NearStream VM20 Review: Affordable Zoom-Packed Livestream Camera
By Josh Diaz — Cinematographer & Owner of Forkright Films
First Impressions
Another livestream camera just landed on my desk. I don’t even livestream, but I’ve been sent a few of these lately, so here we are. This time, it’s the NearStream VM20—a compact 4K camera with a surprising 40x zoom and a remote that feels like it came from your TV.
What's in the Box
Out of the box, it’s simple: a USB-C cable (with an adapter for older ports), a remote, and the camera itself. No battery, no SD slot—this is meant to be plugged in and left alone.
Design and Build
The build is utilitarian. There’s a tally light, a solid set of ports, and an industrial vibe that makes it feel at home in a studio corner. Image-wise, it won’t touch a mirrorless camera, especially in low light, but for general streaming use, it’s functional and reliable.
Zoom and Controls
The 10x optical zoom is sharp, and the digital zoom pushes things further than most people will need. You can control pan, zoom, exposure, and more with the remote or their desktop app. It’s a bit strange adjusting contrast and white balance from a remote, but it works.
Final Thoughts
There’s no subject tracking or cinematic quality here, but for under $300, it’s a solid option for multi-cam streams or static podcast setups. I could see three of these covering a studio pretty efficiently.
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