PTZ cameras: what they are and how they work

Whoever has a camera to control a closed or open environment or a more complex video surveillance system, knows how useful it is to be able to control these devices remotely to frame specific areas of interest at certain times.

In such cases the ability or not of the camera to rotate in order to better orientate itself on a point or an area may be fundamental.

These three terms indicate the camera movement modes that can pan from right to left (Pan), rotate up and down the vertical axis (Tilt) and zoom in on the points of greatest interest (Zoom).

In addition to these specific movement capabilities, PTZ cameras are particularly interesting because they can be controlled remotely.

If you need to know more accurately the characteristics of this type of device, you can read what is reported in this brief guide.

What is the PTZ CAMERA?

As anticipated, PTZs are cameras that can be controlled remotely and have the characteristic of being able to rotate on the horizontal and vertical axes and zoom in on certain points or areas of interest.

These camcorder models are enjoying ever greater success, especially as they can now be purchased at very affordable prices.

The possibility of using PTZ cameras guarantees complete surveillance in many contexts, both domestic and work, both internal and external.

The best way to use this type of device is to connect it inside a video surveillance circuit in which connection systems are inserted between the cameras.

In this way, the so-called master cameras, that are those that monitor in a general overview, can request a specific control over a specific area by activating the PTZ.

How a PTZ camera works: the different types on the market

To understand  how a PTZ camera works , ie how, when and why it performs the rotation movements on the axes and zoom it is first necessary to evaluate the main characteristics of this type of device and the different models on the market.

You must know, in fact, that not all PTZs are the same: we are not talking about aesthetics, but above all about operating technologies.

First of all, therefore, it is necessary to understand how the commands  for changing the view, the rotation along the right-left axes or the high-low ones are transmitted .

These can be different depending on whether they are manual or centralized and, again, depending on whether an analog or digitalsurveillance camera is used.

In the case of analogue cameras, in fact, the commands for the movements are transmitted via RS485 cable which allows communication with the control console.

If instead you have digital cameras, the information will pass through the network cable, that is the same cable that is used for video transmission.

Another difference must be made between mechanical or motorized models and non-mechanical models .

The former are used above all for the control of closed environments and have a mechanical arm that allows a greater possibility of movement.

These security camerasare controlled and set in motion by an operator who chooses to view at the best a certain point by zooming or rotating the camera itself.

They are usually fixed on the wall by pins and can be zoomed between 10x and 26x depending on the models.

The non-mechanical cameras, on the other hand, although they can rotate on the two axes and zoom, are not equipped with additional moving parts. They therefore have a narrower range of action but are more resistant to wear.

Depending on the models, some cameras can be set in precise positions, on which to focus attention regularly.

In this way, when passing from one control position to another, you will be able to direct the target immediately to a specific point, without having to search for it every time.

Features

Before purchasing a PTZ type camera it is important that you take into consideration a series of specific technical features, which will allow you to understand the quality of the selected model.

First, therefore, pay attention to the resolution. This parameter is not specific to PTZ cameras but should always be taken into account for any camera model you want to buy. A good resolution also ensures perfect image display during shooting zooms.

Furthermore, as far as the zoom is concerned, it is worth remembering that for PTZ cameras, you should not opt ​​for zoom below 10x. The most common models on the market present zoom between 10x and 26x: the choice depends very much on the type of area to be monitored and its amplitude.

Another interesting feature present in some advanced models is that of automatic detection .

When a person or vehicle gets too close to the area you are monitoring, the camera points the lens at the moving person or object following it to the limit of its coverage area.

If you need a security camera systems in Chicagoto be inserted in an automatic surveillance system, this function is essential because it guarantees an accurate monitoring of every movement that occurs around the area to be monitored.

Why choose it?

The reasons why it may be convenient to opt for a PTZ camera rather than a fixed one can be different and depend largely on the area to be monitored and your specific needs.

At the moment it should be emphasized that they represent one of the most convenient ways to fully monitor an area, whether indoors or outdoors, for which the simple fixed camera is not sufficient.

A strength of these models, for example, is that they are thieves proof.

Unlike fixed cameras, PTZs can in fact follow moving subjects, whether the specific function is present, or whether they are controlled by an operator in console.

Therefore, they will always succeed in framing any ill-intentioned people: a PTZ camera, in fact, does not have blind spots.

Moreover, a fundamental factor of which you cannot fail to take note, today PTZ cameras are very convenientfrom an economic point of view: in many cases their cost is comparable to that of fixed models.

The advantages of PTZ camera

Choosing a PTZ camera will allow you to have a number of advantages.

The first is certainly that of a wider coverage , both along the horizontal axis and along the vertical axis, thanks to the possibility of movement of the lens.

This aspect is fundamental if you consider that a PTZ camera is able to cover areas that, in the case of fixed cameras, could never be reached except with the security camera installationof a greater number of devices.

Another important advantage is that of being able to set up the remote control : even if you are not in the area of ​​the console or of the camera itself, in fact, you can intervene on the shooting areas of the camera thanks to specific software to be used via computer or device mobile.

These listed above can be considered the standard aspects, that is typical of the entry-level PTZ camera.

You can easily imagine that more advanced models also have a series of functions that bring greater advantages to the use of the camera itself, from directional lighting to the presence of microphones and speakers and much more.

The disadvantages

Although very attractive and certainly highly technological, PTZ cameras present some small problems  that can invalidate their high convenience.

The first, which however also relates to other types of cameras, is that relating to privacy , especially when this type of device is installed to control outdoor environments.

As for the camera itself, two important elements must be emphasized. First of all, not all models are compatiblewith external positioning.

Therefore, before proceeding with the purchase, you must ensure that the model you have chosen has at least an IP66 certification, ie that it is resistant to heavy rains.

Conversely, you would find yourself installing a device that may not work at the first rain.

Finally, it should be emphasized that PTZ cameras, especially those with a mechanical arm, can be  subject to wear  if their lens is continuously moved from one position to another.

This aspect is particularly true for outdoor cameras, which should be regularly maintained to ensure greater durability.

Conclusions

PTZ cameras can be a perfect choice for video surveillance cameras in Chicago. A series of contexts, both indoors and outdoors. However, before buying one, it is important that you make sure that you have specific needs and, therefore, the type of camera that best fits your needs. In this way you can be sure of a purchase made consciously and, therefore, more convenient.