It’s hard being a small streamer on a budget. I know, because I was one. I don’t stream as much as I used to, but this time last year video production was a major part of what I did to earn my living. Elgato capture cards and software have always been a major part of my streaming and capturing setup, and so I always follow the company to see what new products it cooks up. If you’re a streamer — whether you have millions of followers or you’re reaching for 100 right now — Elgato just announced two new products that will dramatically change your streaming game without breaking the bank. Say hello to the Cam Link and Green Screen.
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Finding a good webcam can be a frustrating task. I never did find the right one for the right price. Shopping for a camera that will let you record or stream up to 1080p / 60fps sucks unless you’re willing to dish out some serious cash. With Cam Link, any DSLR camera, point and shoot camera with video capabilities, or GoPro can become your primary streaming camera.
Simply connect your camera to the Cam Link dongle and plug it into your USB 3.0 port, and you’re ready to shoot. This is ideal for streamers on a budget, or for streamers who travel around and hate lugging expensive cameras separately. Not every amateur streamer can afford a top of the line webcam, but now you can turn pretty much any camera into your 1080p / 60fps solution. You can check it out on Amazon right here.
Green Screen
A green screen is the thing that separates a lot of pros from the amateurs. You know exactly what I’m talking about, too. When you see a still-frame from a streamer, and his or her game fills the entire screen and their body just blends seamlessly into the composition — that looks cool. Much cooler than having a big rectangle taking up a chunk of the screen with your dirty room on display all around you. Sourcing and configuring a green screen may seem like something only serious professionals are capable of, but Elgato has an incredibly easy alternative for you here.
The Elgato Green Screen is a collapsible, chroma key panel that easily rolls out and snaps into place. This thing is seriously compact, and takes up about as much space as a poster tube. Just set it behind your chair, stretch it up, and lock it into place. Boom. You now have a pro-grade green screen behind you that you can use to transform your environment into anything you want, or else use to blend more seamlessly into your gameplay to make for a more pleasant viewing experience for your audience.
You can find the Green Screen on Amazon right here.
Recap
So to recap, the Elgato Cam Link and Green Screen are both slated to launch on August 18. They cost $129 and $149, respectively, and are both extremely compact and user friendly. These two things, along with a capture card, are all you need to product a professional livestream for your audience and start building your fan base. Here’s the feature roundup:
Cam Link Key Features
Ultra low latency technology – enables live, high-quality recording and streaming in 1080p60 for professional content
Plug and produce – links a DSLR, camcorder, point & shoot or action cam to a Mac or Windows PC via a USB 3.0 connection and instantly enables live production
Simplified workflow – stores content directly on the computer’s hard drive instead of dealing with memory cards with limited storage and recording time restrictions. Real-time, full-screen feedback enables live adjustments of shoddy shots before they’re discovered in the editing room
Green Screen Key Features
Camera chroma keying – provides a wrinkle-resistant chroma-green surface perfect for professional background removal
Pop up setup – easily pops open and locks in place in a matter of seconds to create a professional broadcast setup, and packs up just as easily to store away when not in use
Portable immersion – portable design turns any workplace, such as a bedroom or messy storage room, into a professional studio for instant immersion
