Does PRO HDMI capture matter? AVMATRIX UC1218 Tryout

I test out the AVMATRIX UC1218 HDMI capture device with YUY2 uncompressed 1080p 60fps output connected to the Canon M6ii, Sony A6000, and Nikon Z5. I compare it to a generic HDMI USB capture device I had on-hand. Is there any difference in output? The most interesting test is probably when I compare the UC1218 to the internal Nikon Z5 recording. Let's find out if a device like this is worth the cost.
AVMATRIX UC1218 HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture device:
Amazon: amzn.to/3QjDRLQ
B&H: bhpho.to/3Gt8Noy
Adorama: adorama.rfvk.net/Jr1Bqv
ebay: ebay.us/nHsv68
My related article on the device:
photographybanzai.com/2023/01/11/avmatrix-uc1218-hdmi-to-usb-video-capture-tryout/
Check out their website for additional information (not affiliated):
www.avmatrix.com/products/hdmi-usb-capture-uc1218/
I received this device at no cost, but AVMATRIX had no say in the content of this video. I'm not receiving much benefit from keeping the device given how much time and effort it takes to produce a video along with income tax on the retail value. Details on these types of collaborations: photographybanzai.com/collaboration-terms/
Information from the product listing (modified by me):
* Size is 72x58x19mm and net weight is 205g.
* Uncompressed video & audio capture, HDMI in and audio line-in, comply with UVC and UAC, automatic input signal detection, up to 1080p60hz. The audio codec is 2-channel 169 bit up to PCM 478kHz 1536kbps (I didn't test or verify this...)
* With the AVMATRIX UC1218 Camera Capture Card, your DSLR, Camcorder, Action Cam can be a webcam in 1080P60 for Conferencing, Home Office, Church, Health Care video and audio capture. Then record or livestream on OBS, KZbin, Zoom, Teams, and Twitch.
* Driver free and it is compatible with operating systems such as Windows 7/8/10, Linux (Kernel version 2.6.38 and above), macOS (10.8 and above), and working with mainstream streaming media software and live platforms such as OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), Skype, ZOOM, Teams, Google Meet, KZbin Live, QuickTime Player, Facetime, Wirecast, CAMTASIA, Twitch, etc. Making it easier for real-time streaming.
* Support live video streaming, webcasting, video conferencing, church livestream, personal Live broadcast and so on. And you also can share your gameplay, high-definition video capture, medical videos to a larger screen, or record the video you like directly to your hard drive without a time restriction (if your camera supports clean HDMI output).
I hope you enjoyed this video. Subscribing, liking, sharing, and using the "super thanks" feature helps out a lot! Thanks ;) As a B&H, Adorama, KEH, Acdsee, eBay, Walmart, Best Buy, Moment, and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other links are potentially affiliated as well.

[@ScottJWaldron]

AVMATRIX UC1218 HDMI to USB 3.0 Video Capture device: Amazon: amzn.to/3QjDRLQ B&H: bhpho.to/3Gt8Noy Adorama: adorama.rfvk.net/Jr1Bqv ebay: ebay.us/nHsv68 As a B&H, Adorama, KEH, Acdsee, eBay, Walmart, Best Buy, Moment, and Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Other links are potentially affiliated as well. Check out their website for additional information (not affiliated): www.avmatrix.com/products/hdmi-usb-capture-uc1218/

[@IvanRiveraStagea]

There is a very noticeable difference over the generic capture card. Even when the generic card wasn't dropping frames, its image just looked washed-out in comparison. I guess a curve adjustment can help it, but why bother when you have a better device at hand. 😅

[@ScottJWaldron]

Yeah, I agree there on a visible difference. That cheap device (really has no name besides "HD Video Capture Live Streaming") I picked up a few years ago on ebay served its purpose and can be sufficient for people trying to do video conferencing or whatever, but definitely has limitations. It looks quite a bit worse by default in the advanced color modes compared to what I showed in the video. These clips are after quick adjustment in OBS (Properties on the source and then "configure video"... interestingly enough each capture device had different sliders enabled.). This was clipped down a lot to make it moderately watch-able. 😄

[@TheAudioDabbler]

I have the same capture card and haven't used it in a bit. I tried to use it today and it is only showing up in OBS at 640x480. I have tried different USB ports, HDMI cables, and computers and they all seem to have the same issue. Any thoughts?

[@ScottJWaldron]

Do you mean the AVMatrix or the generic one? The AVMatrix does seem to be finicky about USB ports. Not sure what to tell you if that's the problem could be an incompatability between it and your motherboard's ports. The port should have blue plastic to indicate the right type but motherboard makers don't always follow the specification. You could consider buying an add-on PCI-E USB port card to get more ports and hopefully something more compatible (USB 3.1 Gen1 or USB 3.0 according to AVMatrix). I haven't experienced that issue. Considering it doesn't need specific drivers installed, I'm not sure why it would be outputting at that resolution. What camera? Also, make sure your camera is outputting the correct resolution. I'd suggest setting the camera to 1080p at 30 or 60 fps. I have use it for hours at a time multiple times per week streaming with a Sony A6000 but I have used it with different cameras without issue. As for the generic one there is not guarantee it's the same thing. They could look the same on the outside and have different internals.

[@ryanleethomas]

Any chance you could elaborate more about your HDR mode for the Canon? I'm currently using an Elgato 4K 60 Pro MK ii and only intend to record in 30 fps, as I wanted the HDR passthrough in 4K, and it seems as though the HDR mode drops the HDMI out to 1080p at 30fps. You also mentioned a neutral profile, and I know that you can set profiles on the camera on manual and auto exposure, but not manual HDR movie mode as it sets all the parameters for you. I use my own neutral profile in the former two, but I can't seem to access clean 4K HDR out on HDMI over this card. My OBS settings aren't dissimilar, but before I even get there I'd like to know how you've set your camera internally if you care to share. Thanks!

[@ScottJWaldron]

That HDR recording mode you are thinking of is not it. "HDMI HDR output" is in tab 4 (yellow wrench icon) and it's the 4th item down the list. It's available regardless of the actual HDMI out setting and can be on while 4K clean output is enabled. Whether it actually is 10 bit I can't say for absolute certainty. My atomos Ninja V and this Avmatrix device don't have an issue when it's enabled. As you mentioned, the picture profiles are as normal and don't have anything to do with that HDR movie mode which has a bunch of limitations. There was one Canon webpage that mentioned 10-bit 4:2:2 clean HDMI out for the M6 Mark II, but didn't give setting details. It's also no longer on their website because they revamped it. However a copy exists on the Internet Archive: web.archive.org/web/20200924060716/www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/learn/education/topics/article/2019/august/4k-and-full-hd-video-with-the-eos-m6-mark-ii

[@ScottJWaldron]

I compiled what information I have in a website article: photographybanzai.com/2023/03/06/canon-m6-mark-ii-hdmi-10-bit-output/

[@ryanleethomas]

@@ScottJWaldron The world needs more kind souls like you. Thanks for the time and effort on this!

[@farhanbadru6441]

Wow nice comparison! Can u compare avmatrix with blackmagic recorder 3G ( thunderbolt)?

[@ScottJWaldron]

I have no access to the Blackmagic recorder 3G device.

[@affegnagi8784]

Hello, unfortunately I can't speak English very well! I'm doing IRL Stream and I have a question! Can I do that? AVMATRIX SE1217 H.265/264 HDMI Streaming Encoder to a Nighthawk M1 4G and the Sony FDR-X3000 4K via power Banks since I don't get a Bellabox in my Country

[@ScottJWaldron]

You need to contact Avmartix about their encoder. I've never used it. www.avmatrix.com/contact-us/ Looking at the spec sheet of the SE1217, it has DC power-in that needs to be rated for 12 volt 2 amps (5 watts consumption). Your battery source would need to be able to provide that. I've never tried IRL streaming though it's also a topic I'm interested in.

[@alphabeets]

Talking too fast.

[@ScottJWaldron]

There is a feature to slow videos down. Click the gear icon in the player and select one of the various playback speed options.