Want to upgrade your indoor and outdoor security? You’ve got to have a third eye to help you with this. Here are some high performance PTZ cameras you may want to check out.
We live at a time of high level insecurity. Burglars, armed robbers, murderers and many other bad guys are roaming round and about. It is however not easy to tell the bad guys from other abiding citizens law. So what do you do in order to keep your property safe and also keep a watchful eye on the ones you love? You need some high performance indoor and outdoor PTZ cameras.
These cameras are expertly built to surveil a wide area and provide you with real time updates on the security situation at in and around your home or business. With the Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras, you get to monitor your home of business premise from multiple angles. Security is beefed up round the clock.
What makes the PTZ cameras so special is the fact that they can be attached onto a wall or ceiling and operated remotely. You get a live stream of what is actually happening in and around your property. Simply put, these cameras help you monitor your property round the clock.
In this review, we have rounded up some of the best PTZ cameras. Our editorial picks are chosen from among industry’s finest brands. Every purchase of these cameras using this guide is thus a surety of quality, performance and durability.
So, to give you’re a sneak peek of the various brands in our listing, check out this quick overview. It is basically all the various PTZ listings, their image resolution and night vision function.
| TOP 10 PTZ Cameras | Image Resolution | Night Vision Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Amcrest ProHD IP PoE PTZ Outdoor Security Camera | 1080p | 329ft |
| Sunba 601-D20X IP PoE+ High Speed PTZ Outdoor Security Camera | 1080p | 800ft |
| Amcrest ProHD IP PoE PTZ Indoor Security Camera | 1080p | 90ft |
| Reolink RLC-423 | 1080p | 190ft |
| SV3C ProHD | 1080p | 165ft |
| Amcrest UltraHD PTZ | 1520p | 32ft |
| Reolink C1 Pro | 1440p | 40ft |
| Foscam R4 | 1440p | 33ft |
| NetgearArlo VMS3230 Security System | 1080p | 120ft |
| Nest Security NC2100ES Alexa-Compatible Camera | 1080p | 95ft |
What is a PTZ Camera?
This section is basically a repeat of what we already mentioned before. PTZ (Pan-tilt-zoom) cameras are a series that are particularly suited for live streaming. That implies that they provide you a live coverage of all the aspects of your property round the clock.
Like your usual security cameras, PTZ are easily affixed on walls, ceilings and other surfaces. Once they are set, these cameras are operated remotely. From whatever part of the globe you are located, one can keep a watchful eye on their property. That is to say you will be able to track the latest developments via a dedicated smartphone app.
These cameras are particularly useful in security surveillance, among other functions. Worth noting is their exceptional ability to capture quality videos over a wide view angle and allow high level zoom function.
You might have not heard of seen of it before, but PTZ means Pan, Tilt and Zoom. It is a little bit fun to hear but it actually is a quite a charm. Imagine having a camera that can pan as much as it wants, tilt as much as it wants and zoom up to the farthest that you could think of.
Usually, they do act as security cameras to different households and establishments. There are times that owners need to detect everything that happens around their premises. Not all the time that they will be able to attend into things like those, that’s why there are things like PTZ cameras.
Also, they can be controlled using an app, which is actually amazing. You could see everything in your app and even have a chance to control the camera! This makes having PTZ Cameras really very efficient and useful.
Do You Need a PTZ Camera?
As to whether you need one or not is a matter of personal choice. Depending on the security situation in an around your property, a surveillance camera can be of essence. If you want to follow up on events after they happen, like after burglars break into your property and make their getaway, a PTZ camera is certainly not your thing.
On the other hand, if you want a real time security monitoring of your property, a live stream security camera is what you need. That is where PTZ comes in. Basically, this is a matter of personal choice and priorities.
We can’t actually say that you really need one, unless something has already happened. There are times that you need to have a camera in order to check up on the things that are happening around you.
If there were past issues that you can’t resolve because you are not around during those times, you might want to purchase one. However, buying one is not the best solution or answer. If you are not financially capable of buying one, then you might want to look unto other alternatives and solutions.
These cameras are also used in film production, besides security surveillance. Some are used to monitor traffic, in TV production, and lecturing.
Types of PTZ Cameras
There ae no distinct types of PTZ cameras. Instead there are numerous brand and models of the same. They are user in different settings, security surveillance being one of them. They can also be used in TV production, sports events, motor tracking and traffic control.
Though not distinct types of PTZ cameras, the ePTZ or Virtual pan-tilt-zoom cameras are another type that is like an upgrade of the former. Like PTZ, ePTZ cameras have an excellent ability to pan into image sections with absolutely no physical movement of the camera.
Ultra-low bandwidth surveillance streaming technologies use VPTZ cameras for real time security monitoring. That all about the types of PTZ cameras. In this review though we have delved only on the different brands of PTZ, no the types passé.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing a PTZ Camera
There are a number of considerations to make when it comes to choosing an ideal PTZ camera. Most of these are common to all security camera, while others are specific.
Almost all of the PTZ Cameras are the same, but they just have a difference on how well they do things. Here are some factors that you need to consider when you are buying a PTZ Camera. Some of the factor to consider include:
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Lux & Light sensitivity
The level of light sensitivity of a PTZ camera is measured in lux. This is well indicated in the manual or on the camera itself. You want a camera that performs well at low light intensities, assuming most of them work fabulously in bright light.
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Audio
Second to video, this one is very important. It records everything that you should hear in a video. Having a video without an audio is a little bit sad to look at. Also, there are some cameras that enable you to speak through an app, and also through the camera.
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Video
Video quality is something that you should look at. If you are recording something and you can’t see what’s happening around it. Take a good look at the resolution power and Video quality because these determine the types is images you stream.
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Night Vision
You want a camera that will be able to record at night just like it does during the day. Luckily, most PTZ cameras are equipped with Infrared function that enables them to record even at night.
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Viewing Angle
If you have an enemy that’s a little bit good enough, then he or she may hide from the viewing angle of your camera. That’s why you need to have this one checked too. The wider the viewing angle, the better.
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Right lens
Camera lenses have different power and zoom capabilities. This is one aspect you need to have in mind when shopping for a good PTZ camera. A good lens implies you will be able to read car number plates, recognize suspicious faces and do a whole lot of other things with your camera on matters security surveillance.
Top 10 Best PTZ Cameras Reviews with Pros & Cons
<Best Overall>
Enjoy stunning full HD 1080p 30fps footages with the latest Sony Starvis Cmos IMX290 2MP image sensor and Ambarella chipset S31.55M. Amcrest ProHD security camera comes with a pan tilt zoom feature with 12x optical motorized zoom and 16x digital zoom to experience immaculate up close image details. This camera is capable of continuous 360 degree pan and 90 degree tilts thus providing a vintage view of the image.
It comes with intelligence alert function that sends notifications to your phone and PC in a moment’s notice. The Amcrest View app is available on the play store and app store.
For storage, Amcrest ProHD camera has a 128GB MicroSD memory for safe storage of all footages. You also have the option of saving on NAS and Amcrest Cloud.
It is powered by PoE+ power or the included Amcrest 12V power supply. So, no rechargeable Li-ion batteries with this one. You can therefore be sure of security surveillance around and within your property round the clock.
It is weather proof with IP66 waterproof rating. Therefore, it is suitable for outdoor use whether it rains or shines. Amcrest ProHD security camera is powered by Sony Starvis sensor and infrared function that support night vision to a range of up to 329ft.
This outdoor camera features HTTPS and SSL encryption function. This ensures all your footages are stored safe from unauthorized access. Besides, every purchase of Amcresr Pro HD camera comes with a 1 year US Warranty and a lifetime support.
Why We Like It:
- Latest Sony Starvis CMOS IMX290 2MP image sensor and Ambarella chipset S3L55M
- Intelligent alert feature for sending instant notifications to your PC or smartphone
- Stunning full HD 1080p Ultra HD Image Quality at 30FPS
- 128GB MicroSD storage, NAS, or Amcrest Cloud storage
- Two-way audio and 12v power supply charging system
Why We Hate It:
- Not the best for beginners.
- Warranty restricted to US clients.
<Best image quality>
Sunba PTZ camera has a compact design and a characteristic aluminum shell for waterproofing. This is the ultimate long range infrared PTZ camera. With a night vision range of up to 800ft, you get to see the bad guy lurking in the dark from a safe distance.
It comes with a 1 /2.8” Sony IMX 322 sensor which facilitates recording of 1080p videos and crisp clear audios. It supports up to 360 degree endless span with a tilt of between 15 to 90 degrees.
What’s more, this PTZ camera has a dedicated smartphone app that is available on App store and on Play store. You can get real time alerts on your phone about the security status around and inside your property. It also works with a free desktop VMS client for easy tracking of the footages on PC.
It supports a range of internet browsers. For those using Internet Explorer, you are required to install the Active X Plugin. This camera is very easy to install. The perfect DIY PTZ security camera setup. There’s even a user manual to help you with the same. It is compatible with Blue Iris, Security Spy, QBAP, Synology, and many other security software options.
This one has a massive 20x optical zoom capacity. It also comes with a powerful infrared LED that will prove a superior night vision up to 800ft that is actually a very good one because it will see almost everything at all during night.
It comes with a 2 year warranty for parts and accessories. You also get lifetime technical supports on every purchase.
Why We Like It:
- DIY installation and setup process with 802.3at PoE+ Standard
- Superior night vision capacity
- Compatible with QNAP, Synology, Security Spy and Blue Iris.
- Built-in TF memory card
- 2 year manufacturing warranty and lifetime technical support.
Why We Hate It:
- No two-way audio option.
- Slightly expensive
<Best internal memory capacity>
Enjoy high quality HD 1080p video resolution at 30FPS. You will be able to get crisp, clean, cut image quality from a PTZ camera that is compatible with ONVIR NVR, FTP, and Blue Iris for reviewing footages.You also get a chance to use the Amcrest cloud video recording option.
It supports remote pan and tilt with up to 4x optical zoom and a 116 degree wide viewing angle. The remote pan and tilt functionality makes it easy to monitor all the sections and corners of your property round the clock.
For extra vigilance, this camera comes with an IP2M-846B lens with up to 4x optical zoom function. This ensures all images are crisp clear.
This will not make you compromise your image quality during the recording, thus having it only a 4x optical zoom capability. But this does not disappoint, as it zooms well and gets proper image quality even after certain situations. It has a clear night vision capacity too.
It also has an impressive IR LED night vision capability with a range of up to 98ft. You can therefore be sure to monitor the bad guys even in pitch darkness.
Why We Like It:
- Simple to set up
- 1 year limited US warranty
- Affordably priced
Why We Hate It:
- No audio capabilities
- No power supply and PoE projector
<Best Night Vision capability>
The company is known to be one of the biggest and beasts in terms of having PTZ and security cameras. This one has endure the test of time, as it is actually still perfectly working even after letting it stay outside for a long time during certain weather situations.
Why We Like It:
- Intuitive Mobile App
- Fast to respond
Why We Hate It:
- Heavy
- No Audio Mic
<Best Budget PTZ Camera>
A camera that is equipped with Sony CMOS sensor is a good camera. It only uses half a bit rate during video compression which makes it have a fast and efficient video processing process and technology. During night, it also has a better touch with it because of the 50m night-time strong sensitivity which makes it very well attracted to the light.
Why We Like It:
- Interface is intuitive
- App supported by Android and iOS
Why We Hate It:
- No Audio Mic
<Best Viewing angle>
If you wanted to have this for indoor purposes, you may do so. As it actually performs well on that side. But if you decide to put it outside for some reasons, this will not disappoint you too. As it really performs well even during weird and difficult situations. For some, this could be the best pick they ever had.
Why We Like It:
- Multiple Storage Options
- Expansive Viewing Angle
Why We Hate It:
- Difficult to set up
- Not that friendly for starters
<Best for beginners>
It has a wide viewing angle for quality videos and image quality. This does not compromise its capability to record even after having good recording options. The setup of this one is very simple, same goes to when using it with an app too.
If you do not want to purchase a cloud subscription storage option, then you may purchase your own SD card for this.
Why We Like It:
- Two-Way Audio
- Easy Set up
Why We Hate It:
- Cannot Zoom
- SD Card not included
<Best stereo sound recording>
A very excellent video and picture quality, compared to the most in the market. It will scan a room if you will place it there properly, afterwards, it could detect some movements so that you will be fully aware with it. It even has a 24-hour call live video which will make you see every single thing that is happening.
Why We Like It:
- 24/7 live video
- UltraHD Video Quality
Why We Hate It:
- Can’t Zoom
- Heavy
<Best Image resolution>
This one works well with Amazon’s Alexa. In fact, this one is designed to work side by side with Alexa, which is very convenient for most of the users. It has HD Cameras around it that is tasked to deliver such good quality and sharp images. You can even use it to do livestream if you want to!
Why We Like It:
- Comes with motion-detection system
- Wireless and discrete design
Why We Hate It:
- Could be very sensitive
<Best Alexa compatible camera>
This may look a little bit small and easy, but this one is very powerful. Despite its simple side, it really rocks on with a huge amount of power hidden inside it, which is a little bit impressive. It also has built-in alerts system, so you will be aware of things that are happening around the camera’s view.
Why We Like It:
- Send alerts to phone
- Captures HD
Why We Hate It:
- Can’t restart camera easily
How to Pick the Right PTZ Camera for You?
There are many considerations to make when it comes to choosing an ideal PTZ camera. Some of these include:
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Price
Don’t get too consumed of the things that they are offering in every camera. As there are some that are very expensive because of their branding and some useless features. You should pick based on the value of it, and also consider your cash on hand.
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Geographical expanse
If your area is too big, then you might need to have a camera that covers a wide coverage. If you have a small area, then don’t purchase the big one, you don’t want to spend an extra money for features you won’t benefit with.
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Think About Your Needs
Do you really need to have one around you? Can you not have someone who you really trust look after your kids or your home? Well, that’s on you.
Conclusion
It’s up to you to make a decision. We do not know anything about you, it is all in your hands what to decide on. Just make sure that by the time you purchase it, have someone knowledgeable install and set it up before something worse happens.
It’s a good thing that you want to buy something like this. At least, we know that you are concerned with your security.
