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A traditional security camera system can give you the footage of a fixed or targeted area. However, if you want a sweeping view and premium coverage of a specific location, a PTZ camera system is the most suitable option. PTZ cameras can be integrated into an existing security system for seamless connectivity and remote adjustments.
Pan Tilt Zoom cameras (PTZ) are robotic cameras that can be controlled remotely to move vertically or horizontally. This type of camera covers different angles of view. It also provides a flexible option for capturing the overview of the area or zooming into specific details.
PTZ cameras are the best option for extensive video coverage capabilities. You can grab this innovative security camera system at All Security Equipment for a comprehensive security solution for your property.
Basic Features of PTZ Camera System
PTZ stands for pan-tilt-zoom, which describes its basic features:
Pan is the feature that allows the camera to sweep horizontally across the landscape. PTZ cameras can move at 180 or 360-degree pan in a smooth and precise movement.
Tilt is the vertical camera movement that lets it tilt up and down to capture different angles. Tilt can range from zero to 90 degrees and also travel in a controlled and stable movement.
Zoom feature magnifies the footage to capture specific details without losing the image quality. PTZ cameras with at least 20x to 25x optical zoom can provide sharp zoomed images in a medium-sized property.
Network-based PTZ cameras can be integrated into an existing security system to improve security and situational awareness.
How PTZ Provides Seamless Connectivity
A PTZ IP camera captures a spanning view of its environment and encodes the captured footage into IP packets. It then transfers the videos to be recorded by the network video recorder (NVR), which can be connected to the network.
The video footage can be viewed from anywhere using a smartphone, computer or tablet connected to the internet. IP cameras deploy data in two ways: PoE or Wi-Fi. Power over Ethernet (PoE) cameras use an Ethernet cable for receiving power and internet connection. It usually provides a connection that is more stable than Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi PTZ IP camera system utilizes wireless technology for data transmission. These cameras require a strong Wi-Fi network connection to ensure a better-quality video and prevent issues with lag.
To clear the common misunderstanding, wireless camera systems still use a cable to attach to a power source. Thus, it does not necessarily mean that a wireless Wi-Fi PTZ is wire-free.
Other Smart Features of the IP PTZ Camera System
The PTZ camera system is the future of traditional security DVR cameras. The big difference between them is how the data is transmitted and its ease of access without the need for manual intervention.
High-Quality Images
PTZ camera systems use a high-resolution camera for better image quality. Typically, a PTZ camera resolution can start at 1080p Full HD. But many of the latest models boast ultra high-definition 4k PTZ cameras for sharper and crisper video footage.
Wide Field of View
The field of view is a crucial consideration for any surveillance system. Standard cameras can only cover a viewing angle of 25 to 60ᵒ, so you will need multiple cameras to cover different angles. PTZ cameras can cover a large ground with the pan and tilt feature for a wider view.
Low-Light Performance
PTZ cameras are equipped with infrared night vision capability to function during nighttime and other low-light conditions. IR Illuminators, infrared features and thermal imaging are useful in capturing videos even in pitch-dark environments.
Motion Tracking
The motion-triggered auto-tracking feature of PTZ cameras automatically follows any moving subject that is within the camera range. It ensures that key areas like entrances are always monitored.
Motion Detection Alerts
PTZ cameras with smart motion detection alerts trigger an alarm or send notifications to users when unusual activities are detected. This feature enables owners to promptly respond to threats and deter potential security breaches.
Zoom Capabilities
Zoom enables focus on certain spots to identify crucial details and specific evidential needs. Zoom can be optical or digital, but PTZ cameras mostly utilize the optical zoom features because of their high-quality output.
- Optical zoom uses the camera lens to adjust its focal length and zoom into a subject. The motorized lens maintains its pixels and resolution to give clear images.
- Digital zoom uses software to enlarge a particular image by cropping from the original image. It offers a greater zoom range compared to optical zoom and is also more affordable.
Automated Monitoring
PTZ cameras can be set to move to different pre-set points and track a specified path. The programmed tours for the camera movement enable the system to monitor specific points. The system will intelligently monitor the pre-set point even if the camera is not actively controlled.
Video Stabilization
Shakes and vibrations happen, especially if the PTZ camera is not mounted onto a fixed and stable surface. To keep the video footage steady and clear, PTZ cameras have built-in stabilization technology. It enables the camera to capture clear and steady videos even when it is in motion.
Applications of a PTZ Camera System
The PTZ camera system is employed in several applications, such as:
Traffic Monitoring and Management
With its real-time view and data transfer, PTZ security cameras play a very crucial role in traffic management. They are widely used for observing the traffic flow, incident detection and real-time traffic updates. It reduces incident response time and enforcers can easily track the license plate of offenders with only a few personnel on the ground.
Industrial Monitoring
For very small homes and businesses, fixed cameras may be the cheaper option. But in wider locations and large business infrastructures, a wide wide-coverage PTZ security camera system is the ultimate solution.
PTZ camera system reduces the need for installing multiple fixed cameras to cover all areas. In industrial settings, PTZ cameras can effectively track the different aspects of production and machinery to promptly identify errors and problems.
Live Streaming
Live event coverage and video streaming get easier with the convenience of IP PTZ cameras. With remote adjustments, operators can use the remote control to adjust the camera angle and capture important scenes for a unique viewing experience.
Drawbacks of the PTZ Camera Systems
With every product, you can expect minor setbacks. Recognizing such constraints in PTZ cameras will enable you to find optimized solutions for the following issues.
Gaps in Coverage
The PTZ camera can pan, tilt, and zoom, but not simultaneously. It may miss a recording that goes out of its span of view as the camera moves. To manage this issue, property owners may integrate additional fixed cameras as backups.
UNV addresses this slack through a camera that combines both fixed and PTZ cameras in a single system. The UNV Lighthunter Dual Lens PTZ Network Camera has dual channels with one IP, so you can look at both the overview and specific scenario at the same time.
Latency Sensitivity
Latency sensitivity is the delay in data delivery and processing, which may affect live broadcasting. For live production, the standard latency must be less than 60ms. For recording, live streaming and conferencing, 120ms is acceptable but may not be ideal if it goes more than that.
Shorter Lifespan
Cameras with many moving parts are prone to malfunctions and tend to have a shorter lifespan. Proper installation and correct usage may extend the life of a PTZ camera, especially those exposed to outdoor conditions.
Enhancing Security With a PTZ Camera System
Pan tilt zoom cameras are valuable devices in large space monitoring. Manufacturers are working on making more efficient PTZ cams, such as its integration with a fixed camera to answer the gap in recording.
For modern applications like video conferencing, live streaming and other monitoring purposes, choose the IP-based PTZ camera system. It will help you maximize the video coverage and viewing experience by providing stable videos, sharp images and capturing events in detail.
Find these camera options when you browse through the PTZ camera selection at All Security Equipment. We offer a great selection of items that offer enhanced security and convenience for the users. Contact our customer service or technical support today for PTZ camera concerns and assistance.
