A compact capture card for gamers and streamers, designed to record 4K60 HDR and high-frame-rate gameplay. Elgato 4K S External Capture Card makes passthrough flexible and setup straightforward across consoles and computers. Is it the right choice for creators who need pristine capture and low-latency monitoring?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Image Quality: 4K60 capture with HDR10 support and tone mapping on Windows
- • Best for: Streamers and content creators capturing console and PC gameplay
- • Not ideal for: Users who need a standalone recorder without a connected host
Records cinematic 4K at 60fps and supports high-frame-rate passthrough for smoother motion. HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows preserves wider dynamic range.
Cinematic 4K60 HDR capture - with HDR10 and tone mapping
Capture hardware handles 4K at 60 frames per second and supports HDR10 signals, while tone mapping on Windows adjusts the HDR feed for compatible recording software. Passthrough retains the chosen resolution and frame rate for gameplay monitoring.
Produce crisp, colour-rich footage suitable for highlight reels and edited videos. Accurate HDR handling reduces washed-out highlights when exporting footage on Windows systems.
Smooth high-frame-rate recording - thanks to HFR support (1440p120 / 1080p240)
High-frame-rate passthrough and capture accept 1440p at 120fps or 1080p at 240fps, allowing the capture of fast motion without dropped frames. The capture pathways preserve high-frame inputs for both recording and live monitoring.
Capture fast-paced games for slow-motion replays and buttery-smooth footage. Ideal for shooters and racing games where motion clarity matters.
Simple, broad compatibility - with USB-C, plug-and-play setup and analogue audio in
Connection via USB-C provides a straightforward host interface compatible with macOS, Windows and compatible mobile devices, while a 3.5mm analogue input captures game chat or commentary alongside the video feed. User reports note plug-and-play operation on major desktop platforms.
Quickly get a stream or recording running without lengthy driver installs on macOS and Windows. Analogue input makes it easy to add a voice channel or external chat feed.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Elgato 4K S External Capture Card
- HFR capture (1440p120 / 1080p240) - Record ultra-smooth gameplay at very high frame rates
- Near-zero latency - Stream and monitor gameplay with almost no delay
- Plug-and-play setup - Works instantly on macOS and Windows without drivers
- 3.5mm analogue audio input - Capture game chat or live commentary alongside gameplay
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: External capture card
- Capture Resolution: 4K60 capture
- High-frame-rate support: 1440p120, 1080p240
- HDR: HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows
- Compatibility: PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC, Mac, iPad
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the capture card support 4K60 HDR recording?
A: Yes. Supports 4K60 capture and HDR10, with tone mapping available on Windows.
Q: Can it record high-frame-rate gameplay for smooth replays?
A: Yes. Capture and passthrough are supported at 1440p120 and 1080p240 for HFR content.
Q: Is setup straightforward and compatible with consoles and computers?
A: Yes. Plug-and-play setup works on macOS and Windows, compatibility includes PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2, PC, Mac and iPad, and a 3.5mm input allows analogue chat capture.
🏆 Our Verdict
Streamers and content creators who prioritise high-quality console and PC capture will find a strong match. Pristine 4K60 HDR capture combined with HFR passthrough and analogue audio input gives a clear advantage for highlight reels and live commentary. Durable cables and broad platform compatibility deliver long-term value for regular content creators.
