Hi, this is the CameraFi Live team.


Many CameraFi Live users connect a DSLR or camcorder to an Android smartphone using an HDMI capture card and broadcast the video from the external camera to YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch.

* If you are new to this or need additional information, please click HERE.

As smartphones cannot handle the external devices with large power consumption, we have recommended HDMI capture cards that consume less current. As the products we mainly recommend are from $100 to $300, some of you may think it is too expensive.

From the beginning of 2020, the Chinese-made HDMI capture cards have been widely distributed at an affordable price from $10 to $30. The CameraFi Live team purchased the products with the expectation that everyone would create high-quality live videos in a mobile environment if they work well on mobile.


We will tell you what products we bought and how the test goes in the two chapters:

1. PRODUCTS
2. COMPATIBILITY TEST


PRODUCTS

We bought eight different products as below:

* The explanation is based on the product description.


  • #1. RULLZ 4K (USB 2.0)
- The cheapest and most popular product
- Video input: up to 4K
- Video output: 1080p(FHD) 30fps


  • #2. RULLZ 4K (USB 3.0)
- Supports USB 3.0
- Video output: 1080p60fps

CameraFi Live only supports 720p60fps. We will check the product is actually sending data at 1080p60fps in the streaming test.


  • #3. HDMI to Type-C
It is the product that we expected the most because it supports a type C connection to connect directly to a smartphone.


  • #4. HDMI to Type-A Audio & Video Capture with Loop

- Supports microphone input, audio monitoring, and HDMI monitoring

Products #5 through #8 seem to have similar functions and performance to product #4, so we will only guide you through the numbers and images.

  • #5. USB 3.0 GAME CAPTURE CARD 4K HDR


  • #6. WIISTAR 4K HD VIDEO CAPTURE


  • #7. HDMI Video Capture With MIC R/L Loop


  • #8. Video Capture Card HDMI 2x1 Switcher & Audio


Let's test if it works with CameraFi Live!


COMPATIBILITY TEST


The CameraFi Live team tested if the capture cards can send the video source through an Android smartphone.

Tests are conducted under the following conditions:


Test Environment
  • Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
  • USB Hub(for power supply): Next USB Type C Multi Adapter JCA374
  • Camcorder: Sony HDR-PJ675
  • Type-A to Type-C USB Connector


Test Connection Configuration
  • Configuration 1: Camcorder - (HDMI cable) - HDMI capture card - Smartphone
  • Configuration 2: Camcorder - (HDMI cable) - USB Hub(+portable battery or USB power bank) - Smartphone


Test Scenario

  • Try first with Configuration 1, and if there is no video shown, try Configuration 2.


We will now share the results with photos!


Test Results: #1 and #2

#1. RULLZ 4K (USB 2.0)

#2. RULLZ 4K (USB 3.0)

  • No connection at Configuration 1.
  • It works only with a power supply through a USB hub at Configuration 2.


<pictures testing with product #1 and #2>


Test Results: #3

#3. HDMI to Type-C

  • Works at Configuration 1.
  • Thanks to the type-C cable, it is expected to be the most easy-to-use product with a smartphone.

<a picture testing with product #3>


Test Results: #4 to #8

#4. HDMI to Type-A Audio & Video Capture with Loop

#5. USB 3.0 GAME CAPTURE CARD 4K HDR

#6. WIISTAR 4K HD VIDEO CAPTURE

#7. HDMI Video Capture With MIC R/L Loop

#8. Video Capture Card HDMI 2x1 Switcher & Audio


  • No connection at Configuration 1.
  • It works only with a power supply through a USB hub at Configuration 2.

<pictures testing with product #4 to #8>

Test Summary

  • All products work well with Configuration 2.
  • Only product #3 works without a power supply.


✔ NOTE:

Some products were compatible at Configuration 1 only if the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is fully charged. However, with the battery consumed a certain amount, the results were the same as above.


<table: cheap HDMI capture cards compatibility test results>


In the next series, we will test the resolution and fps. Please click HERE.


If you have any questions, please leave us a comment or send us an email via apps.help@vaultmicro.com.

Thank you.