WebinarGeek Tech Favorites

A good webinar setup or studio requires the right equipment. But a quick search in Google leaves you mostly clueless and possibly not able to see the forest for the trees. Is a camera better than a webcam? Which microphone should I actually have? And how am I supposed to choose out of all those different studio lights?

Don’t worry! We understand that the world of live streaming can be very overwhelming. That’s why we have listed our favorite equipment especially for you. With this equipment, you can get the most out of your webinars and you can be sure that they are compatible with WebinarGeek.

Webcam

Let's start with the webcam. A webcam is easy to connect to your laptop and requires little knowledge of camera equipment and/or settings. With an HD webcam, you create a sharp image quality that you would normally not expect from a webcam.

If you have watched one of our webinars before, you can probably already guess: We are fans of the Logitech C920 HD webcam. This webcam has a good HD image quality and also has a built-in microphone.

We use the C920 in all webinars that are given outside our studio. Definitely a WebinarGeek favorite!

Logitech® HD Pro Webcam C920 - Black

Camera

Do you have the knowledge and the right software or hardware to connect a camera as a webcam? Then you can opt for a camera with an HDMI connection instead of a webcam.

Almost all recent camera models have an HDMI connection. It is therefore important to decide which brand you prefer and what else you want to use the camera for.

Would you like a versatile but also handy camera that you can easily take on the road? Then go for a mirrorless camera such as the Sony A7R III or the Sony A6400.

Sony Alpha 6400

Sony A7R III

Do you prefer a more professional camera that offers more options? Then take a look at a DSLR camera.

Camera to Webcam

A camera is not a plug-and-play solution. Often additional hardware or software is required that converts the camera so that it’s recognized by the browser as a webcam.

You can use software such as OBS, for example. But many camera brands also have their own webcam apps, such as Fujifilm, Canon, and Panasonic. With these apps, you can use your camera as a webcam by connecting it to your computer via USB cable.

If you use a more professional setup with more cameras and/or microphones, you can work with the BlackMagic ATEM Mini (Pro). This compact switcher gives you the freedom to work with multiple video and audio inputs and to physically switch between them.

The BlackMagic ATEM Mini (Pro) is immediately recognized by WebinarGeek as a webcam, so no additional software is required.

Blackmagic Design Atem Mini pro

Blackmagic Design Atem Mini

Microphone

Before you buy a microphone, think of exactly what you want the microphone for. Of course, the microphone must provide a clean sound. But if you use a USB microphone while you move or walk around a lot during your webinar, you’ll probably find that you’re not audible.

So ask yourself: What am I doing during my webinar?

Do you mainly sit at a desk during your webinar? Then choose a USB table microphone. You can easily place this microphone on your desk and connect it to your laptop. Often these microphones also look aesthetically pleasing, so it won’t be distracting when your microphone is in the picture. In this case, you can choose the Blue Snowball, for example.

Blue Snowball Classic - White

Blue Snowball Classic - Black

Do you have a larger budget and do you want even better sound quality? Then go for the Blue Yeti. The big brother of the Blue Snowball microphone.

If you move a lot and don't want to be tied to your laptop or camera, you can opt for a wireless microphone system, such as the Rode Wireless Go. With or without a lavalier microphone, this wireless set gives you the ultimate freedom of movement during your webinar. Plus, because of the compact size, the microphone can also be easily hidden!

RØDE Wireless Go Compact Microphone System

Studio lights

If you are one of the lucky ones who has natural daylight at your disposal, you can skip this part. Daylight is always preferred with regard to light because it appears the most natural on camera. If you do not have enough daylight, you can purchase studio lights to create better lighting.

LedGO E268C Bi-Color

You can go all out with studio lights, but again, check exactly what you need. A single ring light is enough for a webinar set up at your desk. Ring lamps are a fairly simple solution for an even exposure of your face.