PTZ cameras are a versatile tool with a diverse array of functions that can greatly improve your security system.
PTZ stands for pan-tilt-zoom. As the name suggests, the camera can pan (rotate horizontally) and tilt (rotate vertically), as well as zoom. PTZs have become increasingly popular for commercial applications, particularly for large sites that may have a compound, such as car yards or timber yards. This is primarily due to their unique functions that are unlike any other type of security camera currently on the market.
Large Monitoring Area
Fixed CCTV cameras are limited to the view of the area that they are initially installed in. Hence, if the captured field of view for the camera needs to be changed, it must be physically altered.
Due to their extensive pan and tilt capabilities, PTZs can cover a much larger area than the traditional fixed camera. Additionally, these devices can be controlled remotely to monitor entirely different areas. This enables the user to monitor very large areas that a fixed camera cannot, such as parking lots, warehouses, concert halls, stadiums, and museums.
Although flexibility is one of the most notable features of PTZ cameras, it can also be a disadvantage.
This is because the PTZ cannot provide footage for an area it is not specifically looking at. For instance, if the PTZ is surveying a particular area, and an incident occurs outside of its field of view, there will be no footage of the event.
The best application of PTZ cameras is typically when they are used in conjunction with fixed cameras.
Fixed cameras provide a general overview of the property. PTZs complement this overview, as it gives the user the ability to control the view on specific items or incidents of interest.
For example, if a car collision happened in a parking lot, the fixed camera would still pick it up, even if the PTZ was surveying a different location. Then, the PTZ can be used to determine the finer details of the incident after the initial collision, such as the vehicle number plates and faces.
Advanced Zoom Abilities
As previously mentioned, PTZ cameras are capable of inspecting fine and important details in footage.
They achieve this through a combination of optical and digital zoom. This allows the user to zoom in and out of live footage while minimising the distortion of image quality. Users can do this by a variety of means, including desktop software, web browsers, and even mobile applications.
Tour Mode
An exclusive feature of PTZ cameras is Tour Mode.
When enabled, the user can create a fully customisable predetermined pattern that dictates where the camera will monitor, and for how long.
For instance, the user may program the camera to survey one particular area for thirty seconds. Then, the PTZ may pan 90˚ for the following thirty seconds and continuously repeat this cycle.
Auto-Tracking
Another popular function of PTZ cameras is auto-tracking. With auto-tracking, once the camera detects movement, it will automatically lock onto the point of interest and track it. To do so, the camera uses a combination of panning, tilting and zooming features to accurately follow the object as it moves. Not only does this save you time by manually having to operate the PTZ, but provides you with video evidence in legal scenarios.
Alarm Trigger
In the situation that an alarm is triggered, whether it is by a PIR or reed switch, a PTZ will automatically move from its original position and move to focus on the location of the alarm.
IR Capabilities
When you need to provide surveillance for areas with poor lighting conditions, particularly at night, IR becomes a vital part of providing usable footage. Most of the latest PTZs are equipped with IR lenses that automatically activate when illumination drops below a particular lux. These advanced IR lenses are capable of capturing high-quality images, even in total darkness.
As highlighted, PTZ cameras have various unique functions, giving them a beneficial edge over other types of cameras. If you have any questions about PTZ cameras or any of the products and services we offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at 1300 004 226. We would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
