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Dynamic range benefits from the Sony low-light friendly 2-megapixel image sensor (the benefits of higher resolutions aren’t always clear when zoom is used), while sound quality is an option in part left to you thanks to the ability to daisy chain speakerphones. In terms of operation, the app is not only easy to use and connect to standard streaming platforms (Facebook, Youtube, and RTMP), but offers extensive picture adjustments – either preset or manual. A paid subscription will allow you to stream to multiple platforms at once, and add live graphics. Understanding all of the impacts of ePTZ vs true PTZ and the specific needs of your application will help you to make the right choice when deciding between ePTZ, true PTZ or a combination of both technologies for your production. If ever proof were needed that broadcasting tech is within the reach of all, this is it. The camera supports NDI, the low-latency video over IP system, and indeed adds to it with NewTek's own NDI|HX protocol which can even transmit quality video over wi-fi. We also appreciated the tidiness that functioning PoE offers.
The main disadvantage is that you are magnifying pixels to accomplish digital zoom. This results in reduced resolution. For example, a 4K video camera digitally zoomed in at 3x, results in a final video resolution of only 720p (a loss of total resolution of 88.9%). This is a very significant reduction in resolution and image quality. Therefore, you need to consider your application and its needs before deciding whether ePTZ can work in your application or you should instead invest in a true PTZ camera. One simple example would be if your streaming output or final file resolution is only going to be 720p, then a 4K camera with ePTZ limited to 3x will be sufficient, as the higher resolution is not required in the final product. EPTZ vs True PTZ x 1080 @ 60 fps); Medium (1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps); Low (1280 x 720 @ 60 fps); Low Bandwidth (640 x 360 @ 30 fps)
PT12X-NDI
No. The term PTZ is so well understood for remotely controlled cameras that, even where no zoom or a digital-only zoom is available, people often still refer to them as PTZ. On this list, for example, the Obsbot Tiny 2 has a digital zoom, though at least up until 2x you might not even spot it. What are PTZ cameras used for? This onboard streaming encoder can encode two data streams to the cloud at once (though you need to drop down to 30fps). In addition, you have SDI and HDMI out, so you can operate in pretty much any creative environment, taking audio via the 3.5mm stereo line input if needed for convenient encoding. H.264 and H.265 with AAC, MP3 or PCM audio are all on offer, from 16KHz to 48KHz. The SRG-300H is an excellent camera with one of Sony’s EXMOR sensors, operable in light down to 1.4 LUX (f/1.6). This offers a wide dynamic range and, paired with Sony’s XDNR digital noise reduction and 30x optical zoom, produces great streaming-friendly video. If you want a camera with a full range of connectivity and remote control options, including iOS and Android apps, the PTZ Optics SDI series (also available with 20x and 30x lenses) is the ideal choice.
The low-noise 1 / 2.8-inch CMOS sensor has 20x optical zoom. This makes for great images as with two megapixels there are no superfluous pixels (though the 10x digital zoom extension is best avoided). Control is via industry-standard systems and there is a good movement range (120˚ tilt, 340˚ pan). If you don’t opt for one of Datavideo – or compatible –control systems, there's also an IR remote in the box, as well as the ceiling mounts and UV filter. Perfect for a conference room of about 20 people, or perhaps a classroom, the Logitech PTZ Pro 2 Video Conference camera plugs into your computer’s USB (Mac or Windows) via the generous 10-foot (3m) cable and provides a more flexible and (probably) better quality alternative than the system camera you’re used to. Sure, UHD (4K) adds a bit to the price compared to the, but the low-light quality the large (1/1.8-inch) Sony sensor achieves and the very long zoom range makes this a sensible choice. Studios will appreciate that all the desirable connectivity, as well as tally lights, are there too. The zoom isn’t as long as some cameras here, and Sony’s digital system –‘Clear Image Zoom Technology’– extends it, without abandoning quality, to 24x in HD or 18x in 4K. On the plus side, the camera is good in low light and has a menu-switchable ND filter. ePTZ uses the technology of digital zoom to provide true PTZ-like features on a fixed (non-PTZ) camera. Digital Zoom works by simply magnifying pixels. When you do this, you are essentially focusing only on a portion of the entire camera image at any given time and magnifying it to fill the entire frame. Since you are only viewing a portion of the image at any given time, you can now move that ‘area of interest’ across the entire camera image to affect a pan and tilt effect (without moving the camera head). So digital zoom not only allows you to ‘zoom’ in on an image but also to move around within that image when zoomed.Another disadvantage of ePTZ vs true PTZ is the range of view. A true PTZ camera can often pan by as much as 340 degrees horizontally and tilt bay as much as 120 degrees vertically. This allows a single camera to cover a huge area of the local environment or ‘set’. An ePTZ camera, on the other hand, is limited to the field of view of its fixed lens and fixed camera head. This can typically range from 40 degrees to 110 degrees horizontally, with a common field of view being around 70 degrees (vs 340). Therefore a much larger quantity of ePTZ cameras will be required to cover the same ‘set’. As with resolution, an evaluation of your specific needs will determine whether ePTZ or true PTZ is a suitable choice for your application. Does ePTZ technology have any advantages? PTZ cameras come with motorized stands which allow for remote control, AI automatic operation, or both. Their popularity has boomed in recent years, and that's no surprise. Almost any scenario where a webcam can be useful, including Zoom calls with presentations and streaming content on social media, can benefit from a camera that can follow you –especially if you like to use the whole space. There is another intrinsic disadvantage to ePTZ here as well. Looking at the 4K ePTZ camera example above (today’s practical limit for available, affordable cameras), a 3x zoom will take you down by 88.9% to 720p (as mentioned above). However, even if 720p is acceptable for your final product resolution, you are limited to only 3x zoom to remain at 720p of higher. With true PTZ technology, you can get cameras with an optical zoom range from 3x all the way up to 30x optical zoom, without reducing your final product resolution by a single pixel. Again, your specific application will dictate whether ePTZ will suffice. It does have a few, so long as the above requirements are first met. An ePTZ camera has the ‘magical’ ability to move instantaneously to a new shot (via a called preset or a direct PTZ position command). This can be very useful for some applications. There is absolutely no wait for framing the new shot. With a true PTZ camera, you will have to wait for the mechanical motors to move to the new P, T and Z positions. However, the disadvantage of this is that with most (if not all) modern ePTZ cameras, you simply cannot produce a panning, tilting or zooming sequence without physically moving the camera through space. As ePTZ technology develops, we will likely see ePTZ panning tilting and zooming sequences become available to better emulate the capabilities of a true PTZ camera. PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom. It is taken to mean a camera which has motors so can remotely be told to Pan (turn left and right), Tilt (turn up and down) and Zoom on a subject. Do all PTZ cameras have an optical zoom?
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