You think a webcam with 4K resolution has to be pretty big? You thought wrong! The EMEET Piko+ is here to prove you wrong: The tiny camera, which weighs just around 41 grams, fits easily in the palm of your hand. But how good is the image quality really? We find out in the EMEET Piko+ test.
Technical data
| Model | Piko+ |
| Dimensions (without holder) | 56 x 43 x 22 mm |
| Weight (without holder) | 40,5 g |
| Connection | USB type C |
| Max. Video resolution | 4K/30 frames per second |
| Supported resolutions | 4K 30; 1080p 60/30 |
| Sensor | Sony 1/2.55 inch; f/1.8 Field of view: 73° degrees |
| HDR | No |
| Close focusing distance | 10 cm to infinity |
| software | EMEET Studio |
| Compatibility | Windows 10 (64-bit) or higher, macOS 1 or higher |
| Microphones | 3x beamforming microphones |
| Mounting bracket | 1/4 inch thread |
| price | € 84.99 * |
EMEET Piko+ Review: Tiny lightweight
- Tiny and light
- decent workmanship
- Coherent scope of delivery
At just 40.5 grams, the EMEET Piko+ is an absolute lightweight and fits easily in one hand. The webcam, which is available in black, green or white, is slightly larger than the OBSBOT Meet 2 (our test), but the housing is made of glossy plastic and still feels high-quality, although it does magically attract fingerprints.
The most striking feature on the front is of course the two lenses, which are housed under the protective cover. In addition to the 4K sensor, which is provided by Sony in the Plus model, the Piko+ uses an AI-supported camera to improve autofocus and face recognition.
There is a USB-C port on the back for connecting to a PC or notebook, while a 1/4-inch thread on the underside allows the camera to be mounted on a bracket or tripod. The corresponding mount is included in the scope of delivery, along with a USB-C cable and USB-A adapter.
There is also a rubber protective cover in the shape of a panda with sunglasses, which can be magnetically attached to the lenses.
Commissioning and software connection
- Plug and play
- Clear software
- Many effects; virtual camera
Using the USB-C cable, the EMEET Piko+ is quickly ready for use and is immediately recognized under Windows 11 and macOS 10.14 (or newer). The tiny webcam can be positioned quickly and easily thanks to the included hinged monitor mount.
The accompanying software is EMEET Studio, which can be downloaded free of charge from the manufacturer’s website. The interface is pleasantly tidy and clear and offers a wide range of options.
On the main page, you can preview the image, adjust the resolution and use filters to influence the image. You can also activate an optional improvement in low light – unfortunately, I didn’t notice any real improvement here. Instead, the image tends to be noticeably overexposed.
You can also switch between three presets (live mode, noise reduction and original sound mode) via the audio mode. Practical: If you hover over one of the menu items with the mouse, a tooltip provides you with additional details on the respective setting.
In the audio selection menu, you can use the mixer to mix different audio sources together, while in the “Effects” section you can adjust image settings such as brightness, contrast, sharpness or tint. Finally, the “Help” menu item allows you to adjust the focus, for example for people, areas or the entire image section, and if you like, you can also set the focus manually.
Picture and sound quality of the EMEET Piko+
- 1/2.55-inch sensor with f/1.8
- convincing image quality; but image noise recognizable
- weak microphones
The EMEET Piko+ comes with a 1/2.55-inch sensor provided by Sony and offers an aperture of f/1.8. This should make it quite bright, while the sensor is much smaller compared to the best 4K webcams such as the OBSBOT Meet 2 or Tiny 2 (our test), which increases the risk of image noise in practice.
Unfortunately, the Piko+ does not support HDR, but it does have a 1.5x digital zoom. The autofocus works on the basis of artificial intelligence and focuses images between a distance of 10 cm and infinity.
With good lighting, the EMEET Piko+ delivers good image quality, although the small sensor can be seen very clearly in direct comparison to the competitors already mentioned, especially in the unlit background, as the level of detail and sharpness decrease noticeably here.
In much less well-lit environments, this image noise and blurring can also be seen very quickly on the face. And yet, considering its size and price, the Piko+ delivers really good results here.
Unfortunately, this does not apply to the audio quality of the 4K webcam. This is not really convincing in any of the three modes. The sound is artificially distorted and sounds very distorted, especially when noise reduction is active.
However, the sound also noticeably lacks clarity and detail in the other modes. In addition, the picture and sound are recorded noticeably asynchronously via the EMEET software. It is possible to counteract this somewhat, but it requires a bit of fiddling.
However, if you combine the webcam with a dedicated microphone, you get an inexpensive and convincing solution.
EMEET Piko+ test: Conclusion
Small webcam, big: With the EMEET Piko+, the manufacturer impressively demonstrates what is possible for a comparatively low price in an ultra-compact camera. The webcam delivers truly impressive image quality in 4K at up to 30 frames per second and impresses with its precise and fast autofocus.
Thanks to plug-and-play connectivity, the camera is also quickly ready for use and, thanks to its compact size, also makes a great companion on the go. Compared to the more expensive 4K webcams out there, however, the small 1/2.55-inch sensor is definitely noticeable in more difficult lighting conditions or through image noise in the background, but I think you can live with that very well considering the price. It’s just a shame that the audio quality can’t even begin to keep up.
And yet: The EMEET Piko+ is an absolute price-performance tip among the best 4K webcams.
VORTEILE
- Incredibly small and light
- Strong 4K picture
- Good software
NACHTEILE
- No HDR
- Prone to image noise
- Weak microphones
Fazit
Tiny and lightweight 4K webcam with impressive image quality, strong autofocus and an attractive price. Only the microphone quality is unfortunately below average.
