PTZ Cameras

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I connect a PTZ Cam to the Internet?

Power-over-ethernet (PoE) simplfies the wiring setup; you only need ethernet cable to send PoE power and data to and from the camera. The below picture shows how simple it is to power the camera and connect it to the Internet.

How do I control PTZ cameras?

Since most of the PTZs are PoE cameras, they can be used either by themselves as a single webcam, or in a complete PTZ system with a NVR. Cameras can be controlled directly from the Security Recorder (NVR or DVR) or from the free mobile app for each of three brands of products we carry. Don't forget to watch our video above on how to remote control the camera from the mobile app.

Can you use a PTZ camera for Live Streaming?

Yes, network based cameras such as PoE or IP PTZ are the best choice for Live streaming video over the Internet. When compared to fixed-lens or motorized-zoom lens cameras, they offer the most versatility for streaming because they can be controlled remotely in nearly all directions. In today's media streaming age, having complete control over a camera for streaming is a must have.

Customers have used our IP PTZ security cameras to stream a variety of events, including church services, zoo exhibits, natural wildlife habitats, and construction sites, to name a few. We've also helped customers design solutions for live streaming weather stations, military explosive testing, and conference rooms. We can assist you in getting the right equipment and give expert-level technical support for any live streaming project you can dream of.

You can find our latest Live Streaming Cameras by clicking the picture below.

How far can a Pan Tilt Zoom camera see?

This is an excellent question because it is entirely dependent on the specific camera model. When engineers develop a camera, they must consider how far a particular model can see or reach. Short, medium, and long-range PTZ cameras each have their own roles in security and live streaming. During development, engineers select a lens and an image sensor that fit the model's intended purpose.

The optical zoom lenses typically come in a variety of X (power) ratings, which can be misleading. The X rating is an approximation of the difference between a lens' widest zoomed-out angle and its smallest zoomed-in angle. A 4X camera, for example, often has a 2.8mm to 12mm lens. The 4X rating is determined by dividing 12 by 2.8 and rounding down. Other widely used zoom lenses include 12X, 25X, and 30X. Super long-range cameras have lenses with magnifications of up to 40X or 48X. For a more realistic indication of how far a camera can see, we recommend verifying the actual lens specifications rather than the X rating. DORI distances, also known as Detect Observe Recognize and Identify ratings, are also useful specifications to understand how far a camera can see.

The quality of a camera's video sensor also has a significant impact on how far it can record or deliver good detail at a distance. Many of the lower-end cameras available from merchants on sites like Amazon, eBay, or big box retailers contain low-quality, unreliable image sensors. While cheaper cameras claim to be able to see details at long distances, what they actually provide is pixelated footage that is not good enough quality for live broadcasting and is impossible to use for security. To capture the most detail at a distance, consider investing in a high quality 4K PTZ camera with a large zoom (X) lens.

Below is an example of what our 48X Zoom Pan Tilt Zoom Camera can do. The image was provided by a purchasing customer, and shared with us how well our camera can see the Lunar surface with the camera located on his rooftop.

What to consider when choosing the best Pan Tilt Zoom?

Choosing the best Pan Tilt Zoom Camera for your project can be challenging. The purpose of the camera, how far it should be able to see, and your budget are some things to consider. PTZs are used for many different things, such as security monitoring and multimedia tasks like filming and live streaming.

If you're reading this, you probably already have an interest in purchasing a Pan Tilt Zoom or have already decided that you need one. Depending on how you plan to use the camera, there are some critical factors to take into account. Will the camera be used to monitor a parking lot, driveway, or other remote area for security reasons? Or do you intend to use the camera to record a short film or stream the camera to a service such as Twitch?

Do you need the camera to automatically track trespassers at an entry point? then consider reading our guide about Auto-tracking PTZ cameras.

There’s a lot to discuss when it comes to buying a PTZ cam, so if you’re interested in learning more about how to buy the best PTZ for your project, read our How to Pick the Best PTZ Camera guide.

Can Pan Tilt Zoom Security Cameras be used for License Plate Capture?

PTZs shouldn't be used to capture license plates, and none of ours are marketed as license plate capture cameras. However, if there is enough light and the car is parked, they can occasionally see a license plate. Due to motion blur, using a PTZ to see license plates on moving vehicles is very challenging, if not impossible. To put it another way, it might be useful to use a PTZ to capture images of license plates on vehicles in a parking lot, but it wouldn't be wise to try doing so for moving vehicles. Instead, consider using a Pan Tilt Zoom Cam to scan the area and a License Plate Capture camera at the entrance or exit of the street, road, or parking lot.