If your computer lacks a built-in webcam, or if the quality of your current webcam is subpar, but you happen to have a mirrorless or DSLR camera lying around, you can transform your camera into a 4K HD webcam for your computer. In terms of image quality and detail, it can easily outperform conventional live streaming webcams that cost one or two thousand.

There are generally two methods to turn your camera into a webcam. One is to use software provided by the camera manufacturer, but this method often comes with compatibility issues and limited software recognition. To ensure that your computer webcam achieves professional camera quality, you'll need a capture card.

What is a Capture Card?

Simply put, a capture card allows you to transmit real-time video from devices such as cameras, tablets, or game consoles to your computer. High-end capture cards even come with built-in cooling fans, support loopback, and feature audio input and output. Today, I'll share how to use a capture card to turn a Fujifilm mirrorless camera into a computer webcam, but the same method applies to other camera brands with HDMI output.

Choosing a Capture Card

Firstly, you need to select a suitable capture card. Personally, I've purchased two capture cards. The first one is a fifty-dollar capture card with high sales volume on amazon. It's compact, about the size of a card reader. Initially, I didn't research capture cards much and bought it because it claimed to support 4K. However, upon receiving it, I found that its so-called 4K resolution only supports 4K input, similar to having gigabit internet speed but using only basic Cat 6 cables. Although it's plug-and-play and convenient to use, the image quality leaves much to be desired.

Actually, most capture cards available for less than a hundred yuan only support 1080P (with actual results possibly falling short), while those priced around two hundred yuan support 4K loopback. However, it's essential to note that these so-called 4K loopbacks don't necessarily support 4K capture; the resolution transmitted to the computer is still 1080P. So, before purchasing a capture card, make sure to clarify the loopback and capture resolutions.

For optimal results and to truly distinguish between a camera and a regular webcam, it's crucial to choose a capture card that supports 4K capture. These cards are priced at around five hundred yuan. I eventually opted for the Axis capture card, which is recommended by many bloggers and supports 4K 60Hz loopback and 4K 60Hz capture, as well as audio input and output.

Capture Card Appearance and Packaging

Contrary to popular belief, capture cards, even professional ones, can be smaller than the power banks we usually use. The packaging of the Axis VC-007Pro capture card is sleek, prominently labeled with "4K60."

The back of the packaging displays the core parameter information of the capture card, supporting 4K/60Hz, 1080P/120Hz capture, 4K/60Hz, 1080P/240Hz loopback, and HDR functionality.

The capture card's shell is made of high-quality metal, which not only enhances the overall texture but also gives it a more delicate and elegant appearance. Moreover, the metal shell offers excellent heat dissipation performance, ensuring stable operation of the device and better suitability for outdoor or high-intensity use environments.

Capture Card Accessories and Interfaces

The Axis VC-007Pro capture card comes with a complete set of cables, including a 1.5-meter standard HDMI cable, a 1-meter USB-C to A data cable, and a USB-A to C adapter. Additionally, it offers various cable bundles for users to choose from according to their connection needs. For example, I purchased a bundle with a 2-meter Micro HDMI cable to connect my Fujifilm camera.

The quality of the cables is excellent, ensuring stable transmission of capture signals.

The overall dimensions of the capture card are 99mm x 79mm x 20mm, with a weight of 159 grams. It is equipped with a variety of interfaces, including microphone, mixing console, and headphone jacks, to meet users' diverse connection needs. Additionally, it features a convenient Switch button, which, when pressed once, can forcibly turn the built-in fan on or off, effectively regulating heat dissipation. Pressing it twice can easily activate the top RGB lighting effect, adding a cool visual effect to the device.

Using the Capture Card

Using the Axis VC-007Pro capture card is straightforward. Taking my personal use of a camera as an example, simply connect the Fujifilm camera to the capture card's HDMI IN port using a Micro HDMI cable, then connect the capture card's capture end C port to the USB 3.0 port of the computer host. This allows the computer host to power the capture card via the C port and transmit the captured data in real-time. The entire connection and setup process is simple and intuitive, requiring no cumbersome operations.

After turning on the camera, switch the dial to "Video mode" and select "4K movie output" in the video settings for 4K output. Also, remember to disable "HDMI output information display" and select to disable the camera's automatic shutdown function.

At this point, when you open the computer's webcam, you'll find that your DSLR camera has become the computer's webcam. Whether it's live streaming software, conference software, or third-party software like OBS, they can all easily recognize it. It's worth noting that even network cameras priced in the thousands online can't match the quality of using a DSLR camera with a capture card for streaming.

Software like OBS and Live Companion can recognize our capture card and select 4K quality for output.

Conclusion

Capture cards have many applications. They can not only be used with cameras as webcams to achieve high-quality video recording but also record smartphone and game console screens, providing great convenience for video production and live streaming. Whether for personal use or studio applications, the Axis VC-007Pro can fully meet your needs. Its outstanding performance and stable operation will bring a whole new experience to your creative work and live streaming. If you have such needs, choosing the Axis VC-007Pro capture card is definitely a wise decision.