Elgato Video Capture Review: Is This Best Device Out There? Matt, November 26, 2024December 10, 2024 Here’s a quick intro to the Elgato Video Capture. It’s an easy-to-use tool that helps you digitize your old VHS tapes or DVDs. The kit comes with a few simple parts and a software that’s really easy to set up. I used it with my MacBook, and it worked smoothly right away. If you’re looking to save old family memories or footage, this is a great option. In this review, I’ll share why I recommend it. If you want to convert old VHS tapes or other analog videos into digital files, the Elgato Video Capture is a great choice. It’s easy to use and helps you turn your old memories into digital formats that you can keep forever. Whether you have old VHS tapes, Hi8 tapes, or even old camcorders, this tool can help. The Elgato Video Capture works with both Mac and Windows computers. You just need to plug in the device, install the software, and you’re ready to start capturing. The software is simple to use, and it will guide you through every step. Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need: the Elgato capture device, the right cables, and even an adapter for older equipment. It works with many old devices like VCRs and camcorders that use composite or S-video connections. So, if you still have those old tapes sitting around, you can finally save them on your computer or in the cloud to keep them safe. Even though the Elgato Video Capture has been around for a while, it’s still a great product in 2024. It captures video in high quality and converts it to a digital file you can easily upload to YouTube or save on your computer. Instead of needing a CD to install the software, now you can simply download the latest version from Elgato’s website. At $87.99, it might seem a bit expensive, but it’s a good investment for anyone who wants to save their old videos. The Elgato Video Capture is easy to use and will help you preserve your memories for years to come. Contents hide 1 My Experience with the Elgato Video Capture Device: A Journey into Digital Preservation 1.1 Setting Up the Elgato: Smooth and Simple 1.2 The Capture Process: Surprisingly Smooth 1.3 The Quality: Much Better Than I Anticipated 1.4 Editing and Finalizing the Videos: A Smooth Experience 1.5 Sharing and Storing the Videos: Simple and Convenient 1.6 Challenges and Final Thoughts 2 The Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment for Preserving Memories 3 Here are some more important points based on my research 4 Elgato Video Capture vs ClearClick Video Device 5 1. Ease of Use 6 2. Picture Quality 7 3. Features 8 4. Stability 9 5. Convenience 10 6. Price 11 7. Software and Editing 12 8. Compatibility 13 9. Long-Term Use and Quality 14 10. Final Thoughts 15 ClearClick 16 Elgato 17 Other Insights 18 Conclusion from User Feedback My Experience with the Elgato Video Capture Device: A Journey into Digital Preservation As the founder of a website dedicated to testing and reviewing tech products, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with video capture devices. When I first set out to preserve old home videos, I wanted to find the best solution that would allow me to convert VHS tapes into high-quality digital files. After researching various options, I decided to give the Elgato Video Capture device a try. Here’s a look at my experience, step by step. Setting Up the Elgato: Smooth and Simple The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Elgato Video Capture was how compact and well-packaged it was. It’s a simple plug-and-play device, and setting it up couldn’t have been easier. I connected the device to my VCR using the included RCA cables, plugged the Elgato capture unit into my MacBook via USB, and installed the software from the included CD. The whole process took less than 15 minutes, and I was ready to start digitizing my old VHS tapes. The Capture Process: Surprisingly Smooth Once everything was connected, I launched the Elgato Video Capture software. It has a user-friendly interface with clear instructions on how to start capturing. I inserted the first VHS tape—one from a family vacation in the 90s—and hit the “Start Capture” button. The video feed appeared almost immediately, and I could see the tape playing through the Elgato software. One of the standout features of the Elgato is its ability to tweak video settings. I immediately noticed the colors in my old video were a bit dull and washed out. Using the software’s settings, I adjusted the contrast and brightness with ease, which helped bring the image back to life. While I couldn’t make adjustments in real-time as the video played, I was able to tweak the settings in small steps, preview the result, and then make further adjustments. It wasn’t as seamless as some might like, but it still provided me with a lot more control than I expected. The Quality: Much Better Than I Anticipated Now, let’s talk about the quality. The video on the VHS tape wasn’t perfect to begin with—these tapes were over 20 years old, after all—but I was genuinely impressed by how the Elgato handled the transfer. I captured the footage at 720×480 resolution, which is the standard for VHS. Despite the analog imperfections of the original tapes, the digital version was much sharper, and the colors were more vibrant after I adjusted them. The audio was clear as well, and I was happy to see that there were no noticeable issues with syncing or distortion. What really surprised me was how much detail Elgato preserved from the original footage. Even though the VHS tapes weren’t in the best condition, the digital copies came out with remarkable clarity. I could see little details in the background of scenes that I hadn’t noticed in years. It was as if the Elgato brought out hidden details in my old family videos. Editing and Finalizing the Videos: A Smooth Experience One of the features that made Elgato stand out for me was its built-in trimming tool. After capturing each video, I was able to easily trim the beginning and end of the clips right within the Elgato software. This was incredibly helpful since most of my old tapes had a lot of dead space at the start and end. The trimming feature allowed me to quickly clean up the footage without needing to use a separate video editing program. Once I had my tapes captured and trimmed, I saved the files in MP4 format, which is easy to store and share. The digital versions of my videos took up far less space than the physical tapes, and they were much easier to manage. Sharing and Storing the Videos: Simple and Convenient After completing my first batch of videos, I shared them with my family members via Google Drive. I also uploaded a few clips to YouTube to share with extended family members. The process was quick and easy, and I was thrilled to see how many of my relatives enjoyed the videos. It felt amazing to be able to preserve these precious memories and share them with others in a convenient, accessible format. Challenges and Final Thoughts While the Elgato Video Capture device worked great overall, there were a few small challenges. The real-time adjustment issue mentioned earlier can be a bit annoying, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Also, while the software is easy to use, it’s fairly basic—there’s no advanced editing suite or special features. But for a simple, no-fuss digitization of home videos, I found it more than adequate. Ultimately, the Elgato Video Capture provided me with a simple, effective way to preserve my family’s old tapes. It’s a versatile, reliable solution for anyone looking to convert VHS to digital, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to preserve their home videos without much hassle. The Verdict: A Worthwhile Investment for Preserving Memories As the founder of a site that tests everything from gadgets to software, I’ve seen a lot of different tools and devices come and go. However, the Elgato Video Capture device stands out as one of the best solutions for home video conversion. It’s simple to set up, produces great quality captures, and offers just enough flexibility to tweak settings to get the best possible result. For anyone looking to digitize their VHS tapes, I can confidently say this is a device that’s well worth the investment. Here are some more important points based on my research Perfect for Old Tapes: The Elgato Video Capture helps you turn old tapes like VHS or Hi8 into digital files. If you have old camcorders or VHS players, this tool can help save those videos on your computer. Works on Different Devices: It works with Mac, PC, iPads, and iPhones. You can use it on many types of devices, no matter if you’re using an older laptop or a new tablet. Easy to Use: The software is easy to follow, even for beginners. It takes you step-by-step through the process of connecting your old video equipment and saving the video to your computer. Supports Different Video Connections: The device works with both composite video and S-video, so it can connect to most older video equipment. No CD Needed Anymore: The Elgato Video Capture used to come with a CD, but now you can just download the software online. This is helpful because many new computers don’t have CD drives anymore. High-Quality Videos: The device captures videos in good quality (H.264), so your old videos will look nice when they’re saved digitally. You can even upload them to places like YouTube or iTunes. Affordable for What You Get: The device costs about $87.99, which might seem high, but it’s a good price for a product that works well and comes from a trusted brand. Works with New Computers: Even though the Elgato Video Capture is an older product, it still works with modern computers, and it gets regular updates to stay compatible. Back Up Your Videos: With this device, you can save your videos to your computer or cloud storage, so you won’t have to worry about losing them on old tapes. Includes Everything You Need: The box has all the cables and adapters you need, so you can start capturing videos as soon as you open it. These points make it clear that the Elgato Video Capture is a simple and useful tool for saving old videos and making sure they’re safe in digital format. Elgato Video Capture vs ClearClick Video Device 1. Ease of Use ClearClick: This device is a plug-and-play solution. You don’t need a computer, which makes it very straightforward to use. Simply plug your VHS or camcorder into the device, press play on your video player, and hit record on the ClearClick. Elgato: While you do need a computer to use the Elgato, the setup is simple. After connecting the Elgato to your PC or Mac, you use the software to start capturing video. The software guides you through the steps, making it easy to use. 2. Picture Quality ClearClick: The ClearClick tends to produce darker images with stronger color saturation. This is especially noticeable in low-light scenes. Although it gives you a video, it doesn’t quite match the original footage in terms of brightness and color. Elgato: The Elgato gives you a picture that is much closer to the original video, both in brightness and color accuracy. You can also adjust the brightness, saturation, and other settings to fine-tune the output, allowing you to get a clearer, more faithful digital copy. 3. Features ClearClick: The features are pretty basic. It does the job of converting analog to digital, but there are no advanced options like trimming or adjusting video settings. It also lacks any editing tools. Elgato: The Elgato comes with more advanced software that allows you to trim the beginning and end of videos, adjust the video settings (like brightness, contrast, saturation), and even save the file in different formats. The software gives you more flexibility and control over the final product. 4. Stability ClearClick: One issue with the ClearClick is that it can struggle with very old or poor-quality tapes. Sometimes, the video may shake or bounce. This is especially noticeable when you’re working with tapes that were recorded on older or non-standard equipment. Elgato: The Elgato is generally more stable. It handles older tapes better and doesn’t show the same shaking or instability. If you have tapes with tracking issues, the Elgato may give you a more stable video. 5. Convenience ClearClick: It’s very convenient if you don’t want to deal with a computer. You can simply plug it in and start recording. It’s a portable, all-in-one solution, making it ideal for quick and easy transfers. Elgato: While it requires a computer and more cables, the Elgato is still easy to use once everything is set up. The additional flexibility of software customization makes it a bit more versatile in the long run. 6. Price ClearClick: Typically, the ClearClick is more expensive due to its standalone nature (it includes a built-in screen and doesn’t require a computer). It’s designed for people who prefer a simple, no-computer solution. Elgato: The Elgato is more affordable and offers better overall quality. It requires a computer to operate, but considering the price and features, it’s a better value for most people. 7. Software and Editing ClearClick: There is no software to edit or tweak your footage. You can only record and view it on the device or on a connected TV. Elgato: The Elgato software allows you to preview and edit your videos before finalizing them. You can also save your footage directly to your computer’s desktop for easy sharing and archiving. 8. Compatibility ClearClick: It works with most VHS, Hi8, and 8mm camcorders, but it’s a standalone unit, so it has fewer compatibility issues. It’s ideal if you want a simple solution without worrying about system requirements. Elgato: The Elgato works with both PCs and Macs, making it compatible with a wider range of devices. However, you will need a computer with enough storage space and processing power to handle the video capture. 9. Long-Term Use and Quality ClearClick: If you’re planning to convert a lot of footage, you might find the ClearClick limiting. The lack of advanced features, such as video adjustments or trimming, may slow you down when handling large volumes of tapes. Elgato: The Elgato is better for long-term use. With its software, you can make multiple adjustments to improve the video quality, and the ability to trim and save files easily makes it a more versatile option. 10. Final Thoughts ClearClick: The ClearClick is a great choice if you want a simple, standalone device that doesn’t require a computer. It’s good for occasional users or people who don’t want to get into complex setups, but the picture quality and lack of advanced features may limit its effectiveness for large-scale projects. Elgato: The Elgato is more powerful and versatile. It requires a computer, but for anyone who wants better video quality, control over the final product, and additional editing options, the Elgato is the better choice. It’s cheaper, more flexible, and offers better quality overall. Here’s a summary of what users are saying about the ClearClick and Elgato video capture devices based on the comments: ClearClick Quality Concerns: Many users mention that ClearClick often results in darker videos, especially with older tapes. One person specifically noted that their family’s video footage from a ClearClick capture was “way too dark.” Another reviewer expressed frustration with the lack of controls for adjusting color, brightness, and contrast, making it difficult to get the best quality from old tapes. Simplicity: Some users chose ClearClick for its plug-and-play simplicity, as it doesn’t require a computer. This makes it appealing for people who don’t want to deal with additional setup or software. Audio Issues: A few users noted that the ClearClick device recorded audio at a lower than proper level (3dB below specification), which was a concern for people transferring older tapes with audio quality already in question. Inconsistent Performance: One user mentioned testing multiple ClearClick devices and found that the quality control was inconsistent between units. This means some users may get a good unit, while others may experience issues with the capture quality. Elgato Better Quality: The majority of the feedback about Elgato praises its video quality. Several users mentioned that the Elgato produced a more accurate and brighter image compared to ClearClick, especially when using good quality VCRs with S-Video output. Software Features: Users highlighted the ability to adjust video settings like contrast, brightness, and saturation through Elgato’s software. While some noted the inconvenience of making adjustments after previewing (since settings can’t be changed in real-time during playback), the software’s overall flexibility is appreciated. Compatibility: Many users appreciated that Elgato works with both Mac and Windows, and can handle a wide range of input formats, including SCART for European VHS players. This makes Elgato a more versatile choice for people with different types of equipment. Trimming and Editing: The ability to trim videos directly in Elgato’s software was frequently mentioned as a key feature that made the device more user-friendly, especially for people digitizing many old tapes. Price and Value: Elgato was often considered a better value for the price, as it is cheaper than ClearClick while offering more features and better quality. Some users also found the Elgato smaller and easier to store compared to ClearClick, making it a good choice for people with limited space. Other Insights User Preference: A few users were initially torn between the two devices but ultimately chose Elgato due to its superior quality, better software, and more affordable price point. ClearClick’s simplicity was appealing to some, but its video and audio limitations turned others off. Lack of Real-Time Adjustments: One reviewer complained that Elgato’s software didn’t allow for real-time video adjustments, requiring users to make a change, view the video, then tweak it again, which they found cumbersome. However, ClearClick doesn’t offer any adjustment options at all. Conclusion from User Feedback ClearClick: Good for those seeking an easy, standalone solution but not ideal for those looking for high-quality transfers or the ability to tweak the video settings. Elgato: Preferred by users who prioritize video quality, software flexibility, and compatibility with various systems. It does require a computer and offers more options for controlling and editing the video capture process. Overall, many users find the Elgato to be the more reliable and feature-rich choice, but ClearClick is still a solid option for those who want simplicity and don’t mind sacrificing some quality. Products and Equipment Reviews