293
Once again Rode makes an appearance on our list with their new wireless mics. At the price point of $293 these mics are a steal for the quality they provide. This kit gives you everything you need to record from any of the cameras above and its small compact design makes it easy to hide in a waistband or sports-bra. Simply clip on the mic pack wherever you need and you are ready to go.
Live Stream Lights
SWIT On Camera LED $130
The small compact design of the SWIT LED on camera light makes it easy to use but also provides a wide throw of light. For trainers in smaller spaces these lights can accent your talent ensuring they are lit well. You can see the power of these lights in our video Livestream Equipment: How to Get Started with John Magnuson.
Angler Bi-color LED Ring Light $169
Not just for makeup tutorials! This Bi-color ring light allows users to adjust the color temperature to adapt to their studio surroundings. Shooting with warm overhead lights? No problem! Using a window source as a key? It can handle that too. By placing your camera right in the middle of the ring light your subject is sure to look great and not cast shadows all over the floor. This light comes with a stand and also an iPhone attachment that places the camera dead center.
Dracast LED Kit $299
For the highest price point on our list the Dracast LED Kit comes with two bi-color brick lights allowing you to adjust your color temperature to your surroundings. With an impressive throw of light these two lights alone can light up the majority of studios you are working in. It comes with light stands, a travel bag, and a smaller fixture for the accent lighting you need to take away some of the distracting shadows in your studio.
Live Stream Lenses
Moment 18mm W/Adapter For Iphone $62
If you go the iPhone route, Moment provides a great lens adapter to give you more out of your phone. With the 18mm you are sure to get plenty wide enough for those large workout sessions and a crisp look to your video. For only $62 the kit includes the adapter needed to simply click on the lens and remove with ease.
Rokinon 35mm F2.8 $275
The Rokinon 35mm provides a great wide angle lens that can be used with any DSLR with e-mount or ef-mount. The color is amazing and with a F stop of 2.8 the shallow depth gives your videos a really high quality look. At a price point of $275 it is hard to beat for what the lens gives you.
Sony Sonnar 24mm F1.8 $1098
The Sony-Ziess partnership has brought us some of the best prosumer lenses out there. This one is no different. The Sony Sonnar 24mm offers a wide shot that can accommodate any workout. With an F1.8 be careful not to shoot so shallow your talent is out of focus. This lens is a great pairing with the Sony A7iii or any e-mount camera and is definitely worth the price.
For those who are looking to up their production value to another level the Xenyx mixer by Behringer is sure to give you great audio mixing for your livestream. A more complex set up, the Xenrx can take up to 5 channels, allowing users to add a music track, and up to 4 other mics so your audience can feel like they are in the studio with you.
If you want something a little simpler when it comes to audio mixing the Maker Hart is a simple plug and play setup with 3 channel 3.5mm stereo input. Plug in your phone for a music track, add your lav mic and you are all set for a great livestream workout.
Tripods
Aureday Portable Tripod $22
If you are looking for a quick setup for your phone or small camera I highly recommend the Aureday Tripod. At just $22 this lightweight tripod reaches up to 62" and makes it easy to film any workout you have in mind. Whether jumping boxes or doing some yoga work, the Aureday's versatility and lightweight makes it a solid cost efficient tripod.
Geekoto AT24Pro Tripod $80
At the mid price point the Geekoto AT24Pro gives you up to 77" of camera height. Its sleek and lightweight design makes it travel ready for on the go filming and changing up angles depending on the workout. With four different lock systems and a payload of 17.6lbs it can handle almost any DSLR camera setup.
Manfrotto 502AH Fluid Tripod $392
The top of our recommended tripods is the Manfrotto 502AH. The fluid head makes operating the tripod smooth and easy for more dynamic workout shots. Though the payload is only 15.5 lbs it will handle most DSLR cameras with minimum setup. The fluid head also lets you shoot 90 degree vertical for those who want to do some Instagram live.
Live Stream Support
Cam Link 4K Recorder Allows Streaming from DSLR $130
The Cam Link 4k recorder is a must if you are going the DSLR route to livestream. Simply plug in your camera using HDMI port on the cam link and usb to your computer and you are ready to go. If your RTMP allows for 4k recording the cam link will deliver that resolution so you have the highest quality video.
Please reach out to your Client Success Manager with any questions!