Updateed 27/06/24: This review was edited for clarity and accuracy.
The OBSBOT Tiny 2 4K Webcam is one of the most impressive webcams I’ve ever used. Boasting 4K resolution at 30fps HDR, it’s equipped with a motorized 2-axis gimbal driven by AI, which allows it to intelligently frame and track you. It even responds to hand gestures and voice commands. However, its $519 AUD ($329 USD) price tag is steep. Enter the all new OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite, priced at a more palatable $279 AUD ($179 USD), nearly half the cost of its sibling. So, how did OBSBOT cut costs so dramatically?
Frankly, I’m puzzled because on the surface, the two cameras seem identical. Dig a little though and the differences begin to appear. the Tiny 2 Lite features a larger 1/2” CMOS sensor compared to the Tiny 2’s 1/1.5” sensor, but has a lower 50MP to 48MP, a narrower field of view and no bundled carrying case.
Some of the cooler features like voice commands, hand and zone tracking, whiteboard and desk mode are also missing but overall, the Tiny 2 Lite retains most features of the Tiny 2. This includes AI-powered full-motion tracking, hand gesture recognition, group tracking, and a feature rich utility app for precise control over the camera.
After using the more expensive Tiny 2 for several months, I noticed no significant difference in video quality when switching to the new OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite. So, for almost 50% less money, this follow up is an immediate no-brainer.
Design and Build
The Tiny 2 Lite is compact, measuring just 64.2mm tall and weighing 91.4g—slightly lighter than the Tiny 2 by 5g. The camera is a small puck housing the gimbal, allowing it to swivel 150° horizontally and 90° vertically, making it versatile and suitable for desktop views. For privacy, the camera faces downward when off and automatically wakes when you start a video application. The dynamic LED on the front indicates when the camera is on or responding to commands.
One noticeable difference is the stand. The Tiny 2 had a separate metal clamp that the camera would magnetically attach to, offering flexibility in mounting. The Tiny 2 Lite has a more traditional clamp that unfolds from the bottom of the camera—another cost-saving measure. It still features a 1/4” thread mount, compatible with standard camera tripods. The USB Type-C port on the back supports USB 3.0 and 2.0, but for 4K recording, USB 3.0 is recommended.
As I was writing this review, I realised something else missing from the package that would explain the reduction in price — the carry case. The Tiny 2 shipped with a lovely hardcase that made it easy to pack down and travel with. Not so with the Tiny 2 Lite and while I missed the inclusion, it’s far from a deal breaker.
The Tiny 2 Lite boasts a 48MP, 1/2” CMOS sensor with an f1.8 aperture and a 26mm focal length, enabling it to achieve a professional bokeh effect. It supports up to 4X zoom and offers both autofocus and manual focus. I did find that the Tiny 2 Lite really hunted for focus when in 1080p but in 4K, autofocus was much better.
Supported resolutions include 4K, 1080P60, 960P, and 720P, with various frame rates except for H264 format, which might be a drawback for pro video recording. The Tiny 2 Lite seamlessly integrates with OBS Studio, Nvidia Broadcast, Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet. Install Nvidia Broadcast also enhances the camera’s functionality though at the time of this writing, the Tiny 2 Lite doesn’t work with Windows Studio Effects tools.
The built-in dual omni-directional mics with adjustable noise reduction do a commendable job in most scenarios, though investing in a good USB microphone is recommended for serious streaming. You can listen to the video below to get a sense of what it would sound like.
AI Image Smarts
The Tiny 2 Lite excels in image quality, recording in 4K at 30fps or 1080p at 60fps. It delivers rich details, contrast, and color accuracy, especially in good lighting. The camera captures my brown, African skin tones without any reddishness or saturation issues.
White balance and exposure control are excellent, with manual adjustments available to fit your preferences. In low light, it performs well with minimal noise, but adding a simple key light like the Logitech Litra Glow can dramatically enhance picture quality. The AI allows for landscape, portrait, and upside-down shooting orientations, making it easy to stream on TikTok, Twitch, or Kick.
The Phase Detection Autofocus enables the camera to quickly focus, working well with the AI smart tracking to keep you centred in the frame. A blue LED indicates tracking mode. It’s fast and reliable, perfect for standing desk setups or content creators needing a virtual cameraman.
Gesture recognition is a highlight of the OBSBOT cameras. Raise your hand to toggle smart tracking or use an L-shape gesture to zoom in or out. These gestures are handy but often frustrating in their response. You can tweak the zoom scale in the software though. It’s a shame that you can no longer give voice commands like “Track Me” or “Zoom in closer,” like you could on the Tiny 2.
Now here is where I also discovered some of the smarter features that were cut out of the Tiny 2 Lite. The impressive Desk mode which was great for sharing items on your desk by using the gimbal’s articulation for a low view and AI flipping the image to the right orientation. Also missing is the hand tracking and whiteboard mode with a separate remote for pinpointing things on a whiteboard. Do I miss these things? Not at all but if that’s something that you would need in your work, then look to the more expensive Tiny 2.
OBSBOT Center Software
The Tiny 2 Lite is plug and play so you can just get moving without any fuss but to really unleash it’s full potential, you’ll need to use the OSBOT Center app for Windows & Mac. It’s divided into a few key panels, each giving you in-depth and precise control over the Tiny 2 Lite.
The Console page gives you a bunch of controls for controlling the physical camera positioning, gimbal control and zooming. It even includes a virtual joystick to really tune the framing and you can save settings and also choose from built-in presets here. The Image page has controls for tweaking the image including focus, white balance, HDR, colour grading and more.
The Beauty page has a number of AI powered beauty tools like skin smoothening, background blur and even some freaky body slimming effects which, uhm, I would avoid. Some features require activating the OSBOT VirtualCamera feature to make use of the camera’s advanced functions — acting as a proxy for applying effects in applications that don’t inherently support them, like Zoom or MS Teams.
Verdict
I used to say that the OSBOT Tiny 2 is the most impressive camera I’ve ever come across, whether you’re an office worker, a big-shot streamer, or a TikTok dancer. Its ability to capture stunning high-resolution video, track movements, and respond to commands is a game-changer for the solo creator. But, now that we have the Tiny 2 Lite, and while you do lose some of the features that make its sibling so impressive, you are still getting the vast majority of those core features at half the price.
This little camera offers so much value and bang for your buck whether you are just making crispy Zoom calls for work or using it to record Portrait videos for TikTok, you are sure to be pleased with all it can do. OBSBOT already set a high benchmark with the Tiny 2 and they have somehow managed to take all those learnings and make it far more affordable and practical for a wider audience.
The OBSBOT Tiny 2 Lite goes on sale 26th June 2024 and you can buy it here
OBSBOT kindly provided the Tiny 2 Lite to PowerUp for the purpose of writing this review
