Setting up a 3 Camera Shoot with OBSBOT Tiny PTZ USB Cameras
What is OBSBOT Tiny
OBSBOT is a company focusing on AI technologies for video production. I first learned of OBSBOT at CES when I used the OBSBOT Tail camera to follow me around. In all reality, the Tail was relatively small as well.
But the Tiny had taken this AI ability and made it the size of any other webcam. This USB-C based video device has a 150 degree pan, and a 45 degree tilt to follow you around a room. It also has a 2x digital zoom
Specs
- Size: 89.5*58*58mm
- Weight: 146g
- Power&Data: USB3.0/USB2.0
- Video resolution?1920*1080,1280*720,860*540,484*480,640*360 MJPEG,H264
- Zoom: 2X Digital Zoom
- Stabilization?Pan?-150°~+150° Tilt?-45°~+45°
- Max Speed Control: 120°/S
- Build-in Audio: Built-in dual Omni-directional mics
- Other Interface: UNC 1/4-20
Mounting the OBSBOT Tiny
Included with the camera is a small magnet stand that can be placed on a monitor so the camera can easily set down. You also can attach to a tripod if needed.
With AI Functions
With the AI ability, if you raise your hand, it can start to follow you. Raise again to stop following, or to pass off the control to another person (they will raise their hand for follow feature). Raise your index finger to zoom in and out.
OBSBOT Software
The software is fairly easy to use, and versions available for Mac (OS 10.7 or higher) and PC (Windows 7 or later). Sorry, no Android or iOS support at this time.
Inside, you will be able to lock the camera, control the PTZ with a joystick function, adjust white balance and color, and even define preset positions with hotkeys (this feature was added after this video was made).
You can turn off all the AI functions, and manually set the cameras to fixed positions. That way, if you raise your hand, the camera won’t start following you around.
If you connect up multiple OBSBOT cameras, the software will be able to control them.
Creating the OBSBOT Video Studio
So I did a simple 3 camera shoot with OBSBOT using Telestream Wirecast in 1080p. Since it’s a USB camera, I can use this with most programs, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Bluejeans, any web-based video capture, and more.
Each camera will show up as it’s own OBSBOT camera (numbered in the list). This makes it easy to set up in any streaming software – OBS, vMix, ECamm, and more.
Keep in mind to choose how you would set up audio. Each camera can produce it’s own sound, which could make a weird echo if you use 2-3 cameras at once.
Pros/Cons
I do like the ease of use, and of course the size. Since I recorded this video, I have incorporated the OBSBOT into my main rig. I can move the camera easy to another spot if needed.
I can also move the PTZ head around without issue. That way I am not concerned of breaking the unit if I move it.
I did notice the camera will get confused if it doesn’t see a face and not in locked mode. Also, if you have it in locked mode, then move to the corner of the screen, the camera lighting gets confused.
Speaking of color settings, the camera could forget your settings since it’s using the controls native to PC/Mac. The one setting that I want to lock is the white balance.
And if you plug the camera into another USB port, all your settings are forgotten. In all reality, this is the same problem with any webcam. I did ask OBSBOT for unique ID’s in the camera so settings could be retained if move to another USB input.
Price
The OBSBOT is $199, and available now.
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