What is a Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera and what is it used for?

What is a PTZ camera?

Unlike a static camera which can only see one point of view at a time, a PTZ camera is built to create multiple Point of Views (POV) using a single camera and is operated using remote video control software. A PTZ camera can move around 3 axes and makes it possible to monitor large areas with a single camera, offering wide and close-up views.

• Pan: The camera moves left to right horizontally

• Tilt: It moves up and down vertically

• Zoom: It zooms in or out

What are the advantages of a PTZ camera?

• Wide point of view: a PTZ camera monitors a large area as it can move horizontally and vertically from a fixed point. This will help in identifying problems before they arise and hence reduce risks and improve safety.

• Easily detect, monitor, and track objects with low latency thanks to the PTZ controls.

• Small, compact, and easy to connect and can be placed on a tripod or any other placement to support various use case scenarios.

• High-resolution capture with great details: Very sharp footage, even from a great distance.

Some of the best use cases of a PTZ camera

• Remote visual inspection

  If a technician must inspect a huge machine in a risky environment, it might be dangerous to directly intervene in the machine. But a PTZ camera can provide actionable information quickly and reliably, especially for large areas such as tanks and vessels, pipelines, or nuclear power installations. The technician can hereby perform remote visual inspection effectively, without having to go near the machinery.

• Overall remote view of the operating room

  Imagine, an operating room with different surgeons connected through video conferencing to several remote doctors. In this case, a PTZ camera can enhance the field of view of the remote doctors, helping them to view the operating room in detail and not miss out on anything important.

• Industrial video surveillance

  PTZ camera can be an ideal choice for technicians or engineers who monitors large machines. It is often impractical for them to move back and forth to all parts of the machines every day. So, the PTZ camera connected to different areas in a machine act as video surveillance for a technician, who can have a global view of the machine through his mobile phone or a tablet. This can further help in advanced troubleshooting for the industries, saving time and energy. 

Conclusion

Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras are easy to install and operate. They can be a great asset when used in the right environment for the right purpose. You can for instance deploy a PTZ camera, combined with XpertEye, for enhanced remote visual inspection.

Contact AMA to find out how the PTZ camera can improve your remote visual inspections