💻 Streaming PC

Cost: $800-1,200

Recommended Specs

• CPU: Intel i5-13400 or AMD Ryzen 5 7600
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (NVENC encoder for streaming)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4/DDR5
• Storage: 500GB NVMe SSD (OS + OBS) + 1TB HDD (recordings)
• PSU: 650W 80+ Bronze

Why These Specs

• NVENC encoding: RTX 4060 has dedicated hardware encoder for streaming (minimal CPU impact)
• Multi-tasking: Run OBS + browser + chat + music without lag
• Future-proof: Handles 1080p60 streaming with multi-cam switching

📷 Main Camera: Sony A6400

Cost: $900 (body only or with kit lens)

Why This Camera

• Clean HDMI output: Streams at 1080p60 via HDMI (no recording indicators)
• No recording limit: Run for hours without auto-shutoff
• Best autofocus: Real-time Eye AF keeps you sharp even when moving
• Flip screen: Monitor yourself while streaming
• Dummy battery: Run on AC power (no battery swaps mid-stream)

Recommended Lens

• Sony 35mm f/1.8 OSS ($200) — Perfect for upper-body framing with background blur
• Sigma 16mm f/1.4 ($350) — Wider angle for full-body shots in small spaces

🎥 Secondary Camera

Cost: $200-900

Option A: Logitech Brio 4K ($200)

• Pros: Plug-and-play, 4K, good autofocus, affordable
• Cons: Lower quality than mirrorless, limited depth of field
• Best for: Face cam while main camera shows full-body

Option B: Second Mirrorless Camera ($700-900)

• Pros: Matching quality to main cam, cinematic depth of field
• Cons: More expensive, requires second capture card
• Best for: Close-up angle (face) + wide angle (full-body)

🎬 Capture Card: Elgato Cam Link 4K

Cost: $120 each (buy 2 for multi-cam setup)

What It Does

Converts HDMI output from your camera into a USB webcam signal that OBS recognizes. Allows you to use mirrorless cameras as high-quality webcams.

Why Elgato

• Supports 1080p60 and 4K30
• Reliable drivers (works with OBS, Streamlabs, etc.)
• Low latency
• Industry standard for camera-to-PC streaming

💡 Lighting: Godox SL-60W (x2)

Cost: $300-400 for 2-light kit

What’s Included

• 2x Godox SL-60W LED lights (60W each)
• 2x softboxes (24×24″ or octagon)
• 2x light stands

Why Godox

• Professional power: 60W is 3x brighter than budget softboxes
• Bowens mount: Compatible with any modifier (softbox, beauty dish, grid)
• Dimmable: 0-100% brightness control
• Flicker-free: Safe for high frame rate video
• Daylight-balanced: 5600K color temp matches natural light

Setup

• Key Light: 45° to your left/right, eye level, 75% power
• Fill Light: Opposite side, 40% power to soften shadows
• Optional Hair Light: Behind you pointing at hair (creates separation from background)

🎤 Audio: Shure SM7B + Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Cost: $500 total

Breakdown

• Shure SM7B: $400 — Broadcast-grade mic (used by podcasters, streamers)
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo: $120 — USB audio interface (phantom power for mic)
• Boom arm + cables: $40 — Rode PSA1 or cheap Amazon boom

Why This Setup

• Broadcast quality: Sounds like a professional radio host
• Noise rejection: Rejects room echo and background noise
• Warm, rich voice: Flattering for all voice types
• Industry standard: Used by top podcasters and streamers

🎛️ Stream Deck: Elgato Stream Deck

Cost: $150 (15-key version)

What It Does

Programmable buttons for OBS scene switching, muting/unmuting, starting/stopping stream, launching apps, adjusting audio. Eliminates need to alt-tab during streams.

Example Buttons

• Scene 1: Main camera (full-body angle)
• Scene 2: Close-up camera (face/upper-body)
• Scene 3: Multi-cam (both angles side-by-side or picture-in-picture)
• Mute/Unmute: Toggle mic on/off
• BRB Scene: “Be Right Back” screen with music
• Chat Overlay: Toggle chat overlay on/off

🔧 Essential Accessories

Total Cost: $300-500

• Monitor (24-27″): $150-200 — To view OBS, chat, camera preview
• HDMI cables (x2): $20 — Camera to capture card
• USB hub (powered): $30 — Capture cards + Stream Deck need USB ports
• Dummy batteries (x2): $40 — AC power for cameras (no battery swaps)
• Green screen (optional): $50-80 — Collapsible or wall-mounted
• Cable management: $20 — Velcro ties, cable clips

OBS Studio (Free) — Recommended

• Pros: Free, open-source, powerful, infinitely customizable
• Cons: Steeper learning curve than alternatives
• Best for: Multi-cam setups, advanced scene switching, custom overlays

Streamlabs OBS (Free)

• Pros: Easier to learn, built-in overlays and alerts
• Cons: More resource-heavy than OBS, occasional bugs
• Best for: Beginners who want quick setup

Pre-Stream Setup (15 min)

1. Turn on lights (key + fill, adjust brightness)
2. Power on cameras + check framing
3. Launch OBS, confirm all camera feeds are active
4. Test audio levels (mic + music)
5. Launch chat monitor (Chatty, Streamlabs chat box)
6. Go live on cam site or streaming platform

During Stream

• Scene switching: Use Stream Deck to switch between cameras (main cam, close-up, multi-view)
• Audio control: Mute/unmute mic as needed (Stream Deck hotkey)
• Engagement: Monitor chat on second screen, respond to tips/requests

Post-Stream

• Save stream recording (if enabled)
• Export highlights for social media promo
• Review earnings + tip data
• Plan next stream (timing, theme, goals)

Scenario: Earning $3,500/month from cam shows

Investment: $4,000 for Pro Streamer Stack

Expected impact: 20-30% earnings boost from improved visual quality, multi-cam engagement, professional presentation

New monthly income: $4,200-4,500

ROI timeline: $4,000 investment pays for itself in ~5-6 months

Bottom line: If you’re already earning $3K+/month from live streaming, this stack is a business expense that pays for itself quickly. Better quality = more viewers, longer sessions, higher tips.