There's a new challenger in the streaming camera arena: enter the Hollyland VenusLiv
The 5-inch touchscreen is designed to be used horizontally or vertically - to suit the aspect ratio of the channel you are streaming to. It can swing through 180° and rotate through 310°(Image credit: Hollyland)
If you hear the name Hollyland, you might presume that I'm going to tell you about a new entry to our best microphones guide. Instead, however, Hollyland has entered the live streaming camera market with its new camera, the VenusLiv.
This has been designed specifically for live production such as shopping, online courses, podcasting, and other small indoor live streaming activities.
The Hollyland VenusLiv combines convenience and compact - with a built-in 24-70mm zoom lens and a 12-megapixel 1/2-inch sensor. With a 1080P 60fps video output, it is designed as a plug-and-play option for anyone wanting to get more professional-looking streams.
The VenusLiv supports Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP), a key capability for live broadcasting, which enables users to stream on numerous platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. RTMP is a communication technology that is ideal for streaming as it delivers low-latency and high-quality video and audio.
(Image credit: Hollyland)
This camera also features built-in USB video class (UVC) capability, which means there is no need for a video capture card – again making this a true plug-in-and-play device for anyone. Users can simply connect VenusLiv to their computer via USB 3.0 and start streaming directly.
For those wondering about autofocus, the VenusLIiv is equipped with hybrid AF capabilities and uses phase and contrast technology to quickly focus on foreground objects, ensuring images always stay sharp and clear. The powerful, easy-to-use HollyOS system, plus effortless focus adjustments and frame monitoring, always captures the shot that users want.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
VenusLiv also has a unique color-tuning feature that enables users to adjust the appearance of the main subject without changing the color of other items. For example, this can beautify the person presenting while preserving the true appearance of a product – sounds a bit like temperature control to me, but I could be wrong.
Overall this sounds like a great solution for anyone wanting to up their video quality for live streaming or to make it a career.
I say career, as opposed to those looking to start out in streaming, as the Hollyland VenusLiv is priced at $999 in the US – which isn't a lot for a quality broadcasting camera as feature-packed as this, but it might be out of reach for those just dipping their toes into the live streaming pool.
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
