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The best PTZ cameras are a popular type of surveillance camera that can pan, tilt, and zoom to give a full view of an area. These cameras can be controlled from a distance, which makes it easy to keep an eye on a large area.
Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) cameras are best PTZ cameras that can pan left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom in and out. They can be controlled from afar. Even with multiple cameras, there isn’t always a way to see everything going on in many churches.
Live streaming and pan-tilt-zoom best PTZ cameras are more important than ever, and a lot is going on to keep up with the changes. Manufacturers are making new options, reusing old ones, and adding new features to help with a wide range of uses.
Best PTZ Cameras Comparison Table
| Camera Model | Genre | Modes | Dimension (mm) | Weight (kg) | Price (USD) | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic AW-UE50 PTZ | Professional | HDMI, 3G-SDI, IP Streaming | 160 x 186 x 164 | 1.7 | $2,995 – $3,250 | Visit Website |
| PTZOptics 12x-SDI Gen2 | Professional | HDMI, 3G-SDI, IP Streaming | 152 x 170 x 185 | 1.5 | $1,699 | Visit Website |
| Sony SRG-300H | Professional | HDMI, 3G-SDI, IP Streaming | 145 x 164 x 164 | 1.4 | $2,599 | Visit Website |
| PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 IP | Professional | HDMI, 3G-SDI, IP Streaming | 152 x 170 x 185 | 1.5 | $2,199 | Visit Website |
| BirdDog Eyes P100 1080P 10x PTZ Camera | Professional | HDMI, 3G-SDI, IP Streaming | 160 x 160 x 160 | 1.4 | $1,899 | Visit Website |
| ClearOne UNITE 50 4K | Professional | HDMI, USB 3.0, IP Streaming | 130 x 154 x 143 | 0.75 | $1,999 | Visit Website |
| Obsbot Tiny 4K | Consumer | HDMI, USB 3.0, IP Streaming | 94 x 78 x 85 | 0.25 | $399 | Visit Website |
Panasonic AW-UE50 PTZ
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (UHD) / 1080p |
| Zoom | 24x optical zoom / 16x digital zoom |
| Pan Range | ±175° |
| Tilt Range | -30° to 210° |
| Output | HDMI, SDI, IP streaming |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.5-type MOS sensor |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.02 lux (F1.8, 1/30s, 50IRE, High Sensitivity mode) |
The AW-UE50 is best PTZ cameras that meets the needs of modern broadcasters because it can send video over IP, USB-C, and SDI. It’s small, has a dome-like design, has a 24x optical zoom, and can even be used with just one cable.
The wide field of view and the different control systems make it easy to use in small venues. Its motor system is almost silent, which really shows how subtle it is. And the dark user interface (UI) makes it easy to use the camera from the web interface without being bothered by other things.
The Good
- 4K resolution
- Large zoom range
- Wide pan and tilt range
The Bad
- Expensive compared to some other options
- No built-in audio
PTZOptics 12x-SDI Gen2
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Zoom | 12x optical zoom |
| Pan Range | ±170° |
| Tilt Range | -20° to 90° |
| Output | HDMI, SDI, IP streaming |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.7” CMOS Sensor |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.5 Lux @ F1.8 (AGC ON) |
The PTZOptics 12x-SDI Gen2 camera is best PTZ cameras for livestreaming productions on a budget. Its 12x zoom range and fast lens aperture make it possible to take clear pictures even when there isn’t much light.
The code for the camera is available to anyone, and it can be changed with simple HTML commands. It can record at 60/50 fps in 1080p. The camera has a number of output options, such as SDI, LAN, HDMI, and composite output, which makes it easy to connect different kinds of equipment.
The Good
- Good zoom range
- Multiple output options
- Affordable price
The Bad
- Limited tilt range
Sony SRG-300H
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Zoom | 30x optical zoom |
| Pan Range | ±170° |
| Tilt Range | -20° to 90° |
| Output | HDMI, HD-SDI, IP streaming |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8″ Exmor CMOS sensor |
| Minimum Illumination | 1.4 Lux (1/60s, 50IRE) |
The SRH-300H is best PTZ cameras with a Sony Exmor sensor that can work in light as low as 1.4 LUX. It has a wide range of possibilities. When paired with Sony’s XDNR automated sound cutting and 30x visual zoom, it makes important video for affectionate broadcasting.
Even though it has a large optical zoom, it keeps auto-focus as you zoom. This makes it more professional than other PTZ systems that have to be re-focused. It is a very easy-to-use camera with an SDI connector that can also be locked.
The Good
- Excellent zoom range
- Multiple output options
- Good low-light performance
The Bad
- Only 1080p resolution
- Pricey compared to some other options
PTZOptics-20X-SDI GEN-2 IP
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Zoom | 20x optical zoom |
| Pan Range | ±170° |
| Tilt Range | -20° to 90° |
| Output | HDMI, SDI, IP streaming |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.7″ CMOS sensor |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.5 Lux @ F1.8 (AGC ON) |
This PTZOptics 20X camera works well in small churches. When this camera was put in churches on a small budget, live streaming was easy. This best PTZ cameras can be used in a lot of different ways. It has an optical zoom, multiple outputs for flexible connection, and different settings for capturing action.
The best thing about it is that it has great optics. With the 20x zoom, the camera focuses on moving things and people. The 1920 x 1080p resolution of the camera lets you make good videos as well.
The Good
- Good zoom range
- Multiple output options
- IP streaming capability
The Bad
- Only 1080p resolution
- Limited tilt range
BirdDog Eyes P100 1080P 10x PTZ Camera
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Zoom | 10x optical zoom |
| Pan Range | ±350° |
| Tilt Range | -20° to 90° |
| Output | HDMI, SDI, NDI, IP streaming |
Due to its 10X zoom, this camera is a great choice for smaller churches. This camera costs the same as the PTZOptics 12X camera, but in addition to SDI and HDMI, it also has NDI technology. The best PTZ cameras is your first step into the world of full NDI®.
It is made with BirdDog’s own NDI® silicon chip. P100 gives you quality, performance, and total flexibility at a professional level with frame rates up to 1080p60, a 10x optical zoom, and dual SDI and NDI® outputs.
The Good
- Large pan range
- Multiple output options including NDI
- Good low-light performance
The Bad
- Limited zoom range
ClearOne UNITE 50 4K
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (UHD) / 1080p |
| Zoom | 5x optical zoom |
| Pan Range | ±170° |
| Tilt Range | -30° to 90° |
| Output | HDMI, USB 3.0 |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.5″ CMOS sensor |
| Minimum Illumination | 0.2 Lux (F1.8, 1/30s, AGC ON) |
With the UNITE 50 4K ePTZ Camera, ClearOne has a way to send Ultra HD 4K video between conference rooms. The best PTZ cameras is has a 120-degree field of view, 3x digital zoom, auto focus, and a USB 3.0 port for power and video.
It also has an extremely high signal-to-noise ratio and advanced noise reduction in both 2D and 3D. The UNITE 50 4K ePTZ Camera can be used in meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and executive offices because it can connect to the room’s existing sound system.
The Good
- 4K resolution
- Affordable price
The Bad
- Limited zoom range
Obsbot Tiny 4K
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K (UHD) / 1080p |
| Zoom | 3-axis gimbal stabilization |
| Output | HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.5″ Sony CMOS sensor |
| Minimum Illumination | N/A |
If you want a webcam that will keep its focus on you even if you move around a bit, you’ve found it: the Obsbot Tiny 4K. This is best PTZ cameras of the even cheaper 1080P Osbot Tiny. It is based on the proven Osbot Tiny and has the same shell, except for a red ring around the lens.
It exists because Indiegogo backers were excited about it, and they, in turn, made a very good AI system. Plug it in and start using it. The 4K 30fps output should be as good as or better than most webcams, especially if you’re using a MacBook that’s more than a year or two old.
The Good
- 4K resolution with gimbal stabilization
- Multiple output options including Wi-Fi streaming
- Portable and lightweight design
The Bad
- No zoom capability
FAQs
How well do they work?
The PTZ Optics SDI series is the best choice if you want a camera with a wide range of connectivity and remote control options, such as iOS and Android apps. It also comes with 20x and 30x lenses. All the ports you could want are on these cameras, and they all work at the same time.
Who makes cameras that can move around?
Telycam, a well-known and licensed maker of Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, makes PTZ cameras in China. The PTZ cameras have great features like 4K ultra-high quality, great color accuracy, and fast auto-focusing.
Is a PTZ camera expensive?
There are many brands and price ranges of PTZ cameras to choose from. You can buy a low-cost PTZ camera for as little as $200. You could pay up to $10,000 for each camera, though.