Are you a streamer or content creator looking to upgrade your equipment? Elgato is a well-known brand in the streaming industry, offering a range of products that cater to different needs and budgets. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which Elgato is best for you. In this article, we’ll break down the different Elgato products, their features, and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Elgato Products
Elgato offers a variety of products, including capture cards, streaming devices, and accessories. Their products are designed to help streamers and content creators produce high-quality content, whether it’s for YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms.
Elgato Capture Cards
Elgato capture cards are designed to capture and stream gameplay footage from consoles or PCs. They offer a range of capture cards, including:
- Elgato HD60: A popular capture card that can capture 1080p footage at 60fps.
- Elgato HD60S: An upgraded version of the HD60, with faster USB 3.0 connectivity.
- Elgato 4K60 Pro: A high-end capture card that can capture 4K footage at 60fps.
Key Features of Elgato Capture Cards
- High-quality video capture: Elgato capture cards can capture high-quality video footage, making them ideal for streamers and content creators.
- Low latency: Elgato capture cards have low latency, which means that there’s minimal delay between the gameplay and the stream.
- Easy to use: Elgato capture cards are plug-and-play, making it easy to set up and start streaming.
Elgato Streaming Devices
Elgato streaming devices are designed to make streaming easier and more convenient. They offer a range of streaming devices, including:
- Elgato Stream Deck: A customizable streaming controller that allows you to control your stream with the touch of a button.
- Elgato Cam Link 4K: A 4K-capable camera link that allows you to connect your camera to your computer and stream high-quality video.
Key Features of Elgato Streaming Devices
- Customizable: Elgato streaming devices are customizable, allowing you to tailor your streaming experience to your needs.
- Easy to use: Elgato streaming devices are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to set up and start streaming.
- High-quality video: Elgato streaming devices can capture high-quality video footage, making them ideal for streamers and content creators.
Elgato Accessories
Elgato accessories are designed to complement their capture cards and streaming devices. They offer a range of accessories, including:
- Elgato Chat Link: A device that allows you to connect your headset to your computer and stream high-quality audio.
- Elgato Wave:3: A microphone that’s designed specifically for streaming and content creation.
Key Features of Elgato Accessories
- High-quality audio: Elgato accessories can capture high-quality audio, making them ideal for streamers and content creators.
- Easy to use: Elgato accessories are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy to set up and start streaming.
- Customizable: Elgato accessories are customizable, allowing you to tailor your streaming experience to your needs.
Which Elgato is Best for You?
Now that we’ve broken down the different Elgato products, it’s time to decide which one is best for you. Here are a few things to consider:
- Your budget: Elgato products range in price, so it’s essential to consider your budget before making a decision.
- Your streaming needs: If you’re a serious streamer, you may need a high-end capture card or streaming device. If you’re just starting out, a more basic option may be sufficient.
- Your equipment: Make sure that the Elgato product you choose is compatible with your equipment.
| Product | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Elgato HD60 | $129.99 | 1080p capture, 60fps, low latency |
| Elgato Stream Deck | $149.99 | Customizable, easy to use, high-quality video |
| Elgato 4K60 Pro | $399.99 | 4K capture, 60fps, low latency |
Conclusion
Choosing the right Elgato product can be overwhelming, but by considering your budget, streaming needs, and equipment, you can make an informed decision. Whether you’re a serious streamer or just starting out, Elgato has a product that can help you produce high-quality content.
What is the main difference between Elgato HD60 and Elgato HD60S?
The main difference between Elgato HD60 and Elgato HD60S is the level of video quality they can capture. The Elgato HD60 can capture video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second, while the Elgato HD60S can capture video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second, but with a lower latency. This makes the Elgato HD60S a better choice for those who want to stream their gameplay with minimal delay.
In terms of other features, both devices are similar. They both have a compact design, are easy to use, and can capture video from a variety of sources, including consoles and PCs. However, the Elgato HD60S has a few additional features, such as a built-in hardware encoder, which can help to reduce the load on your computer while streaming.
Which Elgato is best for 4K streaming?
The Elgato 4K60 Pro is the best Elgato device for 4K streaming. This device can capture video at a maximum resolution of 4K at 60 frames per second, making it ideal for those who want to stream their gameplay in high definition. The Elgato 4K60 Pro also has a number of other features that make it well-suited for 4K streaming, including a built-in hardware encoder and support for HDR.
In addition to its high video quality, the Elgato 4K60 Pro is also easy to use and can capture video from a variety of sources, including consoles and PCs. It also has a compact design, making it easy to take with you on the go. Overall, the Elgato 4K60 Pro is a great choice for anyone who wants to stream their gameplay in 4K.
What is the difference between Elgato HD60 and Elgato Cam Link 4K?
The main difference between Elgato HD60 and Elgato Cam Link 4K is the type of device they are. The Elgato HD60 is a capture card, which means it is designed to capture video from external sources, such as consoles and PCs. The Elgato Cam Link 4K, on the other hand, is a camera adapter, which means it is designed to connect a camera to your computer.
In terms of video quality, the Elgato Cam Link 4K is capable of capturing video at a higher resolution than the Elgato HD60. The Elgato Cam Link 4K can capture video at a maximum resolution of 4K at 30 frames per second, while the Elgato HD60 can capture video at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second. However, the Elgato HD60 is a more versatile device, as it can capture video from a wider range of sources.
Can I use Elgato with a Mac?
Yes, you can use Elgato devices with a Mac. Elgato devices are compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, and can be used to capture video from a variety of sources, including consoles and PCs. However, it’s worth noting that some Elgato devices may require additional software or drivers to work with a Mac.
In general, Elgato devices are easy to use with a Mac, and can be connected via USB. Once connected, you can use the Elgato device to capture video and stream it to your favorite platforms, including YouTube and Twitch. Elgato also offers a range of software and tools that can help you to customize your stream and add overlays, transitions, and other effects.
Do I need a powerful computer to use Elgato?
The computer requirements for using an Elgato device vary depending on the specific device and the type of streaming you want to do. In general, you will need a computer with a relatively powerful processor and a good amount of RAM to use an Elgato device.
However, some Elgato devices, such as the Elgato HD60S, have a built-in hardware encoder, which can help to reduce the load on your computer while streaming. This means that you may be able to use an Elgato device with a less powerful computer, depending on your specific needs and requirements.
Can I use Elgato with a console?
Yes, you can use Elgato devices with a console. Elgato devices are designed to capture video from external sources, including consoles, and can be used to stream your gameplay to your favorite platforms. In fact, many Elgato devices are specifically designed with console gamers in mind, and offer features such as low latency and high video quality.
To use an Elgato device with a console, you will typically need to connect the console to the Elgato device using an HDMI cable, and then connect the Elgato device to your computer using a USB cable. From there, you can use the Elgato device to capture video and stream it to your favorite platforms.
Is Elgato worth the investment for streaming?
Whether or not Elgato is worth the investment for streaming depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you are serious about streaming and want to produce high-quality video, then an Elgato device may be a good investment. Elgato devices offer a range of features that can help you to improve the quality of your stream, including high video quality, low latency, and built-in hardware encoders.
However, if you are just starting out with streaming and are on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options. There are many other capture cards and streaming devices available on the market, and some of them may be more affordable than Elgato devices. Ultimately, the decision to invest in an Elgato device will depend on your specific needs and requirements.