INTRODUCTION

    I recall a time in the mid-90's when people were going out to get a webcam only to be able to see their family and loved ones from afar using software like Microsoft's NetMeeting with video resolutions not surpassing 320×240p (640×480p wasn't introduced until the late 90's). Fast forward to today and webcams are used for a wide variety of things ranging from simple video calls and web conferencing (meetings) to remote teaching (online classes), content creation (video recording and live streaming) and even medical appointments. At the same time video resolution has reached impressive levels and so there are many webcam models out there that can record video at resolutions all the way up to 4K UHD (3840x2160p). The Tiny SE is among the latest models released by OBSBOT and that's what I'll be testing today.

    Founded in 2016, OBSBOT is an innovative imaging technology and hardware brand dedicated to using new technologies such as AI to inject new vitality into the videography market. With the artificial intelligence as the core, OBSBOT focuses on the application research of new technologies in the field of videography. It hopes to use revolutionary technology and innovative products to innovate the way of public records and image creation, and to change people's social way.

    The Tiny SE is one of OBSBOT's entry level models and so its 1/2.8" CMOS sensor (2M pixels, f/1.8 aperture, 78 degrees diagonal FOV) records video up to 1080p @ 100fps (FullHD 1920x1080p) and supports up to 4x digital zoom with staggered HDR (recent update). It also features a single microphone with noise reduction and automatic gain and a 2-axis gimbal (±150 degrees pan / ±90 degrees tilt - 140 degrees pan, 30 degrees tilt down, 70 degrees tilt up controllable) complete with auto tracking and auto zoom. Other features include auto tracking (motion, close up, standard, upper body, lower body, hand, group, headless and custom zones), auto focus, auto exposure, auto white balance, anti-flicker, beauty mode, auto sleep and gesture controls.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Once again OBSBOT uses a very small white and red box the front of which is taken by a product picture and the company logo.

At the rear OBSBOT lists the bundle contents, company contact information and numerous certifications.

Once you open the box, you'll see several warning icons and 2D barcodes for the OBSBOT center app.

Along with the Tiny SE inside the box you'll find a USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A adapter, warranty card and the user manual.

THE TINY SE

The Tiny SE weighs just 94g and measures 64.2mm in height, 48.37mm in length and 46.46mm in width.

The 1/2.8" CMOS sensor sports a total of 2M pixels and features a f/1.8 aperture with 78 degrees diagonal FOV.

As always OBSBOT has placed the noise reduction microphone with automatic gain control at the lower front.

Typically, the USB-C port is located at the rear of the Tiny SE.

The 2-axis Gimbal allows the Tiny SE to move around freely (maximum of 300 degrees on the X axis and 180 degrees on the Y axis).

You can mount the Tiny SE on your monitor, have it on your desk or mount it on a tripod using the universal 1/4" mounting port.

OBSBOT CENTER

As with past reviews the first thing I checked when I launched the OBSBOT center software was for a firmware from within the settings tab.

With the latest firmware install one tab I don't recall with past reviews is the A.I gameplay one. That aside the main software tab includes settings like high-fps recording, AI tracking, AI mode and manual PTZ use (also zoom).

From inside the image tab, you can enable/disable HDR and adjust the focus, exposure, anti-flicker, white balance and image settings.

Settings like device initial state (orientation), device sleep, gestures, zoom, direction flip, microphone noise reduction and automatic gain, indicator settings, image flip and reverse view and gimbal are all inside the more tab (firmware upgrades and factory restore as well).

Finally, we have the beauty mode which has been slightly expanded compared to previous software versions.

SCORE

I haven't really tested and/or used that many web cameras over the years but the ones that I have are still in the lab so it wasn't hard for me to test all of them with numerous Viber and skype calls and make a chart based on my opinion (again, just like with all charts based on my opinion and/or findings you should take this with a grain of salt).

CONCLUSION

    The Tiny SE may be a FullHD capable webcam but it’s probably the best with that resolution that I’ve used when it comes to image quality (sharp pictures, vibrant colors, good tracking), audio recording (not quite as good as the dual omni-directional mics of its higher-end brothers however) and features (PTZ is very useful). The thing is that my sample had trouble auto focusing (it’s easy to spot in the beauty mode snapshots where it can’t properly focus on my Katana V2 soundbar – 35cm away). This wasn’t an issue when recording things from 1+ meter away but according to the specs it shouldn’t have the slightest issue with auto focus from 10cm and above. For me that’s the sole downside of the Tiny SE and again, this could mean there’s something wrong with my sample. I also need to point out that just like its brothers the Tiny SE does tend to get quite hot but that didn’t affect my tests in any way.

    With a current price tag set at just USD99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 131.29Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the Tiny SE AI PTZ Webcam by OBSBOT is priced very well, at least on the other side of the Atlantic (here, well it could be better). Leaving out the auto-focus issue (which could have something to do with my sample) the Tiny SE is a great webcam especially for people who need the extra fps or who really need staggered HDR as a feature. Yes, it’s not quite perfect but it does deliver as advertised (at least with the current firmware) and for that it gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Compact Size
- Image/Video Quality (1080p @ 100fps / Staggered HDR)
- AI Tracking With Auto Focus
- Audio Quality (Noise Cancelling Microphone)
- 2 Axis Gimbal
- Center Software
- Beauty Mode (Streaming)
- Gesture Controls
- Price (USA)

CONS

- Auto Focus Issue
- Price (EU)