Elgato's Cam Link 4K vs a Cheap Capture Card (Comparison)

--SAVE MONEY ON STREAMING GEAR--
I just launched free a tool that tracks down killer deals on streaming gear and other PC tech. Check it out (and bookmark it) at techaudit.tv/deals!
--GENERIC CAPTURE CARD--
Because these keep going out of stock, I've listed multiple listings. They are all the same, so go with the best price!
#1: geni.us/LAJgA
#2: geni.us/yrZ0QDK
--CAM LINK 4K--
• Cam Link 4K (Amazon): geni.us/yodFN
• Cam Link 4K (Elgato): bit.ly/34772vA
• Cam Link 4K (Potentially Better Price): shop-links.co/cfxcrUsG54i
--MY DSLR CAMERA--
• Canon SL2 Camera (Amazon): geni.us/WhdvhO
• Canon SL2 Camera (Potentially Better Price): shop-links.co/cfxcpSKOyYg
--HDMI CABLE FOR DSLR TO PC--
• Mini-HDMI to HDMI Cable: geni.us/qbzjtSo
--LOGITCECH C920 WEBCAM--
• Logitech C920 Webcam: geni.us/n29WfK
• Logitech C920 Webcam: shop-links.co/cfxcsWbCHEZ
--ELGATO WAVE:3 USB MICROPHONE--
• Elgato Wave 3 USB Mic (Elgato): bit.ly/3kguVqb
• Elgato Wave 3 USB MIc (Amazon): geni.us/5Z8yV8X
• Elgato Wave 3 USB Mic (Potentially Better Deal): shop-links.co/cfxcva7mXpV
• Join the Discord: / discord
Whether you stream on Twitch or KZbin (or even Facebook?) you've probably considered leveling up your streaming setup to use a DSLR camera as your webcam. In order to make that happen, you've got to invest in a video capture card. The Elgato Cam Link 4K is one of the most popular options out there, but at $130 you may be looking for cheap capture card alternatives. I grabbed a cheap capture card that a lot of content creators are raving about and put it up next to the Cam Link 4K to see how it stacks up.
TIMESTAMPS:
Intro: 0:00
Capture Cards 101: 0:32
The Specs: 1:58
Comparison Tests: 2:32
Logitech C920: 3:11
Cheap Capture Card: 3:35
Cam Link 4K: 4:01
Capture Card Breakdown: 4:52
Conclusion: 6:47
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. But don't worry, it doesn't cost you anything extra!

[@TechAuditTV]

Yo! I just launched free a tool that tracks down killer deals on streaming gear and other PC tech. Check it out (and bookmark it) at techaudit.tv/deals!

[@jodiitem]

Using generic connected to HD camcorder for almost 1 year for our church live streaming. 3 services each week, it good durable.

[@dre_allday24]

This is the comment I was looking for. Thank you!

[@jodiitem]

Dre All Day your welcome 👍🙏

[@victorosallo6061]

Been using the generic for one year now.i like it.

[@flipping_for_funds]

Same here

[@yusriamilkassim4795]

Is its locked to 30fps... is it able to do 60fps on 720p? Or below?

[@ZeoWorks]

The generic card can do 720p at 60fps, it's very impressive! This should've been mentioned. It's great for recording gameplay from a console or streaming.

[@justanotherpiccplayer3511]

Given I want to capture switch footage it's perfect for that

[@SendirianAja]

@Layne Reece hell no i got better job to do than that

[@red_freire]

do you know if the the generic card record phone videos?

[@ZeoWorks]

@@red_freire Anything hdmi mate :)

[@DiscreetHustle]

Well the name is generic capture card

[@user-vm9fc8ub4c]

This is an amazing video comparison, between all those devices, I found it really clear and useful since I am a musician and as a student or teacher the sound delay is a prior thing while in class or recording at home. You won a subscriber

[@wyze_media]

One note for the audio delay, you can adjust that slight delay on your webcam to sync up very easily, and you can fine tune it down to the 100th of a second with ease. That flaw is super easy to overcome if youre using OBS or SLOBS.

[@baxang2224]

You got a new sub! Thank you so much for this comparison!

[@theeactivone2179]

Man...so glad I finally came across some who brakes it down in the most simplest comprehensive way...THANK YOU! I’m new to this YT grind and trying to get my computer rig set up. 👍🏼

[@TechAuditTV]

Welcome aboard! Glad I could help!

[@CharisMaggieTV]

Finally a review with the camera I have. Thank you!

[@NetWorkProduction2600]

likewise have you used the cam link yet?

[@PlectrumShorts]

Excellent comparison! I’m looking at these for the first time and, as an example, I would never have thought of the syncing aspect. This is very helpful. I’m late to the party and the video is 2 years old now. I’m going to check your channel to see if you have revisited the subject with other or newer devices.

[@stefanmoraru8584]

Awesome video! The discord notification sounds were so confusing :D Spent some time trying to figure out where I was mentioned

[@PhireXZ]

lo yeah I just checked discord im like wut

[@zulfphotography]

Great comparison, I have used the generic card in many scenarios and it has been great for the price. A little adjustment and that audio sync can be fixed easily.

[@KwonFiveNine]

what are some things you've done to fix the audio sync? Been working on that on my end too.

[@zulfphotography]

@@KwonFiveNine what type of software are you using? I use OBS and there is a off sync setting for the audio input where you can add a delay to the audio I did a video on it on my channel

[@ador7572]

Hi, I use a dual laptop setup to stream. I have this capture card however there's no audio from the game or from my mic (SteelSeries Arctis 5). Any advice you can share is highly appreciated. Thanks and more power.

[@zulfphotography]

@@ador7572 I made a video about how to get sound via hdmi capture card. It could help answer your question

[@emmanuelu]

@@zulfphotography title of the video?

[@ZietInvests]

Thank you for the test, certainly helpful! I guess I'm going for the long term with the elgato!

[@SVBOW]

Thanks! This was really helpful and well explained! While watching the video I was convinced that maybe the Elgato was worth it... then when it came to shopping I just couldn't bring myself to drop that extra £100 for a relatively minor difference. The generic one is so cheap that I think you can always re-upgrade later if you really wanna get super professional with your camera

[@ChelseyHorne]

I loved this video! I have the cam link and have been using it for a while and I didn't know half of the stuff you explained so thank you lol!

[@TechAuditTV]

Glad you enjoyed it, Chelsey! Appreciate the comment!

[@moc1911]

Fantastic! Thank you so much for the review and comparison. Looks like you just helped me save $110. I figured since I have a DSLR I may as well use it for video conferencing instead of the built in laptop webcam, but $130 seemed a bit much to just adapt the HDMI camera output to USB for Zoom/Skype/etc. So glad to know the $20 converter works and is adequate for this application!

[@ataraxisproductions5692]

Your details on the audio sync was absolutely what I needed to hear since I've been looking for DSLR capture. Thank you so much for focusing on that!

[@themarcosaguila1]

This can be fixed by doing an “offset” on the audio or video whichever comes first. I did bout 30-35 clap test to sync my webcam.

[@Fonduko]

love your test. so thoroughly inspected and efficient execution but no bs.

[@TechVerveyt]

Great video! That generic capture card is pretty impressive for the money. Not sure if I would spend more for the elgato when I really only saw minor differences

[@gameXperience88]

its not minor actually, I do used it for gaming 60fps and 30 to 40fps is a big deal in the eyes.

[@duganrocks100]

@@gameXperience88 but its a video? For gaming fps matters because its your input, but for watching media, it doesnt matter near as much.

[@prof2k]

It's not minor really. It's because this video is 1080p so you won't see the difference. The difference is night and day when you compare them at 4k or 1440p.

[@BeyondAbsoluteInfinity]

True, and since in my case I just need the DSLR feed for a live stream, I'd very likely not do 4K but 1080p since it's gonna be a crowded place and the bitrate is gonna eat shit. Also the elgato here is about 29 times more costly than the cheap one here.

[@MdLanguage]

First time I see a video that addresses the topic of sound and video sync related to quality of equipment used. Your clapping test is simply genius. Thanks a lot for the video, really clarified things for me.

[@thaddeuz_]

Just plug the USB microphone into the computer

[@TheKiyanWijShow]

broooo ive been looking for a video like this for a while! thanks a lot! SUBBED!

[@brucemagnani2401]

Congratulations, amazing overview and very instructive.

[@ashleyminiken6202]

Thank you the sound syncing was one area I was really concerned about - and you the only one to have really covered it! For Zoom calls the generic card looks fine but with the odd WebTV appearance I may just spend the extra.

[@cariocajpn]

Thanks for sharing this! Good stuff!

[@MindLessWiz]

Thank you for the latency test! I also hate that the latency difference is not being talked about.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you for this video, I would most definitely pay the extra for a catch-all capture card that I don't have to think about. I always want equipment that can do what I need it to do without limitations. Thanks for the explanation. I need to feed from a camera to a computer AND a large high-resolution monitor at the same time. This helped. Thumbs up and I wish you all the best!

[@trock536]

Excellent comparison video - I bought the Cam Link today. Thanks!

[@photorealm]

This is a really big question that a lot of people wonder about. Great comparison video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TECHNOMATE96]

Thanks for this review, I sub. in your channel. You are awesome in making tutorials.

[@jrustyshaffer5438]

Great video - thank you. I did notice the audio delay for the generic card, I thought it was obvious during your claps. It was bad enough that I will opt for the Cam Link. I also figure that I'll have the cam link for a few years and like all tech, I'd rather have something up to date vs. something built on yesterdays tech (USB 2.0). Anyway, my two cents - thanks.

[@toquetango7901]

Excelent review! The delay video/audio with the cheaper one is pretty noticeable. Unfortunately I just ordered the cheaper one. So will see if this suits for "moving pictures" on a stream or I have got to upgrade ...

[@JoelDino]

Thanks for putting light on the audio/video syncing latency.

[@SuperNij]

Very helpful. I'm going for the generic capture card. Thank you.

[@darkemanne7140]

This was excellent. Thumbs up and subscribed. Thank you!

[@philippelecoutre4081]

You nailed it. I've ordered the camlink 4K 3 days ago, can't wait.

[@TechAuditTV]

Let me know how it works out for you!

[@philippelecoutre4081]

@@TechAuditTV I will. Have you found what are great HDMI cables for the M6 Mark II with Camlink 4K?

[@cheekibreeki6401]

I have ordered that generic card from aliexpress for 10 dollars cant wait lol

[@BerlinGonzalez]

Well the cost is a great + no matter what. Great content!

[@RetroQuin]

Great video! I just built a pc. Just waiting for it to arrive and I plan on getting a DSLR to upgrade the overall quality of my stream. The generic capture card will work perfect. Glad you were able to show actual footage of what a typical livestream would look like.

[@David-ls2et]

Amazing video bro! Man Ive been trying to decide for the best hour and so thankful I came across your video. My camera is a Canon SX740 , small pocket camera I use for vlogging , but I am also on zoom alot. Since my camera is very clear and shoots in 4k I figured I would get the elgato cam link 4k , but the price through me off. Once you mentioned constant uploads for KZbin , looks like I have to pull the trigger on this one... thanks bro!

[@TechAuditTV]

Glad I could help!

[@nigelwilson3624]

Hi Brandon, really helpful - many thanks. On another note, really like the simple lighting you have on yourself. Could you share that set up please? Single LED panel? Thanks!

[@GlennCrytzerMusic]

Thanks for making this video! Question - Is your mic plugged into your camera for these tests? Or are youplugged into an audio interface on your computer? And if it's plugged into the camera, could you let us know if there are any issues with audio-visual sync when you use a mic plugged into the computer for streaming audio? Since I'm live-streaming music I'd like to be able to use my Sony camera for video but keep using my audient ID14 for audio.

[@billgove-fatherofprofessio6052]

Excellent comparison. Thank you so much.

[@CMane]

Thank you for doing this. I’m shopping for a capture card right now. 🤙🤙

[@ProfSimonHolland]

that was helpful....I bought a $13 capture card and its seems ok.... I wonder how it syncs with an external microphone?......terrible sync on clapping test.

[@JamesLovesGames]

Thanks for the analysis! I've been streaming with that exact generic capture card for a few years, and today it finally bit the dust. I think I'll be upgrading to the Camlink after watching this though.

[@evilqtip7098]

Great Video great explanation well done man !! You are awesome!

[@SeanLake3D]

Great video, great info, great presence! Question, how do you add those cool titles? Are you editing via a video editing software later? which one if so.

[@DebStanleyArt]

Thank you for the info, I’m an artist and the webcam I bought is hopeless at picking up fine details so using my current cameras with a link will hopefully make it better.

[@JoeSeniorVideo]

Excellent comparison very well done

[@mgrimes]

finally someone that addressed the audio video sync. Legend.

[@pavelbures7948]

thanks man, helped me with the decision what to purchase

[@brookswhitford8065]

I think it will all depend on what you want to do. For a gaming streamer just starting out, I think saving some money is the important pat and it can be upgraded later

[@RichieZero]

Very useful. Thank you!

[@xrampax3236]

Thank you!! This really helped me out! I am also looking to get the Wave 3 because I’m using a generic mic right now. Do you think it will go on sale this Black Friday or cyber Monday?

[@danvee9911]

Great reviews. I subscribed.

[@BodyEliteSystems]

Awesome video!! Thanks, Jeremy.

[@richardbrown1189]

Really useful. Thanks a million!

[@AvocadoMuZimbaATM]

Very Helpful. Thanks!

[@MarkPatten]

Got the £130 CamLink 4K. This field is VERY expensive in the UK. And even MORE back home in Australia…. Thanks for a great vid. Enjoyed it very much. Kudos to the editing.

[@TechAuditTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kobalt77]

Great information well presented. Thank you my friend.

[@Chefandsteward]

Very good comparison and showing situations where each would be a good investment.

[@susantesreau291]

Thank you for the review. I am an artist and just purchased a cheaper video card. I have not gotten it yet, but after your review, I feel it will work nicely for my setup.

[@tbrennan6271]

This video was totally worth watching. You are clear and complete.

[@TechAuditTV]

Thank you!

[@SebastianCristanchoYT]

Amazing video man thank you!

[@SavedPulley]

Thank u so much brother!!!! Awesome vid God bless!

[@albertjohan198]

Great comparison. Love your video

[@MStoica]

You kind of said said everything I needed to hear by 2:30 😁

[@milanzelenka_]

this helped me big time thanks

[@Exquisitemediaofficial]

Great video thank you just what I was looking I think I will go with the cheaper one

[@justanomaly]

This was very useful. Thank you for the review. Very clear to understand and to compare for quality. I think I might consider the generic one for my case.

[@DustinBairdsolo]

Thanks for the review! I’ve had the cam link 4k for about 2 years and it just completely stopped working. I bought it before there were cheaper options. It’s been great but I only use it for zooming music lessons and don’t need the high frame rate and extra resolution. I was bummed that it crapped out on me and this video made me feel good about buying the cheap one. Thanks!

[@niroaik8281]

how do you like the cheap one?

[@ddphotographyalbum7771]

Thanks for your this kind of video and comparing between high budget and low budget capture card. Can you suggest any low budget video transmitter and receiver for video production

[@frankylopez3510]

Thank you for this review. I noticed that the quality of this video was better than the sample video, even with the CamLink card, so I assume that for these videos you are recording directly to your camera. If so, are you feeding your mic into your camera or are you recording the audio separately and then syncing in post? Thanks!

[@ELLEGODDESSTAROT]

So informative!

[@CharlieVN]

Fyi, you can do an audio offset on OBS to sync your audio. Found the color difference useful, thanks for that!!!

[@danielalva2]

Great content! Just subscribed

[@TechAuditTV]

Appreciate it!

[@leoelteniente6875]

Veryyyy useful, thanks !

[@jakeairbender8941]

I think you just saved me a lot of money. Thanks!

[@asiaunitedbasketballassoci9247]

Great video. What would you recommend to use for streaming a live basketball games? Thank you

[@raulvinet2963]

Great work! Thanks

[@beeducated6157]

Thx Brandon Gr8 Review.

[@pokepress]

Seems like the generic one would also be good as a backup option in case you run into some sort of compatibility issue. It might also be justifiable to send to a co-host or guest.

[@anonanon3066]

Awesome! Thanks! I have also read alot about the CamLink being unreliable, needing special juicy USB 3.0 ports for extra power

[@mocfive]

Helpful video. Veddy nice!

[@TechAuditTV]

This comment just made my day 😂

[@mocfive]

@@TechAuditTV haha subbed for more thanks for reply too!

[@gileslewismortimer]

Great video! Thanks :)

[@jonobell]

Thanks for this video it was helpful. I lucked out on an Elgato Camlink from work and tried to use it to feed my old Droid phone to use as a field monitor. Unfortunately the Camlink is a USB 3 device so struggled getting enough power from the USB OTG protocol. I bought the generic one as it’s USB 2. Works fine! Dunno if that’s helpful for anyone, but there you go!

[@diala-waref]

Can elgato HD60x can replace cam link 4k ?

[@PerfectBurn101]

I subbed cus I learned a lot 👀

[@martinmassuh8863]

Hi men, thanks for this video!!! what do you think about a generic of 60 FPS?

[@shambi25]

Great video!! Subscription added!

[@MobileDecay]

If you go into the video settings you can change the default colors to be more neutral. By default the color is jacked up way too high, the contrast is too high, and the brightness is too low. Also, it does support 60fps at 720p if that resolution is fine for you. I think the biggest quality issue is the fact that it only supports mjpeg. Although I don't think most people would notice. They're normally watching on their phones anyway.

[@RaivoLaanemets]

The generic capture card parameters can be adjusted similar to other UVC (USB video) devices. Its contrast, saturation and brightness are off the center. This fixes lots of color issues.

[@SOUTHERNLIFETIMES]

Great video! I went with Elgato. Is your mic connected via USB or jack?

[@maxheadrom3088]

This is great! Nice video! One observation: if the lag is constant, you can also fix that (the audio/image sync)? I'm not a streamer but I use a capture card for other things like recording some news pieces from Broadcast TV. The card I have is a bit more complex, uses USB 3.0 and supposedly can receive 4K signals (captures at 1080p60). The problem I have is heating (I live in Brazil). How did the Elgato perform in that respect? I also would love to se a review of the 400 dollar Elgato 4K60 Pro S+ standalone device. Once again, heating is my preoccupation and having an external device that does everything removes that encoding heat from the computer itself. Thanks! (oh ... put more P, D and T sounds on your pronunciation test like "The pop will eat itself" or "Poppa did travel to Disney to get a popcorn from Donald the Duck".)

[@NonaPrince]

Really helpful

[@pitumusico]

I'm using the cheap one and it looks working fine. The thing is that my image,when I stream, look a little bit out of focus (only when I stream - I think it's not a connection trouble, cause looks great when I'm using my phone). Well, I'll try different settings. But this video is very helpful!

[@Angeloiswar]

now i know what to buy. Thank you!

[@ukoi8564]

Watching this review with the wave test and all, on my phone @360p... Nice...

[@HumbleFreeloaders]

For the generic one, do you know if all video camera types are supported? The cam link has a list of supported video cameras, was wondering if the generic one would also have a limit on the amount of devices that are supported.

[@NetWorkProduction2600]

you hold the best representation for the Cam Link Capture Card bro. Crowned

[@TechAuditTV]

Appreciate the love!

[@NetWorkProduction2600]

@@TechAuditTV appreciate you bro. I made my purchase last night, fixing to do great things. Stay creative bro🤞🏾

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

For the price, that is impressive! I really want that 60fps though, but I think I will try the 20 dollar option first with my A6300. Awesome video man!

[@TechAuditTV]

One thing I failed to mention is that with the cheaper capture card, it DOES support 720p60fps, just not 1080p60fps

[@Qejee]

Tech Audit TV does it support 1080p30fps?

[@TechAuditTV]

Yep

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

@@TechAuditTV That is great news, I can get away with 720 since I won't be full screen! Ordered through your link, thanks again for review!

[@ScaryAF_Entertainment]

DUDE! Just got mine in the mail, hooked up the A6300 with 1.4 lens and OMG its a dream! Definitely gonna motivate me to stream more on my channel and a HUGE upgrade from my c922! Just need to sync audio from lag and I'm good to go!!!

[@220trident]

made the decision very easy. Very well explained.