Traditional video and stills cameras are usually what comes to mind for most people when talking about cameras, but did you know that there’s a special type of camera available called PTZ cameras?
What is a PTZ Camera?
A PTZ camera, or a Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera, is a camera housed within a motorized enclosure that gives it the ability to Pan left to right, Tilt up and down, and Zoom in and out. This allows PTZ cameras to cover a wide field of view.
PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled by camera operators or automated software, and multiple PTZ cameras can be controlled from a single switcher. This gives a lone camera operator the ability to singlehandedly manage a multi-camera production.
When To Use a PTZ Camera
Although the first PTZ cameras were designed for CCTV and surveillance use, the PTZ camera market has expanded significantly in recent years. Today, PTZ cameras are applicable across many industries in a variety of different applications. Examples include event coverage (sporting events, live concerts, etc.), houses of worship, e-learning, live streaming (eSports, conferences, etc.), and even television/film productions.
Pros of Using a PTZ Camera
PTZ cameras offer a wealth of benefits, including the following:
Reduced Manpower
Multiple PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled from a single switcher, allowing a single camera operator to easily manage and control all of them simultaneously.
Unparalleled Access
Due to their compact footprint, PTZ cameras are ideal for locations that are hard to reach and/or dangerous for human camera operators to physically operate a traditional camera.
Large Field of View
PTZ cameras can cover a large area, with some models being able to pan/tilt from 0° to a full 360° pan and 180° tilt. Some PTZ cameras can also pan and tilt digitally, allowing editors to adjust videos after recording at a slight cost to fidelity.
Impressive Reach
Many PTZ cameras come equipped with lenses with optical zoom ratios of 10x, 20x, 30x, or more. This allows them to view and capture subjects from afar.
Subject Tracking
Some of the more advanced PTZ cameras can even automatically adjust their field of view to track moving objects without the need for an active camera operator.
What Features To Look For in a PTZ Camera Depending on Your Use Case
Most PTZ cameras on the market offer plenty of connectivity options. You’ll want to make sure that the camera you’re choosing will suit your particular use case.
Will the camera be deployed indoors or outdoors? For the latter, ensure that the PTZ camera you’re using has a sufficient IP weather-resistance rating. You’ll also want to choose a PTZ camera whose field of view can adequately cover the area being monitored. As for outputs, look for SDI (Serial Digital Interface), HDMI, IP (ethernet), USB, and NDI (Network Device Interface) support. Some of the latest PTZ cameras on the market can even be connected, controlled, and powered from just a single ethernet cable. This makes them much easier to deploy and manage compared to older, multi-cable options.
Best PTZ Cameras
Here are some of the best PTZ cameras currently available on the market that you can pick up from Adorama:
Canon CR-N300 21.1MP 4K Ultra HD 20x PTZ Camera
The Canon CR-N300 is an entry level PTZ camera that produces superb image quality thanks to its powerful 1/2.3” 4K CMOS sensor and DIG!C DV 6 image processor. The CR-N300’s lens has a 20x optical zoom ratio, giving it a 35mm equivalent focal range of approximately 29.3mm to 601mm and an angle of view of up to 65.6°. With a variable pan speed of .2° to 300°/second and variable tilt speed of .2° to 170°/second, keeping up with the action is child’s play for the Canon CR-N300.
Key Features
- 8.29 effective (21.14 total) megapixels 1/2.3″ single-plate CMOS sensor with Hybrid AF
- DIG!C DV 6 image processor
- 20x optical zoom, 20x digital zoom
- capture up to UHD 4K30 and FHD 1080p60 video
- HDMI, 3G-SDI, IP, and USB video outputs
- 3.5mm audio input
- Built-in NDI|HX Support, PoE+, 1.5 Lux
Canon CR-N500 13.4MP 4K Ultra HD 15x PTZ Camera
Further up the ranks is the Canon CR-N500, which combines the DIG!C DV 6 image processor with a larger 1” 4K CMOS sensor. Powered by the same Dual-Pixel AF technology found in Canon’s latest DSLR and mirrorless cameras, this sensor allows the CR-N500 to accurately detect and track faces. The CR-N500 comes equipped with a 15x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of approximately 25.5mm to 382.5mm and up to 73° angle of view, and has a variable pan speed of .1° to 100°/second and variable tilt speed of .1° to 100°/second.
Key Features
- 8.29 effective (13.4 total) megapixels 1″ CMOS Sensor with Dual-Pixel AF
- DIG!C DV 6 image processor
- 15x optical zoom, 20x digital zoom
- Capture up to UHD 4K30 and FHD 1080p60 video
- HDMI, 3G-SDI, and IP video outputs
- Genlock, dual XLR, and 3.5 audio inputs
- Built-in ND filters: 1/4, 1/16, & 1/64
- Built-in NDI|HX support and PoE+
Canon CR-X300 21.1MP 4K Ultra HD Outdoor 20x PTZ Camera
The Canon CR-X300 is designed for outdoor use, outfitted with a 1/2.3” 4K CMOS sensor, DIG!C DV 6 image processor, and a 20x optical zoom lens just like its indoor cousin, the CR-N300. What sets the CR-X300 apart is its compact and lightweight housing. Constructed from die-cast aluminum, the CR-X300’s IP65 rated housing is water and dust resistant. It can be controlled over IP or serial connections and supports single cable signal and control via the integrated PoE++ connection.
Key Features
- 8.29 effective (21.14 total) megapixels 1/2.3″ single-plate CMOS sensor with Hybrid AF
- DIG!C DV 6 image processor
- 20x optical zoom, 20x digital zoom
- Capture up to UHD 4K30 and FHD 1080p60 video
- HDMI, 6G-SDI, and IP video outputs
- Genlock audio input
- PoE++ single cable IP operation
- Optical image stabilization
- IR mode
- IP65 water and dust resistant
Canon CR-X500 13.4MP 4K Ultra HD Outdoor 15x PTZ Camera
Designed with wet conditions in mind, the Canon CR-X500 not only features IP55 water and dust resistances, but has a lens wiper built-in as well. Joining the CR-X500’s Dual-Pixel AF powered 1″ 4K CMOS sensor are a pair of DIG!C DV 6 image processors and an image stabilized zoom lens with impressive 15x optical and 30x advanced HD zoom ratios. Deployments are a breeze thanks to the CR-X500’s 12G-SDI connection, capable of transmitting 4K UHD footage at up to 60p with just a single cable.
Key Features
- 8.29 effective (13.4 total) megapixels 1″ CMOS Sensor with Dual-Pixel AF
- dual DIG!C DV 6 image processors
- 15x optical zoom, 30x advanced HD zoom
- capture up to UHD 4K30 and FHD 1080p60 video
- 12G-SDI video output
- genlock audio input
- built-in ND filters: 1/4, 1/16, & 1/64
- built-in lens wiper and AUX expansion port
- RS-422 and Canon NU Serial Control
- IP55 water and dust resistant
