OBSBOT Tiny 4K Review – An A.I. powered PTZ webcam ideal for virtual presentations

I reviewed the 1080p OBSBOT Tiny last year and the Tiny 4K is largely the same but with a better camera.

These cameras are quite unique in the world of webcams. They both use a PTZ gimbal and AI, which enables the cameras to auto-track as you move around. This sort of technology is normally reserved for business-focussed conference cameras, which cost significantly more, so it is good that there is something that is more attractively priced for anyone that does virtual presentations regularly.

OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K vs OBSBOT Tiny Specification

	OBSBOT Tiny 4K	OBSBOT Tiny
Size ( without mount ):	89.4mm x 58mm x 58mm	89.4mm x 58mm x 58mm
Size ( with mount ):	142mm x 58mm x 58mm	142mm x 58mm x 58mm
Weight ( without mount )	147g	146g
Weight ( with mount )	176g	175g
Max video resolution:	[email protected], 1080p/60 fps,MJPEG, H264	1080p/30 fps, MJPEG, H264
Zoom	4	2
Focus Type:	AF/MF	?
HDR	Yes	No
Field of View	86°	90°
Microphone	Built-in dual omni-directional mics with noise reduction	Built-in dual omni-directional mics with noise reduction
2-Axis Gimbal	Gimbal installation: Non-removable Controllable range: Pan: ±150°； Tilt: ±45° Structurally possible range: Pan: ±160°；Tilt: ±90° Max control speed: 120°/s	Gimbal installation: Non-removable Controllable range: Pan: ±150°； Tilt: ±45° Structurally possible range: Pan: ±160°；Tilt: ±90° Max control speed: 120°/s

The OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K isn’t just a 4K upgrade. It has improved digital zoom, thanks to the increased resolution. It then also has autofocus and HDR.

That might not seem like a lot of changes, but a webcam is mainly about the image quality, and 4K HDR with autofocus is a massive upgrade.

Set-Up

There isn’t really much as far as the set-up goes. The camera has a USB-C port and a DC port, but it should power by itself via USB-C.

Included with the camera is a monitor mounting clamp with a magnetic attachment. I have used the webcam with my laptop and also the Samsung C49RG90. The Samsung monitor has a sloped back, and I have had issues getting cameras to mount securely on it in the past, but this webcam has no problems.

On my laptop, the camera feels a bit bulky. I had to fiddle around with it a bit to get it into a secure position.

You will want to download the OBSBOT TinyCam to gain access to its full functionality.

Using the TinyCam app, you can also update the firmware.

March 2022 Firmware:

Last month, OBSBOT released a new firmware (v1.2.3.2) that appears to introduced some useful features:

1. Added [Face AE] function
2. Added [Noise Reduction] on/off function, allowing users to turn off microphone noise reduction
3. Added [Device Auto Sleep] function, improved sleep wake behaviour
4. Added [Screen Mode] switch function, able to switch to portrait mode
5. Retain [Preset Position] setting parameters

OBSBOT App

As well as being able to update the firmware, the TinyCam app gives you manual control of the camera and access to various settings.

Under the system settings, you can enable/disable the gesture controls, change the way it tracks you and configure the video and HDR.

In app controls allow you to control the gimbal directly and the zoom or switch on AI tracking. You can also set up preset positions for the gimbal.

In Use – AI tracking and hand gestures

I don’t particularly need a PTZ webcam as I generally sit still when I am on any video call. However, it does make life easier. There is no messing around with the camera placement. On my work PC, the camera is sat quite high up, and with when the camera switches in, the horizontal angle it faces just shows the top of my head, that’s it.

With the TinyCam app, I can either manually control the gimbal to face my head, or I can enable the AI tracking which will automatically follow my face. It might be excessive to buy a PTZ camera just for that, but it does make joining video calls easier. I normally find this process frustrating, between getting microphones and speaker set up, then aligning my camera etc.

Hand gestures work the same as the previous OBSBOT. As I tend to sit close to my PC, I prefer to use the app, but if you are standing up presenting something, then this could be very useful. An open left hand will enable/disable AI tracking, then making an L shape with the thumb and finger controls the zoom.

Image quality is good for a webcam. This has a Sony 1/2.8’’ sensor, which isn’t amazing considering phone camera sensors are getting close to 1”. Webcams have never had the best camera sensors, and I would say this performs better than average. Video quality is excellent in good light but there can be some white balance issues.

Price and Alternative Options

The OBSBOT Tiny PTZ 4K is priced at $ 269.00 Excluding VAT, when bought from OBSBOT directly. The 1080P model is $ 199.00 Excluding VAT

From Amazon UK, the prices are £239 and £149 currently. However, the 1080P model is currently on sale and is normally £199. Looking at Keepa, the product is discounted to £149 every few weeks and sells for £179 in between.

Similar to my previous OBSBOT review, there are not really any like for like alternatives. All the PTZ cameras on the market are geared toward commercial use in conference rooms and priced accordingly. For example, the  Logitech PTZ Pro 2 is over £500.

Alternative consumer options that lack PTZ would include:

Logitech Brio Ultra HD for £159 which has 4K HDR, 5x digital zoom and three different FOV options, 90°/78°/65°.

Anker launched the AnkerWork B600, recently. This is £184.99 has a 2K camera, built-in speaker and a built-in light with automatic brightness and colour adjustment.

Overall

Much like the previous OBSBOT Tiny review. This is an excellent camera with unique features that will appeal to anyone that could benefit from the PTZ features. With so many of us working from home now, being able to do virtual meetings or presentations without being retrained to a fixed camera is going to be hugely beneficial.

Last update on 2023-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API