PTZ stands for “Pan-Tilt-Zoom”
PTZ cameras are the perfect cameras for live streaming events in music venues, houses of worship, and corporate settings. But what exactly is a PTZ camera?
“PTZ” stands for Pan-Tilt-Zoom, which describes the movements that a PTZ camera can make.
Unfamiliar with the terms?
Pan refers to a lateral camera movement in which the camera swivels or turns to capture a wider field of view. Panning allows you to capture subjects that are spread out, such as a choir that spans the width of the stage, or a presenter and their slide deck. Our preferred PTZ cameras can pan 270 degrees.
Tilt refers to vertical camera movements from floor to ceiling, or from audience to the lighting rig, if you’re in a music venue.
Zoom refers to zooming in and out! It’s an important part of a PTZ camera largely due to the resolution of the zoom. Often, if a camera is asked to zoom in too much, the image can become grainy and blurry. PTZ cameras can zoom 35x at crystal-clear 4K resolution, ensuring that you won’t miss a single detail.
PTZ Cameras Can Be Remotely Controlled
Sure, PTZ cameras can pan, tilt, and zoom, so do they require a camera operator for each camera? They don’t!
Our favorite thing about PTZ cameras is that they can be remotely controlled by offsite camera operators.
Once PTZ cameras are installed in your space, that’s it. When it’s time to start a live stream, remote operators simply activate the cameras and take it from there.
Your remote videographers choose the perfect times to pan, tilt, and zoom, so that the focus stays on your subject at all times.
Remote-controlled PTZ cameras make live streaming easy.
- No extra work after installation
- No need to hire camera operators
- Every moment gets captured and archived
- High-resolution stream and zoom
PTZ Cameras Are Great for Live Streaming from Any Venue
PTZ cameras are excellent for live streaming because of their versatility. Static cameras work for some spaces, but PTZ cameras are the perfect fit for indoor spaces. Their strength is in their versatility!
PTZ Cameras for Live Streaming from Music Venues
PTZ cameras can capture all of the action, whether you operate an intimate club, a classic theater, or a larger venue. Your live stream should make the viewers at home feel like they’re truly there, and that means capturing every amazing moment.
PTZ cameras can capture the full width of the stage, so that every member of the band can shine.
Capture the atmosphere of the show with 90 degrees of tilt. Show the audience rocking out, show the band making magic, and then tilt up to highlight the work of your lighting designer.
And when someone’s playing an incredible solo on stage, your PTZ cameras can zoom in on their hands, their face, or their instrument, for an up-close and personal connection with the artist.
PTZ Cameras for Live Streaming from Houses of Worship
Houses of worship can vary greatly in shape, size, and layout. But we understand that it’s important to capture the meaningful moments that take place inside those walls. PTZ cameras make it easy for important moments to be captured and archived.
The panning feature of PTZ cameras allows for musicians, speakers, and spiritual leaders to be seen without anyone being cut out of the frame. Tilt allows for easier viewing of a primary speaker while other people perform or process in the aisles.
And zoom capabilities ensure that the cute little star of the christening or b’nai mitzvah can be seen close-up by viewers at home.
PTZ cameras work well for houses of worship whether your congregation meets in a massive cathedral or a cozy basement room. They make it easy for every member of your faith community to convene and worship together…even if you’re apart.
PTZ Cameras for Live Streaming Corporate Events
The pan, tilt, and zoom features of PTZ cameras work well for corporate events and presentations. Small enough to be unobtrusive in a conference room or training center, their movements can track between presenters, slide decks, and guests, all while creating a valuable video resource that can be archived and reused over the years.
Pros and Cons of PTZ Cameras
Let’s start with the bad news. Well, the good news is that there’s not much bad news. PTZ cameras do have limits, and it’s up to us to make sure that we’ve pushed those limits as far as possible, to give you the best live stream experience out there.
Cons
- PTZ cameras are expensive (see our article on setting up your own live stream for more)
- PTZ cameras require professional installation
- PTZ cameras have limited view if not placed by a production professional
Pros
- PTZ cameras track and capture moving subjects, with 270 degrees of horizontal motion, 90 degrees of vertical motion, and 35x zoom at 4K resolution.
- PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled from an offsite videographer.
- PTZ cameras are small, unobtrusive, and quiet.
- PTZ cameras are durable and require little maintenance.
- LiveControl’s PTZ cameras have specially-engineered bases that have been optimized for live streaming.
- LiveControl provides the cameras you need for a refundable equipment deposit, with installation options available.
PTZ Cameras by LiveControl
When it comes to live streaming, nothing can beat PTZ cameras. And LiveControl’s PTZ cameras have been specially designed to be the ultimate live streaming tool. There are dozens of types of PTZ cameras on the market, but none have been as carefully tailored for live streaming important moments!
Our camera lenses, bases, and robotic components have been optimized for small to medium-sized spaces. Plus powerful zoom, and quick and accurate movement. And their connective components bring you excellent low latency and crisp, sharp visuals.
LiveControl’s remote videographers, working with our proprietary PTZ cameras, can produce a dynamic, engaging live stream that can increase viewership, grow your audience, and boost revenue.
