PTZ cameras and webcams have motorized stands for remote or automatic operation. Their popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. Having a strong PTZ camera that can pan and tilt to follow you may tremendously enhance the whole experience, especially when you want to exhibit the entire surroundings, whether it’s a Zoom meeting with presentations or any other video conferencing setting.
This guide will help you find the best pan, tilt, and zoom camera for your needs. The best PTZ cameras and webcams are listed below for your consideration. These cameras have a broad field of view, high resolution, and advanced functions like pan and tilt, making it simple to capture the whole conference room and its attendees.
What Exactly Is a PTZ Webcam or Camera?
A PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) webcam or camera is one that can be operated remotely to move the lens in multiple directions (pan, tilt), as well as zoom in and out. This allows the user to modify the camera’s range of view remotely, making it handy for surveillance or live-streaming applications.
Camera presets are frequently saved on the camera and may be recalled to move the camera robotically to a certain location. For example, preset one may be a zoomed-in snapshot of a stage position, while preset two could be a wide-angle image of a crowd.
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras allow camera operators to effortlessly memorize several locations in their surroundings. They are frequently in great demand due to their utility in a variety of applications such as live video production, sports broadcasting, video conferencing, telemedicine, and security.
The Best PTZ Webcams and Cameras for Video Conferencing and Live Streaming
We’ve examined some of the most adaptable and practical USB PTZ cameras on the market and supplied you with all the information you’ll need to decide which one to buy.
1. Panasonic AW-UE50
The AW-UE50 is an excellent camera that, thanks to the inclusion of IP, USB-C, and SDI video output, is well-suited to the needs of modern broadcasters. It’s small, with a discrete dome-like shape and a 24x optical zoom, and it’s powered by a single PoE+ connection.
Smaller venues aren’t a problem because of the wide-angle field of view (74.1 horizontal at the wide end), and numerous control methods are available. Its near-silent motor system astounds with its dexterity. Furthermore, the dark UI allows you to operate the camera from the web interface without being distracted.
Panasonic AW-UE50 Specifications:
- Resolutions of 4K or 1080p are available.
- 24x optical zoom, 28x digital zoom in 4K, or 36x zoom in 1080P
- The frame rate for 4K is 25 or 30 fps.
- 74.1-degree visual field
- Connectivity options include USB, HDMI, Ethernet, RS-422, and SDI-3G.
2. Canon CR-N500
Canon’s new PTZ camera, with an optical zoom equivalent range of 25 to 382mm and picture stabilization, is ideal for recording a low-staff, high-quality production. Log 3 and a wide dynamic range satisfy contemporary broadcast regulations, allowing you to create 4K at 4:2:2 10-bit resolution, similar to a high-end camcorder. A professional image is also enhanced by quick focus and face tracking.
You’ll also have no issue getting your items distributed. Many people will find the back to be overly packed with connections. Dual XLR audio inputs and a genlock socket are unusual in this category, but they might help it get a live gig specialty.
Another plus is the microSD card port, which is utilized for future updates rather than recording, which appears to be a letdown. You may route film through the output and operate the camera using Canon’s Windows software or the RCI-100 joystick controller for this and the other series of cameras. You may also utilize the camera in network scenarios ranging from CCTV to broadcast thanks to the built-in NDI.
The Canon CR-N500 has the following features:
- Zoom: 15x
- Resolution: 4K and above
- Frame rate: 60 frames per second at 1080p, 30 frames per second at 4K
- 5.7 to 73 degrees (wide) field of view
- Ethernet (PoE), HDMI, BNC, RS232 passthrough, and RS422 are among the connectivity choices.
- ND filters are built in.
- There are several methods for tracking people’s faces.
- 1-inch dual-pixel CMOS sensor
3. Canon CR-N300
The Canon CR-N300 pan-tilt-zoom webcam has 4K UHD resolution, a 20x optical zoom, Hybrid autofocus, and a variety of IP streaming and control protocols. It simplifies content development and streaming, and it allows you to engage your audience in new ways. It’s an excellent choice for a variety of productions.
The Canon CR-N300 has the following features:
- 4K imaging that is razor sharp
- 20x optical zoom for unrivaled versatility
- IP streaming and control to assist in the transformation of your productions
- Hybrid AF for pinpoint accuracy
- Your workflow will benefit from a flexible connection.
- Compact design for simple installation
4. OBSBOT Tiny 4K
OBSBOT Tiny 4K is a unique PTZ webcam with a gimbal design as compared to others on the market. This camera can follow your movements automatically. This method may be found in high-end conference cameras. In comparison, the OBSBOT Tiny 4K is more affordable for anyone who needs a PTZ webcam to follow their movements during a chat in 4K quality.
OBSBOT Tiny 4K has the following features:
- 4K at 30 frames per second, 1080p at 60 frames per second, MJPEG, H264
- digital zoom 4x
- AI-powered Auto-tracking, auto-framing, and auto-focus are all options.
- Auto-exposure (AE) with HDR
- The viewing angle is 86 degrees.
- Noise-cancelling dual omnidirectional microphones
- Gimbal with two axes, maximum control speed of 120°/s
- Control of advanced gestures
5. PTZOptics 20x-SDI Gen2
The 4.4–88.5mm lens and 20x zoom capabilities of this pan-tilt webcam make it suitable for face-to-face and group meetings. It excels in low-light conditions owing to a fast f/1.8–f/2.8 lens aperture and 0.5 minimum lux illumination at f/1.8. Conferencing is improved with a wide dynamic range and 2D and 3D noise reduction. Because the camera is open source, developers may customize it with HTML instructions.
3D-SDI, LAN, HDMI, composite, RS-232 input and output, and an RS-485 connection are all available on the camera. The total resolution is just 480i/576i, and you may utilize concurrent SDI, LAN, and HDMI outputs at the same time. The camera’s LAN output may provide two H.264 or H.265 RTSP signals to CDNs, streaming services, and other destinations, or a single MJPEG signal. A 3.5mm audio connector is also provided for embedding audio into the LAN stream to provide audio and video. The LAN port just provides streaming and control and does not support PoE. Instead of streaming from the LAN port, connect additional devices for complex conferencing. A USB 2.0 port is also provided for firmware upgrades.
PTZOptics 20x-SDI Gen2 Specifications:
- 3G-SDI output for broadcast conferences with 1080p HD video at up to 60 or 50 frames per second
- The LAN, HDMI, and composite outputs, as well as the RS-232 input/output and RS-485 port SDI, LAN, and HDMI connections, are all operational and customizable using HTML instructions.
- 4.4–88.5mm focal length range f/1.8–f/2.8 lens aperture 0.5 minimum lux lighting at f/1.8 Wide dynamic range
- 2.1MP CMOS sensor 1/2.7″
- Two- and three-dimensional noise cancellation
- VISCA instructions support LAN, ONVIF, and RS-232.
- The NewTek TriCaster software allows you to operate up to 64 cameras with 0.1° precision (or 255 through RS-232).
- Install with a desktop or ceiling bracket.
6. NewTek NDI HX PTZ3
The NewTek NDI HX PTZ3 is at the cutting edge of NDI technology. It can send video over a network with low latency. Furthermore, it consumes less bandwidth than previous NDI protocols. It also includes SDI and HDMI outputs for local monitoring.
This PTZ webcam contains a 1/2.86″ CMOS sensor on a single chip, a 20x optical zoom lens, and a horizontal field of view of 3.2 to 60 degrees. With a single Ethernet connection, you can send up to 60 frames per second of HD video. Our top-recommended NDI PTZ is the NewTek NDI HX PTZ3.
NewTek NDI HX PTZ3 Specifications:
- Supports NDI/HX3 and professional XLR audio connections for complex equipment.
- For audio and video, PTZ control, and tally, just one Ethernet cable is necessary.
- NDI version 5 support
- There is a motorized pan-tilt-zoom action as well as a preset setting.
- NDI offers tally assistance that is both integrated and automated.
- The native HD video format can handle up to 1080p at 60 frames per second.
- The PTZ3 has a 20x optical zoom, a 2x digital zoom, and smooth pan and tilt movements.
- The PTZ3 has an XLR to mini-XLR converter for professional audio equipment. P400 BirdDog Eyes
7. Sony SRG-300H
The Sony EXMOR sensor in the SRG-300H allows it to function at 1.4 Lux (f/1.6). The combination of Sony’s XDNR digital noise reduction and 30x optical zoom results in streaming-friendly quality. Sony’s mechanism maintains focus as you zoom, producing more professional-looking footage than many PTZ systems that must seek focus after zooming. Broadcasters can use lockable SDI connectors (the Sony SRG-300S).
Ceiling, desktop, or tripod mounts are adequate, and the picture mirroring switch is useful. The design blends in more quietly in a corporate setting (or reality TV set) than others, and style-conscious customers may select between black and white. Overall, this PTZ webcam is an excellent system that does not degrade a well-known brand. It shows in the build and function (even the IR remote feels sturdy).
The Sony SRG-300H has the following features:
- Resolution 1080p
- Optical zoom of 30x
- 65 (wide) degree field of vision at 59.94 frames per second at 1080p
- HDMI, Ethernet, RS232 passthrough, and RS422 are all supported.
- Both analog and digital remote-control systems (VISCA) are available.
8. Honey Optics 20x
The Honey Optics 20x conference and broadcast camera with optical zoom can concurrently output up to a 2160p 60 stream through HDMI, SDI (1080p), NDI HX2, or IP outputs (NDI and IP share the same RJ45 or Ethernet connection). The NewTek NDI protocol allows low-latency access to audio and video devices located anywhere on your network for a variety of A/V applications. You will not be restricted to sources that are directly relevant to a single system.
Honey Optics 20x Features:
- 1/1.8′′ CMOS, 8.42 MP 4K at 60/50/30/25 fps, 720p at 60/50/30/25 fps, and 1080p at 60/50/30/25 fps Sony CMOS Sensor
- F6.25mm to 125mm, f/1.58 to f/3.95 lens
- Optical zoom of 20x
- a field of vision of 60.7 degrees
- AGC ON, Min Lux: 0.5 Lux @ F1.8, shutter speed 1/30s to 1/10000s
- SNR: >=55dB
- Pan, Mirror, and Vertical Flip Movement Temperature range: +/-170 degrees
- Rotation of the tilt: 90 degrees up and 30 degrees down. BRC-X1000 from Sony
9. BirdDog EYES P400
If you need a strong zoom, the BirdDog Eyes P400 PTZ web camera is a fantastic choice. It sports a 20x optical zoom lens with a fast f/2.0 aperture, a 12x digital zoom, a 30x SRZ (Super Resolution Zoom) in 4K, and a 40x SRZ in HD.
The BirdDog EYES P400 features an 8.5 MP Sony CMOS backlit sensor on the interior as well as simultaneous 6G-SDI, HDMI, and NDI output. The BirdDog Eyes P400 offers the best zoom experience of any PTZ on the market.
BirdDog Eyes P400 Specifications:
- Color Pro Tools 4K NDI videos
- Advanced low-light performance NDI, 6G-SDI, and HDMI output for compatibility with diverse workflows
- Many cameras can sync via the Genlock port without the need for frame buffers.
- Precision pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities include a 20x optical zoom, a 12x digital zoom, a 30x Super Zoom in 4K, and a 40x Super Zoom in 1080p.
- IR, RS-232/422/485, VISCA, and IP are all possible modes of operation; the optional BirdDog PTZ keyboard controller can operate up to 255 cameras.
- Sony 1/2.5″ 8.5MP CMOS Backlit Sensor
10. Sony BRC-X1000
The BRC-X1000 can handle event television, sports, and anything else. It boasts a one-inch back-illuminated Exmor-R CMOS sensor, an optical zoom range of 9.3–111.6 mm, and a wide-angle aperture of 2.8. The pan/tilt and zoom speeds may be changed remotely. Sony’s “Clear Image Magnification Technology” extends the zoom range to 24x in HD and 18x in 4K without compromising quality. The camera has a menu-switchable ND filter and performs well in low light.
The PTZ webcam with remote may save up to 100 preset positions, which is generally more than enough. Front and rear tally lights (“live” lights) with adjustable brightness are also included, as are user upgrades, an IR remote, ceiling brackets, mounting screws, and cable clamps. Sony BRC-X1000 Specifications:
- 4K zoom/optical 12x, 24x 59.94@1080p/30@4K
- 64.6-degree wide angle
- 4K video quality through HDMI, Ethernet, and RS232/RS422.
- One-inch-diameter sensor
How Do I Install a PTZ Webcam on My PC?
The installation of many PTZ cameras varies, although they are all comparable. In this section, we will use the OBSBOT Tiny 4K PTZ camera as an example to demonstrate the exact process of configuring a PTZ webcam for a PC.
- Use the provided USB-C data connection to connect the OBSBOT Tiny 4K to your computer.
- The camera will begin installing on your smartphone right away. Please allow a few seconds for the camera to finish.
- To receive streaming, you may now utilize any popular video call platform, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, or Google Meet.
FAQs
1. Why are PTZ cameras so expensive?
They are more expensive than static cameras since they include three independent motors that allow the camera to pan, tilt, and zoom. They also allow you to control the camera remotely. Interior heating and cooling systems are also available. The PTZ web camera is loaded with cutting-edge technology. It is also designed to be long-lasting.
2. What is the distinction between a PTZ camera and an IP camera?
A PTZ camera is one that can move and zoom, but an IP camera can transmit and receive data through a network or the internet. A PTZ camera has a significantly larger coverage area than an IP camera. PTZ cameras are portable since they can pan, tilt, and zoom. However, IP cameras lack this capacity.
Conclusion
PTZ cameras are popular because they can be used for a variety of purposes, including live video production, sports broadcasting, video conferencing, telemedicine, and security. There are several options available on the market, but their quality and price differ. We propose the OBSBOT Tiny 4K camera as the finest cheap PTZ webcam.
