Are you tired of mediocre gaming quality? Does it feel like you’re not getting the most out of your gaming experience? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you may be in need of a capture card!
Capture cards are amazing tools that give gamers a competitive edge in terms of gameplay quality. Not only do these devices help increase the quality of your video game footage, but they also allow you to live stream games and create highlight reels.
In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the ins and outs of capture cards, explaining how they work, the benefits of owning one, and why they’re becoming ever more popular amongst gamers.
Table of Contents:
1. What is a Capture Card?
2. How does a Capture Card work?
3. Benefits of Owning a Capture Card
a. Higher Quality Recordings
b. Livestreaming
c. Personalized Highlight Reels
4. Capture Card Compatibility with Gaming Consoles
a. PlayStation 4
b. Xbox One
c. Nintendo Switch
5. Top Capture Cards on the market 2020
a. Elgato Game Capture HD60 S
b. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
c. Razer Ripsaw HD
6. Tips for Purchasing a Capture Card
a. Know Your Budget
b. Compatibility
c. Online Research
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ
What is a Capture Card?
A capture card is an external device that captures video footage from gaming consoles, computers, or cameras. It acts as an intermediary between the gaming console and a computer, which is used to display the game footage.
How does a Capture Card work?
Capture cards transfer digital video signals to your computing device via either USB or HDMI cables. In order to transfer the digital video signal, the capture card must be physically connected to both the computing device and the gaming console.
To capture the video game footage, the capture card uses a process called video encoding. This is where the capture card takes the raw digital video signal coming from your gaming console, and converts it into a video file that can be saved on your computer’s hard drive.
Benefits of Owning a Capture Card
Higher Quality Recordings
By using a capture card to record gameplay footage, you’re ensuring that the footage is of the highest quality possible. Capture cards can record footage in full HD, and some can even capture footage in 4K quality. The quality of the footage is crucial for those making highlight reels or creating gameplay videos for YouTube or streaming platforms like Twitch.
Livestreaming
A capture card can also be used to livestream gameplay footage to platforms like Twitch, Mixer, or YouTube. Livestreaming has become increasingly popular amongst gamers, and capture cards give you the best quality output for your livestreams.
Personalized Highlight Reels
Capture cards don’t just provide high-quality video footage but also allow gamers to create personalized highlight reels. Highlight reels can be created by editing videos to show only the best or most entertaining parts of a game. This feature can also provide a new layer of entertainment for viewers, highlighting funny moments or epic plays that might have gone unnoticed otherwise.
Capture Card Compatibility with Gaming Consoles
Now that you know the benefits of owning a capture card let’s take a look at how compatible they are with gaming consoles.
PlayStation 4
The PlayStation 4 is compatible with most capture cards, but there is some variation in compatibility depending on the card. At the moment, the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, and Razer Ripsaw HD, are current examples of capture cards that work seamlessly with a PlayStation 4.
Xbox One
The Xbox One also works with most capture cards, but as with the PlayStation 4, some cards are more compatible than others. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, and Razer Ripsaw HD, are some current examples of capture cards that work well with the Microsoft Xbox One.
Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of capture card compatibility. At the moment, not all capture cards work with the console, but there are a few specific models that are known to work well. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, and Razer Ripsaw HD, are some current examples of capture cards that work well with the Nintendo Switch.
Top Capture Cards on the market 2020
Now that you know more about capture cards, let’s take a look at some of the top capture cards on the market in 2020
Elgato Game Capture HD60 S
Arguably the most well-known and trusted capture card on the market, the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S is a favorite amongst gamers. It comes equipped with a 1080p input, allows users to stream video footage up to 60 frames per second and has an instant gameview feature that allows for lag-free streaming.
AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is an excellent mid-range capture card option. Equipped with both HDMI and component inputs, it’s compatible with most gaming consoles, including PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It can capture footage up to 1080p at 60 frames per second and doesn’t require any additional hardware for video editing.
Razer Ripsaw HD
The Razer Ripsaw HD is a great option for those who prefer USB-only capture cards. It boasts a 4K passthrough and can capture footage up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. It’s compatible with most gaming consoles and can be used with OBS and Xsplit broadcasting software.
Tips for Purchasing a Capture Card
Now that you know more about capture cards, let’s take a quick look at some tips for purchasing one.
Know Your Budget
Capture cards come in a range of prices, so it’s essential to know how much you’re willing to spend. There’s no point in breaking the bank if you’re not too serious about streaming or recording gameplay footage.
Compatibility
Make sure the capture card you’re interested in is compatible with your computer and gaming console. It’s important to note that capture cards may not work optimally with older consoles or slower computers.
Online Research
Do some research before making a purchase. Read reviews, check out YouTube videos, and ask other gamers for their opinions. This will help you get a better insight into which capture card is right for you.
Conclusion: The Benefits of Owning a Capture Card
In conclusion, capture cards are essential tools for any serious gamer. They provide high-quality video footage, allow for seamless live streaming, and allow you to create personalized highlight reels. The three featured capture cards, the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, and Razer Ripsaw HD, are currently the best on the market, but remember to keep your budget and needs in mind when deciding on what to buy.
FAQ
Q: Are all capture cards compatible with all gaming consoles?
A: Not all capture cards are compatible with all gaming consoles. It’s essential to do appropriate research before purchasing a capture card to make sure it’s compatible with your console.
Q: Can capture cards be used to record any game?
A: Yes, capture cards can record any game as long as it’s being played on a compatible console.
Q: Do I need a capture card to livestream gameplay footage?
A: Yes, a capture card is required to stream high-quality gameplay footage.
Q: Can I create highlight reels without a capture card?
A: Yes, you can create highlight reels without a capture card, but the quality may not be as high as it could be with one.
Q: Can I stream to Twitch or YouTube with any capture card?
A: No, not all capture cards are compatible with streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube. It’s important to research which capture cards work best with these platforms before purchasing one.
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