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.
