What is a PTZ Security Camera?

Year after year, new security cameras emerge to provide additional security and protection solutions. Among all the cameras, the PTZ camera is often the most asked about and misunderstood. Many people are still confused about the specific operational use of this type of camera, but what does “PTZ” camera mean? To choose the most appropriate option here, we consider what these cameras do and cater to.

Check out the best outdoor PTZ security camera on the market today!

Definition of a PTZ Security Camera

Logitech's PTZ camera

A PTZ security camera is a Pan-tilt-zoom security camera. To understand this, we must consider that not all security cameras can move. Many security cameras today are installed to offer one particular view.

If these cameras need to be moved, the user must move them manually. A PTZ camera is one that does not have this type of inconvenience. This type of camera provides an excellent ability to move by providing the ability to rotate. This panning capability can cover a larger amount of ground. 

This is usually very efficient when covering large land extensions such as a street or an avenue. These cameras can also provide the ability to tilt to complement the previous movement. This makes it possible to detect and focus on different targets. (1)

People performing monitoring activities can zoom in and out with these security cameras. This is one of the best solutions for safety and security because of the motion capability they can offer.

Pros and Cons of Ptz Security Cameras

Here are some pros and cons of using a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) security camera:

Pros

  • Wide coverage area: PTZ cameras can be controlled remotely to pan, tilt, and zoom in on specific areas, which allows them to cover a wide area without the need for multiple cameras.
  • Greater flexibility: PTZ cameras can be repositioned as needed to focus on specific areas or events, providing greater surveillance coverage flexibility.
  • Enhanced detail: PTZ cameras can be zoomed in to capture greater detail, which can be useful for identifying individuals or objects at a distance.

Cons

  • Higher cost: PTZ cameras tend to be more expensive than fixed-position cameras.
  • Complexity: PTZ cameras require more complex installation and setup and may require specialized software or hardware.
  • Potential blind spots: While PTZ cameras can cover a wide area, they may have blind spots when focused on a specific area or event.

Best Places for a PTZ Security Camera

PTZ camera on the streets

These security cameras are a great solution for keeping an eye on dangerous areas. Many major cities around the world have these types of security cameras. Governments often deploy these security cameras on the streets of a city.

People in charge of remote surveillance are more mobile. A single camera can cover a larger area. This allows different security forces, such as the police, to exercise much more efficient control in a city or other important places.

All the people in charge of remote surveillance have a greater capability.

The motion capabilities are usually more than convenient and provide some advantages. The budget needed to complement a surveillance system is significantly lower. Far fewer cameras are needed since each camera can cover a larger area. 

Instead of using two cameras facing opposite sides, a single PTZ camera can be installed. Each of these security cameras will be able to offer full visibility to different locations. The downside of these security cameras is that a video surveillance company is required.

When this type of security camera does not have a person in charge of the surveillance, the functionality is again the same as a conventional security camera without the ability to move. It is still one of the best security cameras available today.

Wrapping Up

These security cameras may not be the best solution for efficiently monitoring the interior of a home. The best use of a PTZ security camera is when it is installed on the street, on an avenue, in a building, in a mansion, or in open places.

All these places may require an efficient surveillance system complemented by security equipment. A very common example is that of the most important cities in the world that decide to install many PTZ security cameras. This camera is combined with the surveillance of the police or different security forces to protect the citizens. (2)



References

(1) ability to tilt – https://encardio.medium.com/what-is-a-tilt-sensor-and-how-it-is-used-in-geo-technical-fields-92dbb417af2a
(2) security equipment – https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/plant-facility-equipment/about-security-equipment-supplies/

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About John Fox

ebbb364ee14268bd3b77496cab3d1d78?s=90&d=mm&r=gCertifications: Certified Alarm Technician (CAT)
Education: Denver Security Academy
Lives In: Denver Colorado

John Fox has worked as a security consultant in Denver for over 20 years.
With Safe Now, he's taken those two decades of experience and decided to share it to help people online make the right security decisions for their businesses and families.

John writes security tips and guides, product recommendations, and prevention guides.

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