Review: PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Camera
By Jennifer P
Will Chapman recently wrote a review of the PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Camera for Church Production. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the use of live-streaming by churches as a way to continue holding services and connecting with congregants remotely. This has resulted in a growing market for high-quality video equipment, including robotic cameras, which offer greater flexibility and control over the camera’s movement and zoom. PTZ cameras are particularly useful for churches, as they allow for capturing multiple angles and perspectives of the service. It seems that PTZOptics is one manufacturer that has responded to this trend by offering a range of affordable, feature-rich cameras that are well-suited for church use.
Everything You Need for Streaming Success
The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera is a small form factor camera that is suitable for flexible installation options and offers features such as a wide dynamic range, a new CMOS sensor with low video noise reduction, advanced/one-push white balance modes and a wide variety of HD sizes and frame rates. It also offers multiple options for video signal transmission such as SDI, HDMI and NDI video over ethernet protocol. Additionally, the camera offers multiple options for control which is an exciting feature.
The PTZOptics PT12X-SDI-GY camera offers a wealth of control options, making it a good solution for church techs who are looking for a PTZ camera within their budget. This camera solves the problem of budgeting for control as it offers multiple control options, allowing church techs to maximize their budget and not have to worry about the additional cost of control.
I must confess… I haven’t had as much fun with a robotic camera as I had setting up and using the MIDI control software for the PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera.
Will Chapman
Midi Keyboard Control
The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY camera offers several control options for users, including:
- Purchasing one of three available PTZOptics joystick camera controllers with different price points and capabilities,
- Using PTZOptics’ free camera control application to control cameras connected via IP and USB,
- Using a free plugin from the PTZOptics website to control cameras with the no-cost, downloadable OBS stream encoding software,
- Controlling the camera with a MIDI keyboard. This variety of control options allows for flexibility and convenience for users to choose the most suitable method for their needs, and the last option of controlling the camera with a MIDI keyboard is particularly impressive as it is not a common feature in PTZ cameras.
The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera offers a unique and fun control option through its MIDI control feature which is currently in beta testing. Will Chapman found the setup process to be quick and easy, with the help of tech support, and was impressed by the value that PTZOptics added by providing this feature. A firmware update on the camera was needed and accomplished using the Firefox browser on an Intel-based MacBook Pro running macOS 12.6.1. The MIDI control was set up using the Chrome browser. The ability to control the camera through MIDI adds a new level of versatility to the camera and makes it more fun to use.
The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY Broadcast Camera has a MIDI control feature that allows users to control the camera’s pan, tilt and zoom features using a MIDI controller, such as the Akai MPK Mini, which is an inexpensive and widely available controller. Will Chapman found the setup process to be easy with the help of the support documentation and was impressed with the fun and versatility that the MIDI control feature added to the camera. He was able to control the camera using the keys of the MIDI controller and found the pan, tilt, and zoom features to be very responsive. He also tested the quick recall settings by programming the camera to move to a specific location and then triggering that location with a key press on the MIDI controller. Will Chapman found the experience of controlling the camera with a MIDI controller to be very enjoyable, like being a kid on Christmas.
The PTZOptics PT12X-NDI-GY camera is a great solution for churches looking for a robotic camera that has all the necessary video qualities and features at an affordable price point. The camera offers flexibility and versatility in terms of installation options and control options. The variety of control options including joystick, software, plugin and MIDI controller makes it easier for churches to find the best option to suit their needs, it also allows for an easy upgrade path in the future. Additionally, the camera’s impressive video quality and features makes it a great option for churches.
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