Should I record on OBS or Elgato?
The choice between OBS (Open Broadcasting Software) and Elgato for recording depends on your specific needs, such as the type of content you’re creating, your budget, and the level of quality you require, with OBS offering a free, open-source solution with a wide range of customizable plugins and filters, while Elgato provides a more hardware-based approach with its capture cards that can offer high-quality video and low latency. When deciding between OBS and Elgato, consider factors such as video quality, system requirements, and additional features like streaming and recording capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key differences between OBS and Elgato?
OBS is a free, open-source software that can be used for video recording and live streaming, while Elgato is a hardware-based solution that requires the purchase of a capture card to use its software.
2. Do I need a capture card if I have OBS?
You can use OBS without a capture card, but a capture card like Elgato can provide better video quality and lower latency, especially if you’re using a dual PC setup for streaming and recording.
3. Can I use OBS and Elgato at the same time?
Yes, you can use OBS and Elgato together, but you need to ensure that only one program is accessing the Elgato capture card at a time to avoid conflicts.
4. What is the best capture card for streaming?
The Elgato HD60 S is a popular choice for streaming due to its high-quality video, low latency, and reversible USB-C connector.
5. Do I need two monitors for Elgato?
No, you don’t need two monitors to use Elgato, but having a second monitor can be helpful for streaming and recording to keep an eye on your stream and gameplay.
6. Can I record and livestream with OBS?
Yes, OBS allows you to both record and livestream your content, making it a versatile tool for content creators.
7. Is Elgato always recording?
Elgato Game Capture HD has a video buffer that constantly records video, allowing you to rewind, pause, or fast forward and use Flashback Recording.
8. What is the difference between OBS and Elgato software?
OBS Studio is free and open-source, while Elgato software requires the purchase of an Elgato device, and OBS supports all Windows, Linux, and Mac OS based machines, whereas Elgato Game Capture Software is supported by Windows and Mac OS only.
9. Does Elgato increase FPS?
The Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro has a maximum frame rate of 60 fps for 1080p video, and increasing the frame rate increases the amount of data used to represent each second of video.
10. Is Elgato stream deck worth it for non-streamers?
The Elgato Stream Deck can be useful for non-streamers as it allows for automating basic tasks, but it may not be a must-buy for everyone.
11. What is better than OBS for recording?
Streamlabs OBS and XSplit are popular alternatives to OBS for gamers and live streaming, while Riverside.fm and Movavi are better suited for podcasters.
12. Is OBS best for screen recording?
OBS Studio is a top choice for screen recording due to its ability to record everything on your desktop, capture footage from your webcam, and use it for picture-in-picture video.
13. Is Elgato still the best capture card?
The Elgato 4K60 S+ is considered one of the best capture cards for 4K due to its ability to record entirely without a computer and its raw features and resolution support.
14. Is it better to record with a capture card?
Using a capture card can maintain video quality without taxing your computer or gaming console, resulting in excellent, lag-free gaming quality while recording crisp content for streaming.
15. Do you need a GPU if you have a capture card?
A capture card can work independently, but having a GPU can help with video compression and transmission, and certain capture cards can improve performance when used with a video/graphics acceleration card.