PTZ camera advantages & Disadvantages

PTZ camera advantages & Disadvantages

PTZ cameras occupy a special place in the field of video surveillance. So, here’s an article which will throw some light on how these cameras can prove useful, what are their deployment pros and cons and other related points.

Basically, a PTZ security camera is a network camera which reflects the movement options of Pan, Tilt and Zoom. These cameras can be mechanically operated, where the user typically has the ability to control the Pan-L and R (Rotate Vertically); Tilt- Up & down (Move Horizontally); and Zoom (Point Down an objects) of the camera with a joy stick / Key Board / hardware device or another software.

PTZ cameras are ideal choice for monitoring large public places like stadiums, traffic signals, and other environments. If these cameras come tucked with the feature of megapixel or high definition (which is now possible in 2015), then they add absolute value to the whole deployment security surveillance.

Coming to the Pros and Cons of PTZ cameras, here’s a bit of illustration-

PTZ camera advantages

1. With the help of a capable VMS, the PTZ cameras can be auto programmed. So, these cams can capture the front doors, the gate and the fence at regular intervals and can achieve the best out of it.

2. If the video from this camera is under live monitoring then an operator can track down a suspect or respond to a threat triggered by the video management software integrated with the camera. The operator can then zoom-in and take control of the situation and if necessary can act in time for loss prevention. If the PTZ camera is tucked with high definition, then the captured image can help the operator track the facial features of a suspect, license plate of an automobile involved in crime or identify an object of interest.

3. As these security cameras can be panned, zoomed and tilted, hundreds of acres of land can be monitored day/night. So, by using a PTZ in premises, the cost of coverage per given area can get reduced.

PTZ camera Disadvantages

1. As every technology has its pros and cons, so does the PTZ camera. Generally, people gather an opinion that these cameras are capable of covering 360 degrees. Except for a couple of cameras available in the market of this sort none can truly cover up more than 180 degrees. So, go for a demo if the camera PTZ maker claims to make a camera with not just 360 degrees coverage.

2. The other disadvantage which can prove advantageous to criminals is that these cameras record where the lens is focused. So, if an incident occurs and if the camera is pointed in other direction, then it could potentially miss the event entirely and this could miss vital video evidence.

3. Though, there is a lot of development in PTZ cameras offered by different manufactures, it is often observed that they need to be regularly maintained and have a shorter life span. Moreover, most installers feel that in hot conditions, these cameras will give-up. But yes, if they are secured in a housing which keeps the inside temperature under control, then these cameras tend to work fine.

4. The sensors of PTZ cameras are smaller when compared to fixed cameras. So, image quality is not up to the mark. But as technology improvisation is taking place is this segment, it is reviewed to be yielding better results.

5. To get the best out of a PTZ camera monitoring, a live operator dedicated to monitor the system is needed. So, here a rise in surveillance costs can be observed.

6. If the PTZ camera is not properly installed, then a slight wind can push the video output into doldrums. So, the installer must be very careful in such camera deployments.

7. PTZ cameras if positioned in unwanted places can land the installer and the owner installing the equipment into legal trouble. And if their focus includes the coverage of an opposite house swimming pool or lawn even by an inch, then the installer and the related authorities will be in deep trouble.

8. PTZ controls are sensitive to latency and if the latency is more than a fraction of second, then the PTZ control can go out of gear.

9. PTZ cameras have more features in them and so their cost is 60% high than normal fixed cameras.

10. The position of a PTZ camera will indicate the focus of its lens. So, an attacker can creep into the blind spot of the camera and spray some paint on the camera lens, in order to prevent the camera from recording further. There is a high chance that the image of the person doing such mischief can get skipped.

Therefore, in order to get optimal results from PTZ camera deployment these cameras can be made as a supplementary with fixed cameras for investigating a situation or tracking a criminal.

Hope, this article helps in unraveling the truth about PTZ security cameras.