Elgato Capture Card Comparison for DSLR (with samples!)

Which Elgato Capture Card is Right for YOU? Comparing three of Elgato’s external capture cards for live streamers and video creators. The Cam Link 4K, HD60 S+ and the NEW HD60 X.
Watch this video to see video quality comparisons between the different Elgato USB capture cards.
👉 HD60 X
Amazon (US) - amzn.to/48H2KbM
Amazon (UK) - amzn.to/3x6fjP1
👉 Elgato HD60 S+
geni.us/zbJOdS
👉 Elgato Cam Link 4K
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00:00 Intro
00:39 Why use a HDMI capture card?
01:02 Elgato Cam Link 4k video sample
01:44 Elgato HD60 S+ video sample
02:45 Elgato Cam Link 4k vs HD60 S+ comparison
03:14 Elgato HD60 X video sample
03:38 What is VRR Variable Refresh Rate?
04:12 Elgato Cam Link 4k vs HD60 S+ vs HD60 X comparison
04:43 Who is each capture card best for?
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• NEW! Elgato HD60 X 4K ...
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This is an Elgato capture card comparison video.
// LIVE STREAMING GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
The following are live streaming and video gear items mentioned in this video. Disclaimer: These links are affiliate links where Live Streaming Pros will earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sony ZV-E10 body
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Sigma 16mm f1.4 E mount for Sony
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Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Microphone
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Rodecaster Pro
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Impact Deluxe Varipole tension rods
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Elgato Key Light Air
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Elgato HD60 S+
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Elgato Cam Link 4K
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Manfrotto Friction Magic Arms
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Caldigit TS3+ Thunderbolt 3 dock
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Elgato Stream Deck XL
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#hd60x #elgatocomparison #LiveStreamingPros

[@LiveStreamingPros]

👉 HD60 X Amazon (UK) - amzn.to/3x6fjP1 Elgato Store - www.elgato.com/en/game-capture-hd60-x 👉 Elgato HD60 S+ geni.us/zbJOdS 👉 Elgato Cam Link 4K geni.us/Szkqc 00:00 Intro 00:39 Why use a HDMI capture card? 01:02 Elgato Cam Link 4k video sample 01:44 Elgato HD60 S+ video sample 02:45 Elgato Cam Link 4k vs HD60 S+ comparison 03:14 Elgato HD60 X video sample 03:38 What is VRR Variable Refresh Rate? 04:12 Elgato Cam Link 4k vs HD60 S+ vs HD60 X comparison 04:43 Who is each capture card best for?

[@KevinMuldoon]

Great work on the comparison. Most reviews focus on the gaming side, so it's great to see some samples of cameras being used as the source.

[@morgangrace]

Great video Luria! Super helpful to see the three side by side, turns out I don't need to upgrade from the CamLink after all. Woot! xo

[@kitetales]

Thank you so much for this incredible video and tutorial on setting this up!! Was exactly what I was looking for.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope you'll let us know how it goes!

[@kitetales]

@@LiveStreamingProsI used the Elgato HD60 as per your setup here and it worked perfectly!! You’re now my official go-to channel for live-streaming and tech setup!

[@TheBAZone]

Thanks for this - lots of helpful info!

[@AHealthyShift]

What a fantastic video. Really helpful. I now understand the difference between the Camlink 4K and HD60X and have learned it would be nice, but isn't necessary. Thank you.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@SammySuperStar]

This is amazing info Luria!!

[@Stuart-Video]

Great info info Luria!!

[@Kris-nf3fu]

Thanks so much for clearing this up!

[@LiveStreamingPros]

You are so welcome!

[@DanDansNoodle]

Hi loved the video, I subbed 😊 will the 60x allow 4k 60 fps video with my R8?

[@MrJmi]

Very helpful and well done - thanks a lot!

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@MrSujano]

Great comparison! I was thinking about picking up a Cam Link and a HD60X, but it looks like I can get away with just the HD60x.

[@sierraelis]

Hello, I am loving your videos. Could I use the hd60s plus to use to connect my dslr to and a Nintendo switch? Or would I need the cam link for my old dslr and the hd60 s plus to stream my Nintendo switch as well?

[@paulmaher1705]

Thanks, very helpful.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@The_Athenna]

This Video was perfect for me! i def. know what i need for my capture needs!!

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@ryanharper-brown]

Super helpful! I tried comparing the HD60 X and HD60 S+ on Elgato's website and it was just a waste. Your video told me exactly what the differences are. Thanks!

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT)

[@ryanharper-brown]

@@LiveStreamingPros Will do! (once my semester finishes as I teach Friday mornings)

[@cougar-town]

I bought the Elgato HD60 X and I am very happy with it. Thank you for the advice. 😺

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Glad I could help! 🎉 What kind of content are you creating?

[@SammySuperStar]

So much detail on the capture card!

[@thtshortguy]

Best video I've seen for a comparison

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Thanks so much, glad you found it helpful! ♥ What kind of content are you streaming?

[@mindgamesandmagic]

Great video! I really appreciate your explanation. What software are you using to record the video on your computer?

[@GideonShalwick]

I would love to know too!

[@AkinAkinsanya]

Nice video. People underestimate the work VRR feature. This prevents choppy recording when passthrough on consoles. I get that alot on the S+.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Great point! ♥️

[@Mindset4Excellence]

Great info!

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@gregclare]

I'm a bit surprised by your finding that the direct captured output of the HD60S+ was significantly worse than the Cam Link 4K. I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere else, and I can't imagine why this would be. Was this an apples / apples comparison? i.e. Were both connected as simple USB UVC sources? Or, was the HD60S+ using the Elgato capture software / driver, versus the Cam Link using UVC? Also, was the video source the same & same resolution? I'm still confused by this unexpected difference.

[@jaysimons5282]

I'm super torn between the cam link 4k and the HD 60X. I plan on starting streaming, mostly on PC. Though I would like the ability to stream from Xbox/P5/Switch. Ill most likely end up with the HD60X.

[@vamsimathe]

Which capture card is best for Live KZbin streaming through OBS ?

[@daraghmorrissey]

Nice video - for some reason I am going getting 1080p using the Elgato with my Camlink - using USBA and set the format to 4k/auto - any ideas appreciated. can you share the settings you used for the 4k sample.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

You need to make sure that everything along the chain is set up for 4k...your camera settings, your streaming/recording software, etc.

[@TioGamborimbo]

Thank you!!😄

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@parkerschlank1713]

This was the video I was looking for. This rocked! I came here wondering about the new 4K X for video. Any chance you’ll do a video on the 4K X to compare image quality to the HD60 X? Also for the algorithm, you might consider including video, DSLR, and or other tags related to cameras in the title. Every video out there on the Elgato capture cards is comparing streaming from a gaming device, there’s literally nothing comparing video from a camera like yours (but yours was very hard to find).

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Thanks, I'm so very glad it was helpful!! I very briefly and casually talked about the new 4K X on my livestream here - kzbin.infoRA7lUqWm8g0?si=Y4vCtxrpk1EjYITr&t=903 (time coded for ya!) - but I haven't had time or capacity lately to get a video out. It is on my list! :) Throw your questions at me and I'll either answer or get them into a video! Also, appreciate the perspective on finding this video. I'll go change the title right now! :)

[@parkerschlank1713]

Wow fastest response ever 💨 Hello awesomeness. Time coded link to boot. Did I mention you rock? 🥳 In terms of questions, I’m just super curious about the image quality. I don’t have a capture card yet, so am debating what to purchase. All my other stuff is Elgato, so it’s going to be Elgato. I’m price inelastic, so I’d honestly just opt in for the newer tech to have the expanded features, but I’m most concerned about the image quality (without any color corrections). The apples to apples Camlink vs the 60 S+ vs the 60HD X made the decision easy between those options. Now I’m honestly just trying to find a visual comparison of the 4K X to make sure it doesn’t fall flat like that 60 S+. Trust, but verify right?.. haha Thanks again! Instant sub from me!

[@LiveStreamingPros]

LOL yay! :) You distracted me from cleaning yesterday, so I was happy to answer 😝 - thanks for the additional question info. Pre-comparison, my gut says for straight talking head camera usage, you won't see that much difference between the HD60 X and the 4K X, but if $50 extra is easy enough for you, and future proofing matters, go for the 4K X!

[@nicktietz10]

yes! Please do the 4k vs HD60! @@LiveStreamingPros

[@rodolfocosta2503]

Been looking for the HD60 S+ for a few days and still couldn't find it and heard recently that it was discontinued, so in the near future i'll have to pick the HD60 X, thanks for the info

[@LiveStreamingPros]

FWIW, you may be able to still find the HD60 S+ locally, but if not, the HD60 X is another great option!

[@randallbrander8157]

Excellent! I have 5 of the Elgato Cam Link 4k usb capture cards. Love them. I will look into the HD60x because it looks promising.

[@khentlorenromanat5066]

How i wish i get that new elgato! thanks for this video.😊

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) :)

[@kennethtanamor6943]

Im sad it's not yet available in my country. #Philippines

[@MrMowzzy]

so i bought the hd60 s plus capture card and im trying to use my cannon eos m50 mark 2 camera for my webcam i have my hdmi to micro hdmi going into my camera from the capture card and its not picking up my camera in the el gato program or in OBS am i doing something wrong im new to this and i need help!

[@sachimuchi1346]

Hi there , can you please have my one request. Can you please make a video testing elgato HD X using ipad 2021 pro 5 generation (with M1) CHIP. You will get a lot of views , you can check on apple and elgato forms or reddit forms people are searching all over but they can’t find a capture card that is compatible with ipad pro 2021 M1 chip. Things required for this video are - 1. Ipad pro 2021 2. Elgato HD X 3. 4k capture utility software (from elgato site). 4. Type c to hdmi apple adapter that’s all please make a video about this

[@MikeLangford]

Quick question, is there a delay when capturing or streaming video at 4K (2160 24fps) from your mirrorless camera or DSLR when using the HD60 X? We are using Cam Link 4Ks and have noticed a delay in the video when recording to Riverside or locally on ECamm when we are in 4K. We use Riverside to record podcasts and we want to record one of our shows in 4K. Riverside allows us to capture 2160 at 24fps. However, the video is always slightly delayed requiring our editor to adjust in post to get things aligned. We see the same problem when recording locally using ECamm. I suspect the issue is that the Cam Link 4K is just too slow at processing the 4K video from the camera to have it line up with the audio which is coming out of our RODECaster Pro IIs. I'm happy to get everyone switched over to HD60 X if they fix this issue.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

No, the capture cards don't cause that, but bad cables, an underpowered computer, mismatched settings (camera, streamimg/recording tool, steam settings, etc.) can cause that.

[@JamesHicks]

what caught my eye was the shoppable links you added to the video - very interesting

[@Noodlebadger]

Right?? Pretty wild! The evolution of content creation baby 💃

[@Stuart-Video]

wooo really cool

[@swdw973]

The HD 60 X is on sale right now for $149 at the Amazon Elgato store.

[@printitpaintit.2436]

I purchased the cam link but it got hot and failed after 2 days, I say failed it works at 1080p but if you switch to 4k windows camera says error could not communicate with the camera. I tried my cheap Chinese copy and it works fine in both 1080p and 4k so it's definitely the cam link and not the camera or cables.. Thanks to your fantastic video I just ordered the 60 X because I need the sharpest picture possible as I need it to record my painting models..

[@LiveStreamingPros]

That's totally not normal, you should reach out to Elgato support! We've never had any problem with the Camlink 4k!

[@johnsonguite]

if you record video directly in mirrorless camera, and then record the same video from the camera using camlink and OBS, will the quality (brightness, color etc) of the video be the same...?

[@GoldenKnight702]

Did you ever get an answer to this?

[@KendraKjolseth]

Perfect video.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Thank you!! So glad it was helpful 🤗

[@lorenzo1031]

I just got the hd60x, trying to figure out what cables do I need? I have a canon r6. Do I need a micro hdmi to regular hdmi and then a hdmi to usb?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

In most cases you'll just need a micro hdmi to regular hdmi and the USB 3.0 C-to-A Cable & HDMI 2.0 Cable that are included with the device.

[@Vorname_Nachnahme]

You resemble Nicole Sullivan from MADtv. But, my questions on the topic: 1.) If using the camlink4k and having, let's say three different HDMI-sources (three cams), how might i be able to switch between those sources? 1.1.) Using three camlinks and after these a HDMI-switcher or ... 1.2.) A HDMI-switcher and after that one camlink-unit?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

You can do that in software like Ecamm, vMix, Streamyard, etc.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

BTW - you can watch this in 4K too! :)

[@SammySuperStar]

Since you are uploading videos in 4K will you be streaming In 4K

[@leggomyeggo2073]

4K, it's not a dirty word.

[@ryzenislive2046]

I am willing to buy elgato for streaming and recording pc games, but i have only 1 pc with dual monitor, so which elgato i have to buy , elgato camlink or elgato hd60x , please help me🙏🏻

[@LiveStreamingPros]

You'll need a capture card for every camera or video source that you need to bring into your production.

[@CreativeRealEstateInvesting]

I just recived the cam link 4k. Spent hours. Tried 2 diffrent laptop. Keep saying connect camera which I have and I tried two different chords. Ordered a third will see if it's here tomorrow any recommendations

[@LiveStreamingPros]

It's really hard to troubleshoot on just sentence or two here in comments. But I'm guessing that you've got a cabling problem... so you need to make sure that you're connecting your camera to the HDMI of the Cam Link 4k and plug the USB into a USB 3 port on your computer.

[@ChromaCat]

I have two cameras, can I use two camlinks and how will my computer make a difference between the two?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Yes, that'll work! 👍

[@mrsonwaldiary1172]

but why on box its says hd60 x will provide 4k30 and on hd60 s+ says 4k60?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Yes, they both offer 4k.

[@devpbrown]

Are there any problems using these on a macbook M1 Air or Pro 13 inch ?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Not that we've heard...You could check in with Elgato support to make sure.

[@XJETIVE]

But isn't Cam link only for connecting DSLR Camera, I don't know if it functions as a Capture card. Turn your DSLR, camcorder or action cam into a webcam. this is what the description in Elgato's Page states

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Yes, it's a fully-functional capture card, you can use it to bring your camera, another computer, etc. into your recording or live stream.

[@MinhTanAudio]

Quá tuyệt vời, rất hữu ích ❤❤❤

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 🙂

[@sishong]

Camlink 4K

[@mdsohan2273]

Where is the audio test? Recently i buy cam link 4k...but it's not working properly in mac m1

[@LiveStreamingPros]

You'll get better audio results if you connect your mic to your computer. 👍

[@mdsohan2273]

@@LiveStreamingPros yes but the lipsing is not match.... But i have another question. Which brand Type c to usb 3.0 adapter you using for mac?

[@mdsohan2273]

@@LiveStreamingPros I am using now... Camera : Canon 250D Cable for camera : ugreen mini hdmi to hdmi cable. Video capture card : Cam link 4k For the Hub : Baseus USB C HUB Type C to HDMI-compatible USB 3.0 Adapter What i need more? Do i need to buy Apple type c to usb 3.0 this adapter? Because my video and audio is not match.I mean lipsing problem.

[@SandyJSantiago]

I had trouble connecting this to my macbook

[@LiveStreamingPros]

That should work... Make sure your cables are ok and that you're connecting to the USB 3 port.

[@dennisreynolds6915]

I have an external mic connected to my g85 and I'm not getting audio on OBS. Any ideas

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Try connecting your mic to your computer instead of the camera, that often works better. 👍

[@dennisreynolds6915]

@@LiveStreamingPros thanks. It ended up being my crappy HDMI card. I bought a better one.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Glad you got it fixed! 🎉

[@kyuba7083]

Can I use a camlink to share my pc screen ??

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Yes, absolutely, we do that all the time - works great! 👍

[@kyuba7083]

Is there any special app?? Because my computer is detecting the camlink as a camera :( And thank you for answering!! :)

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Yes, that's correct, you'll select that Camlink "camera" to bring the other computer into your production. Happy to help! ☺️

[@kyuba7083]

@@LiveStreamingPros I bought the HD60 X and installed the el gato software and it won't let me export the image of my main pc :(

[@LiveStreamingPros]

You don't use the Elgato software, just select the Camlink in whatever streaming, recording, or meeting software you're using.

[@peterdawson3690]

I was hoping for information on latency.

[@limebulls]

Yeah that would be awesome!

[@GoldenKnight702]

So can use my canon r8 as a 4k webcam with hd60 x? My brain hurts, please help

[@LiveStreamingPros]

If you can set it up for clean HDMI, then yes!

[@iaalan]

If you are a gamer do not get the cam link for game play. You could however get it for your camera source.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Absolutely agreed!

[@limebulls]

Why

[@razredge68]

@@limebulls mainly due to lack of HDMI pass-through. You would need a splitter and output one of the video feeds to a tv/monitor. Attempting to use the camlink as your monitor will not work well due to the added lag.

[@LiveStreamingPros]

If you want pass through, go with the HD60S+! 👍

[@JammerJay]

If you are a M1/M2 Mac owner, avoid the Elgato HD60S (no plus) like the plague. It does not work with Apple Silicon chips.

[@koko-yi5uv]

🤘🏾

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Glad you found this helpful!

[@michaeljacksonfanmade87]

Me who uses the 12 dollar off brand capture card 🤣

[@chrisanabailey2188]

Lol same here but time to upgrade

[@Christiantheone]

Actually a great video. Better than the "gamers" that are exokaing it

[@LiveStreamingPros]

I'm so glad this was helpful for you! 🎉 Hope that maybe you'll be able to stop by and say hey during one of our live streams someday! (Friday at 10:00am PT) 😀

[@HDR72uncharted]

Which comment for ps5 ?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Most gamers want to use a passthru, so either the Elgato HD60 S+ (amzn.to/3Zro9RI) or the Elgato HD60 X (amzn.to/40EegBe) would be great options! What are you currently playing?

[@HDR72uncharted]

@@LiveStreamingPros ı buy elgato hd60 s+ and ı record 1080p 60fps looks good no delay and passthroug prety good

[@thanasisathanasi4965]

Latency???????

[@LiveStreamingPros]

Not really, and if you're a gamer, then you'll want to use the passthru for your game play. 👍

[@DrunkDelilahBrewery]

Any reason why this video isn't playing back at 60 fps...seems to be even less than 30 fps?

[@LiveStreamingPros]

It's 4K 30fps - but you should be seeing full resolution - check the gear icon to see what it maybe has auto-chosen for your internet connection.

[@DrunkDelilahBrewery]

@@LiveStreamingPros Yes, it says 4K 30fps but the video is definitely dropping frames - it is not smooth like 30 fps would appear normally. I think the capture wasn’t full 30 fps. Internet connection fine for all other videos. Nice review though.