There are a range of options available to be able to livestream your in-person worship service to Facebook, YouTube or other platforms. Here are a few different options for you to consider, each with different levels of investment required. Don’t forget that if you livestream your services that have music, you will also need to purchase a streaming license through OneLicense or CCLI - the cost varies depending on your membership.
using a smartphone or tablet
if you are going to use a smartphone or tablet to livestream there are a few things you should consider investing in:
unlimited data, unless you can connect to a strong wi-fi signal.
A tripod: here are some good options in different price ranges— an affordable tripod and frame, a better quality tripod, a better mobile phone frame
For the best sound quality, use an external microphone and place it as close as possible to your subject: an affordable wireless lapel mic, an affordable shotgun mic, a better-quality shotgun mic. OR connect your camera or switcher directly to your existing soundboard (using a compressor if necessary)
If you want to use up to 4 phones or tablets, or a mix of cameras that can connect wirelessly, consider a switcher like SlingStudio Hub HD ($999). It will allow you to switch between 4 cameras in real time (manual or auto switching). Import custom and motion graphics, add text overlays, add lower-thirds.
$250+ Possible Church setup:
Source: https://www.nucleus.church/blog/live-stream-setup-for-churches/
phone or tablet
RODE Wireless GO mic system $199 for one mic and 1 reciever or $299 for 2 mics and 1 reciever
headphone adapter if needed ($7)
Rode SC7 3.5 cable ($15)
Mount ($10) and Mic stand adapter ($4)
USING WEBCAMERAS
$800+ POSSIBLE CHURCH SETUP
2 web cameras and 2 computers + Streamyard is the setup used by Trinity, Muscatine. They are working to upgrade their microphones.
2 web cameras $160
Streamyard $20-25/month
2 Chromebooks $400
connection to soundboard or external omnidirectional microphone(s) - depending on your space
A one-camera, all-in-one setup
MEVO. This high quality camera has 6 hrs of battery life and connects to a mobile app on a smartphone or tablet. The app enables you to choose different angles and close ups all from the same camera. It will even zoom in and follow someone as they move around. The app connects to livestreaming platforms to get you online straight away. Highly recommended as a simple, but high quality solution. Connect external audio if desired via 3.5 mm port on the back. Buy an adapter to be able to connect it via ethernet. Live streaming to one destination is included, upgrade to Vimeo Producer ($15/month) to stream to multiple platforms at the same time and add overlay graphics.
$966+ POSSIBLE CHURCH SETUP
Mevo Start $399
Ethernet adapter $149
stand $79
Ipad $329 (or iPhone)
St. Martin’s, Perry uses this Mevo setup. While you can also connect Mevo to a laptop and use it as welcomera (with an application like Zoom) you will lose some functionality.
A single camera setup with a computer
A DSLR camera, video capture card, encoder, tripod and cables. The camera connects to a computer and can output the feed as above. An audio input from an AV system can be added, or the camera’s internal microphone used. Use a platform like Streamyard ($20-25/month - add in titles, overlays, and slides) or Restream (free) to simultaneously stream to multiple platforms like Facebook, YouTube, etc.
cameras
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K $1,295 plus Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 lens $897
Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera Camcorder (approx $220)
Canon EOS 80D (approx $900)
Panasonic Lumix G85 (approx $ 700)
encoders
Blackmagic Design UltraStudio Mini Recorder ($145), a smaller, budget-friendly encoder that connects to your computer and provides access to the Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) program.
The Blackmagic Design Web Presenter ($495)
$2,500+ POSSIBLE CHURCH SETUP
Source: https://www.nucleus.church/blog/live-stream-setup-for-churches/
Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8 lens $897
Elgato Cam Link 4K $129 (encoder)
Monoprice Ultra Slim HDMI $4
Apple USB Type-C to USB Type-A Adapter (if needed) $19
Connection to soundboard or omnidirectional mic(s), depending on the church
Laptop
MULTI-CAMERA SETUPS with a computer
Connect multiple DSLRs, phones/tablets, camcorders, or web cameras through a video switcher to provide several views during the stream.
Video switchers
Pro Mini HDMI live stream switcher ($600) Control up to 4 cameras - also functions as an encoder
If you want to use up to 4 phones or tablets, or a mix of cameras that can connect wirelessly, consider a switcher like SlingStudio Hub HD ($999). It will allow you to switch between 4 cameras in real time (manual or auto switching). Import custom and motion graphics, add text overlays, add lower-thirds.
Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio HD ($1k) Connect up to 8 video sources and external audio
Epiphan Pearl Mini - Record, stream and switch up to three full HD video inputs from HDMI™, SDI, and USB sources. No dedicated computer needed. ($3,500)
other camera options
For mounted cameras, consider PTZ cameras that offer remote control of up to 4 of their cameras over wireless, controlled by a phone or tablet app (functions as the switcher). For sanctuaries or rooms that are smaller, a 12x camera (distance of up to 40 feet). For medium-sized churches, consider a 20x camera for distances of up to 65 feet. For larger cathedrals, auditoriums or large event space, choose a 30x camera for a distance up to 100 feet.
$4,300+ POSSIBLE CHURCH SETUP
2 tripods $50
Misc cables $190
Monitor $90
Laptop
Connections to existing sound system
$7000+ POSSIBLE CHURCH SETUP
Extra CameraLink $349
HDMI Type-A Male to Micro-HDMI Type-D Male with ethernet $9.95
5-port Unmanaged switch $54.99
2 ceiling mounts $26.96
2 quick-release assembly $79.90
PTZOptics app $10.81
Misc cables $190
$10,000+ Possible Church Setup
Download an equipment list from St. Timothy’s, West Des Moines
St. Timothy’s in West Des Moines uses this setup.
2 PTZOptics Romote Controlled Camera $3,600
PC HP Elite Desk 800 $360
3 HP 24" Monitor $330
Scan Disk Flash Memory Cards 2
2 Canon Vixia hf r800 $500
2 Camera Wall Mounts $82
Cables
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING MORE INVOLVED OR TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL SET IT UP?
GRAPHICS/VIDEO/MUSIC STREAMING RESOURCES
Resound Worship: beautiful mp3s and lyric videos that can be purchased and used in online worship with an accompanying CCLI or OneLicense streaming license.
Sovereign Grace worship: Mps that you can purchase and use in online worship with an accompanying license.
Sanctified Art: graphics, videos, and music that can be purchased and used in online worship
The Work of the People: videos that can be purchased and used in online worship, video loops that can be used and edited
Software
OBS Studio (free and open source, limited options)
Ecamm Live (Mac) ($80)
Vmix (PC) ($60)
StreamYard (20-25/mo) can bring in cameras from different locations - like readers from home. Ability to add titles and graphics and incorporate pre-recorded material.
QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about what setup might be right for your particular church and you belong to a church in the Diocese of Iowa, submit your questions and we’ll be happy to be in touch!