Cameras
PTZ Cameras — When motorised pan/tilt/zoom is worth it
PTZ cameras rotate, tilt, and zoom on command. Powerful, but only pay off when you have wide areas and an active operator or preset patrol.
What it is
A single dome-shaped camera with motors that rotate 360° and tilt up to 90°. Optical zoom (typically 4× to 25×) brings distant objects close without pixelation.
Supports auto-tour (preset patrol) and auto-tracking on some models.
How it works
- 1You (or a schedule) send commands from the DVR/NVR interface or phone app.
- 2Motors position the lens to the requested angle.
- 3Optical zoom uses the actual lens — not digital crop — so quality holds.
Best fit for
Factory floor overview
One PTZ replaces 3–4 fixed cameras and lets you zoom into any station.
Parking lots & yards
Cover a large open area with one unit; zoom to number plates on demand.
Events & monitored premises
Live operator can follow a suspect through the scene.
Key specs to check
- Optical zoom: 4× (short range), 25× (long range).
- IR range: 100–150 m for outdoor PTZs.
- Preset positions: 200+ is plenty.
- IP66 & IK10 for outdoor mounts.
When you can skip it
- Home use — a PTZ is overkill and its motor is a wear part.
- Nobody will monitor it live — a fixed bullet gives better forensic footage 24/7.
Common mistakes
- Using a PTZ as the only camera — while it's zoomed in on one area, everything else is unwatched.
- Cheap PTZ with plastic gears — fails within a year of daily patrol.
Brands we stock
Hikvision
Dahua
Want help picking the right one?
Our 2-minute builder recommends the right kit for your environment — or chat with us on WhatsApp.