critical analysis and evaluation

Reference

Features and technical specifications of the ELGATO 4K60 S + video grabber

Although we can find more catch machines in the market, ELGATO has sought them out 4K60 S + give users the latest in features and benefits. Thus, this grabber will allow both of us to stream in real time using a dedicated PC, and to record directly to a memory card mounted inside the grabber, being one of the few models that work independently.

This grabber is capable of shooting games up to 4K quality at 60 FPS and HDR10. In addition, take advantage HEVC / H.265 HDR and AVC / H.264 encoding reduce processor size and file size. The soften maximum is 140 Mbps.

Allows you to record both SD card which we can put in the front, such as directly on the computer's hard drive when connecting it to a PC through its cable USB-C. Video input and output of this grabber via HDMI, provide direct management without delay (conclusion) to enjoy the games fully and in real time.

Its size 142mm long, 111mm wide and 32mm high, and weighs less than 350 grams, that it's ready to be used by both of us in our day to day and take you on a journey with us.

Differences from other models

Elgato has 2 models capable of capturing and recording in 4K with the HDR10: model 4K60 S + which we process, and model 4K60 PRO. The main difference between the two models is that while the 4K60 S + is an external author, the PRO model is an internal author, linked by PICe 4x. In addition, the model can record directly from the SD, while the PRO model, in-house, can. PRO is also capable of transmitting images up to 240 Hz, while S + is not.

Below are 4K models and we also have 3 "HD" models. The main difference with this is that, although it can do over 4K, the recording is only done, max, at 1080p and 60 Hz. It should also be noted that only 4K and HD60 Pro models include encoding.

Non-writing, critique and early emergence of the ELGATO 4K60 S + grabber

This grabber comes with a black cardboard box. On top of it we will get a picture of the grabber, in addition to its other advanced features. In the background we can see its connectors and, in detail, some of its main functions. It's also interesting to see here the compatible applications we can use (more than most others). And on the box side we can see the content.

We open the box and inside we will find another box of cardboard, which will serve as a packaging for all accessories. This has a cover and inside it, the first thing we will see will be an instruction manual, an iron clamp with an elgato symbol and safety instructions.

We will also get a transformer for this grabber. This transformer comes with a variety of different plugs. Of course, it comes with an adapter for our plugins.

We'll also find different cables for this grabber. Fundamentals are two USB-C ports and a HDMI cable included in the package. Or, if we want to be successful, we'll need another classic HDMI cable.

The grabber has a simple design. This one is completely black in color, and has the effect of being worn, along with an elgato logo on top.

One of the sides we will get is the only grabber control key, the REC button, which will allow us to start recording transfers to the SD card. The card, by the way, is inserted to the right of this button. And on his left we'll find an audio mini-jack to plug in where you can connect, for example, a micro.

Later we will find the program connectors. We can see a USB-C port to connect it to a PC, another USB-C power, an HDMI video input and an HDMI video outlet. All the connectors, as you can see, are made of gold.

The other sides of the grabber are simple, they have the same design as the upper part of them and we can see the elgato mark on them, in addition to the grabber model.

Finally, at the bottom we'll find slides for ventilation, which helps keep this hold in good heat, as well as two rubber straps that will help keep it mounted. Under the rubber straps we will find screws that will allow us to remove the casing.

The commission

This grabber can be used in two different ways.

Record in SD

The first of them, the simplest and most comfortable of all ways to record on a memory card, because we don't need any additional software for this. To do this, we simply connect the power cable to the capture device, an HDMI video input and insert the SD card (formatted FAT32 or exFAT).

When the front LED appears white and half red, the capture device is ready for recording. We press the button and the LED will turn red. We record the whole image into a grabber.

Pressing the button will also stop the grabber from recording. We will wait a few seconds for the file to be properly archived. To record again, we simply press the button and repeat the process.

Record on PC

This method gives us more control over the recording process, albeit more complex. We have to link the device to the PC, the power supply, the video input cable to the console or source we want to record, and the video output cable to the computer.

Next we will download the elgato recording software. The scanner will be automatically installed on the computer, so we don't have to do anything other than open the program and start controlling it.

In the main window we see in real time the video that the grabber is processing. We will also be able to see all the details related to the solution and the FPS, capture structures, audio channels and other details related to video recording. And from the buttons below we can start recording, pausing, volume control, activating the microphone and taking screenshots.

From the settings menu of this program we will be able to configure various video capture features. The "device" category, for example, will allow us to know in detail the technical features of the capture device and to configure parameters such as, for example, audio input, EDID mode and whether or not to turn on HDR.

In «Image», for example, we will be able to change the brightness, contrast, saturation or grabber.

The "Recording" tab is where we can select a video source, or change the setting and press record videos. Full resolution (4K and 60 FPS) and bitrate at 140 Mbps, videos will settle at 61.5 GB per hour.

Finally, in the "Microphone" tab we can fix everything related to the microphone that we can connect to the host device.

In addition to using the ELGATO service, we will also be able to record any other recording software that allows capturing video to the capture machine. Adobe, for example, is possible. Or free alternatives, such as OBS Studio or VLC.

We then leave you a test video recorded with this grabber to inform the quality.

A human view of the ELGATO 4K60 S + video printer

Keeping it as a souvenir, sharing it on social networks or making them "youtubers", a good, good quality video capturer, and at the same time easy to use, is essential. And the new ELGATO 4K60S + model meets all of these expectations.

The great thing about this video grabber is, of course, its independent functionality. While most manufacturers rely on tape recorders that record directly from a second computer, i 4K60 S + by ELGATO It also allows recording directly to the SD memory card without a computer. This way, the video clip will be ready to edit and upload directly to the network. Also, unlike other models, this grabber is external, so it's very easy to take it anywhere.

This grabber is one of the most advanced models we can find. ELGATO is taking advantage of this installation capture real-time photography and store it in high quality using HEVC / H.265 HDR and AVC / H.264 codecs. This image can be recorded in 4K at 60 FPS and HDR10, making it perfect for the Xbox One X or PS4 Pro.

Of course we are dealing with a very expensive grabber (400 euros). And when we look at the price, we can expect something else. For example, a second HDMI cable or case for carrying everything easily. Keep in mind that carrying a grabber, two HDMI cables, two USB-USB-C cables and a transformer, all loose, is quite boring. However, even if these small details are not included, we are undoubtedly facing one of the best models in the market.

For all these reasons, we have decided to video the video ELGATO 4K60 S + our prize platinum, to highlight, of course, its excellent performance.