Recommended hardware for online and hybrid events
If your gear doesn’t reach the minimum requirements, it can cause technical problems such as frozen screens or your operational system being stuck. With this in mind, this article intends to list reliable recommendations of the best devices to run virtual or hybrid events.
Technical requirements
We recommend thinking about all-in-one displays desktop computer system for your needs. Other specs that you should keep in mind are:
- Google Chrome 54.0; Safari 10.0;
- Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 10, Macintosh OS X v10.6 or greater;
- A minimum of 2 GB of RAM, 4 GB of which is recommended;
- JavaScript, as well as cookies, should be allowed in the web browser;
- 16-bit audio card;
- Webcam or the use of a capture card with the video camera;
Audio
If the audience can't hear you properly, it will be harder to keep them engaged throughout the event. We recommend investing in a microphone setup that will provide strong audio support. The market has plenty of good options such as lapel mics, shotguns mics, and handheld mics for recording high-quality audio during your events.
Recommended equipment:
- Lavalier Microphone FULAM WM500 UHF
- Wireless Headset Lavalier Microphone System - Alvoxcon Dual Wireless Lapel Mic
- Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser USB Microphone
- Audio-Technica AT875R Line
- Gradient Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Video
The high-quality video streaming required for online and hybrid events requires the right video equipment, including cameras, lenses, tripods, and a green screen.
Cameras
When selecting a camera you should always look for models with a clean HDMI video output, meaning that the icons and other information is seen on the camera's display won't be displayed in your video output. Most top-end DSLR and mirrorless camera models will meet this requirement, however, for some older camera models, a firmware update might be needed for it to properly work.
Recommended equipment:
- Canon M50 Mark II
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
- Canon EOS 6D Mark II
- Canon EOS 90D
- Sony Alpha 9 II
- Sony FX3
- Sony Alpha 7R IV
- Nikon Z7 II
- Nikon Z6
- Nikon D850
- Elgato Facecam
Lenses
Longer focal lengths will prevent extension distortion on your image. Whenever possible, use lenses with a focal length of 45mm or more (for full-frame cameras, if your camera has a cropped sensor, shorter focal lengths should do the trick). It is also important to remember that faster lenses (with a lower F-number) will allow you to use shallower depth-of-field.
Recommended equipment:
- Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L
- Canon RF 85mm F/1.2L
- Canon RF 28-70mm F/2L USM
- Sigma 50-100mm F/1.8 DC HSM
- Sony SEL FE 85mm F1.4 GM
- Sony SEL FE 24-70mm F/2.8 GM
- Nikon 85mm F/1.4 G
- Nikon 50mm F/1.8
Connectors
Cam Link is an HDMI tethering device that will connect any high-end camera (that has an HDMI output) to your computer, turning your DSLR camera, camcorder, or action cam into a professional webcam.
Recommended equipment:
- Elgato Cam Link
- BlueAVS Capture Card
- CLEASO HDMI Capture Card
Tripods
Regular ball-head tripods are fine if you don't plan to perform camera movements during your transmissions. However, if cameras movements are part of your plans, prefer using fluid tripod heads.
Recommended equipment:
- Manfrotto Tripods
- Manfrotto head 526
- Manfrotto head 509HD
- Manfrotto 504HD
Green screen
This piece of equipment is a must in any content creator toolbox. It basically lets you drop in whatever background images you want behind the actors and/or foreground.
Recommended equipment:
- Elgato Green Screen
- ePhoto Chromakey Green Screen
- Limo Photo Video Studio green screen
- Fancierstudio Green Screen Background
- MUVR Lab Green Photo & Video Backdrop
Lighting
Lighting plays an important role when it comes to creating moods and emotions in attendees, and making sure your speakers are presented clearly to your audience. When purchasing lighting equipment, you should look for brightness and adjustability. Some equipment you might want to consider, depending on your budget, are key lights, light diffusers, daylight light bulbs, and ring lights.
Recommended equipment:
- Ulanzi VL49 RGB Video Light
- LED Camera Lights 2500 - 9000K
- Dimmable Led panel lamp
- Ring lights with tripods
- Light Panel Softbox Kamerar D-Fuse Trapezoid LED
