eptz vs ptz cameras

May 2020 | AVW Australia, New Zealand.

What is ePTZ and the difference between PTZ and ePTZ

Electronic pan-tilt-zoom (ePTZ) uses digital zoom technology to provide specific PTZ-like features on a fixed (non-PTZ) camera.

A conventional PTZ camera can also be described as a remotely controlled, pan (move the camera left and right), tilt (rotate the camera up or down) or zoom (larger or smaller image framing) using an IR remote control or PTZ software application. A PTZ camera’s built-in motors are responsible for the physical movement which uses various types of driving methods. PTZ cameras can provide an approximate 360-degree viewing angle while maintaining the image quality by incorporating optical zoom.

Electronic pan-tilt-zoom (ePTZ) cameras can tilt, pan or zoom, but the operations don’t involve any movement of mechanical parts. The camera remains static as the tilt, pan or zoom are done through a digital simulation inside the high-resolution sensor. In simple words, ePTZ simulates pan, tilt and zoom operations inside of a large resolution pixel space. ePTZ cameras have the ‘magical’ ability to move instantly to a new shot (via a called-up preset or a direct PTZ position command) whereas PTZ cameras, you will have to wait for the mechanical motors to move to the new P, T and Z positions.

Digital zoom through software simulation is a technology that has been in existence for some time. Instead of the real zoom lens, the majority of smartphones have adopted simulated digital zoom technology. Some web cameras can also operate through digital zooming.

ePTZ cameras are used to create many great audiovisual solutions including education, sports, live streaming, outdoor events and university distance learning. Without the need for mechanical pan, tilt and zoom mechanisms, the size and cost of ePTZ cameras can be significantly lower than PTZ cameras.

Understanding all of the impacts of ePTZ vs PTZ and the specific needs of your application will help you to make the right choice when deciding between ePTZ, PTZ, Fixed or even a combination of technologies for your production.

Auditorium | Atrium | University Lecture Theatre | Large Conference Room

Universities are using simultaneous streaming capabilities to equip rooms for web conferencing while at the same time accommodating HD recording platforms. With web video conferencing software such as Skype, GoToMeeting and Zoom becoming popular in the high education and conference spaces, it is ideal to have a camera that can support existing hardware and newer online meeting technologies. For distance learning our remote ePTZ and PTZ control capabilities allow both ends of a video call access to the room’s camera. This type of control is being used by teachers and speakers to simplify camera control down to a simple mouse click to direct the camera to the area of attention.