What Is a Capture Card & Do You Need It?

A capture card is a device used for capturing video (and audio) and converting it into digital signals that allow it to be shared across internet platforms. You can use a capture card to record and stream any number of things, such as video from a DSLR camera, but it’s most commonly used to stream activity from gaming consoles and PC gaming computers.

Because it’s separate from your devices, a capture card can record and prepare content for streaming in a manner that will maintain quality without taxing your computer or gaming console. Therefore, you’ll get excellent, lag-free gaming quality while simultaneously recording crisp content for streaming. Plus, you won’t overheat your device while doing so.

Do you always need a capture card?

Some newer gaming consoles now have livestreaming options built in, so it is worth double checking the capabilities you already have at hand before buying another gaming accessory. You can also play and stream PC games from a single computer without a capture card. However, both options have limitations in terms of computing power and data speed, which can affect quality. Therefore, keeping things separate will increase the quality of both the gaming experience and the stream output.

Capture cards make it possible to record content and then edit it later before posting to a streaming platform. They are also useful for more than just video games. For example, they make it easy to livestream other content from your desktop screen or from devices like cameras.