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Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K vs Elgato 4K Pro: Comparison
Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder vs Elgato 4K Pro connection type compared
The first real difference is connection type: Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder PCIe x4 against Elgato 4K Pro PCIe. They differ on max recording resolution too, 4K30 on the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder versus 4K60 HDR on the Elgato 4K Pro. There is a split on passthrough resolution as well, 1080p60 on the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder versus 8K60 / 4K240 on the Elgato 4K Pro. Hdr support is not the same on both, No on the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder versus Yes on the Elgato 4K Pro.
Which should you buy, Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder or Elgato 4K Pro?
Buy the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder for edit bays with small-form-factor chassis needing a low-profile card and professionals capturing from SDI camera or switcher outputs without adapters. It is equally the pick for video editors working natively in DaVinci Resolve who need SDI and HDMI capture. Avoid it for console or PC gaming capture, no gaming-oriented software is included at all. Take the Elgato 4K Pro for professional streamers needing multi-app support (simultaneous stream + record + video call) and the highest available passthrough resolution ceiling. It is not the one for casual or budget-conscious streamers, the AVerMedia GC575 or Elgato HD60 X deliver most of the practical capability for considerably less. Our rating of the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder (8/10): an excellent low-profile SDI/HDMI capture card for DaVinci Resolve editors, entirely wrong for gaming capture. Our rating of the Elgato 4K Pro (10/10): the flagship internal card for professional streamers, 8K60 passthrough, multi-app support, and rock-solid 4K60 HDR capture at a premium price.
Where the two are identical
The common ground is wider than the gap: form factor are identical here.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- Internal PCIe
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Internal PCIe
Brand
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- Blackmagic Design
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Elgato
Model Number
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 4K Pro
Connection Type
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- PCIe x4
- Elgato 4K Pro
- PCIe
Max Recording Resolution
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- 4K30
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 4K60 HDR
Passthrough Resolution
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- 1080p60
- Elgato 4K Pro
- 8K60 / 4K240
HDR Support
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- No
- Elgato 4K Pro
- Yes
Which one should you pick?
Choose Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Choose Elgato 4K Pro if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K | Elgato 4K Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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 DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
8 / 10 Expert Rating
An excellent low-profile SDI/HDMI capture card for DaVinci Resolve editors, entirely wrong for gaming capture.
Elgato 4K Pro
10 / 10 Expert Rating
The flagship internal card for professional streamers, 8K60 passthrough, multi-app support, and rock-solid 4K60 HDR capture at a premium price.