What is PTZ Security Camera? All You Need to Know 

PTZ security cameras are widely deployed in larger commercial areas, including parking lots, logistics centers, construction sites, airports, and railway stations. These cameras are superior fill-ins for traditional security cameras with smaller field views and are equipped with advanced features, such as 360-degree field view, auto-tracking, customizable monitoring zones, and more!

If you’re a newbie in the regime of security cameras and don’t know what actually a PTZ security camera is, we’re aiming this post your way. In this post, you’ll get to know all about PTZ cameras, their functionalities, benefits, and drawbacks. Let’s kick-off!

What is a PTZ security Camera?

PTZ security camera stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera that has a larger coverage from 180-degree up to 360-degree field of view. While the camera is deployed in a fixed position, you can slide the camera left and right (pan), move it up and down (tilt), and zoom in and out to get a detailed view of the monitoring areas.

PTZ cameras come with remote control and a monitoring system that the security personnel can control and adjust their position remotely via mobile or computer. These cameras feature motion-triggering sensors that start recording when any motions are detected, such as human, animal, car, package, etc. Some advanced cameras are armed with features like low-light visibility, customizable motion detection zones, and preset locations for smooth monitoring.

Pros and Cons of PTZ Security Cameras

Pros

• Higher resolution
• 360-degree field of view
• Motion-based auto-tracking
• Remotely controllable
• Time-based presets
• Great for outdoor and indoor use
• Reduce camera count

Cons

• Fixed view
• Higher price range

Types of PTZ Security Cameras

Let’s peak into different types of PTZ security cameras:

• Outdoor PTZ Cameras: Outdoor PTZ security cameras are robustly assembled so that they can withstand harsh weather. Due to their firm manufacturing, and higher IP rating, they can withstand extreme weather conditions such as dust, rain, sun, and snow. Outdoor PTZ cameras are usually deployed in warehouses, construction sites, factories, solar firms, and similar larger areas.
• Wireless PTZ cameras: These PTZ cameras require no wire to transmit footage and data. Wireless cameras are easy to use, but you have to ensure a strong and uninterrupted Internet connection to operate these surveillance systems. Wireless cameras are often called IP and network cameras, where multiple surveillance, data, and computer function via one streamlined network.
• PoE PTZ cameras: PoE PTZ cameras are also known as IP and network cameras, but they don’t function wirelessly. PoE (Power-over-Ethernet) PTZ cameras require ethernet cable connections to transmit data to your device.
• Thermal PTZ Cameras: Thermal PTZ cameras are used in low-light or no-light conditions as thermal imaging technology doesn’t require external sources of illumination. These cameras prominently function for security and surveillance, border monitoring, search and rescue operations, wildlife observation, and more.
• Analogue PTZ cameras: These PTZ cameras are wired to the DVR (digital video recorder) machine to process and store transmitted data. Analogue PTZ cameras are connected to DVRs via coaxial cables. The Wi-Fi router is also connected to the DVR to provide a network connection to the device.

Mounting PTZ Security Camera

Mounting a PTZ security camera can be tricky as they cover larger areas. The camera mounting place should be strategic to capture the details without any potential interruption.

Since most PTZ security cameras are used for outdoor purpose, mounting them on outdoor walls, ceilings, and poles will be effective to get the maximum coverage. If you want to enhance the security of a larger outdoor yards, or backdoor property, then mounting cameras to soffit will be the best installation place to keep your hawk eyes awake 24/7.

Things to Consider Before Installing PTZ Security Cameras

While installing PTZ security cameras, follow the tips below:

Maintain Standard Height from the Ground

If you install the camera at a very lower height from the ground, the camera won’t record effectively. If you place the device too high up, the recordings won’t be practical either. So, we recommend maintaining an ideal height from the ground (5-7 ft) where you can get maximum coverage, and it is difficult for burglars or intruders to reach and damage the device.

Fix Appropriate Location

While looking for an appropriate place to install the camera, avoid blind spots which are beyond the camera’s peripheral vision. Install the camera in the most bustling spot, including the gate, garage, driveway, front door, or back door entrance, that will ensure the most coverage of your property and keep it secure.

Examine Day-Night Visibility

Lighting is an important factor. Although there are PTZ cameras that can operate in low-light conditions, not all of the PTZ cameras are equally capable in low lights. So, if your camera cannot operate in the dark, ensure the surroundings of your surveillance area have adequate lighting at night. Also, don’t place the camera under direct sunlight, as excessive lighting can prevent the camera from capturing footage seamlessly.

Remain Conscious of Privacy Issues

While installing PTZ security cameras for larger area coverage, always make sure that it doesn’t hamper the privacy of other people. Otherwise, you might be sued for violating others’ privacy. Avoid installing cameras in bathrooms, changing rooms, and other similar spots too.

Final Words

Despite a few technical malfunctions that commonly occur to other devices, PTZ security cameras are the technological marvel in security where precise control and extensive coverage are paramount. With dynamic monitoring approaches and advanced features, the PTZ cameras rarely allow intruders to slip undetected.

If managing an excessive number of security cameras is a heft for you, PTZ security cameras can provide you with unparalleled peace of mind ensuring enhanced security both for residence and commercial sites.