A video capture card is an expansion board that converts video signals into digital data compatible with your computer. Unlike a video adapter card, which sends images to your computer screen, a capture card takes video in and records it as data.

You can use a video capture device to capture or record an audio and video output signal to a connected computer. You can use USB, ExpressCard, or PCI Express technology to connect a video capture device to a computer system.

The most important thing to look for in a device you’d like to use a capture card with is an HDMI output. The purpose of a capture card is to take a video feed from one device and transmit it through an HDMI cable to another device so that it can be encoded for playback or streaming.

USB 3.0 devices transfer at much faster speeds, which are almost lag free. If you’re going to go with a USB capture card, I’d recommend going with a USB 3.0 device. You might be able to save money by going with a USB 2.0 device at this point. However, the signal lag is quite significant.

Overall, the card produces beautiful video without having to learn anything on your own. The price is still pretty steep but I’d recommend this card to anyone who can find it at a discount.

The card is pricey at around $250, and it’s a PCIe card, so you’ll need a free spot on your computer. Compared to cards in the same price bracket — namely the Elgato 4K60 Pro — the Live Gamer Duo doesn’t support 4K recording or streaming.

Do I Need a Capture Card? If you want to stream and record on-screen content, a capture card is highly recommended. Although game consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X have built-in streaming capabilities, they are limited in regards to computer power and data speeds.

Whether or not you’ll need a capture card to start streaming on Twitch depends on several factors. Most gaming streams last much longer than 15 minutes, which is why using a capture card is a much better option if you want to broadcast live footage of games compatible with PS4 and Xbox consoles.

What is the best budget capture card?

• LEADNOVO Video HDMI Capture Card. Buy Now on Amazon.
• DIGITNOW HDMI Video Capture Card. Buy Now on Amazon.
• IPXOZO Capture Card.
• UCEC GAM Live Capture Card.
• GiantMatrix 4K Capture Card.
• DIGITNOW 4K HD USB 3.0 Video Capture Card.
• Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro.
• Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card.

• Elgato Game Capture HD60 S. The best capture card for streaming and recording.
• AVermedia Live Gamer Duo. Best two source capture card.
• AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus. A brilliant, user friendly pick.
• Elgato Game Capture 4K60 S+
• Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro.
• Razer Ripsaw HD.
• Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro.

Elgato’s HD60 S+ is the best capture card for 1080p streaming at 60fps. While it records gameplay in HD, it still allows you to see the image at a higher resolution thanks to its passthrough supporting 4K, 60fps, HDR10, and zero latency – which is ideal if you’re using it with the best gaming monitor.

The Top 10 Capture Cards for YouTube

• Elgato Game Capture HD 60 Pro.
• Elgato Game Capture HD 60 S.
• Star Tech 4 Port PCI Firewire Adaptor Card with Digital Video Editing.
• Hauppage Colossus 2 PCI Express Internal 1080P HD-PVR.
• Elgato Game Capture HD.
• Imillet HDMI Video Capture with USB 3.0/2.0 Dongle.
• HDML Cloner Box Pro.

If you get a capture card like the HD60 S, all you have to do is run an HDMI cable from your console to the card’s input port, then run another HDMI cable from the card’s output port to your monitor or TV. Finally, plug in the USB cable to your computer and your capture card. That’s it.

Efficiency. Live Gamer Portable is the capture card that allows you to record completely without a PC on the fly. Simply flip the ‘PC-Free Mode’ switch, insert SD card to record and you’re ready to capture the moment anywhere you go.

The newest game consoles come equipped with DVR technology that allows you to record several minutes of gameplay footage without a capture card. If you’re using an older console and don’t have access to a capture card, you can use a video camera or smartphone to record your gameplay.

Most capture cards have at least some lag associated with their capture preview. The amount of lag it causes will be related to how fast your computer hardware is, the type of game you’re playing, and how good your capture card is. The best capture cards cause little to no lag, and some even claim to cause ‘zero’ lag.

Elgato, acquired by Corsair, presents a new capture card at this year’s CES. The 4K60 S+ is an external capture box that also works without a PC. Even in 4K with HDR. The company already has several capture boxes in its product range that can also capture in 4K.

Elgato Game Capture HD is a standard USB 2.0 device, so it can receive power from any standard USB port that provides power. If you are using an USB power adapter with Elgato Game Capture HD, or an USB port that is not on your computer, then you will not be able to record any video.