Alternatives To Using PTZ Cameras
People use PTZ cameras for live streaming as well as multi-cam production. There are different brands, but you can also find alternative solutions. Continue reading to learn about options to use in place of PTZ cameras.
PTZ stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom, and this kind of camera can make these types of movements. These cameras have an imaging sensor, a zoom lens, and motors that allow them to pan, tilt, zoom, and focus. They can do it on their own without any assistance, and they can receive commands remotely. These cameras can be expensive, which is why people look for alternatives. There are other ways to achieve the effect that you are looking for. Continue reading to learn how.
Camera Operator
One option is to use a camcorder with a camera operator. While PTZ cameras can be controlled remotely without a camera operator, you can achieve this effect when you have a person controlling the camera.
They can manually pan, tilt, and zoom the camera while filming. They can pan the camera and get close-up shots when appropriate. If you don’t have a PTZ camera, a camera operator can manually control the camera.
One of the reasons why people use PTZ cameras is that they can produce live streams or videos without a camera operator. They reduce the manpower needed to make your video. However, if you have a camera operator who knows what he or she is doing, it can be a viable alternative.
Motorized Pan and Tilt Video Heads
Another great alternative to a PTZ camera is a remotely operated camcorder, or studio camera mounted to a pan-and-tilt video head. These devices are also called three-way heads, and they offer precision when you are filming.
These video heads often have auto pan mode or remote control. The remote can be detachable or corded. You can install the camera on the video head, which will operate similarly to a PTZ camera.
This allows you to control other kinds of cameras, and they can even connect to a switcher or use regular USB joysticks.
ePTZ Cameras
An ePTZ camera is similar to a PTZ camera but uses digital technology to give you PTZ features on a fixed camera. The way it works is that you focus on a portion of the image, and you will magnify the entire frame. This allows you to achieve a pan-and-tilt effect because you can zoom in on the image and then move around in the image while you are zooming.
One of the advantages is that you can instantly move to a new shot. You don’t need to frame the new shot first. With a PTZ camera, you will need to wait for the mechanical motors to move to the new pan, tilt, and zoom conditions. In addition, these cameras are usually less expensive and smaller.
However, you are zooming on the image, so that you will lose resolution. You also have a lower range of view because you can only see what is on the camera. A PTZ camera can pan by as much as 340 degrees and tilt up to 120 degrees, while the ePTZ camera usually is limited to what its fixed lens and camera head can do.
Final Words
PTZ cameras offer you convenience. They are built with mechanical parts to swivel to both sides and tilt up and down. They can zoom in and out. You get a wide range of views with these cameras. They are expensive because they have mechanical parts inside that allow them to move this way. They are robotic cameras.
You can achieve similar effects if you don’t have a PTZ camera. You can use a standard camera with a video operator. This option works particularly well if your camera operator knows what he or she is doing. Another option is to use motorized pan-and-tilt video heads. The head will move and is controlled by a remote. Finally, you can use an ePTZ camera. In this case, you can zoom on the image and pan or tilt it within the image. You can use any of these alternatives if you don’t have a PTZ camera.