Best PTZ Camera: 4 Top Options to Pick

Some security cameras are equipped with PTZ functionality. They can cover a wider area with rich details. Therefore, they are ideal for certain applications, such as outdoor surveillance.

In this article, we will discuss what PTZ cameras are and their applications. We will share the key features and factors you need to consider while buying a PTZ camera. We will also share some excellent PTZ camera recommendations.

Basic of PTZ Camera

PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. Any security camera that can rotate its lens left, right, up, and down is referred to as a PT or Pan-Tilt camera. If the zoom feature is added, it becomes a PTZ camera.

A PTZ camera can cover a massive area. Due to the movement of its lens, it can even cover a 360⁰view. You can move the camera lens manually. And security cameras have an auto-tracking feature that tracks the movement of objects.

The zoom feature helps in capturing more details. You can zoom into any object to have a close-up view. Some cameras also have an auto-zoom feature that focuses on the object automatically.

4 Best PTZ Camera Recommendation

Best Wireless PTZ Outdoor Camera - Reolink Altas PT Ultra

Altas PT Ultra is a Wi-Fi 6 security camera ideal for outdoor surveillance. It has pan and tilt movement that captures a 360⁰ view. It can detect objects automatically and track their movement. Most importantly, it is a battery-powered camera that can do continuous recording. Its battery can last eight days on continuous 12-hour recordings and 16 months in motion-detection mode.

Pros:

• Has Reolink ColorX technology that offers true colors at night and in low-light conditions
• Equipped with a 20,000mAh powerful battery and can be charged using a solar panel
• Offers enough local storage of up to 512GB, which is enough for continuous recording
• Stable and fast Wi-Fi connection to offer exceptional reliability and lag-free experience

Cons:

• Non-removable battery

Best Auto Tracking PTZ Camera- Reolink Argus Track

Argus Track is a dual-lens Wi-Fi security camera. Its wide-angle lens captures a wider view while the telephoto lens captures the zoomed view. With its 355⁰ pan and 50⁰ tilt, you can cover a wide area. The most interesting feature is its 6X hybrid zoom which records intricate details. It can track the movement of objects and automatically zoom in for fine details.

Pros:

• 4K resolution offers optimal clarity and 6X hybrid zoom captures rich details
• Equipped with colored and black-and-white night vision—select anyone you want
• Battery-powered camera with solar panel compatibility
• Works in all weather conditions and circumstances as a standalone and wireless camera

Cons:

• Not Wi-Fi 6

Best Outdoor PTZ Security Camera - Reolink TrackMix WiFi

For extreme reliability, you can go with TrackMix WiFi. It is a 4K dual-lens security camera. It can capture two views at the same time. One is the wide-angle view of the big picture, and the second is the zoomed-in version. It can also track the object's movement and focus on it automatically.

Pros:

• Can smartly detect objects and distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles
• Facilitates communication through two-way audio
• Colored and black-and-white night vision modes to capture extremely clear videos
• Multiple recording options—Records continuously, on motion detection, and specific schedule

Cons:

• Power wiring required

Best 4K Wi-Fi 6 PTZ Camera - E1 Outdoor Pro

E1 Outdoor Pro is a compact PTZ camera that works on Wi-Fi 6 technology. It has got a 355⁰ pan and 50⁰ tilt range, which is excellent for covering a large area. It records videos in 4K with exceptional clarity. It can automatically pan and tilt to track the motion of the object. It also offers 3X optical zoom to uncover the intricate details.

Pros:

• Dual warning to keep intruders away using the siren and flashlights
• Sends accurate real-time alerts to devices without any subscription
• Flexible storage options, including microSD card, FTP, and NVR
• Dual night vision modes to choose from according to the application

Cons:

• Note IP rated

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best PTZ Camera

While buying a PTZ camera, consider the following key factors and features to get the best product for your needs.

Pan, Tilt, and Zoom Capabilities

Most importantly, the camera should have pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. It is better to get a pan-and-tilt camera that can capture 360⁰. You get to see every detail through one camera.

Consider optical zoom. It uses the lens system to physically zoom into the image. You get exceptional clarity. Some cameras also have digital zoom, but this zoom is done through software interpolation. The quality is compromised.

Resolution and Image Quality

The resolution of the camera should be high. You should go with a 4K camera for optimal clarity and rich details. Not only should the camera work well in daylight, but it should also capture clear videos at night and in low-light conditions. The camera should have decent night vision, and it is better to have both colored and black-and-white night vision.

Smart Detection Features

Make sure the camera can detect objects automatically. It should be able to distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. If any motion is detected, you should receive alerts on the connected devices. Moreover, if the camera can track and auto-zoom into objects after detection, it would be great.

Power and Connectivity

Consider how the security camera is powered. You can go with a PoE camera, which is an extremely reliable option. It needs proper Ethernet wiring for power and networking.

The second option is a DC-powered camera. It needs a DC adapter, which is connected to a nearby AC outlet. You can also go with battery-powered cameras. They do not need frequent charging, and you can also connect them to a small solar panel.

The connectivity should also be considered. You can select a PoE, Wi-Fi, or 4G LTE camera. Select according to your preference.

Remote Access and Control

Remote access is a must-have. With this feature, you can access the security camera from any location. You can use the pan and tilt controls to check the view. You can also zoom in for more details.

Applications of PTZ Camera

Here are a few applications of PTZ cameras.

Live Streaming

It can be used for broadcasting live events, such as a football match or conference. You can cover a wide area with one camera and move it according to the movement of the players.

Church

In religious places, such as churches, PTZ cameras can rotate in different directions to cover various areas using the same camera. You can also focus on people, and it’s a great option for showing live videos to the devotees. It’s also a cost-friendly option as you will need fewer cameras to cover the area.

Surveillance

For surveillance, PTZ cameras are preferred. The movement of their lens allows people to keep an eye on every corner. For instance, the outdoor area of a house can be monitored with a PTZ camera, and the zoom feature helps in capturing facial features and license plates.

FAQs

1. Are PTZ cameras any good?

Yes, PTZ cameras allow you to cover a wider area with a single camera. You can also zoom in to capture more details.

2. What are the best PTZ cameras?

We have shared some excellent PTZ camera options. You can go with Reolink Argus Track if you want a Wi-Fi camera. If you want a PoE camera, TrackMix is a great option.

3. How long do PTZ cameras last?

Depending on the usage, quality, and other factors, they can even last up to 10 years. The warranty of most of the cameras is about 2 years, but they work for a long time.

Conclusion

PTZ cameras are more affordable as you can cover a wider area with fewer cameras. Therefore, they are often preferred for some applications. We have explained how these cameras work and shared some excellent recommendations. While buying a PTZ camera, you can consider the key factors and features we have shared.