Are you looking to elevate your game streaming or video content creation? The Elgato HD60 S has long been a favorite for its reliable performance, but a newer contender has emerged: the Elgato HD60 S+. Both capture cards promise seamless 1080p60 capture, but what truly sets them apart?
If you’re wondering whether the ‘plus’ in HD60 S+ signifies a significant leap forward, or if the original HD60 S still holds its own, you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving deep into the features, performance, and overall value of these two popular Elgato devices.
This comparison will help you decide which capture card best suits your streaming setup, budget, and specific needs. Let’s break down the hd60s vs hd60s+ to find your perfect match.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | hd60s | hd60s+ |
|---|---|---|
| Video Input | HDMI | HDMI |
| Video Output | HDMI | HDMI |
| Max Resolution (Passthrough) | 1080p @ 60Hz | 1080p @ 60Hz |
| Max Recording Resolution | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 60fps |
| HDR Support (Passthrough) | No | Yes |
| HDR Support (Recording) | No | No |
| Audio Input | HDMI | HDMI |
| Audio Output | HDMI, 3.5mm Headphone Jack | HDMI, 3.5mm Headphone Jack |
| USB Connectivity | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Software Compatibility | OBS, Streamlabs OBS, XSplit | OBS, Streamlabs OBS, XSplit |
| Standalone Mode | No | No |
| Power Source | USB Bus Powered | USB Bus Powered |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Input Resolution & Frame Rate
- Hd60s: Supports up to 1080p at 60 frames per second for capturing and passing through. This is a standard for many gaming and streaming setups. Its limitation is that it cannot handle higher resolutions or frame rates even for passthrough.
- Hd60s+: Also supports up to 1080p at 60 frames per second for capture and passthrough. However, it offers HDR10 passthrough, meaning it can send a 1080p60 HDR signal to your display while still capturing in SDR. This is a significant advantage for gamers with HDR-capable displays who want to experience the full visual fidelity.
- Winner: hd60s+
HDR Support
- Hd60s: Does not support HDR passthrough or capture. All incoming HDR signals will be converted to SDR, which can result in a loss of color depth and dynamic range.
- Hd60s+: Features HDR10 passthrough, allowing you to play your games in HDR on a compatible display while simultaneously capturing the gameplay. This is a major upgrade for visual fidelity and immersion for those with HDR monitors.
- Winner: hd60s+
Passthrough Output
- Hd60s: Offers a standard HDMI passthrough output, mirroring the input signal. It’s reliable for gaming at 1080p60 but lacks advanced features like HDR.
- Hd60s+: Provides an HDMI passthrough output that supports HDR10. This means you can enjoy your games in their native HDR glory on your gaming monitor while the card handles the capture separately.
- Winner: hd60s+
Latency
- Hd60s: Generally provides low latency, making it suitable for most gaming scenarios. However, without HDR passthrough, there’s no added latency from signal conversion.
- Hd60s+: Also offers low latency for gameplay, even with HDR passthrough enabled. The dedicated hardware for HDR handling ensures minimal impact on your gaming experience.
- Winner: Tie
Software Integration
- Hd60s: Works seamlessly with Elgato’s Game Capture software and is compatible with OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and other streaming platforms. It’s a mature and well-supported product.
- Hd60s+: Also integrates perfectly with Elgato’s Game Capture software and is widely supported by popular streaming applications. The added HDR functionality is well-managed within these platforms.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity
- Hd60s: Features HDMI input and output, along with a USB 3.0 connection for data transfer to your PC. This is a standard and effective setup for 1080p60 capture.
- Hd60s+: Utilizes HDMI input and output, and a USB 3.0 connection. The core connectivity is the same, but the internal processing of the HDMI signal is enhanced for HDR.
- Winner: Tie
Power Requirements
- Hd60s: Primarily powered via the USB 3.0 connection. It does not require an external power adapter, making it convenient for portable setups.
- Hd60s+: Also powered via USB 3.0. The addition of HDR passthrough does not necessitate an external power source, maintaining its plug-and-play simplicity.
- Winner: Tie
Price Point
- Hd60s: Generally available at a more budget-friendly price point. It offers excellent value for those who don’t require HDR capabilities.
- Hd60s+: Typically priced higher due to its advanced HDR passthrough feature. The added cost reflects the superior visual experience it enables for compatible setups.
- Winner: hd60s
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Recording Frame Rate | hd60s+ |
| HDR Passthrough | hd60s+ |
| Budget-Friendliness | hd60s |
| Overall Value | hd60s+ |
What They Have in Common
- Video Input and Output: Both devices utilize HDMI for both input and output, ensuring broad compatibility with modern gaming consoles and PCs. They both support a maximum passthrough resolution of 1080p at 60Hz, allowing for smooth gameplay visuals without added latency.
- Audio Handling: They share the capability to capture audio directly via HDMI, ensuring your game’s sound is faithfully recorded. Additionally, both feature a 3.5mm headphone jack for direct audio monitoring, which is crucial for streamers to hear their game and voice chat without delay.
- USB Connectivity: Both the hd60s and hd60s+ connect to your computer via USB 3.0. This high-speed connection is essential for transferring the uncompressed video and audio data efficiently, enabling smooth recording and streaming experiences.
- Software Support: Compatibility with popular streaming software such as OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, and XSplit is a shared feature. This means users can seamlessly integrate either capture card into their existing streaming setups without needing to learn new software.
- Power Requirements: Both capture cards are powered directly through the USB bus. This simplifies setup as no external power adapter is required, making them portable and easy to use on the go or with laptops.
Hd60S Vs Hd60S+ Buying Guide
For the Budget-Conscious Streamer
If your primary concern is affordability and you’re just starting out in streaming or content creation, the original HD60 S often presents a more attractive price point. It still offers excellent 1080p capture capabilities at 60fps, which is more than sufficient for many viewers. While it lacks some of the newer features, its core functionality is robust and reliable, making it a solid entry-level option. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
For Enhanced Audio and Performance
The HD60 S+ distinguishes itself with its ability to pass through HDR content. This is a significant advantage for gamers who want to stream their gameplay without sacrificing the visual fidelity of HDR. Furthermore, the internal enhancements in the HD60 S+ can lead to slightly more stable performance and potentially better handling of demanding capture scenarios. If visual quality and a premium experience are paramount, the S+ is the way to go.
For Future-Proofing and Versatility
Investing in the HD60 S+ can be seen as a more future-proof decision. Its support for HDR pass-through means it can keep up with newer gaming consoles and displays that offer this technology. While the HD60 S is still very capable, the S+ offers a broader range of compatibility and performance enhancements that might be beneficial as technology evolves. Consider the S+ if you plan to upgrade your setup soon.
For Simplicity and Core Functionality
If you simply need a reliable device to capture and stream your gameplay at 1080p 60fps and aren’t particularly concerned with HDR or the absolute latest features, the HD60 S remains an excellent choice. It’s straightforward to set up and use, and its performance is well-established. For many users, the core features it offers are all they will ever need to create high-quality content. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy hd60s If…
- You are on a tighter budget and looking for a reliable entry-level capture card.
- Your primary goal is to record gameplay at 1080p up to 30fps.
- You don’t require HDR passthrough for your gaming setup.
- You are streaming or recording content where the absolute highest frame rates aren’t critical.
Buy hd60s+ If…
- You want to record gameplay at a smoother 1080p at 60fps.
- You want to experience HDR content on your TV while also capturing it (though recording is not in HDR).
- You are a streamer who values high-quality, fluid video output for your viewers.
- You want a future-proofed solution that can handle more demanding content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the HD60 S and HD60 S+?
The most significant difference lies in HDR support. The HD60 S+ can capture and pass through HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, meaning your captured footage retains the vibrant colors and contrast of HDR displays. The original HD60 S does not support HDR capture, only standard SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content.
Can the HD60 S+ capture 4K footage?
No, neither the HD60 S nor the HD60 S+ can capture 4K footage. Both devices are designed for capturing and streaming at a maximum resolution of 1080p at 60 frames per second. The “4K” aspect of the HD60 S+ refers to its ability to pass through a 4K HDR signal, not to capture in 4K itself.
Is the HD60 S+ worth the extra cost over the HD60 S?
This depends on your needs. If you game on an HDR-compatible display and want to preserve that visual quality in your recordings and streams, the HD60 S+ is absolutely worth the extra cost. For users who are not concerned with HDR or are on a tighter budget, the HD60 S offers excellent 1080p 60fps capture at a lower price point. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Do both devices require a powerful PC for streaming?
Yes, both the HD60 S and HD60 S+ require a reasonably powerful PC to handle the encoding and processing of gameplay capture and streaming. While the specific requirements can vary based on resolution and bitrate, a modern multi-core processor, sufficient RAM, and a capable graphics card are generally recommended for a smooth experience with either device.
Which device is better for beginners?
For absolute beginners on a budget, the HD60 S is a fantastic starting point. It’s highly capable and widely supported. However, if you’re aiming for the best possible visual quality from the outset and your budget allows, the HD60 S+ offers a slightly more advanced feature set that can provide a better experience, especially when paired with modern gaming hardware.
Final Verdict
The Elgato HD60 S+ offers a distinct advantage with its HDR pass-through capabilities, making it the superior choice for gamers seeking to preserve the visual fidelity of their HDR content. While the HD60 S remains a capable 1080p 60fps capture card, the S+ provides a more modern and future-proof solution for streamers and content creators with compatible setups.
Winner: HD60 S+