This article helps you choose a compatible camera or video capture device for Dartfish, based on your setup, environment, and performance needs.



Quick recommendations

Your setupRecommended solution
Low-cost, portable, single cameraHD Webcam
Fixed indoor or outdoor installationONVIF IP Camera
Professional camera (HDMI/SDI)AJA U-TAP, Blackmagic UltraStudio Recorder 3G
Stadium or broadcast SDI feedMagewell Ultra Encode HDMI/SDI


Supported camera and capture devices

HD Webcams (USB)

Examples: Logitech C922, Microsoft LifeCam, Logitech BRIO


Best forEntry-level, education, static camera
Max FPS30-60
Max resolution4K*
Multi-cameraUp to 2*
ConnectionUSB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C
Stream profileMJPEG
InstallationMinimal

*Camera-dependent


Limitations

  • Limited digital zoom

  • Not suitable for high-speed motion analysis

  • Some models require manual driver selection on Windows


Set-Up



IP Cameras (ONVIF / RTSP)

Best forFixed multi-camera setups
Max FPSUp to 120*
Max resolutionUp to 2160p*
Multi-cameraUp to 4
ConnectionEthernet (RJ45)
Stream profileH.264
InstallationAdvanced

*Camera-dependent


Limitations

  • Requires network configuration

  • Not mobile


Set-Up


HDMI / SDI Capture Devices (Converters)

AJA U-TAP (HDMI or SDI)

Best forProfessional cameras, High-quality video capture, Plug & play
InputHDMI or SDI
Max FPS60
Max resolution1080p
Multi-cameraUp to 2
ConnectionUSB 3.1
Stream profileUncompressed
InstallationMinimal


Limitations

  • Requires sufficient system performance due to uncompressed video

  • No external power supply required


Set-up


Blackmagic Ultrastudio Recorder 3G

Best forProfessional cameras, High-quality video capture, Low-cost
InputHDMI or SDI
Max FPS60
Max resolution1080p
Multi-cameraUp to 2*
ConnectionThunderbolt 3 or 4
Stream profileUncompressed
InstallationMinimal

*2 thunderbolt ports required.


Limitations

  • Requires sufficient system performance due to uncompressed video

  • Requires a true thunderbolt 3 or 4 connection.

  • Requires Blackmagic drivers up-to-date.


Set-up



Magewell Ultra Encode HDMI/SDI

Best forDartfish Live Collaboration, Stadium environments, Multi-camera setups
InputHDMI or SDI
Max FPS60
Max resolution1080p
Multi-cameraUp to 4
ConnectionEthernet (RJ45)
Stream profileH.264
InstallationAdvanced


Limitations

  • Requires network configurations


Set-Up (DLC)



Cable length limitations

Exceeding these limits may cause signal loss or instability. 


Connection typeMaximum length
USB5 m
HDMI5 m
SDI100 m
Ethernet (IP Cameras)100 m


Stream profiles & encoding

  • Dartfish Live records in H.264

  • Other stream profiles (e.g. MJPEG, uncompressed) are automatically converted to H.264 during recording

  • Higher-quality inputs require more system resources


Multiple Feeds


A PC meeting our recommended system requirements is required for multi-angle capture.