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Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini vs Elgato 4K S: Comparison
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini vs Elgato 4K S: the connection type difference
The first real difference is connection type: Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini USB-C / Thunderbolt against Elgato 4K S USB-C. They differ on max recording resolution too, 1080p60 on the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini versus 4K60 on the Elgato 4K S. Passthrough resolution is not the same on both, 1080p60 on the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini versus 4K60, 1440p120, 1440p144, 1080p240 on the Elgato 4K S.
Which should you buy, Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini or Elgato 4K S?
Buy the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini for multi-camera productions needing live hardware switching, not just capture and podcasters and interview shows cutting between multiple camera angles live, though it is the wrong buy for single-camera setups, a plain capture card is cheaper and simpler. It also earns its place with streamers who want scene switching handled before the signal reaches OBS. Avoid it for anyone needing 4K capture, the ATEM Mini's USB output caps at 1080p60. The Elgato 4K S suits buyers on a 1440p high-refresh monitor specifically. It is equally the pick for laptop and iPad streamers wanting genuine 4K60 capture without an internal PCIe card. It is the wrong buy for desktop-only setups where an internal PCIe card's lower latency and higher bandwidth ceiling would be preferable. Our rating of the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini (9/10): the standard choice for live multi-camera switching that plays nicely with any capture software as a single UVC source. Our rating of the Elgato 4K S (9/10): the most portable way to get genuine 4K60 capture, ideal for laptop and iPad streamers, especially on a 1440p high-refresh monitor.
What Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini and Elgato 4K S have in common
Everything else lines up. Form factor read the same on both, so those are not worth weighing.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
- External USB
- Elgato 4K S
- External USB
Brand
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
- Blackmagic Design
- Elgato 4K S
- Elgato
Model Number
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
- ATEM Mini
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K S
Connection Type
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
- Elgato 4K S
- USB-C
Max Recording Resolution
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
- 1080p60
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K60
Passthrough Resolution
- Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
- 1080p60
- Elgato 4K S
- 4K60, 1440p120, 1440p144, 1080p240
Which one should you pick?
Choose Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Elgato 4K S if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini | Elgato 4K S |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Best Buy | View on Best Buy |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The standard choice for live multi-camera switching that plays nicely with any capture software as a single UVC source.
Elgato 4K S
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The most portable way to get genuine 4K60 capture, ideal for laptop and iPad streamers, especially on a 1440p high-refresh monitor.