Game Capture - Elgato 4Kx - or cheaper option?

[Virdi]

Hi guys,

Sorry, I am not from the gaming world - But my kids are obsessed.

Do you really need to record your gameplay at 4k 120?

...as I have read online that the Elgato 4Kx doesn't actually record gameplay at 4k 120 when using a Macbook M1?

..is this true?

Could I used a M2 iPad pro?

Thanks

 

[Meddling-Monk]

Do you really need to record your gameplay at 4k 120?

No, most still stick with 1080p recording.

If you really need to record your gameplay, you also need to consider:

1. Storage. 1080/60 is already going to be like many gigabytes in size for high quality 2 hour recordings. 4k/60 gets even bigger. And you'll need to double that again for 4k/120.
2. If used for streaming, if your internet is not up to snuff in the first place, there's no reason to go 4k over 1080p as it's even harder to stream 4k 60fps, much less 4k 120fps. Some platforms also don't support the higher resolutions unless if you're a big name. And if they do make it big, upgrading then wouldn't be an issue.
3. HDR. More games are using HDR, and once you start adding that to the mix, you need a specific version of Elgato capture cards. Increasing the price more and needing appropriate gear.
4. Your gaming rig actually being able to push 4k/120. Because if it can't, the capture card isn't really being used over a 1080/60 capture card.

Unsure on the Mac stuff, will need someone more familiar with that to answer.