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PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

A PTZ camera pans, tilts and zooms by remote control or automatically, so one camera can follow activity across a car park, yard or perimeter that would otherwise need several fixed cameras. This range is mainly Hikvision, from compact mini PTZ domes to long-range speed domes with up to 48× optical zoom, including DarkFighter, TandemVu and anti-corrosion models, with HiLook, ESP and EZVIZ units.

Choosing PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

Choose a PTZ camera by how far it must see, the light it will work in, and whether it is IP or analogue.

Zoom and range

Optical zoom sets how far the camera can pick out detail. The Hikvision DS-2DE3404W-DE(T5) mini PTZ dome has 4× optical zoom, mid-range models such as the DS-2DE4215IW-DE(T5) have 15×, and long-range speed domes reach 25×, 32× and the 48× of the DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW 8MP laser PTZ.

Low light

DarkFighter models are made for very low light, IR illumination lights the scene at night up to 400m on the DS-2DF8425IXG1-ELWY, and TandemVu models such as the DS-2SE4C425MWG-E(14F0) add colour IR and white light.

Wide view plus detail

TandemVu cameras pair a panoramic channel with the PTZ, such as the DS-2SE4C425MWG-E/26(F0) with a 6MP panoramic and 4MP 25× PTZ, so the whole scene is recorded while the PTZ zooms in.

ModelZoomFeature
DS-2DE3404W-DE(T5)4× opticalMini PTZ dome, IP66 IK10
HiLook PTZ-T4215I-D(E)15× optical2MP, 100 m IR
DS-2DE7A425IW-AEB(T5)25x4 MP DarkFighter
DS-2DT6232X-AELY(T5)32× opticalAnti-corrosion, SUS316L, IP67
DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW48× optical8MP laser, 4K

Analogue and indoor

Analogue PTZs such as the Hikvision DS-2AE4215ITG and HiLook PTZ-T4215I-D(E) give 15× zoom with 100 m IR on coax systems, and the ESP PTZCON controller is for analogue PTZ cameras, with an RS485 keyboard for programming and camera control. EZVIZ C6 and C6W indoor pan-tilt Wi-Fi cameras suit homes and small offices.

Brands we stock in PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

ESP, EZVIZ, Hikvision, HiLook and Maxhub.

Hikvision makes most of the products on this page.

Related categories

For fixed coverage see dome cameras and bullet cameras. PTZ cameras need a recorder with the channels and bandwidth to match, in network video recorders, and mounting hardware in camera mounts and brackets.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PTZ camera?

A PTZ camera can pan left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom its lens, controlled by an operator or automatically by presets and tracking. One PTZ, such as a Hikvision 25× speed dome, can cover an area that would need several fixed cameras.

How much zoom does a PTZ camera need?

4× for a room or small yard, such as the Hikvision DS-2DE3404W-DE(T5) mini PTZ dome; 15× to 25× for car parks and larger sites; and 32× to 48× for perimeters, such as the long-range DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW. More zoom reaches further from the same position.

What is Hikvision TandemVu?

TandemVu cameras combine a panoramic camera and a PTZ in one unit, so the wide scene is always recorded while the PTZ zooms in on detail. The DS-2SE4C425MWG-E/26(F0) pairs a 6MP panoramic with a 4MP 25× PTZ, and the DS-2SE3C404MWG-E/14 has 4× zoom.

Can PTZ cameras see at night?

Yes. PTZ cameras with IR light the scene in darkness, such as 100 m on the HiLook PTZ-T4215I-D(E) and 400m on the Hikvision DS-2DF8425IXG1-ELWY, and DarkFighter models are designed for very low light. TandemVu models add white light for colour at night.

Are there analogue PTZ cameras?

Yes. The Hikvision DS-2AE4215ITG is a 2MP analogue PTZ with 15× optical zoom and IR 100 m, and the HiLook PTZ-T4215I-D(E) is a 2MP analogue speed dome, for adding PTZ coverage to an existing DVR and coax system without rewiring for IP.

Is there a PTZ camera for coastal or corrosive sites?

Yes. The Hikvision DS-2DT6232X-AELY(T5) is a 2 MP anti-corrosion PTZ with 32× optical zoom, rated IP67, in SUS316L stainless steel, for sites exposed to salt air or chemicals. It is also NEMA 4X and IK10 rated, and the DS-1697ZJ-Y3(OS) is a matching SUS316L stainless steel wall mount.

Is there a PTZ camera without a network cable?

Yes. The Hikvision DS-2DE5425IWG-4G is a 4 MP PTZ with 25× optical zoom, 150 m IR and 4G cellular, and the DS-2DE5425IWG-K/4G kit adds solar power. For indoor use, EZVIZ C6 and C6W pan-tilt cameras connect over Wi-Fi, and the C6 pans 353° and tilts 133°.

How is a PTZ camera mounted?

On a bracket rated for its weight. The Hikvision DS-1602ZJ-POLE fits poles from Ø67 to 127 mm or a wall and holds 10 kg, and the DS-1697ZJ-Y3(OS) is a stainless steel wall mount; models such as the DS-2DE4225WG-E3 fit into a ceiling instead.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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