What's the difference between the Elgato Cam Link 4K and Pro?

The Cam Link Pro is a new camera capture card from Elgato. So, how does it stack up against the Cam Link 4K?

You can find out in this comparison guide between the two camera capture devices.

Quick Summary

When compared to the Elgato Cam Link 4K, the Elgato Cam Link Pro comes with four HDMI ports as opposed to just one. The Pro version is also the only one of the two to include built-in Stream Deck support in addition to featuring Multiview, Multi App and Multi Inputs. Unlike the Cam Link 4K, the Cam Link Pro can capture 720p and 1440p as well.

To use the Elgato Cam Link Pro, you will need to use a compatible PCIe slot. On the other hand, the Elgato Cam Link 4K uses USB 3.0, which means that it is supported by more computers and laptops. The 4K version is also the only one of the two that supports Macs.

Overall, we recommend getting the Elgato Cam Link Pro if you want to take advantage of being able to capture multiple video feeds and broadcast using multiple split-screen layouts.

On the other hand, the Elgato Cam Link 4K is the more affordable option if you want to simply capture a single video feed using a camera.

Cam Link 4K vs. Cam Link Pro Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the two camera capture cards below.

Interface

When it comes to the interface, the Elgato Cam Link 4K uses USB 3.0 while the Elgato Cam Link Pro uses PCIe.

Since the Cam Link 4K only requires USB 3.0, it offers more versatile as you will be able to use it on a desktop computer as well as a laptop.

With the Cam Link Pro, you are limited to a desktop PC that has a compatible PCIe slot.

HDMI Inputs

As for the HDMI inputs, the Cam Link 4K comes with one unencrypted HDMI port while the Cam Link Pro comes with four unencrypted HDMI ports.

Supported Resolutions and FPS

The Cam Link Pro is the only one of the two camera capture cards to support 720p and 1440p.

You can take a look at the full lists of supported resolutions and frame rates below:

Elgato Cam Link 4K:

3840 x 2160p at 30 frames per second
1920 x 1080p at 60 frames per second
1920 x 1080i at 60 frames per second
720 x 576p at 50 frames per second
720 x 480p at 60 frames per second

Elgato Cam Link Pro:

3840 x 2160p at 30 frames per second
2560 x 1440p at 60 frames per second
1920 x 1080p at 60 frames per second
1920 x 1080p at 30 frames per second
1920 x 1080i at 60 frames per second
1280 x 720p at 60 frames per second
720 x 576p at 50 frames per second
720 x 480p at 60 frames per second

Compatible Cameras

The Elgato Cam Link 4K and Elgato Cam Link Pro offer the same compatibility as both will work with plenty of cameras, especially those from Canon, Fujifilm, GoPro, Panasonic and Sony.

You can find the long lists of compatible cameras below (via Elgato.com):

Elgato Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro Compatible Blackmagic Design Camera

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

Elgato Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro Compatible Canon Cameras

Canon EOS 1D X Mark II
Canon EOS 1D X Mark III
Canon EOS 5D Mark III (Partially Compatible)
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS 650D (Partially Compatible)
Canon EOS 77D
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Canon EOS 80D
Canon EOS 90D
Canon EOS M200
Canon EOS M50 (Partially Compatible)
Canon EOS M6
Canon EOS R
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
Canon EOS Rebel T6i
Canon EOS Rebel T7i
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
Canon EOS RP
Canon G5 X Mark II
Canon G7 X Mark III
Canon Legria HF R806
Canon VIXIA HF G30
Canon VIXIA HF G40
Canon VIXIA HF R700
Canon VIXIA HF R800
Canon XA10

Elgato Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro Compatible Fujifilm Cameras

Fujifilm XF10
Fujifilm GFX 100
Fujifilm GFX 50R
Fujifilm GFX 50S
Fujifilm X100F
Fujifilm X-A5
Fujifilm X-E3
Fujifilm X-H1
Fujifilm X-T100
Fujifilm X-T2
Fujifilm X-T20
Fujifilm X-T200
Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-T30
Fujifilm X-T4

Elgato Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro Compatible GoPro Cameras

GoPro HERO3+ Silver
GoPro HERO3 White
GoPro HERO4 Black
GoPro HERO5 Black
GoPro HERO6 Black
GoPro HERO7 Black
GoPro HERO8 Black

Elgato Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro Compatible Nikon Cameras

Nikon D3300 (Partially Compatible)
Nikon D5100 (Partially Compatible)
Nikon D5300 (Partially Compatible)
Nikon D750 (Partially Compatible)
Nikon D850
Nikon Z 50

Elgato Cam Link 4K and Cam Link Pro Compatible Panasonic Cameras

Panasonic HC-V770
Panasonic Lumix BGH1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80
Panasonic Lumix G100
Panasonic Lumix G85
Panasonic Lumix G9
Panasonic Lumix G95
Panasonic Lumix GH5
Panasonic Lumix GX8
Panasonic Lumix GX9
Panasonic Lumix S1
Panasonic Lumix S1H
Panasonic Lumix S1R
Panasonic Lumix S5
Panasonic V180
Panasonic V800
Panasonic VX1
Panasonic VXF1
Panasonic W585
Panasonic WXF1
Panasonic X1500/X2000

Software Interface

For the software interface, the Cam Link 4K utilizes the UVC (USB Video Class) while the Cam Link Pro utilizes DirectShow.

Multiview

The Cam Link Pro is the only product in this versus showdown to support Multiview, which allows you combine four camera video feeds into one video source. As a result, you will be able to use Picture in Picture, Side by Side, Triple and Quad layouts.

Multiview is especially helpful if you are planning to do complicated virtual presentations.

Stream Deck Integration

The Elgato Cam Link Pro is also the only one to integrate Elgato support.

With this accessory, you can change the layout of your video feed with a simple button press.

Multi Input

Unlike the Cam Link 4K, the Cam Link Pro supports multiple inputs. By using multiple HDMI inputs, you will be able reposition, re-size and customize multiple video feeds on the fly.

Multi App

The Cam Link Pro is also the only of the two devices in this comparison to feature Multi App, which lets you use the same video feed in multiple applications at the same time.

PC Requirements

The Cam Link Pro has higher requirements when compared to the Cam Link 4K if you want to use both with a personal computer.

You can find the specs requirements below: