From the BU113G2 for solo streaming, mukbangs, and DSLR or mirrorless camera capture, to the GC531 and GC535 for reliable live commerce and professional broadcasting, here's how to choose the right AVerMedia capture card for your setup.
Hi everyone! I’m ELENA AVerMedia's Global Creator!
Recently, I’ve been getting so many questions about the role capture cards play in professional setups especially for those of you exploring solo content creation, live commerce, or more advanced streaming setups.
The answer depends on what you create, how you stream, and what kind of quality you want your audience to experience. So today, I’m sharing a few options that can help different types of creators build a smoother streaming experience!
For Creators Using a Professional Camera: BU113G2 (CamStream 4K)
If you're streaming solo, teaching online, or creating tutorials, you may not need a separate monitor for real-time viewing.
The BU113G2 is built for exactly that. It lets you connect a compatible mirrorless camera or DSLR directly to your computer, with monitoring handled through software such as OBS, Zoom, or Teams. That makes it a great fit for:
- • Solo Live Streaming / Podcast, with monitoring handled through software such as OBS, Zoom, or Teams.
- • Remote Teaching / Online Classes, where direct HDMI input to your PC is sufficient.
- • Content Creation / Tutorials, with software preview and post-production editing.
- • Mobile Streaming (Mobile + Camera), thanks to its lightweight setup with direct HDMI input, without the need for an extra monitor.
The BU113G2 supports true-to-life RGB24 video up to 1080p60. Combined with the Streaming Center app, it helps you manage your workflow and focus on creating engaging content.
For live commerce and professional Streaming: Streamer ULTRA (GC531) & Streamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC535)
Live commerce moves fast, and having a stable setup is essential when you’re presenting products, interacting with customers, and managing multiple platforms at the same time.
Once your setup needs an external monitor for real-time, low-latency monitoring, that's where the GC531 and GC535 come in. Both support HDMI pass-through, so directors, hosts, and streamers can view the original feed with minimal delay. They are ideal for:
- • Professional Live Events / Streaming, where low latency, real-time monitoring is important
- • Gaming / Esports with DSLR or Mirrorless, for smooth, responsive gameplay with low-latency pass-through while streaming.
- • Multi-Camera Broadcast / Stage Production, where production teams need to monitor multiple camera angles with minimal delay.
The GC531 and GC535 share a similar design, but they are suited to different production needs. Choose the GC531 when accurate color, stable long-duration streaming, and real-time monitoring are your main priorities. It is a strong fit for live commerce, corporate streaming, education, podcasts, and professional live events.
Choose the GC535 when your workflow also requires HDMI 2.1, higher capture resolution, or higher-frame-rate pass-through. This makes it better suited to advanced production, esports, and other demanding high-frame-rate applications.
In terms of video capabilities, the GC531 supports up to 4K30 capture and RGB24 video up to 2K30, while the GC535 supports up to 4K60 capture and RGB24 video up to 4K30.
Finding the right capture card starts with your content goals
| Capture Card | Best For | Choose This When | HDMI Pass-Through |
|---|---|---|---|
| CamStream 4K (BU113G2) | Solo streaming, podcasts, remote teaching, tutorials, and portable camera setups | You want a compact setup and are comfortable previewing your camera feed through software | No |
| Streamer ULTRA (GC531) | Live commerce, corporate streaming, education, podcasts, and professional live events | You need accurate color, stable performance during longer sessions, and real-time external monitoring | Yes |
| Streamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC535) | Advanced production, esports, and HDMI 2.1 workflows | You need HDMI 2.1, higher capture resolution, or higher-frame-rate pass-through | Yes |
Keep creating, and I’ll see you in the next stream!
FAQ
Q: I’m using a professional mirrorless camera for my streams, should I choose the BU113G2?
A: Yes. The BU113G2 is specifically designed to bring high-quality video from your professional camera into your streaming setup. It supports RGB24 video at up to 1080p60, making it a strong choice for visual-focused content such as mukbangs, ASMR, tutorials, and solo streaming.
Q: What's different between the Streamer ULTRA (GC531) and Streamer ULTRA 2.1 (GC535)?
A: The main differences are connectivity and video capabilities. The GC535 supports HDMI 2.1, up to 4K60 capture, higher-frame-rate pass-through, and RGB24 video up to 4K30, while the GC531 supports HDMI 2.0, up to 4K30 capture, and RGB24 video up to 2K30. Choose the GC535 if you need HDMI 2.1 or higher-frame-rate pass-through. Otherwise, the GC531 is a reliable choice for HDMI 2.0 setups.