This $1,200 PTZ is a glorified Webcam, but gave my creator workflow an enormous boost

$1.199 at Amazon

The right tool is needed by creators.

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Obsbot’s cameras are a great option for both creators and noncreators. All at an incredible value. A few weeks back, I visited Obsbot at their booth at NAB to see their camera offerings for creators. I was particularly curious to see the

If you look at the Tail 2 PTZR, or any other camera model from Obsbot for the first time, you might think you are looking at something found on the Pixar R&D Desk. The camera is shaped like a bell, and has a panning gimbal with a tilting head. Also: The best 2025 vlogging camera: Expert tested and reviewed.

Build quality is not cheap plastic, but a mix of sturdy plastics with metallic composite. If you’re going to charge more than $1,000 for a digital camera, the hardware should be at least . It’s a beautiful piece of equipment. How well does it work for the creators?

What you’re getting.

Tail 2 I/O features two USB-C ports, one for data and power transfer, another for network connectivity, and a third for power over Ethernet. It also has an SDI port and a full-size HDMI. It boasts a 1/1.5″ image sensor capable to record up to 4K at 60 frames per seconds locally on a MicroSD or HDMI output.

But the Tail 2 also offers SDI output up to 1080p 60 frames per second, NDI up to 4K 60 frames per second. This is great news for creators who are looking for a camera beyond the standard “webcam” look and feel.

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For audio, there’s a 3.5mm port for TRS microphones. Everything is pretty standard as far as a camera is concerned, but the added SDI and Ethernet jacks are a game-changer for some workflows.

How the Obsbot Tail 2 PTZR performs

This camera is well-suited for creators looking to step up their livestream or broadcasting operations. The image quality is beautiful and clear. If you’re a broadcaster with a “talking head” format, the Tail 2 PTZR will make you look great with optics that allow you to have a mechanical zoom to show off a wider view of your set, or a more intimate, tighter frame for when you’re looking to make a point in your conversation.

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The I/O makes it easy to integrate into your set via USB or your HDMI video switcher, which most creators use these days as a multicam setup. Just mount the camera on a tripod and run your cabling accordingly.

If your set allows you to add your cameras to your local area network, you’re in great shape with the Tail 2. This camera offers Ethernet connectivity and is compatible with NDI.

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This integration is great for handling exposure settings and even panning, tilting, or zooming with almost no latency — hence the “PTZR” in the model name.

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Using this integration, you can handle exposure settings, panning, tilting or zooming without any latency. This is a great workflow that’s built right into Tail 2. For those who cannot connect their camera via ethernet, a mobile app is available to provide these same controls.

Let’s talk about the AI

In this day and age, it’s hard to find a tech product that doesn’t mention artificial intelligence (AI). And most of the time, said AI is average at best. To Obsbot’s credit, the AI integrated into its camera is solid. The current version 2.0 of the AI offers much better subject detection and tracking capabilities.

I’ll admit, the original Obsbot tail had pretty good motion tracking. I tested the original camera system and tracking system about five years ago, and was pleasantly impressed with how well it tracked. Version 2.0 is not disappointing. In order to test and challenge my dog, I once again lean on him. This time “Biscuit” has been tracked in my studio.

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Mounted the camera at a lower angle on my studio’s floor. I mounted the camera at a low angle on my studio floor, close to cables that ran into my desk and around tripods. The software Obsbot tracked my dog with ease. It didn’t matter how he moved around the studio. Even though he had left the frame, the Tail 2 was able to lock onto him immediately upon his return. It was as if he hadn’t left the room.

The AI really does a great job of auto-framing and zooming in on the subject. The combination of AI and great hardware is harmonious. Thanks to the Tail 2’s smooth, gliding gimbal. In extreme cases, the integrated gimbal even allows for rotation to keep the camera perfectly level. I don’t think this feature is necessary for most broadcasters, but it’s available. Hence the “R” in “PTZR.”

ZDNET’s buying advice

The Tail 2 PTZR is a major upgrade to the other camera models from Obsbot. This camera is aimed at creators who want to interact with their audience via a quick livestream but also those who are looking to improve the image quality of a multicam broadcast.

This camera is ideal for podcasts or interviews with multiple people. The Tail2 is a great camera. PTZR is a great value camera, but the professional-grade input/output gives it a boost. It also allows creators to use it more creatively. Preorder the Tail 2 PTZR for $1,199 and it will ship by the end of May 2025.