Introducing the brand new PTZOptics EPTZ ZCams. The EPTZ ZCams are going to change the way you think about 4K and 1080p production environments using the power of electronic Pan, Tilt and Zoom. These cameras feature 4K image sensors with not one but two SDI video outputs, giving users the ability to capture lossless zoomed-in areas at 1080p and 720p quality levels while maintaining a wide 104-degree field of view video stream.

The built-in EPTZ functionality allows users to control pan, tilt and zoom camera operations digitally inside of the large resolution pixel space. For example, in a 4K image space using EPTZ, users have the ability to create multiple unique 1920 by 1080 pixel scenes. EPTZ functionality provides the ability to instantaneously cut between camera presets using multiple IP connected software and hardware solutions like the PTZOptics IP Joystick, iOS app or free Mac and PC software.

This technology is made even more effective because our engineers have paired a wide field of view and extended focal length that keeps objects in view up to 25 feet away. With two SDI video outputs your system will always have access to the wide-angle view while also having access to the digitally zoomed view as well.

The dual SDI outputs are ideal for cutting between multiple scenes in the camera, plus your system doesn’t have to process 4K video because everything is handled seamlessly inside of the camera. SDI cabling is preferred by video professionals for its superior performance and reliability. These ZCam models feature professional locking connectors, 1080p60fps functionality, and long cable run capabilities.

Customers using NDI workflows can purchase the EPTZ ZCams with NDI|HX built-in. The NDI camera model brings IP video to your next project anywhere on your local area network. You can use EPTZ just like normal PTZ controls with any NDI compatible application. NDI|HX stands for “high efficiency” as it allows you to use high-quality video on your network without taking up large amounts of bandwidth.

Enjoy the industry’s top IP video tool and integrations which include Adobe Creative Cloud for digital media, Skype and hundreds of other popular software solutions such as OBS, xSplit, Wirecast, vMix, Tricaster and Livestream Studio. With built-in PoE, as the camera’s power source it is ideal for network-connected video productions.

The PTZOptics EPTZ ZCam also features all the network connectivity and IP streaming standards that customers enjoy with our regular PTZ camera models. That means you can stream locally with RTSP and out to CDNs using RTMP.

The camera comes complete with ¼-20 connections on the top and bottom of each unit, providing easy mounting options including wall, ceiling, pole and gantry mounts, tripods and other surfaces, plus the ability to mount tally lights and other devices easily.

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ePTZ uses the technology of digital zoom to provide true PTZ-like features on a fixed (non-PTZ) camera. Digital Zoom works by simply magnifying pixels. When you do this, you are essentially focusing only on a portion of the entire camera image at any given time and magnifying it to fill the entire frame. Since you are only viewing a portion of the image at any given time, you can now move that ‘area of interest’ across the entire camera image to affect a pan and tilt effect (without moving the camera head). So digital zoom not only allows you to ‘zoom’ in on an image but also to move around within that image when zoomed.

However, there are advantages and disadvantages to using digital zoom and ePTZ.

The main disadvantage is that you are magnifying pixels to accomplish digital zoom. This results in reduced resolution. For example, a 4K video camera digitally zoomed in at 3x, results in a final video resolution of only 720p (a loss of total resolution of 88.9%). This is a very significant reduction in resolution and image quality. Therefore, you need to consider your application and its needs before deciding whether ePTZ can work in your application or you should instead invest in a true PTZ camera. One simple example would be if your streaming output or final file resolution is only going to be 720p, then a 4K camera with ePTZ limited to 3x will be sufficient, as the higher resolution is not required in the final product.

There is another intrinsic disadvantage to ePTZ here as well. Looking at the 4K ePTZ camera example above (today’s practical limit for available, affordable cameras), a 3x zoom will take you down by 88.9% to 720p (as mentioned above). However, even if 720p is acceptable for your final product resolution, you are limited to only 3x zoom to remain at 720p of higher. With true PTZ technology, you can get cameras with an optical zoom range from 3x all the way up to 30x optical zoom, without reducing your final product resolution by a single pixel. Again, your specific application will dictate whether ePTZ will suffice.

Another disadvantage of ePTZ vs true PTZ is the range of view. A true PTZ camera can often pan by as much as 340 degrees horizontally and tilt bay as much as 120 degrees vertically. This allows a single camera to cover a huge area of the local environment or ‘set’. An ePTZ camera, on the other hand, is limited to the field of view of its fixed lens and fixed camera head. This can typically range from 40 degrees to 110 degrees horizontally, with a common field of view being around 70 degrees (vs 340). Therefore a much larger quantity of ePTZ cameras will be required to cover the same ‘set’. As with resolution, an evaluation of your specific needs will determine whether ePTZ or true PTZ is a suitable choice for your application.

Does ePTZ technology have any advantages? 

It does have a few, so long as the above requirements are first met. An ePTZ camera has the ‘magical’ ability to move instantaneously to a new shot (via a called preset or a direct PTZ position command). This can be very useful for some applications. There is absolutely no wait for framing the new shot. With a true PTZ camera, you will have to wait for the mechanical motors to move to the new P, T and Z positions. However, the disadvantage of this is that with most (if not all) modern ePTZ cameras, you simply cannot produce a panning, tilting or zooming sequence without physically moving the camera through space. As ePTZ technology develops, we will likely see ePTZ panning tilting and zooming sequences become available to better emulate the capabilities of a true PTZ camera.

Some other advantages of ePTZ technology, if the above needs are first met, are size and cost. Without the need for mechanical pan, tilt and zoom mechanisms, the size and cost of ePTZ cameras can be significantly lower than true PTZ cameras. This size and cost offset is typically greater than the cost of the higher resolution imaging chip required for a ‘usable’ ePTZ experience (like 4k vs 1080p imaging chip), resulting in a lower overall camera cost. This cost reduction may in fact be enough to offset the additional cost of a second or 3rd ePTZ camera to potentially address the ePTZ range of view problem mentioned above.

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

PTZ camera use is increasing each year, and shows such as NAB are highlighting new PTZ products and solutions. To learn more about the PTZOptics line of PTZ cameras and ePTZ cameras, reach out to one of our team members at sales@ptzoptics.com

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