x 1080 @ 60 fps); Medium (1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps); Low (1280 x 720 @ 60 fps); Low Bandwidth (640 x 360 @ 30 fps) If ever proof were needed that broadcasting tech is within the reach of all, this is it. The camera supports NDI, the low-latency video over IP system, and indeed adds to it with NewTek's own NDI|HX protocol which can even transmit quality video over wi-fi. We also appreciated the tidiness that functioning PoE offers. In terms of operation, the app is not only easy to use and connect to standard streaming platforms (Facebook, Youtube, and RTMP), but offers extensive picture adjustments – either preset or manual. A paid subscription will allow you to stream to multiple platforms at once, and add live graphics. No. The term PTZ is so well understood for remotely controlled cameras that, even where no zoom or a digital-only zoom is available, people often still refer to them as PTZ. On this list, for example, the Obsbot Tiny 2 has a digital zoom, though at least up until 2x you might not even spot it. What are PTZ cameras used for?

This onboard streaming encoder can encode two data streams to the cloud at once (though you need to drop down to 30fps). In addition, you have SDI and HDMI out, so you can operate in pretty much any creative environment, taking audio via the 3.5mm stereo line input if needed for convenient encoding. H.264 and H.265 with AAC, MP3 or PCM audio are all on offer, from 16KHz to 48KHz.The zoom isn’t as long as some cameras here, and Sony’s digital system –‘Clear Image Zoom Technology’– extends it, without abandoning quality, to 24x in HD or 18x in 4K. On the plus side, the camera is good in low light and has a menu-switchable ND filter. The main disadvantage is that you are magnifying pixels to accomplish digital zoom. This results in reduced resolution. For example, a 4K video camera digitally zoomed in at 3x, results in a final video resolution of only 720p (a loss of total resolution of 88.9%). This is a very significant reduction in resolution and image quality. Therefore, you need to consider your application and its needs before deciding whether ePTZ can work in your application or you should instead invest in a true PTZ camera. One simple example would be if your streaming output or final file resolution is only going to be 720p, then a 4K camera with ePTZ limited to 3x will be sufficient, as the higher resolution is not required in the final product. EPTZ vs True PTZ Another disadvantage of ePTZ vs true PTZ is the range of view. A true PTZ camera can often pan by as much as 340 degrees horizontally and tilt bay as much as 120 degrees vertically. This allows a single camera to cover a huge area of the local environment or ‘set’. An ePTZ camera, on the other hand, is limited to the field of view of its fixed lens and fixed camera head. This can typically range from 40 degrees to 110 degrees horizontally, with a common field of view being around 70 degrees (vs 340). Therefore a much larger quantity of ePTZ cameras will be required to cover the same ‘set’. As with resolution, an evaluation of your specific needs will determine whether ePTZ or true PTZ is a suitable choice for your application. Does ePTZ technology have any advantages?

Perfect for a conference room of about 20 people, or perhaps a classroom, the Logitech PTZ Pro 2 Video Conference camera plugs into your computer’s USB (Mac or Windows) via the generous 10-foot (3m) cable and provides a more flexible and (probably) better quality alternative than the system camera you’re used to. Sure, UHD (4K) adds a bit to the price compared to the, but the low-light quality the large (1/1.8-inch) Sony sensor achieves and the very long zoom range makes this a sensible choice. Studios will appreciate that all the desirable connectivity, as well as tally lights, are there too. Understanding all of the impacts of ePTZ vs true PTZ and the specific needs of your application will help you to make the right choice when deciding between ePTZ, true PTZ or a combination of both technologies for your production. The SRG-300H is an excellent camera with one of Sony’s EXMOR sensors, operable in light down to 1.4 LUX (f/1.6). This offers a wide dynamic range and, paired with Sony’s XDNR digital noise reduction and 30x optical zoom, produces great streaming-friendly video.

ePTZ uses the technology of digital zoom to provide true PTZ-like features on a fixed (non-PTZ) camera. Digital Zoom works by simply magnifying pixels. When you do this, you are essentially focusing only on a portion of the entire camera image at any given time and magnifying it to fill the entire frame. Since you are only viewing a portion of the image at any given time, you can now move that ‘area of interest’ across the entire camera image to affect a pan and tilt effect (without moving the camera head). So digital zoom not only allows you to ‘zoom’ in on an image but also to move around within that image when zoomed.