CAVEAT EMPTOR! Neither of these devices pass 4K video to your computer! The ATEM mini only receives up to FHD as an input and up to FHD as output. (It can resize and change frame rates etc on the way through but only up to FHD in and out). The Elgato Cam Link can receive inputs up to 4K (60 I believe) but can only output to the computer via USB at FHD resolutions. The Cam Link will only pass through what you input at the same frame rate and scale, except it will scale down anything greater than FHD, so bad luck - the UHD input is scaled back to FHD output to your computer.
I screenshare a lot with Ecamm. I'm honestly not sure, but I don't think they're 4:2:2. I haven't had any issues mixing screen captures and 4:2:2 footage in regular videos though.
tl;dr: On a laptop, you probably want to use a CamLink 4k on a usb hub with supplemental power. Just a heads up to folks considering the CamLink 4k: It can be a power hog. When I run mine through the USB-C hub that I also use for power input on my 2019 MacBook Pro, the Mac will switch over to using battery. I haven't experimented too much with plugging it into different ports/hubs/etc, but I will note that using it on the same hub that I use for charging the Mac has given me the most reliable setup.
It’s probably fair to mention, that for less then 100$ you can create DIY Multiview for Atem Mini base version. Cabling is a bit messy, but you can still see all sources - I had that setup for a whole year, before I upgraded to Atem Extreme for its ISO version.
4K Question - Because the ATEM is only 1080p , when you record YT videos do you just record 4K to your camera's cards and sync the all your camera angles in the editing process?
Thank you for another well-thought-out review. I like that you look at multiple factors without "bashing" on any one product. It is really up to the user which is best for them. Watching a review that is fairly neutral is helpful.
Hi Tom, congrats on another great video on streaming gears!! YoloBox Pro will soon also work as a capture card when the USBC Webcam Output feature is released!! Very soon!!
The AverMedia Live Streamer Cap 4k is actually superior over Camlink 4k and costs around the same money. For one, because it doesn't cr*p itself, when the source suddenly changes the HDMI resolution, because it doesn't blast brand advertising on your screen, when your HDMI goes offline (it just says neutrally "no signal") and it can handle up to 4k60, where the Camlink 4k only can handle 4k30. The Atem Mini only will do 1080p, but it most certainly has it's advantages, for what it is, being a switcher.
My camera A7iv has a HDMI port, can I not do an HDMI-(Camera)to USB-C (Computer) and achieve the 4k streaming capabilities? Or would I have to run USB to capture card? 🤔 Excuse my ignorance. Just starting the understanding of streaming 4k just recently.
@@tombuck Hey Tom, thx for the detailed diff .. wonder if you can help here you mentioned you use atem mini for LS however how about recording your video with multicam for RU-vid .. basically am a LS on tiktok so started using the atemmini pro to switch between talking head and overhead but then when it comes to recording demo videos obviously the quality is only 1080p. i know i can record in 4k by pressing the record button but wondering if theres any sol coz its hard to reach both cameras the way i have setup... was thinking of having multiple 4k camlink with stream deck instead so it does both LS on 1080 which is tiktok limit and 4k for shooting videos .. any suggestions ?
The Camlink 4K has freezed 2 times during gigs with paying clients... Not good! I had it connected to a laptop running PowerPoint. I will try the HD60s+ hoping for better luck. I use Atem Minis. Never failed.
I have never seen this before either using daily for nearly 2 years. Is it possible the laptop/software is the part that froze and not the physical camlink dongle?
We were literally just researching video capture for streaming/tutorials. Considering the *Atem Mini Pro ISO* for the recording capability. Are you recording to an external SSD or just directly to your Mac? What is your workflow? Thanks Tom you star! ⭐
For my videos, I still record everything to my camera's card and then edit in Final Cut, but when I do use the ATEM, I just record straight to my hard drive. Although there's really no reason not to use a little Samsung T5 drive connected to the ATEM.
Great video! One thing that you cannot do (on a MacBook anyways) is connect multiple cam link’s. They need to be on separate USB buses in order to work. Other than that great overview of the products! They are both great to have for different reasons but you are right, physical buttons are the best for switching!
Actually I have found that the limit is 2 Cam Links (or other similar so called 4K capture dongles) per bus (using active powered usb hubs). I have managed 5 inputs on a MacBook Pro M1 Max but with so many powered hubs there we so many points of failure this proved to be unreliable. In the end I settled on 3 cam links, 1 per thunderbolt port and 1 iPhone using NDI for a wide shot cover. I have a 4TB SSD so I could forget the USB hubs and improved reliability. This was on a 2 month tour with 3 live stream events each week, and so getting rid of the unreliable hubs was a blessing. (I still needed one good quality docking hub for ethernet and to bring in audio and a second HDMI output for an IMAG feed.)
I THINK so, but I'm not 100% sure. I definitely recommend checking out Aaron Parecki's channel, as he dives in to all of the possibilities with the ATEM.
I have a cam link but haven't messed with it yet.. was gonna start streaming but then put that on hold.. I do like the multi cam switchboard from black magic. Wish it did 4K 30 atleast. But if I stream it would be 1080 anyway so maybe Im just an idiot lmfao
Streaming in 4K is tough because of the network demands, but I am still a bit surprised that Blackmagic hasn't yet updated the ATEM Minis to be 4K capable.
@tombuck I think streaming multiple signals 4k via usb A would be difficult. But through USB C it would be possible The option would be nice but 1080 is still a really nice picture. I think we're at a level now that if we just stayed with 1080 & 4K for output.. that's just fine.. Other than editing or creative cropping I don't really see the need for anything above 4K.
On the Elgato Cam Link camera compatibility page, the s5m2 is not listed. The s5 is listed, but I'm asking about the s5m2. Anybody know it the s5m2 works with the Cam Link? How about the Atem Mini? Thank you.
I tend to run my atem mini pro into my Elgato game capture 4k60 pro mk.2 to take advantage of Elgato's better video encoding for performance. Especially when dealing with OBS which eats up so much resources itself.
Great video, have always learned a lot from your content! Actually bought these based on your past content, & have the ATEM Mini Pro, Elgato Cam Link, & the Elgato HD60S, & I feel they all serve a different purpose. I use my HD60S as my always connected daily driver to use my Sony A7RIII for Zoom calls, the Cam Link is mainly for travel or when I have a Zoom call with a client using my laptop in a different location, & the ATEM Mini is for live-streaming, video podcasts, & presentations using multiple video sources. Each is great for their own reasons, & can be interchangeably used in my opinion, but I’ve found those uses to work best for each for me.
@@FitLabb Yea was asking. Worked at CNN years ago with someone with the last name Labbs. Or it might have actually been Laabs. Kind of looked similar to your profile pic…. Sorry. Lol
@@mj6962 No worries at all, I get people telling me all the time that I look like someone they know. 😂 I’m sure working at CNN was a lot of fun & interesting. FitLabb is just the name of my YT channel & my business as well. LABB is actually an acronym for the first letter of each member of my family (both my sons, my wife, & myself) as I aimed to create a “family friendly” fitness channel & business. Thankfully it actually works quite well for the name of a science-based fitness channel & platform. 💪
Love your work Tom! Amazing video as always. I love the idea of both, but I have a query. Using software like Ecamm, don’t you have better control over how your scenes look, rather than using the ATEM. If I wanted a particular scene to have a particular source, will this mean I need to click the scene AND the ATEM switch, or will the scene be able to switch for me. Hope that made sense.
Yes! Ecamm gives wayyyy more versatility over scenes/graphics/etc and it's much easier to use (next week's video might elaborate on this more...). in terms of switching multiple things with the ATEM, it depends on which model you're using. I highly recommend checking out Aaron Parecki's RU-vid channel since he's able to max out every bit of capability when it comes to ATEM's.
The ATEM Mini cuts between several sources and outputs one video stream. Is that right? What if you want to stream several sources but keep them separate for later editing....as with your "Multicam Editing with Final Cut Pro" video? Do you use 4 different Camlinks (if not Sony), 4 different USB cables (Sony), or just port over each camera's SD card after the shoot?
I can confirm the elgato cam link pro does NOT work with an external EGPU like the sonnet echo express SE III on Mac OSX. Just sent one back. Got the BMD decklink 8k pro and I FREAKING LOVE IT!!! Plus I love that it has reference in.
@@tombuck they are! A lot more options than the elgato pro. And really I’m sure elgato needs to do is make softwear for Mac. But the decklink you just plug in and go.
Hello Tom Thanks for your Video I have laptop and I have only one USB available that I use one camera connect through the cam link but I need one more camera so I can connect two cameras to the Atem mini pro and connect straight to laptop??or I still need to connect to the cam link or if I use the atem mini pro I don't need the cam link I use OBS pro for my stream Thanks in advance
4K is definitely becoming more and more important. I'm sure the ATEMs will be updated at some point, but the Elgato is definitely the way to go for higher resolution 👍
@@tombuck Ahh nice. Thanks for the info. Going to scoop up one of these when I don't need multi cams. Having an FX3 makes the audio simple to use from camera.
the atem mini pro it does not bring out a very good clarity on streaming,i put in out hyperdeck medium (30/40 mb/s) and it's not really a good image,if someone want a good clarity buy a good capture card
Watching from my new channel now Tom and of course following along on this one. You'll probably see me more on this channel compared to the last one :) Cam link creates a ding in my pocket ( nearly $200 Canadian) but I agree it's way more solid. I have considered the Atem Mini Pro but will hold off since I am not streaming as much anymore. Perfect video for streamers to know some more before they start.
I wish this video had been released last week. After my ZV1 in USB streaming mode was giving me a few frames delay into Streamyard during the Epic LIVE Stream last week. Little did I know that Streamyard starts losing sync after 3 hours. Another great video Tom. Question: Can Camlinks work in a USB hub? Multiple Camlinks if we want to start with one and add more later?
Better late than never? 😬 I've used two Cam Links in my little USB hub with no issues, but other people have reported mixed results. I think there are a lot of variables at play.
Right. Dr Franckenstein here. What about get multiple cam links now cheap, a usb-c hub with a switch button, and usb to usb-c adapters ? Plus OBS and a stream deck . You’ve built your own maybe
It's totally possible, but a lot depends on your computer and its processing power. Elgato does make a "CamLink Pro" which is a 4 input capture card where each input shows up as a separate source. But it either needs to be installed directly into a PC tower or in its own external enclosure (this is really the only way to use it with a Mac). I think I saw Elgato is going to announce new capture card stuff tomorrow, so it's probably worth seeing what they have up their sleeves.
Since I only install I have none of these (wait I do have the Camlink). Mainly retired but I still assist old customers and there all want 4K (don't try to use common sense with VIPS) so have moved up to the Blackmagic TVStudio 4K (retail $2995 USD) they don't run them themselves but wow I remember my first professional switcher was $500,000 bucks...When I have to hop on a Zoom Call or a stream my trusty ZV-1 just plugs right into the Mac so no capture card is needed.
All of the Blackmagic switchers blow my mind remembering how expensive these kinds of things were not all that long ago. We had the TVStudio in my old classroom and it was really great.
was looking all over for a good comparison of these two as I'm about to start using the BMPCC 4k for streaming. this video blew all the others out of the water, thanks so much!
I have an ATEM Mini Pro and a Atomos 4k Connect. Use both A LOT and glad I own both. I always push people to the ATEM Mini Pro due to the local record functionality. I use it every single time I run the thing. Eventually I might pick up a Atomos AtomX CAST as I use an Atomos Ninja on pretty much every other shoot, but even before buying it I know I wouldn't recommend it because multi-stage purchases recommendations aren't very friendly. Cam Links/Atomos 4k Connect are great for quick connections, always carry mine in my gear bag.
The Ninja has been on my list too! I had one at my old job and really liked it, but haven't wanted to go through the process of getting one for myself yet. Oh! And I don't remember if I talked to you about this, but I added an FX3 to my setup and it's phenomenal.
Oh I've seen the Fx3 mentions here and there, and there's at least one shot of it in this video. Glad you are digging it, I haven't regretted mine for a second.
I'm doing live basketball streams using Atem Mini with the Elgato Camlink 4k (and OBS Studio), since the Atem's USB output only transfer the video signal without sound. Both device works well, love to use them. However I am planning to replace the Atem Mini to a Mini Pro ISO so I can record all the camera sources independetly.
Hey Tom thanks for the video! You say that you can connect two camlinks to one computer and technically you can but there will be some problems, if you do not have two different root hubs for USB. For example I have on my 21.5 inch 2017 Mac four USB plugs but unfortunately there is only one USB root hub. What problems does this cause? Well everything works great at first, but after a while the cameras start to black out, begins with one, then both begin the have problems. El Gato warns about this in the article titled -Two-Cam-Links-on-One-Computer-Two-USB-3-0-Root-Hubs-Needed Hopefully this info will help people to make the decision, thanks!
Thanks for adding some clarification. There are definitely a lot of variables in terms of hubs and computers. I'd recommend anyone using multiple capture sources to use the CamLink Pro. 👍
Hi Tom. I just watched your EOSR Video Settings episode, and I noticed in this video you were talking about frame rates. Have you changed your recommendation for the EOSR since you started using the Atems? How does 60 FPS in the Atem affect 23.98 All-I in the EOSR?
What’s the best capture card that can take three HDMI sources and plug into one Thunderbolt 4 port on my M1 Max MacBook Pro to show up as three separate camera sources on Ecamm? I don’t. Want to use a physical switcher, as I have different Ecamm scenes each with a different camera source and use Stream Deck to switch between the scenes.
I would say the Elgato Cam Link Pro. It has 4 HDMI inputs that show up separately. It can fit in a regular card slot on a PC or will need a separate external enclosure for a Mac.
Wow just stumbled accross your content and it's soooo helpful!! thank you!! Can you pls make a video about audio drifting in post production? I use rodecaster pro and canon eos m50 and when i edit my podcast, generally over 30min the audio drifts and is faster than video... soooo annoying have to adjust it every 2 min !!
Audio drift is tricky! I've thought about making videos on it, but since there are so many variables, I worry that it might raise more questions that it answers. Generally speaking though, recording at 24fps should help keep your audio in sync. If not, you cna experiment by slowing down/speeding up the audio track by .01% (roughly). It won't be enough to change the pitch of the audio, but it should get the timing sorted out.
@@tombuck thanks for the reply! My canon can only change to 25fps. Can you change rodecaster? In Final Cut Pro I do a custom change of my audio to 96%and that gets me closest to being synced but still have to reposition every now and then
Thanks for your video Tom. I am an Atem owner that would like to add a single source capture for some shoots like youth football. Do you have any opinions about end image quality of the Cam Link? I know these devices add a step of encoding along the way to ease the burden of the USB bandwidth and can kill footage etc... I think the Atem uses MJPEG and does a pretty good job of retaining image quality. Thanks!!
The CamLink is excellent. It's obviously higher resolution than the ATEM, but even with 1080 signals I do think the quality is maybe even a bit better. I love 'em both though.
I've never tried using a bunch all at once, since I usually stick with the ATEM. The CamLink Pro is probably the best solution if you plan to use more than 2 on a regular basis.
I have the original Mini and the Extreme ISO (because I wanted more inputs). They're both awesome, but I think the 4 input ATEM Mini Pro is the best value overall.
I currently run two Elgato Facecams. For now, the image quality is really all, I’d need for live streaming. In case I’d upgrade to actual cameras, I’d need separate feeds on my PC. So for me, it’s either several Cam Link or a PCIe capture card. With multiple connections, like the Camlink Pro is something else with multiple HDMI inputs.
Elvid HDMI Switcher is my recommendation. I bought it to do my own recording of someone else's live event. They had an ATEM Mini which flaked out just before broadcast. They had to use my audio and one of my video feeds to get their broadcast out. The Elvid is a generic base unit that goes under other names like AVMatrix HVS0402U, and BZB Gear. I use Blackmagic's Video Assist to do the recording and final feed.
I purchased the ATEM Mini Pro thinking it was 4k for my podcast, would 4 Camlinks + Streamdeck essentially emulate what the ATEM Mini Pro does? (physical switcher?) Any other advantages the ATEM Mini Pro has? Would you recommend having 4k for a podcast in the long run?
The tricky part with that is it puts a LOT of processing responsibility onto your computer, whereas the ATEM handles it all internally. There is a Cam Link Pro, which has 4 HDMI inputs. It can be used as a PCI card with a PC or put into an external enclosure to use with a Mac. That's what I would recommend rather than 4 individual CamLinks.
@@tombuck Thank you for your reply. Is 4K something recommended to go for with a podcast? Most top podcasts record in 4K right? I’m also thinking regardless it would be nice for punch ins. Which external housing do you recommend?
Hey Tom, I need your help. When you switch thru the angles live on the atem mini, will the angles still show up on the saved video once the live is finished?
It depends. If you do what I do and run the ATEM through a program like Ecamm or OBS, then it'll record all your switching and stuff. If you have one of the ATEM ISO models, then you can connect an SSD and it'll create a Davinci Resolve project file with all your cuts, but you'll still have the ability to go into Resolve and adjust things if needed.
Dear Tom. In your frank opinion, which one is better camlink or ATEM Mini (in image quality & durability aspect)? I plan to buy one of them. Thanks in advance.
Hi Tom, you say the Atem works best in 30fps but that is definately not true. I think you have set your Atem to 30fps in the settings menu, so all input framerates are converted to 30fps. You better set it to ’Auto’ so the Atem gets the framerate which is in input 1.
I think this is an issue with my ATEM specifically, because I've tried matching different frame rates and 30 is the only one that works for me. But just to experiment, I did take your advice and switch it to Auto, so we'll see how that goes 👍
It should be plug and play. I would try a different USB port and/or a different device. If it’s still showing green, then I’d exchange it (I’ve never heard of this happening, so it might just be an unlucky defect).
@@tombuck Yeah i will get that one replaced, but missed up my upload schedule. I had a HD60X laying around, but didn't think about it until i was past the point of frustration. I hooked it up and it does work. Will just have to be a day late on Podcast. Enjoy your work, i learn so much from your channel. #Salute
Great overview.....I have been loving the a7c with the built in USB streaming! Since I only need 1 signal works great for me. If I needed more than 1 the ATEM would be the way to go. Great overview there!
@@tombuck Freaking love it! I have the K3M on top of my a7c, the Rode Procaster XLR mic plugged into it and my whole streaming setup including audio goes out USB-C and shows up in my streaming software for audio and video.....so dang good!
Hi Tom, I'm a total newb here and have learned a TON from your videos so thank you so much. My question is, for these tutorials, they seem to be in 4K yet it seems you are using the ATEM to control the camera sources which you have said only has a 1080p output, I'm a little confused about that? Also, what software do you record to for these tutorials is it right into Final Cut or are you using something else? Thank you so much for everything! Michael
Ahh, that's some sharp perception there! Yes, the ATEM is limited to 1080, which is fine for my streams and stuff. But for recorded videos, I record directly to the cameras' memory cards and then edit everything together in Final Cut to keep the full 4K quality 👍
I got the Camlink 4k a couple of weeks ago and I spent all last week trying to make it work with my M1 mac mini and M! macbook pro, for some reason it did not work for me. I tried several different ways and with two different camera, sony a6600 and a nikon 7200, got new cables and nothing. I finally gave up and returned it, I really want it to work. I'll give the ATEM a try.
That's really frustrating, I'm sorry to hear it. I wonder if it's defective? I've used 3 or 4 different ones over the years and they've always just been plug and play.
Great video but if you can afford both, then you can plug the Atem mini into the camlink and even though the Atem will only output 1080 the camlink will upscale it and it will look better on your stream or recording!
It all just depends on your computer's USB capabilities. If you think you'll be using 3-4 inputs on a regular basis, I definitely recommend checking out the CamLink Pro.
@@tombuck that's too bad. Until Blackmagic upgrades the ATEM Mini line to stream multiple inputs to a Mac in 4K I guess it's the Elgato Camlink 4K for me.
I sorta' get the love with Atem Mini, but for average Joe streamer, youtuber, whatever using OBS -- a decent HDMI capture card + setting up hotkeys for scene switching accomplishes the same thing.
Love your work Tom! Question: I saw a big difference with the Camlink 4K when I switched from Intel Macs to M1 Macs. A lot of dropped frames :/ Have you experienced this? I tested on different setups.
I haven't had that issue at all. I'm not sure what could be causing it, but if you're using OBS it's always a good idea to double check your canvas/output resolutions since those settings seems to get switched randomly from time to time.
I do talk about it in the video, and as mentioned, the reason I didn't include is because I don't have one and because I'd need to put it in an external enclosure to work with my Mac. Maybe one day!
@@tombuck the hdmi out of the atem mini is what I was trying to get output from. Usb c to OBS works perfectly fine for me, but when I go to atem software and select media, the preview is blank. And when i plugin a monitor to atem mini hdmi out, the screen is always blank
