Impressive and Best Webcam for PC and Mac

If you’ve tried working from home before, you know the importance of staying connected with your team at all times. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the best software and hardware to help you replace face-to-face time with online communication.

The Tiny 4K OSBOT is a new AI-powered PTZ webcam that will make sure you always look your best on camera. AI tracking is a great feature for anyone who needs to get up and move around a lot during online meetings, and 4K video quality is here to ensure your live streams look flawless. What else can the OSBOT Tiny 4K do? Find out in our review of this smart webcam.

OSBOT Tiny 4K: First Impressions and Specs

The OSBOT Tiny 4K is a unique camera compared to other webcams on the market. OSBOT Tiny is a 4K PTZ webcam and also offers a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) gimbal and AI tracking. This camera can automatically track you as you move. You’ll find this kind of technology in top-tier conference cameras. You will also have to pay a high price for them. The OSBOT Tiny 4K is a more affordable alternative for anyone who needs a PTZ webcam to track their movement during the call while delivering a stunning 4K image.

Let’s take a look at the full specification list of the OSBOT Tiny 4K AI-powered PTZ Webcam.

    • Tamaño: 89,4 mm x 58 mm x 58 mm (sin montura), 142 mm x 58 mm x 58 mm (con montura)
    • Weight: 147g (without mount), 176g (with mount)
    • Maximum Video Resolution: [email protected], 1080p/60fps, MJPEG, H264
    • Supported resolutions: 3840×2160, 1920×1080, 1280×720, 640×360
    • Zoom: zoom digital 4x
    • Focus Type: AF/MF
    • HDR: Yes
    • Field of view: 86°
    • Audio: Built-in dual omnidirectional microphones with noise reduction
    • Gimbal: 2-axis gimbal, max control speed: 120°/s
    • Charging ports: USB-C and DC power ports
    • System requirements: Windows 10 or later, Windows 8, Windows 7, macOS 10.13 or later
    • Price: $269 at the official OSBO store or from $228 at Amazon

    Compared to its predecessor OSBOT Tiny, the 4K version features quite a few improvements. The maximum video resolution changed from 1080 to 4K improving the image quality. Tiny 4K also has enhanced digital zoom, autofocus, and HDR.

    Design and Unpacking

    The first sign that the OSBOT Tiny 4K is a high-end webcam is the packaging. It comes in a stylish red and white box that also houses a hard case. With premium packaging like that, you can rest assured that your gear won’t be damaged in transit.

When you open the carrying case, you’ll find your Tiny 4K along with charging cables and a mounting device. The case itself is a hard shell that can be used to store or carry the Tinky 4K with you. OSBOT Tiny 4K is compact, lightweight (5.18 ounces without mount), yet durable. It has a matte black body with a round base. The base has a green light bar on the front that illuminates when the camera is on. The top of the base rotates so the camera can pan left and right.

On top of the rotating base, you’ll find a gimbal with the camera attached. The gimbal can tilt the camera up and down, allowing it to track moving objects. The cylindrical head of the camera houses a lens that is surrounded by a red ring.

The branding is non-invasive and you will only find the brand name on the front of the camera. If you like clean, minimal design, you’ll appreciate the overall look of this camera.

What is in the box?

Here’s everything you’ll find inside the box when you unbox your OSBOT Tiny 4K:

  • OSBOT Tiny 4K Camera
  • OSBOT Carrying Case
  • Cable USB-C a USB-C
  • USB-C female to USB-A male adapter
  • USB-A to DC power cable
  • magnetic mount
  • User manual and warranty card

The Tiny 4K package we had to test also included a few extra accessories: a remote control and a small tripod. The remote control comes with a set of batteries, so you can use it right out of the box. OSBOT offers a large selection of accessories for its cameras, which we will talk about a little later.

Configuration and daily use

The setup process is as easy as can be: connect the Tiny 4K with your laptop or desktop via a USB-C cable and you’re good to go.

OSBOT Tiny 4K has a magnetic mount that you can use to attach the camera to the top of your PC so it’s level with your face. The magnetic mounting system works well with laptops and desktops, though it may look a bit thick on thinner computers like the MacBook Air. However, the mount will keep your camera steady on your PC and even has a self-adhesive strip for a more permanent setup.

If you prefer to keep the webcam separate from your monitor, you can use a tripod to mount it on your desk or elsewhere. You can use one of the OSBOT tripods made specifically for the Tiny 4K, or any other standard tripod you have around the house.

Once connected to your computer, the OSBOT Tiny 4K powers itself via USB-C. The next thing you need to do is download the OSBOT TinyCam Software to control the OSBOT Tiny and gain access to its full functionality. You can also download an electronic version of the user manual and the latest firmware from the OBSBOT official site to ensure the software is up to date.

Video and audio quality

As you can see from the name of the camera, OSBOT Tiny 4K can record video in 4K resolution. This gives you four times the pixel density of 1080p and allows you to zoom in without significantly diminishing video quality. The 4x digital zoom will still give you 1080p video, which is useful when you’re giving a presentation using a physical whiteboard that you need to film from across the room.

The default setting on OSBOT Tiny is to capture full 4K video at 30fps. If you’re using Tiny 4K for live streaming or simple video calls, this is the recommended setting. 4K Ultra HD (UHD) lens will help you have crystal clear video quality.

While TinyCam has many functions and features, it also has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use once you get the hang of it. Once you install the latest firmware, you get full control over your OBSBOT Tiny 4K and can really take advantage of all the extra features like AI tracking and gesture control.

Accessories

If you want to further enhance your OBSBOT user experience, take a look at the camera accessories OBSBOT offers. Some of them are just spare parts to replace anything you might lose or break from the original package. However, some of the accessories are really useful and can unlock even more features of your Tiny 4K.

Another AI-powered feature is automatic tracking. OSBOT Tiny 4K uses a next generation AI tracking algorithm that allows it to lock onto a target (you) and automatically follow you around the room. If you suddenly need to change your position during a broadcast, you don’t have to worry about staying in the shot. The Tiny 4K will keep the focus on you. Camera movement is surprisingly smooth, even when moving at a fast pace, such as when dancing or playing sports.

Speaking of fast movements, if you’re filming a dance class or performing with a lot of movement, we recommend switching to a higher frame rate: 1080p at 60fps. This setting will reduce resolution but will also reduce motion blur.

gesture controls

In addition to AI tracking, you can use gestures to set a tracking target and zoom in and out. While Tiny 4K uses simple gestures as controls, getting them to work is still a bit of a learning curve. There are two gestures you can use: a hand gesture to have the camera target your face for tracking, and an L sign to zoom in and out.

The trick here is to make sure the camera can see and recognize your gestures. When the Tiny 4K is on, the light strip on the front is green. Once you show the gesture, wait until the color of the light strip changes to blue, indicating that your gesture is recognized.

audio quality

OBSBOT Tiny 4K comes with built-in dual omnidirectional microphones with noise reduction. Audio quality is solid, though it won’t beat the best gaming headsets on the market. If you’re used to the best sound quality, you can use a separate microphone for streaming or gaming. However, if you don’t have an external option, you can use the OBSBOT Tiny 4K’s built-in microphone and your colleagues on the other end of the Zoom or Skype calls won’t complain.

Application and connectivity

OBSBOt Tiny 4K has its own specific software and firmware that you can download from the company’s official site. The OBSBOT TinyCam app unlocks a number of features that you might not otherwise be able to use. TinyCam is compatible with Windows and Apple computers.

Here is a full list of camera features you can enable in OBSBOT TinyCam:

  • Select target to shoot or unlock target
  • Zoom in and out
  • Set preset positions for the camera
  • Control the gimbal with an on-screen joystick to manually move the camera
  • Reset gimbal to home position
  • Put your device to sleep or turn it back on

Using the System Settings app you can also enable the following features:

  • Put the camera into sleep mode automatically after a certain period of time without use
  • Enable gesture control for remote camera control
  • Change the tracking mode. TinyCam offers 3 different modes: Headroom Mode where the camera automatically leaves more room above your head for short-range video calls, Standard Mode with standard tracking speed and auto framing, and Motion Mode which adjusts auto framing to capture all of your body and enable AI tracking (recommended mode for shooting sports or other high-motion activities)
  • Change the camera tracking mode
  • Turn anti-flicker on and off. This feature reduces flickering – useful when you need to film a TV screen in the background
  • Enable or disable HDR
  • Control autofocus settings – turn it on and off if you need to use manual focus
  • Enable or disable noise reduction

While TinyCam has many functions and features, it also has a user-friendly interface and is easy to use once you get the hang of it. Once you install the latest firmware, you get full control over your OBSBOT Tiny 4K and can really take advantage of all the extra features like AI tracking and gesture control.

Accessories

If you want to further enhance your OBSBOT user experience, take a look at the camera accessories OBSBOT offers. Some of them are just spare parts to replace anything you might lose or break from the original package. However, some of the accessories are really useful and can unlock even more features of your Tiny 4K.

An example of that is an OBSBOT Tripod . OBSOT has 3 tripods suitable for different needs: the OBSBOT Small Webcam Tripod perfect for desktop use, a portable tripod with non-slip feet for a more stable setup, and a larger extendable tripod with adjustable height.

OBSBOT Tiny Remote (compatible with Windows and macOS) is also a useful gadget that allows you to press the key and control Tiny remotely. Among the functions, the remote controller supports are zoom, PTZ and tracking.

Should you buy the OBSBOT Tiny 4K?

OBSBOT Tiny 4K is an example of a great camera that can do more than your average webcam while still being reasonably priced (compared to other 4K options on the market). If you’re looking for a smart camera with impressive tracking capabilities and PTZ functions that can follow you as you move or give a presentation, OSBOT Tiny 4K is a great choice. However, if you just need a decent Full HD webcam for video calls with your colleagues, you can save some money by choosing something less advanced like a Logitech C922.