Turn any laptop or Android tablet into an HD (wireless) camera monitor for $16!

Have an extra laptop, tablet or phone? Now you can turn any of these devices into an HD monitor using ANY camera’s HDMI output. No special apps needed!
एक अतिरिक्त लैपटॉप, टैबलेट या फोन है? अब आप इनमें से किसी भी डिवाइस को किसी भी कैमरे के एचडीएमआई आउटपुट का उपयोग करके एचडी मॉनिटर में बदल सकते हैं। कोई विशेष ऐप्स की आवश्यकता नहीं है!
HDMI to USB 2.0 HD Capture Dongle (Now ever cheaper at $7!) ebay.us/MRRTIM
Micro USb Host OTG Cable with power rover.ebay.com/...
Dual-purpose Tablet/phone tripod holder/mount ebay.us/NvgiA4
6” Micro USB cable ebay.us/jYsjZM
USB Power Bank amzn.to/2DbWEaC
Mini ball head w/ camera hot shoe mount amzn.to/30PxYMY
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter rover.ebay.com/...
Generic Miracast Dongle rover.ebay.com/...
7” Android tablet, Amazon amzn.to/3jR663O
7” Android tablet, eBay rover.ebay.com/...
USB Camera Standard Android app play.google.co...
Bandicam Screen Recorder www.bandicam.com/
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) obsproject.com/
Other Stuff I Use www.amazon.com...
Support Frugal Filmmaker R&D www.paypal.com...
Blog (archived): www.thefrugalfi...
Facebook Group: / thefrugalfilmmaker
Twitter Feed: / frugalfilmmaker
Instagram: / thefrugalfilmmaker

[@Parrott65]

This guy took years off and apparently spent time on a mountain digging deep into his psych and came back twice as strong as before

[@actioncom2748]

I got one of these. And my God, emphasis on finding the right software for this equipment. It took me a little while to figure that out. But I don't regret my purchase. It does a great job.

[@lemmonsinmyeyes]

This is pretty interesting. I remember paying 400$ for a wireless HDMI thing, and you did it for like 50$. (Sad noises)

[@LostWax]

Hey, that's brilliant! Amazing how quickly things come down in price- a couple years ago I thought I might try live streaming, and the cheapest capture box I could find was $200. Thanks for sharing!

[@maoraharon21]

I hope external recorders will also got down in price

[@EPaulIII]

Wow! I have been searching for months for an inexpensive way to add a viewfinder/monitor to one of my digital cameras or cell phone. You nailed it - I hope. I ordered about 2/3 of the items on your list. Some E-Bay items were no longer there so I had to make some substitutions and that took a while. I hope everything works together. Thanks a million!

[@tomstestkitchen]

Those HDMI capture dongles are really good for using a GoPro as a webcam.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Or any camera as a webcam!

[@bluebomb2047]

I bought that like 3 weeks ago. Haven't used it yet though. Lol. Nice to know that it really is a good deal. Just decided to take a chance with it.

[@WolfsHaven]

I love these things. I bought 3 of them to do a 3 camera setup in OBS and it works flawlessly. It also works well to capture and import graphics from a video game console to OBS. Shortly thereafter I bought the ATEM Mini switcher from Blackmagic not as frugal at $300 bucks but easier to control. With either system you can setup a full live TV production studio fairly cheaply. A good free product for on the fly lower thirds is H2R Graphics. It works well with both systems. There is a free plugin for OBS out now too but I haven't tested it.

[@MileyonDisney]

Great Scott! You're back on top of your game! It's helpful tips like this that made you so popular in your first life. I still use several of your old tips (like the $56 7" monitor with the added Sony battery adapter). I built a few of the PVC pieces, but I replaced them with the real things shortly. Thanks for another great idea!

[@MADMAXSHOTYOU]

thinking about this set up for months n now its time to test it out ! :3

[@ArsenioDev]

Twitter thread OP here, man this thing is going ALL OVER the place. Posted it and WHAMMO it went bananas

[@nicolazucca]

“Turn any laptop…” and the most popular brand’s laptop is not able to do that.. awsome tutorial sir, keep it up! Next time please write pc/android, not “any laptop” because macbooks are laptop too

[@flyingRich]

I was talking about you to a KZbinr friend of mine about DIY camera setups, glad to see you doing videos again! I miss your content & looks like I have some catching up to do.

[@jcmimages9729]

Yep, works for me. The software allows 16:9 on my phone, another app that I downloaded first would only do anamorphic 4:3. and would not do full screen at all. Excellent, many thanks.

[@SeMr7en]

I highly recommend nExt Camera - USB, as it gives you access to all available resolutions and framerates and codecs

[@josegovea7123]

Omg I found u again in my life. I use to watch you yrs ago.

[@cocoscabana]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH...i have 2 tablets sitting around.. and i was trying to use those instead of buying a mirror contraption or pay the 15-$ min. for a monitor, as I am just starting out..

[@dpixvid]

For clarification please, the OTG split cable for power says it power out for mouse/hard drive not for charging the tablet/phone. This seems to conflict with your usage? Can you actually charge the phone/tablet with a power bank?

[@WesleyClouden]

One fav OG YTC on here

[@obalfaqih]

I just found out your channel and I'm glad that you're back! Keep up the very creative work you're doing and thanks for sharing it with us!

[@TelevisionCrews]

The HDMI Video Capture dongle works perfect with my LG Stylo 4 phone and the USB Camera Standard application connected to my Canon cameras. But my Samsung Note 10 Plus won't recognize my cameras using the USB Camera Standard app.

[@parttimearmwrestler881]

My tablet or any of my Samsung phone seem to work any solution?

[@robs8973]

This is also useful for plugging an Android TV or Fire stick into an old tablet and basically converting it into a portable Android TV / Fire stick device that you can plonk in a bedroom/spare room, effectively turning it into a mini TV setup without forking out for additional TVs, monitors, etc. I use this method as a test set up for checking APKs on chromecast 2020 device without having to switch between inputs on my TV or monitors. Nice video.

[@LeftyPencil]

Did this app work for the fire stick? Got no device found

[@rogermurphy1548]

This is exactly the information I needed! I'm getting on Amazon/eBay right now!

[@OfficialTornadoboy]

This is the video I didn’t know I needed!

[@MichaelFiguresItOut]

GREAT VIDEO! I've been looking into using a 15" portable monitor for my digital camera but no one can confirm they can transcode the 4K 30fps signal to 1080p 60Hz. So I might use your option instead!

[@andrewgordonprendergast7750]

Comment 2 from me since I found you were back. Following above advice to the letter

[@justvish]

You are brilliant. Thanks for the tip. Love from fellow KZbinr from the EAST COAST of India 😍

[@AntwonisheaHardy]

Thank you for the details on the exact equipment needed!

[@jgposner]

I've tried several apps and nothing is working. I have a GH5. It may be my no-name tablet I bought. It works as expected on my phone.

[@DavidWestphal]

Good shiz!! Nice to see you back 🤘

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

The split OTG cable charges the andriod device? Everything I read says it doesn't

[@roadi7]

this works with a regular straight otg cable as well, not just the one with the power splitter cable

[@frugalfilmmaker]

True, but the splitter cable will keep the tablet powered.

[@roadi7]

@@frugalfilmmaker yes, have lots of charge in the tablet before you start and then that's all you'll get until you have to stop and recharge I guess

[@knoptop]

That usb connection got me stressing 😅. 00:37

[@OverlandTrailer]

I have so missed your work! Thanks again.

[@PedroMartinez-nl1gr]

Great video, I'm going to try this on my new camera. I have a question, this might be impossible but is worth a try. I have a Sony Handycam SteadyShot 460x (CCD TR818) old analog video camera, like new and would like to have an external viewer. This oldie is a beast, not only takes very high-quality videos and the zoom is out of this world. The challenge: how can I use a tablet or phone as an external monitor for this thing. This is so old it doesn't have any digital ports only has one S Video out, one A/V Out, and a RFU DC Out. I can convert the video to digital, that's not a problem. I appreciate any light into this abyss. Thank you - Semper Fi

[@ImTheDaveman]

This is really cool schtuff, man! Thanx for bringing this to our attention

[@fellawhofilms7760]

You are amazing. Keep doing more technical videos.

[@BillWinterberg]

I do video capture for pinball games, but that needs 60 FPS to get fast enough frame rates to capture the fast pinball motion. I’m bummed that it looks like 60 FPS isn’t supported on the discount capture device. 🙁

[@lasserious]

I was just looking at this on Amazon.

[@jerrycasier6224]

Hi, very interesting video! However, I do not understand why you need power on the module? 🤔 My module works without. THNX.

[@alanlavery]

The power is for the phone / tablet not the hdmi module.

[@jerrycasier6224]

@@alanlavery 👍👌👍

[@aidanccollett]

This is amazing! Any recommendations for an iOS compatible app?

[@gentlegnt]

Thanks so much for this video. I have all parts and then realized that the older Nexxus 7 I have does not support the updated software to connect to my camera. So, I bought a Fire 10 Tablet with USB input. Can you suggest usb power cable that I can attached to the HDMI dongle to connect mini-HDMI from camera to the HDMI capture device?! I cannot find any cable/adapter/coupler/gender changer to do so. Thanks a bunch.

[@AjanProvocateur]

perhaps you know how to use an android smartphone as a 10 bit external video recorder for the modern slr cameras? I assume it would be necessary to use a wired connection you detail here? Since you are knowledgable, do you know if the phone can be used as a 10-bit external recorder and how to achieve that?

[@TheGreyOwl]

i was looking for this ..thanks man!

[@SiddhantAryaOfficial]

What is the power bank used for? Can it work without adding the power bank to the tablet?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

You CAN solely rely on the tablet battery, but it will drain quickly (especially if you are casting). The USB power bank will keep the tablet battery topped off, and allow you to run the rig for a prolonged period.

[@SiddhantAryaOfficial]

@@frugalfilmmaker Thank you very much! The video was great help :)

[@Jsvalberg]

What tablet did you use? i really like the look of it.

[@asadavsten1481]

the tablet only have one port usb. how you can charging and usb monitor at the same time?

[@kevinlynch8614]

This is phenomenal!! I wanted a monitor for my X-T2, but didn't have the hundreds of pounds that many of them seem to cost. However I DO have an old tablet knocking around that would suit the purpose perfectly!! Just one point of clarification if you could, I'm not sure I understand the need for the split OTG adaptor to connect the battery pack, would this setup not function without it? Or is the purpose to supplement the power draw and ensure the tablet doesn't run out of juice while filming?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

You are correct, sir!

[@WillPattenden]

Didn't know these little capture dongles existed at this price! Always thought I had to pay the excess for something by Elgato because it's a "known brand" by gamers. But this looks like it will do the exact same job so I've purchased one, thanks! :)

[@wgarza2]

Can you use this setup to livestream to KZbin on the android tablet?

[@Lavegaent]

Great info you save my moment.

[@fretbender101]

Excellent Tip, Thank you

[@bkunal88]

Can I connect normal computer monitor with HDMI input to camera directly ?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Yes you can! But if you don't have one, or you need a portable solution....

[@isaacstone7899]

I have canon 7d didn’t work from canon (mini usb--->male micro usb), ---> (female micro usb---> male usb C) to (Surf Onn tablet gen 2 with android 11) Anyone knows how to tip me to make live view work on my Canon EOS 7d? Thanks

[@bigdreams8790]

Great video. Please update the links to the products mentioned here, so many no longer exist.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Thanks for the heads up! Links updated, and the HDMI to USB capture dongle is now half price it was when I made this video!

[@websitesthatneedanem]

Pant, pant, pant....... and Relax! Hey Scott, were there ANY full-stops in the script at all?! 😁

[@frugalfilmmaker]

But if I take a breath, people will click away! :)

[@websitesthatneedanem]

.. sorry, what ..... zoned out too!

[@ZerHour]

Is there a possible way to do this with analog cameras with bnc plugs etc ?

[@homesteadstories3876]

Will this work if I'm using my phone to record, and my tablet as a monitor?

[@relaxvideo3d]

My hdmi to usb adapter cannot do real 50 or 60fps at 1280x720. Motion is always stutters, frames are dropped/skipped. Why? Sport matches are unwatchable. I tried on android with usb camera pro app, and on win10 pc with OBS. In both cases i see repeated and skipped frames while panning. My camera hdmi out is perfect. This is because the cheap price (then useless for recording/streaming) or only my device is bad? Many thanks!

[@juancarloshenderson2892]

GOOD JOB , FROM CHICAGO STUDIO

[@lasolasolaso]

what do i do if my android has those old 16pin conectors?

[@lesliesimmons1930]

On the Microsoft wireless adapter which model number did you use the 1733 or 1628

[@ArthurDhaeyerMusic]

Brilliant video, thank you !!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Try the Android HD Endoscope app ! PS : There's currently big problems with Android 10 & USB cameras, so don't blame the apps !

[@TheManOfMuscle]

It's been a year, but what was the problem? I've got two devices on android 11, a phone and tablet. I'm trying to use a hdmi capture card with them so they can act as a monitor for my ps4. It works on the phone no problem but the tablet shows a UVC error in the app, "-256/No space left on device UVC device error!" Do you know what this is, is my tablet missing uvc drivers?

[@applemarkwantsvids]

Dood.... You;re SICK! Love it

[@FlyKool1976]

Question: can I use something like this to monitor what my gimbal stabilized GoPro sees mounted on the belly of a Piper?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It may work, though I'd be worried about the signal getting past the fuselage.

[@colinveacock5408]

Tried this. Just cant find the right lead.

[@chicago_beats]

Facts thanks forthe enlightenment

[@exploringwithdonald8444]

all I need is the cables I have a power bank and a tablet lol

[@you166mhz]

thanks ...

[@noapparentfunction]

has anyone gotten one of these to record video at a smooth framerate on a Raspberry Pi 4? not trying to launch a Twitch channel or anything crazy. I'd like to get it to save 1080p 30fps video onto a flash drive. tried various settings with ffmpeg and mplayer but it's difficult.

[@jd-xj3ew]

Can I do this phone to phone? I can't seem to do it

[@the_meridian]

Trying to do this with nice big Samsung S8+ tablet and the stopper seems to be the new USB-C ports and no existing OTG cable with power supply. Any tips on modernization of these methods? Thanks. I want to stay wired because the SNapbridge app and other apps turn off EVF and I don't want that I just want EVF mirrored to tablet without 3rd party interference. Thanks!

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Maybe micro USB to C adapters with the OTG cable? I'll have to try it out and make another video!

[@kentsnyder8664]

Great info!

[@winstonc8510]

Hi, does this work with ipads?

[@maxxswagster9283]

But can you use another device that outputs video through HDMI to able to make your phone or tablet into a universal monitor?

[@dimitriospolitis7782]

Any idea how I would do this with an Ipad?

[@topgunpilot2547]

1:30 Real Deal!

[@vamsisirra5091]

It was good in live view, but i can't preview videos.... am i the only one with this problem or everyone facing it..?

[@SOSAXP7]

How can I do this to connect my Xbox to my tablet via HDMI

[@josephfields2332]

Smart !

[@bunilastelian]

does work if is not powered to the battery? I have seen that some use it without battery powerbank. 🤔

[@frugalfilmmaker]

It's powered by the USB port it's plugged into. Using the power bank acts as a backup for longer shoot times.

[@eddyflo2978]

So could you jook up a ps4 to a s8 tablet

[@recardosands9948]

Hi, would this wk with/on the Panasonic G7 camera, Thanks.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Does the G7 allow external monitors?

[@stupidshetproductions]

my camera does not have an hdmi of sny sort, what should i do?, I only have a mini usb a round video out and a smaller round thing in the middle, I am using an older canon rebel xs

[@demyhr]

Will this work with Samsung and LG camera apps that deliberately disable landscape mode when using screen mirroring or HDMI connections to an external monitor?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Wow, didn't even know that was a problem. Why would they do that? Makes no sense. Maybe avoid using a phone and use a tablet?

[@demyhr]

@@frugalfilmmaker And Samsung and LG will not respond to questions about the issue.

[@richardwasserman]

I duplicated what you did here, but am having problems. The HDMI to USB device does not recognize the HDMI output from my Pentax K-5 camera. All i get are colored bars. When I use a cheap action camera, the device recognizes it, but I get a double image. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm going to try one of my Sony video cameras net.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

Weird. I've used one on a Canon camcorder and my Sony A7II with success.

[@richardwasserman]

@@frugalfilmmaker Works fine on my Sony camcorders. The Pentax HDMI output is at a reduced resolution when recording. It can be either interlaced or progressive, depending the chosen resolution.

[@LivingDead898]

this app is no longer available. I'm just trying to use my phone as a display screen for my Sony a 6000. feel free to help anyone thanks.

[@frugalfilmmaker]

The "USB Camera Standard" app? It's still there in the Google Play store.

[@JGDeRuvo]

I’m assuming iOS devices aren’t supported?

[@frugalfilmmaker]

They may be, but I'm not an Apple guy, so...

[@anatolykanishchev]

Отличное устройство, надеюсь цена на него не поднимется. Буду применять. 23 лайк мой.

[@colinveacock5408]

Dont be fooled. It doesnt work. Youll just get the coloured vertical bars and nothing else.

[@user-sn7wd6bx6t]

Not all Android support

[@keto4life197]

I don't need Your background just the facts how to connect the damn thing. Have a 8 pc's security camera setup with no monitor so was thinking i could be using my old tablet i was not using anymore instead of buying a new 48" screen which can't be in the room the other hardware is located but it continue saying i should add the usb monitor and it is connected from the box with hdmi to the videograbber and then an usb to the tablet still not work with usb screen viewer.

[@melarryo1676]

Soooo you buy that gizmo for $16 but you need a hundred dollars worth of cables, connector, adapters and batteries to make it work. Okay.

[@JulesMoyaert_photo]

👍👍👍

[@kenesufernandez1281]

❤️♥️

[@SiminOsa]

Wow 💪

[@juliuscaesar3346]

💚💚👍👍

[@ayeminoo2067]

To use your 16 dollar widget i have to spend around 100 dollar in other accessories. Stupid stuffs.

[@michelguerrerostudios]

what's the app for iphone???

[@sephirotic87]

Janky AF, but I like it.