Elgato Cam Link 4K Review

Today we’ll be taking a quick look at the Elgato Cam Link 4K. It’s a USB capture device that allows you to capture and record 4K video content from your DSLR, camcorder, or action cam to your PC or Mac.

The Cam Link 4K features the latest ultra-low-latency technology, that offers superb video quality at 1080p60 or even up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

It’s compact, portable and only requires one USB port. Best of all, it’s both PC and Mac compatible,

About Elgato

Elgato is the leading provider of hardware and software for content creators, leveraging decades of experience to develop widely-accessible products that empower all creators to produce high-quality, professional content.

A leader in game capture, Elgato offers four powerful game capture cards, the Stream Deck controller, and accompanying software that enables creators to easily record, upload, and livestream professional content.

Designed in Germany and California, Elgato products are distributed by major retailers in over eighty countries around the world.

In July 2018, Elgato was acquired by CORSAIR, and remains a separate brand within CORSAIR.

Overview

Level up your content

You want your content to be visually captivating. With Cam Link 4K, simply hook up your DSLR, camcorder, or action cam to your PC or Mac. Set up your shot. And make it happen.

Is your camera compatible? Check here

Plug ’n’ produce

Coupled with Cam Link 4K, your camera appears as a webcam in all your favorite apps. Superb quality at 1080p60 or even up to 4K at 30 frames per second keeps your stream professional. Ultra-low-latency technology gets you up and running on your favorite platform in no time. And your camera has never felt more powerful.

Simplify your workflow

Say goodbye to maxing out your memory card mid-shoot. Or worse, discovering shoddy shots while editing. When recording with Cam Link 4K, all content is stored directly on your hard drive. While real-time, full-screen feedback lets you polish scenes on the spot.

It’s showtime

Now there’s no holding back. Playing games, unboxing gadgets, mixing beats – whatever makes your world spin – Cam Link 4K puts it live on your computer for effortless mass distribution. All you need to do is connect your camera, and let the show begin.

More information can be found on Elgato’s website.

Specifications

Box and Packaging

There’s not much to find inside the box. You get the Elgato Cam Link 4K unit, a short USB extension cable and that’s it. You’ll need to download the capture software from Elgato’s website.

Elgato Cam Link 4K

The Cam Link 4K unit itself is tiny. It’s no bigger than your average USB stick. You’ll find a standard USB Type-A connector on one end, and a HDMI port at the other end.

Cam Link 4K in Action

For camera compatibility? Check here. Not all cameras will work. Our Canon 70D works fine, but limited to 30 minutes due to sleep/battery saving mode. Certain cameras allow unlimited runtime … and this is what you’ll need.

Software

You can download the Game Capture software from Elgato’s website. This software allows you to capture, record or live stream video content at 4K resolution. Remember to remove/disable all the overlays options on your camera settings.

The Game Capture software has default settings to capture video content from your Xbox One/360, PS4, PC, iPad, Nintendo Wii U and Switch. Select “Other” for attaching your DSLR camera. You also can select a range of popular streaming services including the Twitch, YouTube and Facebook.

If you just want to capture/record video content you can download the 4K Capture software here.

This software allows you to capture video content in 4K, but does not offer video streaming.

Verdict and Conclusion

After playing around with the Elgato Cam Link 4K for a few days, I have to say it’s better than I expected. It’s compact, portable and compatible for both PC and Macs, and it’s ideal for any laptops especially for vloggers and streamers on the go. You can use it to stream live or capture video content (up to 4K) from any DSLR, camcorder, or action cam. For camera compatibility … Check here.

Installation and setup couldn’t be easier … just plug in your camera straight into the Cam Link 4K, connect it your PC, load up the software and that’s it!

Pros:

Compact, portable and light-weight
Compatible for PC and Mac
Good capture/streaming software
Capture/record up to 4K@30fps

Cons:

Pricey
Not compatible with all camera.
For camera compatibility … Check here.

You can by the Elgato Cam Link 4K for around USD $130 from Amazon – https://amzn.to/2AwOXHA. It’s a little pricey than I thought, but you are getting a quality Elgato product.

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