Convert Your Android Phone into a Camera Monitor and Recorder Using OTG cable and Capture card

An solution to Turn Your Android Phone into a Professional-like Camera Monitor and Recorder Using OTG Cable

Solution to use your Android phone as a DSLR or mirrorless camera monitor and recorder. At fraction of cost setup with OTG app, capture card, and simple accessories.

Videographers today benefit from the incredible advancements in DSLR and mirrorless cameras. These compact devices now offer outstanding features for professional-quality video production. However, there’s one challenge that most users face: the built-in LCD monitor is often too small for effective monitoring.

The solution: Use your Android smartphone as a camera monitor and even as a recorder.

But what if you could replace that external monitor with something you already own?

Traditionally, the solution is to invest in an external monitor (usually 5 or 7 inches). While helpful, this adds extra cost, weight, and bulk to your camera rig.

But what if you could replace that expensive external monitor with something you already own?
The solution: Use your Android smartphone as a camera monitor and even as a recorder.

Now, this idea isn’t brand new, but here’s the difference: the gear is way cheaper now, so it’s the perfect time to use it. For a small cost, you get a portable monitor, backup recorder, and a capture card—all in one. Honestly, it’s a no-brainer to keep this in your kit.

Why Use Your Android Phone as a Monitor?

• Cost-effective – Avoid spending hundreds of dollars on an external monitor.
• Lightweight setup – Reduce the load on your camera rig.
• Dual function – Some Android apps allow both video and audio recording, letting your phone double as a monitor and backup recorder.
• Emergency backup – Ideal when your external monitor fails or isn’t available.

What You’ll Need to set up your phone into a cameras monitor

Here’s the full gear list to transform your Android phone into a camera monitor:

1. Phone Holder – 360° Mobile Phone Universal Clip
2. Cold Shoe Mount Adapter – Metal Coldshoe with 1/4″ screw
3. OTG Cable – USB-C Male to USB-A Female Adapter
4. HDMI Capture Card – AV-LINK V2 HDMI to USB
5. Short HDMI Cable – (Mini/Micro/Full HDMI depending on your camera model)
6. Velcro Straps (Optional) – For neat cable and devices management

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Download a camera OTG app from the Play Store.
2. Put your phone in flight mode to avoid interruptions.
3. Make sure your phone battery is fully charged.
4. Mount your phone with the 360° clip onto your camera’s cold shoe.
5. Connect your camera’s HDMI out to the capture card.
6. Plug the capture card into the OTG adapter.
7. Connect the OTG cable to your Android phone.
8. Open the OTG camera app—your phone is now your monitor.

Connecting Method

A) Mount your phone onto the 360° Universal Clip.
B) Attach the clip to your camera via the Coldshoe Adapter.
C) Connect your camera’s HDMI output to the AV-LINK V2 Capture Card.
D) Plug the capture card into the OTG adapter.
E) Connect the OTG cable to your Android phone.
F) Open the OTG Camera App – Your phone now works as a monitor.

B) Quick note: since these gadgets keep evolving, designs, colors, and dimensions might differ. But the purpose stays the same. And of course, new apps are always popping up—better ones will be available for download or purchase online soon.

Note: Phone displays may enhance colors, so don’t rely on them for final color grading. Use them mainly for framing, focus, and monitoring.

Who Should Use This Solution?

• Budget-conscious videographers – Save money on external monitors.
• Camera owners with small LCDs – Get a larger viewing screen.
• Emergency shooters – When your main monitor fails.
• Backup recorders – Use your phone’s storage as a secondary recording option.
• Live streamers – The AV-LINK cable can also serve as a capture card for your computer.

Pro tip: phone screens look punchier than real life, so don’t color grade with them. Use it mainly for framing and focus

If you upgrade to AV-LINK V3, you gain an HDMI loop-out, allowing you to connect both your phone and an external monitor simultaneously perfect for directors or assistants on set.

Why This Should Be in Every Videographer’s Gear Bag

For just a Fraction of small cost, this solution gives you:

• A portable, lightweight monitor.
• Backup recording capability.
• Multi-purpose gear that doubles as a capture card.

Every videographer should consider adding this to their setup—it’s affordable, reliable, and highly practical.

Related Products:

AV-LINK V2 Portable HD USB 2.0 to HDMI 1080P 60fps Video Capture Card with Micro-HDMI cable 1.5m

Read our Blog:

Turn your Phone into Camera Monitor