How To Connect a Camera to Your Phone for Streaming
Julia EskinUpdated Connecting a camera to your phone for streaming with EventLive depends on the type of phone you have and the camera you want to use. Here’s what you need to know and how to get started.
Using an iPhone
- iPhones do not support connecting external cameras (like Canon, Panasonic, or GoPro) directly for live streaming.
- Apple iOS does not recognize external webcams or cameras for live streaming apps.
- You cannot use a capture card with an iPhone to bring in video from a camera.
- If you want to use a professional camera, connect it to a Mac and use EventLive for Mac, or to a Windows PC and use EventLive for Windows with an HDMI capture device that works as a USB webcam. Streaming software like OBS also works.
Tip: The easiest way to stream with EventLive on iPhone is to use the iPhone’s built-in camera. The quality is usually very good, especially with a strong internet connection.
Using an Android Phone
You can connect some cameras to Android phones for streaming, but it requires extra equipment and apps.
What You Need
- An Android phone with USB OTG (On-The-Go) support
- A capture card (HDMI to USB)
- A compatible camera (DSLR, mirrorless, GoPro, etc.)
- A third-party app like USB Camera Pro, Larix Broadcaster, or CameraFi
Troubleshooting Tips
- App not detecting camera: Check if your phone supports USB OTG and that you have given the app permission to access USB devices.
- Audio issues: Some setups may not transmit audio from the camera. Test your setup before the event.
- Compatibility: Not all Android phones or cameras will work with this method. Try a free test before your event.
Important Notes
- This process is more complicated than using EventLive's app.
- iPhones do not support this method at all due to Apple’s restrictions.
- For most users, using the phone’s camera is the easiest and most reliable way to stream with EventLive.
Additional Tips
- An iPhone can't take video from a professional camera. Connect the camera to a Mac running EventLive for Mac or a Windows PC running EventLive for Windows instead, or to a computer with streaming software like OBS. See our guide: How to live stream with DSLR, mirrorless or other professional cameras
- Always test your setup before your event to make sure everything works as expected.
- For best results, ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection.