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Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K vs Elgato 4K X: Comparison
Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder vs Elgato 4K X connection type compared
They are built to different briefs, and connection type shows it, Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder PCIe x4 against Elgato 4K X PCIe Gen 4 x4. There is a split on passthrough resolution as well, 1080p60 on the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder versus 4K144 on the Elgato 4K X. They differ on hdr support too, No on the Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder versus Yes on the Elgato 4K X.
Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder vs Elgato 4K X: which one fits your build
The Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder suits 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. It is the wrong buy for console or PC gaming capture, no gaming-oriented software is included at all. The Elgato 4K X is the one to take for PCIe desktop builds with an available x4 slot. The same goes for creators who upload native high-frame-rate 4K to YouTube and need true 4K144/4K120 SDR capture, not just passthrough. It is not the one for laptop users, requires an open PCIe slot, not compatible with laptops. 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 X (9/10): the right step up for creators who need genuine high-frame-rate 4K SDR capture (4K144/4K120) and VRR handling, provided you have a desktop with an open PCIe x4 slot, and you accept the 4K60 ceiling when capturing in HDR.
What Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder and Elgato 4K X have in common
Where they agree, they agree completely, form factor included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- Internal PCIe
- Elgato 4K X
- Internal PCIe
Brand
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- Blackmagic Design
- Elgato 4K X
- Elgato
Model Number
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K X
Connection Type
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- PCIe x4
- Elgato 4K X
- PCIe Gen 4 x4
Passthrough Resolution
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- 1080p60
- Elgato 4K X
- 4K144
HDR Support
- Blackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Recorder 4K
- No
- Elgato 4K X
- 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 X 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 X |
|---|---|---|
| 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 X
9 / 10 Expert Rating
The right step up for creators who need genuine high-frame-rate 4K SDR capture (4K144/4K120) and VRR handling, provided you have a desktop with an open PCIe x4 slot, and you accept the 4K60 ceiling when capturing in HDR.