In the search for the best possible image quality, many streamers and content creators are now turning to a compact camera, DSLM or DSLR, rather than a standard webcam. This is where the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K comes in, allowing streaming with the camera and recording in 4K resolution at 30 FPS. Our AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K review clarifies how well this works.
Technical Specifications
| Connectors | USB Type-C (3.0); HDMI 2.0 |
| Maximum resolution (input) | 2160p60 HDRM; 1440p144; 1080p60 |
| Maximum resolution (recording) | 2160p30/ 1080p60 HDR |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 94.2 mm x 45.4 mm x 16 mm |
| Weight | 44.5 g |
| Scope of delivery | AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K, USB-A to USB-C cable, quick start guide |
| Price | € 99.90 * |
Scope of delivery
The AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113 (the successor of the popular BU110) comes in a compact black and red card. Inside, apart from the capture card itself, we only find a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable to connect the camera, as well as a quick start guide.
Design and finish
Measuring 94.2 mm x 45.4 mm x 16 mm (length x width x height) and weighing just 44.5 grams, the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113 turns out small and handy. However, the manufacturer has also saved on the materials, because while the predecessor BU110 was completely made of aluminum, the new edition BU113 is made of plastic.
It also does not look particularly robust and already yields noticeably under light pressure. The workmanship of the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113 does not feel particularly high-quality, especially for the comparatively high price.
There is not too much to say about the design: A small, matte black box with a USB-C port on one side and an HDMI input on the other. On top, there is an LED light in the center that informs about the operating status – there is nothing else to see. Unattractive: The small box also magically attracts fingerprints.
The heat dissipation of the plastic box is also problematic, because those who record or stream in full 4K resolution for a long time will quickly notice that the device gets very warm. This did not cause any problems during our test, but could be a difficulty in the long run.
Commissioning and connection
As simple as the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113 is designed, as simple is also the commissioning. All you have to do is connect your camera to the device via HDMI cable and then connect it to the PC using the included USB cable.
However, USB 3.0 or higher is a basic requirement; USB 2.0 is not supported. Connected to this, the BU113 refuses to work. Another prerequisite is that your camera has an HDMI or micro HDMI output – so before you buy, you should definitely check the list of compatible devices, even though not all compatible cameras are listed there.
Once connected, the capture device and camera are immediately recognized by the AVerMedia CamEngine software, set up and ready to use. However, only if you have registered and logged in within the software first.
Features and image quality of the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K
The AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K can of course be used in other programs besides the in-house software. OBS, Discord, Microsoft Teams, Slack and many other apps are supported in which a connected camera can be used as a webcam.
Video input signals up to a 4K resolution with a maximum of 60 frames per second and HDR are supported, provided your camera is capable of it. Alternatively, 1440p with 144 FPS or 1080p with 60 FPS are also available. However, the maximum recording resolution is 4K with 30 frames per second or Full HD with 60 FPS.
Another negative is that the preview image from the camera is somewhat pixelated in the AVerMedia CamEngine software. However, finished recordings or the actual webcam image are not affected by this. Here, the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113 convinces with a sharp and high-contrast image (depending on the camera used, of course).
The functions of the CamEngine are aimed more at the use as a webcam. Here, various effects such as features like zoom, filters, image effects or even ePTZ and AI framing are available.
Streamers, on the other hand, tend to use their connected cam in their preferred streaming software, such as OBS Studio, where the camera and connected BU113 can be quickly and easily added and used as a new video capture device.
Summary on the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113
The AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113 capture device is clearly aimed at a specific field of users. It should primarily appeal to those who like to shine in razor-sharp 4K images in online meetings, stream in equally high resolution, respectively want to record their face in the process AND already call a high-quality digital camera their own AND don’t want to buy a dedicated webcam for said scenarios.
There is hardly anything to complain about in terms of image quality with the BU113. The setup and use with the manufacturer’s own software, streaming programs or various online meeting platforms works flawlessly.
On the other hand, AverMedia has done a poor job with the workmanship. The plastic case looks anything but high-quality and robust and also gets very warm during longer use. Compared to the competition, such as the Elgato Cam Link 4K, AverMedia offers the more attractive price, but provides a not quite as high-quality companion software.
If you want to record or stream 4K videos as inexpensively as possible, you can definitely take a look at the AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K – BU113. If, on the other hand, the obligatory 1080p is enough for you, the predecessor BU110 is the better and higher quality choice.
AVerMedia Live Streamer CAP 4K
Workmanship
Compatibility/connections
Usability
Software
Value for money
81/100
The capture device enables the fast and uncomplicated connection of digital cameras. Workmanship and software are merely average, and the price is too high.
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