It’s 2025, and let’s be real—if you’re still using a potato-quality built-in laptop webcam for your meetings or streams, it’s time for an intervention. Enter the OBSBOT Tiny SE, a more affordable sibling to the Tiny 2 Lite, promising AI-powered tracking, crisp 1080p resolution, and a whole lot of convenience. At AUD $199, it comes in significantly cheaper than the AUD $299 Tiny 2 Lite, making it a tempting option for budget-conscious users. It is however, about $100 more than the excellent OBSBOT Meet SE that I also recently reviewed but that isn’t a PTZ camera. So, does the Tiny SE bring enough to the table to make it worth the upgrade? Let’s dive in.
A Familiar Look with Some Tweaks
At first glance, the Tiny SE looks almost identical to its more expensive Lite counterpart. It’s got the same compact, gimbal-mounted design, allowing it to swivel and tilt with robotic precision. OBSBOT’s signature AI-powered tracking is here too, meaning the camera will follow your movements automatically—great for anyone who likes to gesture wildly or pace during presentations.
One difference is the color scheme. The Tiny SE opts for a more subtle matte black look, ditching some of the sleeker, high-end accents of the Lite. It’s a small change, but it reinforces the idea that this is the more budget-conscious model in the lineup.
The mounting system remains versatile, with a strong base with a clip that allows for easy attachment to monitors, and laptop displays. The 1/4″ thread mount for tripods returns, giving you some added flexibility to how and where you mount the camera. The included USB-C connection ensures fast, reliable data transfer, though there’s no HDMI or additional output options for direct plug-and-play streaming without a computer. These connection choices keep it simple but may limit those looking for more advanced setups.
Full HD, but No 4K—Does It Matter?
The Tiny SE maxes out at 1080p at 60fps, which is perfectly respectable for most users. While it lacks the Tiny 2 Lite’s 4K resolution, its 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor still delivers crisp, vibrant visuals with good colour accuracy. The camera supports HDR, which helps balance exposure in high-contrast environments, ensuring your face remains well-lit even in challenging lighting conditions.
Where the Tiny SE starts to show its limits is when zooming in. Unlike optical zoom found in higher-end cameras, this model relies solely on digital zoom, which results in noticeable image degradation when you try to get closer to the subject. Details become softer, and the overall sharpness takes a hit. Additionally, while the camera performs decently in most lighting scenarios, low-light performance isn’t its strongest suit. In dim environments, the sensor struggles to maintain clarity, introducing noticeable noise that can make your image look grainy.
That being said, the autofocus remains reliable, keeping subjects sharp and in focus during regular use. It’s not quite as advanced as the Lite’s more powerful sensor, but for everyday meetings and casual streaming, it still does the job well.
AI Tracking: Still a Standout Feature
If there’s one thing OBSBOT consistently nails, it’s their AI-powered tracking. The Tiny SE doesn’t skimp here—you still get smooth, responsive motion tracking that keeps you centred in the frame as you move. This is a game-changer for presenters, teachers, or streamers who don’t want to sit perfectly still like a robot.
The AI-driven gesture controls are also present, allowing you to zoom in, recentre, or switch modes with just a simple hand motion. They work well most of the time, though occasionally, they misfire if your lighting is poor or your hand isn’t positioned just right. Additionally, if you move too quickly out of frame, the camera can sometimes struggle to relocate you, leading to moments where it gets stuck hunting for a subject. In these cases, you may need to manually adjust its position to bring yourself back into focus.
Audio: Good Enough, But Not Amazing
Like the Tiny 2 Lite, the Tiny SE features dual noise-canceling microphones. They do a solid job filtering out background noise, making your voice clear and natural. However, don’t expect them to rival a dedicated USB microphone. If you’re serious about streaming or podcasting, you’ll still want an external mic.
Software & Setup: Easy as Ever
Setting up the Tiny SE is a breeze—just plug it into your PC or Mac, and you’re good to go. OBSBOT’s Camera Hub software provides a wealth of customization options, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance, brightness, contrast, and even tweak the sharpness to match your lighting environment. It also includes beauty filters to smooth out skin tones and refine your on-camera appearance, though results can sometimes look a little artificial if overused and certainly didn’t work on my African features.
You can save and switch between custom profiles, making it easy to configure different settings for work meetings, streaming, or casual video calls. The software also integrates well with apps like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and OBS Studio, ensuring a smooth experience across different platforms. It’s the same intuitive interface found in the Tiny 2 Lite, and remains one of the more user-friendly webcam control hubs available.
Final Verdict: Worth It?
So, how does the Tiny SE stack up against its pricier sibling? The most noticeable difference is the resolution—you’re getting 1080p at 60fps, whereas the Tiny 2 Lite boasts 4K. The sensor is slightly less advanced, which means colour reproduction and sharpness aren’t quite as refined. And while AI tracking remains a standout feature, it’s not as precise as the Lite’s upgraded version.
That being said, the Tiny SE is hard to beat for the price. You’re still getting OBSBOT’s industry-leading AI tracking, smooth motion capture, and a user-friendly setup, all at a more accessible cost. The digital zoom has its limitations, and low-light performance could be better, but for most people, these trade-offs are minor compared to the convenience and quality you’re getting.
If you’re a professional content creator or need the absolute best resolution, the Tiny 2 Lite may be worth the extra cost. But if you want an intelligent, feature-packed webcam that delivers great performance without breaking the bank, the Tiny SE is an easy recommendation. It’s an AI-enhanced webcam that punches well above its weight class, making it a smart choice for remote workers, streamers, and everyday users alike.
OBSBOT kindly provided the Tiny SE to this reviewer to write this review for PowerUp Gaming!
