PTZ CCTV Cameras

We get a lot of customers contacting us for advice before ordering who list a PTZ CCTV camera within their provisional shopping list. In 99% of cases they would be better off fitting fixed cameras rather than PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras. On the face of it this may seem odd given that a PTZ camera can in theory cover a wide area. The problem is for PTZ cameras to work effectively they need a full time operator. Otherwise just as toast always lands marmalade side down when you drop it, your PTZ camera will be pointing in the wrong direction when you need to review footage. They need a constant guide to tell them where to point at any one time.

The other issue with PTZ cameras is their cost. For the same price as a PTZ camera you could buy 2 or 3 fixed cameras. All of a sudden you'll see why fixed cameras start to make more sense. With 2 or 3 fixed CCTV cameras you could cover the same area as a PTZ camera but with the advantage over the PTZ option of all the areas being filmed all the time.

Some people think of using PTZ cameras to permanently scan an area, panning from one spot to another constantly. The problem with this is that when it's moving PTZ cameras don't give particularly good results. Objects will appear blurred and you will loose definition. The auto focus will also have to constantly re-adjust and this also causes periods of lost image quality. With the fixed camera option there are no moving parts, no chance of cameras being left pointing in the wrong direction and no need for constant user intervention. Keep things simple is the best approach to CCTV security.

Another issue with PTZ cameras is night time filming. The nature of a PTZ camera means the lens and electronics move around. The electronics are usually housed behind a clear protective dome and the lens would need to be protected from and infra red light source placed behind that dome. Because of the need for free movement that is difficult to achieve effectively. There are cameras on the market which have external light sources which move with the camera but they are usually either low powered to the point of being useless or expensive and rather on the large side. Think military looking thing dwarfing a house or commercial building. Fitting fixed cameras the infra red illumination works in the usual manner and you get excellent night time results.

Finally there is the added complexity of how to control the camera. CCTV DVR recorders can offer RS485 or similar control options but there can still be compatibility issues meaning some of the functions don't work. This is particularly the case with tours between pre-set points. As a basic up, down, left and right control a DVR will work, for more complex programming you need a dedicated control pad, and once again ideally a full time operator to work it.

So when planning your CCTV system in what ever application try to stay with fixed cameras, keep it simple, keep the costs down and cover all areas all the time.