OBSBOT recently launched its PTZ camera, the OBSBOT Tail Air. It includes a range of AI-powered features that enable you to produce sophisticated multi-camera livestreams. PTZ stands for pan tilt zoom, and these aspects of PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled.
4K resolution
The OBSBOT Tail Air has a 1/1.8-inch StarLight CMOS sensor with a resolution of 3,856 by 2,176 pixels. The sensor has large 2.0 μm pixels to give you great video even in low-light conditions. Low-light performance is also helped by the camera’s wide f1.8 aperture. As a result, the Tail Air delivers up to 4K at 30 fps and 1080p HD video at up to 60 fps. In addition, the Tail Air’s lens has a focal length equivalent to 23 mm. It’s a fixed focal length but the camera does have a 4X digital zoom. The Tail Air has a built-in microphone as well as a socket to plug in an external mic or wireless mic system.
Connections
You can connect the Tail Air via HDMI, USB-C, ethernet or Wi-Fi. The camera also works with the NDI HX3 format which uses network cables to send power, video, audio and camera control signals. NDI HX3 delivers high-quality, low-latency streaming, perfect for both single and multi-cam setups. In addition, the Tail Air can record video internally to a microSD card. The camera’s built-in battery lasts up to two and a half hours when shooting 1080p video at 30 fps. Charging takes around 90 minutes.
AI auto tracking
Traditionally PTZ cameras were controlled remotely by an operator. However, the Tail Air uses advanced AI technology to track your subjects. You can set the camera to track humans, animals and even objects. One of OBSBOT’s sample videos shows the camera tracking a piece of broccoli being passed around a cooking demonstration. In addition, OBSBOT shows the Tail Air tracking subjects as they move behind objects such as trees and in low light. The camera can accurately track subjects at a speed of up to 120° per second.
Gesture Control 2.0
Another great AI feature is gesture control. This allows you to use dynamic gestures to control the Tail Air. For example, you can make the OK sign with your hand to start and stop recording. You can also hold up one hand to make the camera track you automatically. In addition, there are gestures to make the camera zoom in or out, and to control its dynamic zoom.
AI Director Grid
The Tail Air also has a feature called AI Director Grid. The OBSBOT AI algorithm automatically divides the captured video into different grids in real-time. This means that as well as a wide shot of your whole scene, the AI will identify close-up shots such as the faces of your subjects and other areas of interest. The wide shot and sub-shots are displayed in a grid pattern along with the on-air image. You can then switch between views by clicking on the one you want to broadcast in your livestream.
OBSBOT Start app
The OBSBOT Start app is an essential part of the Tail Air ecosystem. With the app, you can control multi-camera streaming from your mobile device. You also access the AI Director Grid feature through the app. “OBSBOT Tail Air’s launch is not just the release of a new product; it’s a significant step towards reshaping the live streaming landscape,” said Bo Liu, CEO of OBSBOT. “Our vision to enhance live streaming with AI technology and multi-camera capabilities comes to fruition with Tail Air, and we’re thrilled to see its impact on content creation.”
What we think
The OBSBOT Tail Air delivers high-quality video and has all the features you need in a PTZ camera. However, its AI features help you to deliver exciting multi-camera livestreams without the need for an operator to run your setup. With the AI tracking and the Start app, you have all you need to create great content. In addition, with its Wi-Fi connections and built-in battery, you can take the Tail Air with you wherever you go, so there’s no need to be tied to a studio setup.
Pricing and availability
The OBSBOT Tail Air will be available from November 21st and retails at $499 for a single camera.
