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These days, almost everyone can benefit from a high-quality webcam, but you don’t need to break the bank for it.
Take the OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K webcam, for instance. It’s my all-time favorite webcam, offering fantastic features, but priced at $300, it might be a bit too much for some. Enter the OBSBOT Tiny SE, a streamlined version of my top pick. It offers fewer features and a lower resolution, yet comes at a mere fraction of the price. It’s absolutely impressive at this price point.
For only $100, the OBSBOT Tiny SE provides AI-powered webcam capabilities with 2-axis gimbal tracking. It’s the best choice under this budget unless, of course, you’re in need of 4K recording. This webcam does have a few drawbacks you should know about, but for video conferencing and streaming, it’s still one of the top contenders on the market.
Why trust my opinion? Well, although I’m not a professional streamer, my schedule is jam-packed with meetings. This makes a solid video and audio setup essential for clear communication. While there are many devices like headsets, speakers, and microphones that can enhance your setup, starting with a good webcam is crucial.
For this particular review, OBSBOT kindly provided a sample, but rest assured, they had no influence on the content.
OBSBOT Tiny SE Review Quick Facts:
– It’s a 1080p webcam equipped with 2-axis gimbal tracking and AI-fueled software features.
– Ideal for anyone needing a savvy, budget-friendly webcam for meetings or streaming.
– Both Amazon and OBSBOT offer this webcam for $99. OBSBOT also provides additional accessories and bundles.
– The pros? Excellent image quality across various lighting conditions, smart gimbal tracking, and a sleek design.
– As for the cons? The gimbal tracking and software aren’t as robust as those in the pricier OBSBOT models.
Now, let’s dive into the specs. The OBSBOT Tiny SE sports a 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor with an f1.8 aperture, capable of shooting at Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution up to 120 frames per second. It also has dual native ISO and HDR, along with smart AI tracking and manual controls. Its connectivity covers USB Type-C 2.0, and it’s compatible with both Windows and macOS.
When you buy the OBSBOT Tiny SE, it comes with a USB Type-C to Type-C cable, along with an adapter for USB Type-A connections. The mounting is built into the webcam, yet it allows for a 1/4-inch thread for attaching to tripods.
And now onto what I like about this webcam: The OBSBOT Tiny SE stays true to its name with a compact form factor. It mirrors its pricier family members in design, although with subtler details. Remarkably, it retains excellent build quality despite being less costly. Gone is the magnetic mount, replaced with a more secure built-in solution, which helps keep the costs down without compromising too much.
Its 2-axis gimbal is where the magic happens, allowing for smooth mechanical tracking. This AI-driven feature helps the webcam follow you as you move, offering about 140 degrees of panning and 70 to 90 degrees of tilting.
The OBSBOT Tiny SE hooks up with a straightforward USB Type-C 2.0 cable and works with both Windows and macOS, making the setup hassle-free. Although optional, the OBSBOT Center software is highly recommended for unlocking more robust features.
Always practical, the Tiny SE automatically pivots to face downward when off, eliminating any privacy fears. But once it’s on, its visible LED makes it clear that you’re live.
Its real star, however, is the camera sensor. While smaller than the OBSBOT Tiny 2’s, the 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor here offers striking image quality, maintaining clarity, detail, and vibrant colors. It seamlessly adjusts focus, exposure, and white balance while offering options for manual editing.
Adding to its charm are the aesthetic filters, like NVIDIA Broadcast’s advanced background blur. All of these enhancements integrate effortlessly with numerous software platforms, thanks to OBSBOT’s virtual camera features.
When it comes to low-light performance, the Tiny SE excels where you might expect it to struggle, handling such scenarios with aplomb. Its support for staggered HDR is rare in budget webcams, enhancing both performance and image quality. Compared to other options around the same price, like Insta360 Link 2, OBSBOT Tiny SE holds its ground impressively.
The audio side of things features a single microphone. Although not as rich in clarity as the more expensive models, it suffices with automatic noise cancellation and gain control.
In summary, the OBSBOT Tiny SE is a well-rounded AI webcam that offers fitting cuts to attain its budget-friendly price without seriously compromising quality. Even though the resolution cap is at 1080p when others offer 4K, it provides genuine value, particularly with AI-backed gimbal tracking—a premium feature rarely seen in this price bracket.
Now, let’s consider what might not work for some: The Tiny SE does scale down from the Tiny 2, leading to less sophisticated camera resolution and a simpler design without certain advanced features. In practice, this translates to slower data rates, one less mic, and the absence of Windows Hello facial recognition. However, these omissions are justified by the affordable price tag.
One issue that stands out is its occasional reluctance to sync smoothly with its software. Updates can be hit-or-miss, and a few kinks in the user interface might cause momentary frustration. Its gimbal tracking, while effective, lags behind the more premium counterpart.
Who should consider the OBSBOT Tiny SE? It’s for those who appreciate smart tracking in a webcam and don’t wish to spend a fortune beyond $100. Alternatively, those needing 4K support or who see little value in AI enhancements might look elsewhere.
I must admit: when I first heard of a $100 webcam with gimbal-tracking, I was skeptical. But the Tiny SE offers incredible image quality and feature set, approximating that of the higher-tiered Tiny 2. Despite being a 1080p option, it delivers in clarity and versatility across lighting conditions.
Ultimately, this makes the OBSBOT Tiny SE a phenomenal choice for under $100, found on Amazon. There’s also the OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite at $179, offering 4K resolution, though I haven’t had the chance to check it out myself. Should you be willing to invest more, the original OBSBOT Tiny 2 still has its place for those demanding the very best in webcams.
