PTZ Cameras vs. Camcorders and Mirrorless Cameras

So, if a PTZ camera is basically a camcorder on a robotic head, why not just buy a camcorder and a robotic head? And why would you choose PTZ cameras over mirrorless cameras that have unique interchangeable lenses with shallow depth of field? Let’s discuss. 

PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras have been around for decades, but their recent surge in popularity has greatly expanded the number of people who are considering adding them to their video production arsenal. These unique cameras aren’t for everyone, but for the right users, they might just revolutionize how you capture content. Today, we’re diving into what separates PTZ cameras from conventional camcorders and mirrorless cameras, as well as looking at some possible use cases.

The biggest difference between PTZ cameras and camcorders/mirrorless cameras is how you operate them. Once you place a PTZ camera where you want it to capture video from, you’re probably not going to touch it again for quite a while. All the controls—panning, tilting, zooming, even powering it up and down—can be done through external controllers, computers, or smartphones (some come with a basic remote, but it’s not exactly ideal). This is actually fantastic when you want to place a camera in difficult to reach spots and control it from afar, but it also means you’re not getting a portable all-in-one setup. Most PTZ cameras don’t even have a memory card slot or the ability to record. You’re typically sending the video signal to an external recorder, streaming it out somewhere, or doing both. The vast majority of PTZ cameras also don’t have any kind of battery option. They need a constant supply of power through an AC adapter or PoE (Power over Ethernet). In many PTZ use cases, this can simplify things—no swapping batteries or worrying about recharges—but for new customers, it can sometimes be a surprise. Without constant power and a second device to control it, a PTZ camera will gather dust.

Camcorders and mirrorless cameras both operate in almost the complete opposite way. They’re very all-in-one devices, with slots for batteries and memory cards, and they rely on users having their hands on the camera itself to make adjustments. Many modern cameras can do basic setting changes through smartphone or computer apps, but any pans or tilts have to happen in real life, via manual operation. Sure, most people are used to filming while holding a camera, not a PTZ controller joystick, but traditional workflows typically limit you to one camera per operator. With PTZ-based set-ups, operators can run a whole fleet of cameras, monitoring via large displays and having one centralized controller that can switch between all of the cameras. The more experienced you get with PTZs, the more comfortable you’ll feel running a bunch of them at once. This is why they’re so useful for sports, reality shows, and events—install a whole suite of PTZs across an entire stadium or shooting location, then have a limited number of operators watch the feeds and make adjustments via a central control room.

You’ll find some other key differences within the software of PTZ cameras. Two of the most popular features for modern PTZ cameras are auto-tracking and streaming. With auto-tracking, PTZ cameras can smoothly follow a subject (or sometimes even multiple subjects) around a space, panning, tilting, and zooming to keep them in frame. Tracking accessories have come out for camcorders and mirrorless cameras—think big gimbal heads with LIDAR (light detection and ranging)—but they’re typically less accurate and have a smaller range of movement compared to PTZs. Auto-tracking helps nix the need for a dedicated camera operator when a shot is following a subject around a room. That’s time and money saved. Streaming options on PTZs have also exploded, with many now including NDI|HX 3 compatibility alongside typical IP options like RTMP and RTSP. This means you can send stable, clear, encrypted video to public or private streaming platforms, without the bulky and expensive equipment this used to require. For timely events like concerts and athletics, this can be a must. Streaming features are slowly being added to camcorders and mirrorless cameras, but they’re typically less comprehensive and reliable.

So what do these differences mean for you? Well you have to think deep about where you’ll be mounting your camera and how you’ll be using it. If you’re trying to forego camera operators, PTZs might be the ideal solution. If you’re shooting complex environments that require constant reframing and critical decision making, you’re better off with a mirrorless camera or camcorder operated by a single person. If you are investing in PTZ cameras, be aware of all the accessories you might need—a controller, ethernet cable, a network switch, a video recorder, etc. Running network cable is easy in a controlled studio, but much less so if you’re filming in the middle of the desert. If visual fidelity is the top priority (think high level TV, film, and corporate work), interchangeable lenses on a cinema camera is the way to go. If you’re a one-man-band filming in a new location, a camcorder’s going to be the ticket. But if you’re creating a permanent or semi-permanent set-up in a familiar environment, PTZs can be a huge asset and allow you to create a dynamic multi-camera production that’s controllable by a single operator. Think studio, concert venue, house of worship, classroom, or meeting room. 

What kind of situations do you think PTZ cameras work best in? Did we miss any of your favorite PTZ camera features? Let us know in the comments section, below. And if you have questions about PTZ cameras, feel free to give us a call, start a chat, or come visit us at the NYC SuperStore.