Obsbot’s latest gimbal webcam falls short of its $350 price tag.
Obsbot has just rolled out two new gimbal-equipped webcams: the $349 Tiny 3 and the $199 Tiny 3 Lite. The Tiny 3 is touted as the smallest pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) 4K webcam ever, weighing in at just 63 grams, while the Tiny 3 Lite is ironically larger and heavier. After spending a couple of weeks testing the Tiny 3, here’s what you need to know.
When stacked against Insta360’s $249 Link 2 Pro, the Tiny 3 boasts a slightly larger sensor and a suite of AI features, including voice control and tracking. It also comes equipped with MEMS microphones, which are said to outperform traditional condenser mics in noise filtering, with Obsbot claiming they rival dedicated microphones. My only point of comparison is the Insta360 Link from 2022, and while the Tiny 3 does deliver a sharper image, the difference isn’t drastic based on my testing with retail hardware.
You can control both the Tiny 3 and the Lite using preset voice commands like “Hi, Tiny” to wake it up, “Sleep, Tiny” to power it down, or “Track Me” to activate face tracking. However, only the Tiny 3 features Desk Mode, allowing it to look downward, as the Lite’s base is too thick for this function. The Tiny 3 responds impressively well to voice commands, even when I speak softly. That said, I found it a bit unsettling when it began tracking my face after I said “track me” during a meeting, prompting me to disable the voice control. Both models support 4K video at 30 frames per second and can hit up to 120 frames per second at 1080p. They also work with the Switch 2, but you’ll need the companion app to enable that mode, which limits the maximum resolution to 1080p on PC until you turn it off.
The Tiny 3 offers a slightly wider field of view and a higher ISO range (up to 12800 compared to the Lite’s 6400), making it better suited for low-light environments. It features a 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 24-millimeter equivalent focal length, which are incremental upgrades over the previous generation. While bigger sensors typically capture more light and reduce noise, the improvements weren’t particularly noticeable during my tests, though results may vary based on individual setups.
In video calls, the Tiny 3’s 4K / 30 fps capture looks solid, producing sharper footage than both the Lite and the Link. Raw stills taken through Obsbot’s software show it handles shadows better, particularly in my wrinkled long-sleeve shirt. While there are differences in contrast handling, I wouldn’t say the $350 model is a clear standout in image quality, especially considering my Insta360 Link is about three years old.
Obsbot claims the Tiny 3’s MEMS mic array, which includes two directional and one omnidirectional mic, can compete with standalone microphones. They sound decent, but I only noticed a difference when I picked up my guitar. The Tiny 3 captured the individual plucks of strings more clearly than the Link, which is a nice touch, though if you’re mainly using it for video calls, that detail may get compressed. Most users who care about audio quality likely already own a dedicated mic.
Adjusting the Tiny 3’s features requires navigating a cluttered app that feels overwhelming. While I appreciate that webcams are packed with features, it’s crucial for companies to ensure these features are user-friendly, especially when you’re in a hurry before a call. Insta360 has managed to streamline this process, while Obsbot still has some work to do.
