This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
I bought two cheap two-port HDMI switches, one from Anker and one from GANA, hoping to add a fifth camera angle to my recording setup. Neither worked for live camera switching. The Anker kept blacking out with my camera, and while the GANA held a stable picture, both took a few seconds to show the new input after a button press. For a game console or a recorder that you switch now and then, they are fine. For fast camera cuts, get a proper video switcher.
What I tested
- Anker HDMI Switch (2-in-1 Out, 4K)
- GANA bi-directional HDMI switch (aluminum body)
- A Sony α7C and a Sony Handycam as sources
- My existing setup: three cameras plus a computer screen on a four-input switcher, with the new switch feeding one more angle
What I found
- Same basic design: both switch two inputs to one output, and both also work in reverse as a splitter. There is no mode switch.
- No cables in the box: neither includes HDMI cables, so budget for them or pick a bundle with cables.
- Feel and packaging: the Anker button feels a little nicer and the box is better made. The GANA button is slightly stiff and the packaging is very basic.
- α7C: through either switch, the camera did not show a picture.
- Anker with the Handycam: the picture appeared, but it blacked out again and again. My guess is a power issue, since splitters with external power tend to be more stable.
- GANA with the Handycam: stable picture, but pressing the button gives a black screen for a few seconds before the next input appears.
| Anker | GANA | |
|---|---|---|
| Photo |  |  |
| Price at the time of recording | ¥1,290 | ¥999 (about ¥850 when I bought it) |
| Direction | Switch or split | Switch or split |
| HDMI cables | Not included | Not included |
| Stability with my camera | Frequent blackouts | Stable |
| Switching delay | A few seconds | A few seconds |
Who it is for
- People who switch between two devices such as a game console and a recorder once in a while
- People who want to send one source to two screens
- Not for creators who cut between camera angles in real time
The video is in Japanese. The camera tests start around 3:50, and the GANA test is around 5:40.
Limitations
I tested one unit of each with my own cameras and switcher, and HDMI compatibility depends heavily on the devices involved. The Anker has decent reviews on Amazon Japan, so it may behave better with other sources. I did not measure the delay precisely. Prices are in yen at the time of recording.
Products
Anker HDMI Switch (2-in-1 Out, 4K): on Amazon Japan
GANA bi-directional HDMI switch: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Camera & Desk Setup (42) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.