The Best PTZ Cameras — 2023
By Jennifer P
PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras offer a lot of benefits for camera operators. They can be used to capture a wide range of shots, including overhead and panoramic views, and can be controlled remotely, making it easy for operators to adjust the camera’s position and zoom level. Additionally, PTZ cameras are often compact and lightweight, making them easy to transport and set up. Some PTZ cameras also support multiple control inputs, which allows operators to control multiple cameras at the same time. In a recent article from Videomaker, they discuss what are their top PTZ Camera choices are.
HD Camera – Canon CR-N300
The Canon CR-N300 PTZ is a high-quality PTZ camera that features a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 6 image processor. It can shoot 4K UHD video at 30 fps and Full HD video at 60 fps with oversampling HD processing, resulting in beautiful footage. It is currently considered one of the best Full HD PTZ cameras on the market. The CR-N300 is a great option for HD shooters with its 20x optical zoom lens and wide viewing angle of 65.6 degrees. The Hybrid AF technology allows for accurate and fast focusing, making it a versatile camera for various shooting situations.
Long Zoom PTZ – BirdDog P400
The BirdDog EYES P400 is a powerful PTZ camera that offers a wide range of zoom capabilities. With a 4K resolution, 30 fps video, and a quick f/2.0 20x optical zoom lens, it is capable of capturing high-quality video footage. Additionally, it has a 12x digital zoom and 30x SRZ (Super Resolution Zoom) in 4K and 40x SRZ in HD, which allows you to get even closer to your subject without losing image quality. It’s a great choice for those who need a high-performance zoom PTZ camera.
The BirdDog EYES P400 is an advanced PTZ camera that is packed with features to deliver high-quality video. The 8.5MP Sony CMOS backlit sensor ensures that the images captured are of the highest quality, and the simultaneous 6G-SDI, HDMI, and NDI output allows for versatile connectivity options. The advanced zoom capabilities of the P400, such as the quick f/2.0 20x optical zoom lens, 12x digital zoom and 30x SRZ (Super Resolution Zoom) in 4K and 40x SRZ in HD, makes it one of the best zoom PTZ camera on the market today. It’s a great option for professionals looking for a powerful and versatile camera.
NDI PTZ – NewTek NDIHXPTZ3
The NewTek NDI HX PTZ3 is a powerful PTZ camera that utilizes NDI (Network Device Interface) technology to transmit video over the network with minimal latency. It also uses less bandwidth compared to previous NDI protocols, making it more efficient. In addition, it offers SDI and HDMI outputs for local monitoring, providing users with even more versatility and flexibility. The NDI HX PTZ3 is a great choice for professionals looking for a high-performance PTZ camera that is designed to take advantage of network-based video production.
The NewTek NDI HX PTZ3 is a highly capable PTZ camera that is designed to take advantage of network-based video production, making it a great choice for professionals. It features a 20x optical zoom lens with a wide horizontal field of view of 3.2 to 60 degrees, and a 1-chip 1/2.86” CMOS sensor. It can transmit HD video at 60 fps over a single Ethernet cable. The combination of its advanced NDI technology, high-performance optics and sensor, and versatile connectivity options make it one of the best NDI PTZ cameras on the market. It’s a great pick for those who are looking for a professional-grade NDI PTZ camera.
SDI PTZ Camera – PTZOptics Move 4K 20x
The PTZOptics Move 4K 20X is a high-performance PTZ camera that is designed to deliver 4K video at 60 frames per second. It features a wide field of view and a fast frame rate, making it ideal for live streaming and other video production applications. Additionally, it has an auto-tracking function that allows it to focus on any person in the frame, ensuring that the subject stays in focus as long as they remain within the frame. The PTZOptics Move 4K 20X is an excellent option for professionals and enthusiasts looking for a powerful and versatile 4K PTZ camera.
The 20X lens on the PTZOptics Move 4K 20X allows you to get up close to your subject and still frame the shot properly, making it ideal for capturing details that might be missed with a lower zoom lens. This feature makes it a great option for close-up shots and for capturing fine details in wide-angle shots. The camera is also perfect for situations where you need to zoom in on a subject from a distance, such as in sports or nature photography. Overall the PTZOptics Move 4K 20X is a versatile camera that offers a range of features and capabilities that make it a great choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Large Sensor PTZ – Canon CR-N500
The Canon CR-N500 is a powerful PTZ camera that offers several advanced features that make it a great choice for professionals. One of its main advantages is its large 1-inch CMOS sensor, which offers a higher image resolution and better low-light performance than smaller sensors. This makes it ideal for capturing high-quality video in a wide range of lighting conditions. Additionally, it features a DIGIC DV 6 image processor, which allows it to record 4K and HD video. The combination of the large sensor and advanced image processor makes the Canon CR-N500 a great choice for professionals looking for a powerful and versatile PTZ camera.
The Canon CR-N500 offers a great balance of features and performance. The 1-inch CMOS sensor is a great advantage, and the 5x optical zoom along with a wide horizontal viewing angle of 73-degrees makes it a versatile camera. The ability to control it remotely with IP, IR or wirelessly via Wi-Fi is also a great feature, allowing you to adjust the camera settings and control it from a distance. The combination of its large sensor and advanced features make the Canon CR-N500 a great option for professionals looking for a high-performance PTZ camera that offers great value for its price.
PTZ Controller – PTZOptics SuperJoy
The PTZOptics SuperJoy is a powerful PTZ controller that is designed to provide easy and precise control over multiple PTZ cameras. It can control up to 28 cameras using NDI, IP, or serial protocols, making it a versatile solution for video production and live streaming applications.
The joystick and buttons on the controller allow you to easily navigate and control all 27 PTZ cameras, grouping them into groups of four. It supports NDI, VISCA, VISCA-over-IP, Pelco-P, and Pelco-D protocols over IP and serial RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 communication, providing users with a wide range of connectivity options. The PTZOptics SuperJoy is a great choice for professionals and enthusiasts looking for a high-performance PTZ controller that offers advanced features and capabilities.
NDI Converter – BirdDog FLEX 4K
The BirdDog Flex 4K is a good choice for connecting your NDI PTZ to a network. It is a compact NDI interface that supports HDMI sources with resolutions up to UHD 4K 30 fps or 1080 60 fps. It offers multiple power options, including PoE and 12V power. The BirdDog Flex 4K weighs just under five ounces and features a single Ethernet port.
Read the full article from Videomaker HERE