The most obvious thing you’ll need to livestream is a camera with a data connection. This can be your mobile device, tablet, laptop or a data-enabled digital camera. For tablets and laptops, you’ll need to make sure you have a working default webcam. If not, you can purchase any number of external webcams, many of which plug in easily through a USB port.
| Device Name | Features |
| Alcatel ONETOUCH Fierce | Cost: US$27.99-US$99.99
OS: Android Camera: 5 Megapixels Video Resolution: 720p HD Battery Life: 8 hours talk time, 19 days standby time |
| Sony Xperia Miro | Cost: US$155
OS: Android Camera: 5 Megapixels Video Resolution: VGA 30 fps Battery Life: 5 hours talk time, 19.5 days standby time |
| Nokia Lumia 521 | Cost: US$0-US$144
OS: Windows Camera: 5 Megapixels Video Resolution: 720p HD Battery Life: 7.5 hours talk time, 12.5 days standby time |
| Samsung Galaxy Express | Cost: US$249
OS: Android Camera: Rear-facing 5 Megapixels; front-facing 1.3 Megapixels Video Resolution: 720p HD Battery Life: 14 hours talk times, 13 days standby time |
| Samsung Galaxy S2 | Cost: US$336-US$415
OS: Android Camera: 8 Megapixels Video Resolution: 1080p Full HD Battery Life: 7 hours talk time, 6.9 days standby time |
| HTC One | Cost: US$149.99-US$649.99
OS: Android Camera: UltraPixel; front camera 2.1 Megapixels Video Resolution: 1080 full HD Battery Life: 18 hours talk time, 20 days standby time |
You’ll also need an internet connection in order to live stream. Bambuser, for example, suggests “as little as 100 Kpbs of upload bandwidth”. If you are planning a live stream, you can test your speed in advance on speedtest.net.
In this guide, we review the following live streaming platforms: Bambuser, Google Hangouts On Air/YouTube, Livestream, Justin.tv and Ustream.tv.
Many of these platforms provide software applications for mobile devices and tablets. Many also provide software for streaming through your computer via a video camera or webcam (cameras that are built-in or tethered to your computer).
Bambuser will allow you to record video if you have no connectivity or lose it at some point while shooting, and to upload it later. While it’s best to plan for connectivity and take steps to find a connection in advance, this will sometimes be out of your control.