This article discusses everything to do with PTZ cameras or pan-tilt-zoom and how they can be implemented into your CCTV system. Additionally, we can discuss brands such as purchasing a Dahua or HikVision PTZ camera. However, firstly, let’s get into the basics.
What Is CCTV?
CCTV is the abbreviation of closed-circuit television. We use this term to refer to video surveillance.
Video surveillance is the installation of camera systems to monitor, record and store video footage. CCTV systems are designed to act as both a deterrent and to capture evidence of criminal activity. With this definition in mind, CCTV cameras are great tools for your business.
CCTV systems are implemented mostly used in commercial settings. Settings where valuable premises or equipment is present. CCTV not present in commercial settings can be used in public areas including streets and shopping malls.
Where Are CCTV Cameras Installed?
The use of CCTV cameras is increasing within commercial and domestic premises. Protecting your property, monitoring employees and lowering insurance premiums are just some of the benefits you can expect as a business. Once implemented, this invaluable equipment will aid in protecting your premises and surrounding areas.
Suddenly, car parks, warehouses, reception areas and entrance points can all be monitored for suspicious or criminal activity. Additionally, customer and employee safety can be monitored, captured and used as evidence should it ever need to be.
Industries Where CCTV Cameras Are Installed
CCTV can be used in a multitude of industries. This includes residential and commercial properties, retail stores, banks, casinos and sports venues.
Recap
- CCTV stands for closed-circuit television.
- CCTV systems to monitor, record and store video footage.
- Businesses use CCTV to:
- Monitor their employees or customers.
- Deter criminal activity.
- Capture criminal activity.
- Lower insurance premiums.
- CCTV cameras can exist inside domestic homes.
- CCTV offers a sense of security and peace of mind.
Surprisingly, many styles of CCTV cameras exist. These include dome, bullet, IP, wireless and PTZ cameras. To learn more about PTZ cameras, please continue reading.
What Are PTZ Cameras?
Firstly, PTZ stands for pan-tilt-zoom which is an eyeball-style camera that utilises mechanical parts. These parts allow the PTZ to turn left, right, up, down and zoom in/out.
Secondly, PTZ cameras are becoming extremely popular amongst companies in the UK. PTZ cameras give you the ability to alter your view of a room or area. Additionally, we can move the camera around remotely using a remote control device. This is extremely useful when needing to reduce the number of cameras installed. Also, it allows the user to view multiple angles in multiple locations at once.
PTZ cameras are available in many different styles and prices. Available from a wide range of manufacturers, however, please keep in mind they may not be compatible with your existing system. For example, a Hikvision PTZ camera may not work with your current digital video recorder. You can also choose between indoor and outdoor pan-tilt-zoom cameras depending on where you want them installed.
Benefits of PTZ Cameras:
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Large Field of View
Pan-tilt-zoom CCTV cameras are used for video surveillance purposes in bigger premises. Motorised pan-tilt-zoom capabilities allow for a larger field of view. In addition, PTZ cameras provide wide coverage and are a great way to cover blind spots or large areas with a single camera. However, we recommend using this camera in conjunction with a stationary camera to completely avoid blind spots.
PTZ can also be purchased with high-resolution features. Meaning images can be captured in HD from multiple angles.
Examples of Large Spaces We Monitor
At OHEAP Fire & Security, we often monitor larger spaces focussed on traffic flow, supermarkets, airports, construction sites, parking lots, sports grounds and live music events. Essentially, anywhere with large amounts of unrestricted open space.
Save Money, Add PTZ Cameras To Your System
We recommend using PTZ cameras in conjunction with stationary security cameras to avoid blind spots, however, they can be used on their own. Reducing the number of cameras needed is especially useful when you’re trying to save the business money. When using PTZ, the reduction of cameras doesn’t mean that your property isn’t well-covered.
Flexibile and Versatile
PTZs cameras are extremely versatile. When positioning a pan-tilt-zoom camera you must choose an area with a lot of coverage. Locate areas around the building or property that need protection and ensure obstacles don’t impair vision.
If vision is impaired or the PTZ is required to relocate this is also okay. A PTZ cameras are flexible and can be moved easily and quickly if there’s a change of plans. Additionally, that kind of flexibility will help ensure you get exactly what you want out of your pan-tilt-zoom camera installation, which should lead directly to smoother operation for everyone involved.
PTZ cameras can have a full 360° pan and a 180° degree tilt.
Benefits of PTZ Cameras:
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Zoom Capabilities
PTZ cameras support optical zoom. Firstly, this means you can zoom in to view far-away objects such as a license plate, face or sign.
The Measurement of Optical Zoom
Optical zoom is measured using a number followed by an X. For example, 20x, 30x, 100x etc. This number refers to the maximum focal length divided by the minimum focal length. The higher the number, the further you can zoom.
Have Control Of Your Footage
PTZ cameras give you more control over your visual data. You can control where the camera is pointing, how far it’s zoomed in and out, how many times it moves per second and more.
Most PTZ cameras are remotely controlled by software or a smartphone app so that you can keep an eye on the area at all times without having to be physically present.
The benefits of PTZ cameras include:
- They are easy to position and focus on specific areas using remote controls or apps.
- They can detect motion or sound within their range of vision.
- They’re often weatherproof with waterproof casing and housing.
Benefits of PTZ Cameras
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Remote Camera Control
PTZ cameras can be controlled by remote control, keyboard or joystick. With the press of a button, you can control the camera’s features and functions. These include pan-tilt-zoom, focus, colour balance and image adjustments.
Where Are PTZ Cameras Used?
PTZ cameras are often used in large, open, public spaces. For example, a space where a large area is in need of CCTV surveillance operation. This includes the following:
Construction Sites
Filled with high-value materials, construction sites are a prime hotspot for thieves. Incomplete construction areas are typically large in scale and often aren’t protected or monitored. CCTV systems can be used for remote monitoring when labour isn’t being carried out and the site is relatively empty.
Additionally, health and safety incidents happen frequently in construction sites. It’s crucial to monitor these accidents and report on them to ensure a safer workplace. Utilising a pan-tilt-zoom camera can be an effective method of reporting these mistakes.
Supermarkets/Shopping Centres
Supermarkets can be crowded and bustling with people. These spaces are often where thieves blend in as innocent members of the public.
Cameras that allow for optical, high-quality zoom can be used to ID the thieves and provide crucial details to the relevant authorities. Not only this, but you can also monitor the footfall of the store. Capture data on the public entering your store to gather information on busy days, which direction people typically walk around your store etc.
Airports
Following a bleak decade for aerospace, security in airports is forever increasing and for good reason. Terror attacks, smuggling and various other criminal activities occur in airports.
Often people will fly between countries conducting illegal activities. Again, being able to identify suspects and monitor luggage, bags etc is crucial in an airport.
Disadvantages Of PTZ Cameras
One of the biggest trends in the surveillance industry is a move away from traditional cameras and towards PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom). A PTZ camera allows you to remotely control your camera so that it has the ability to move around a room or area. This is great for getting multiple angles on one subject and also for being able to zoom in on something specific.
While PTZ cameras are becoming more common, they still have some disadvantages.
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The View
 The view is both a pro and a con. Whilst this camera offers pan-tilt-zoom, it cannot monitor multiple areas simultaneously meaning that some views can often be out of shot.
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The LifeSpan
PTZ cameras have more moving parts than non-motorised cameras and are more likely to break in harsh conditions. Because of their nature, PTZ cameras need to be inside a protective case that can withstand the elements.
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More Can Go Wrong
This type of camera is more expensive than other types, and it requires a lot of maintenance to keep working properly. This can be difficult for people who don’t know how to do this kind of work. Any PTZ that hasn’t been properly installed can lead to trouble and any under harsher weather conditions are likely to malfunction if not properly protected from the elements.
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Blind Spots
Sadly, pan-tilt-zoom cameras have a reputation for facing the wrong way when set to automatic surveillance mode. A camera may begin to pan regardless of what is occurring in its current field of view. This is why it’s almost essential to pair this camera with a static camera focused on the main area a problem could occur.
So, while it is true that PTZ cameras are not perfect, they can still be very useful in many situations. Their benefits outweigh the drawbacks enough that we recommend using them where appropriate.
Brands Of PTZ Cameras
Today, it’s important to have a good pan-tilt-zoom camera. However, with so many brands out there, it can be tough to choose one that’s right for you. Firstly, pan-tilt-zoom cameras are the best way to capture the whole scene around you. Secondly, they allow you to zoom in on specific objects, pan across a wide area and tilt up or down varying different angles. Let’s talk about the various brands we offer.
Dahua Security
Dahua offers both IP network and HDCVI pan-tilt-zoom camera options. In addition, these PTZ cameras have a wide range of features including anti-corrosion and explosion-proof for special applications.
The Ultra Series of pan-tilt-zoom cameras offer high-performance sensors with powerful optical zoom and IR illumination for nighttime use.
The Pro Series focuses more on balancing performance with cost.
Dahua is a company that offers products cheaper than some of the other brands. The cameras are high quality and they have a wide range of products to choose from. We would recommend Dahua to anyone who wants quality cameras at an affordable price
Hikvision
Hikvision’s TandemVu PTZ range offers next-generation camera design. The Hikvision PTZ camera has multiple lenses compiled into one unit to provide a bigger picture which can capture small, intricate details.
This Hikvision PTZ camera also offers:
- Left and right, up and down for up to 360°.
- Auto tracking for types of objects.
- Panoramic views for image stitching.
- Close up views through zooming.
- Low light imaging for rich colour in poor lighting.
- Weather resistance to operate outdoors.
This Hikvision PTZ camera is the full package. Also, as a company, Hikvision is committed to providing cutting-edge technology capable of connecting individuals to the world around them.
We believe Hikvision truly delivers when offering a wide range of intelligent products suitable for various environments, and this is what makes them so successful.
“Hikvision is always aspired to empower customers and create value for the society through technological innovations.” (Hikvision)
Conclusion
We know that PTZ cameras are a great way to get the most out of your security system. Additionally, they allow you to see more, be more reactive and improve the security of your property with fewer cameras. Also, they have the ability to pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically) and zoom in and out.
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras are a great option for many different types of businesses and industries. We use PTZ cameras for remote surveillance in a broad range of industries including construction sites, retail stores and manufacturing facilities. Also, we offer a wide range of brands so you can choose between a Dahua and a Hikvision PTZ camera.
Finally, the ability to zoom in and out of a scene is also extremely beneficial, as it allows users to get a better view of what’s going on. This can be especially helpful when trying to identify an individual or object and determine if it poses any sort of threat.