Budget Webcam Battle: OBSBOT vs Logitech and Razer.
Recently I was tasked with finding a solid webcam setup without breaking the bank. Definitely a tricky one! I managed to unearth a few gems, and so I put them to the test.
We've got the OBSBOT Tiny SC, a personal favorite, and its budget-friendly sibling, the Meet SE. Both are 1080p, but we'll see how they differ. Then, we'll throw in the Razer Kiyo and the Logitech C922 Pro to see how they measure up.
OBSBOT Tiny SC
First up, the OBSBOT Tiny SC. What sets this one apart is its intelligent tracking. It follows you smoothly, even in less-than-ideal lighting. You'll see what I mean in a moment. And it's got HDR, which is a game-changer for balancing light and dark areas. See that bright window behind me? With HDR, the shadows gain detail. Some might find it a bit processed, but I appreciate the added clarity.
Plus, you can tweak the audio, which is crucial for noisy environments. The noise reduction has weak, medium, and strong settings. We'll put that to the test later.
OBSBOT Meet SE
Now, let's look at the Meet SE. It's the Tiny SC's streamlined sibling, minus the gimbal. In a quick focus test it was pretty sharp.
Logitech C922 Pro
Next, the Logitech C922 Pro. Fun fact: each camera switch also changes the audio source. This one claims 1080p, but the image quality suggests otherwise. And the software? Minimalist, to say the least.
Razer Kiyo
Finally, the Razer Kiyo, with its built-in ring light. It produces a very sharp image, perhaps a bit too sharp. Everything's in focus, which can be a bit overwhelming.
For comparison, here’s the Tiny SC again. Notice the natural depth of field? The Razer lacks that. And the ring light, while useful in pitch-black conditions, doesn’t make a huge difference in normal lighting.
Here's the kicker: the Razer, despite being 720p, looks better than the Logitech's alleged 1080p. The OBSBOT cameras offer more natural colors and far more software control.
Design and Features
Let's break down the design. The OBSBOT cameras are clearly built on the success of their 4K models.
The Tiny SC, with its AI-powered tracking and gesture controls, is the most advanced. It supports 1080p at 100 FPS and excels in low light.
The Meet SE offers similar tracking, minus the gimbal. Both have a comprehensive app for granular control and preset configurations.
The Logitech C922 Pro is a classic design, but it's showing its age. The stand is bulky. For the price, the Meet SE is a much better value.
The Razer Kiyo, with its ring light, is unique. But it's bulky, and the software is limited to Windows.
Performance
Let's see how they perform in low light. The Tiny SC is excellent. The Razer is decent, but with a color cast. The Logitech struggles.
Audio testing reveals the OBSBOT cameras offer the clearest audio. The Razer is acceptable, the Logitech is muffled.
Focus speed tests show the OBSBOT cameras are the fastest. The others struggle, especially with lighting changes.
The Verdict: My Recommendation
If I had to choose, it's the Tiny SC. But the Meet SE is a close second and a great value. The Logitech C922 Pro is outdated. The Razer Kiyo is decent, but not the best overall.
The OBSBOT cameras offer the best combination of features and value, making them my top picks.
