The Best Video Capture Cards for Live Streaming and Recording
Compare the Top Video Capture Card of 2023
ElgatoCam Link Capture Card – Best Overall
Key Features
- Plug N Produce feature to help you convert your laptop to a webcam with ease
- Compatible with most DSLR models for producing clear and sharp videos
- Reinforced with ultra-low latency for reducing the lag in the transmitted signal
If you are looking for a video capture card considered one of the best, this will be the ideal product. Thanks to its compact design, you won’t have to make any special arrangements for traveling. You can even keep it in your pocket or jacket easily, owing to its slender and slim shape. However, its compatibility with multiple input devices like the Camcorder, action camera, and DSLR is most loved among its features. So, you won’t have to worry about having any specific video capturing device to use this hardware capture card. In addition, it can easily stream videos in two different resolutions having varying shutter speeds. If you want to stream the 1080p resolution video, the shutter speed must be 60fps. In contrast, for 4K video resolution, you need to keep the speed of about 30fps.
Capture Video Card with Loop-Out – Best For Real-Time Signal Transmission
Key Features
- USB 3.0 technology to increase the data transfer rate five times the normal speed
- Advanced-level microprocessor to make the capture card compatible with several I/O devices
- Travel-size friendly due to its compact, portable design
When you want to stream a video live, you cannot afford any equipment that causes lags or delays. This card’s latency has been minimized dramatically due to the HDMI Loop-Out feature. This reduces the delays in signal transmission, and hence, no time gap will be there between your action and the streamed video timing. You can plug in the gaming consoles with the HDMI Loop Out port to reduce the latency and stream the game videos. Besides, you can also use it for video conferences, online meetings, and others since the card can capture and transmit both the videos and audios in real-time.
AverMedia Live Gamer Capture Card – Best For Gaming
Key Features
- Can transfer videos captured within a speed range of 60 fps to 240 fps
- High-quality and powerful microprocessor to help in fast transmission without any delays
- Compatible with devices having Windows 10 as well as MacOS 10.15 and above
Suppose you are looking for a video capture card for streaming the games in real-time. In that case, the AverMedia Live Gamer Capture card might be best. It offers ultra-low latency, which is even less than 50 milliseconds, making it ideal for online video games such as Spelunky that demand cat-like reflexes. This card also allows you to record high-quality videos having 4K resolution. However, this video capture card is only compatible with devices having a Thunderbolt 3.0 port. Thus, you can only connect it to a few gaming consoles and laptops.
BlueAVS HDMI Video Capture Card – Best Design
Key Features
- Configured in a way to support multiple input devices like DSLRs, camcorders, action cameras, and many more
- Almost negligible latency to help in transmitting the signals in real-time shoots
- Bolstered with next-gen microprocessor for clear transmission of both audio and video
If you want to stream videos outdoors or during a vacation, having this BlueAVS HDMI video capture card will be ideal for you. It has a slim, elongated, and sturdy body that will keep the microprocessor chip and the internal circuitry safe from any damage. Besides, this capture card is perfect for high-quality medical imaging and recording videos while coaching and teaching. You will find the connection cord and video capture card separated in the package. So, carry the device and cord with the camera and laptop for live streaming.
Skyline 4K Video Capture Card – Also Consider
Key Features
- Reinforced with both HDMI in and out ports for better real-time transmission
- Compatible for streaming both mainstream and live videos with ease
- Data transfer rate at a rate of 5 Gbps to ensure zero delays in signal transmission
If you want to stream high-quality videos with enhanced picture resolution and quality, this is the best product to count on. You won’t have to suffer from lags during signal transmission owing to the card’s USB 3.0 technology. In addition, it can also transfer both the 4K and 1080p videos at a speed of 60 fps and 30 fps, respectively. One of the salient features of this card is the availability of headphones and microphone output ports. Hence, you will be able to use either the mic or the earphones for producing audio outputs in amplified form.
Most Elite Video Capture Cards Buying Guide
Since the demand for video capture cards has escalated lately, several products have been launched with different features. With so many options, it’s evident that you might get confused in making a proper buying decision. That’s why we have compiled a brief buying guide where we have explained certain factors that you should consider to save yourself from this predicament.
How does the video capture card work?
The function of the video capture card is quite simple to understand. It takes the video output from the camera or camcorder and converts the analog signal to the digital data stream. Once the microprocessor completes this step, the digital data is transmitted to output devices like laptops or PCs, which stream the video on any platform.
What are the main factors you have to consider for the best video capture card?
Shape and Size
It’s very important to consider both the shape and size of the capture card. If you buy the hardware only for indoor live streaming, you can get any size or shape. However, if you want to use it for outdoor streaming, you must choose a sleek and compact design having either a square or rectangular shape.
Performance
Since the quality of your live streaming will depend on the capture card, you need to make sure its performance is not jeopardized. That’s why you should check the type of video resolutions it can support along with the shutter speed. Also, you have to consider the transfer speed, which is always more in cards having USB 3.0 technology.
Material
You should choose a video capture card made from high-quality material with enhanced robustness and a sturdy frame. Apart from this, it must have a thick enclosure so that you can carry it from one place to another without the apprehension of its breakage.
Device Compatibility
You also have to check the compatibility of the capture card with both the input and output devices. It’s better to choose a model that comes with HDMI input and output ports, so it is easier to connect it to any digital interface, like the DSLRs, action cams, laptops, and more.
What are some unique characteristics of the best video capture card?
- An HDMI port with Loop Out will help reduce the latency in signal transmission via the video capture card
- It will be best if your chosen product has USB 3.0 technology because it increases the data speed up to 5 Gbps
- Having a video capture card with a microphone or earphone slots will help you provide excellent audio outputs
Who needs the video capture card device?
The video capture card devices are mainly used for live video streaming. That’s why the demand for this hardware device is more among gamers who need to stream a video with no lagging. It is also essential for video conferences, online meetings, teaching, and other formal purposes. You can even get this accessory for streaming a cooking video, a dance video, or a tutorial.
Video Capture Cards FAQs
A: No, you cannot use the capture cards with the SLR cameras since they cannot record high-quality videos, which are important for live streaming.
A: With the help of the HDMI Loop Out port, you can connect the HDMI supportive output devices to the camera or camcorder and stream videos without any latency or lag in the transmitted signals.
A: No, if you use a webcam to stream the live video, you won't have to use the capture card. However, using the webcam will reduce the video quality, so you have to use the camera or camcorder. Therefore, you will need the capture card.
