Pan-Tilt-Zoom Cameras: the Pros and Cons

Pan-tilt-zoom cameras are also known as PTZ cameras. They’re a type of CCTV camera that is used both for commercial and domestic properties. They stand out from other cameras because they can take videos and images at different angles over a wide area.

PTZ cameras have some great advantages but they also have their downsides. To help you work out if you should install a PTZ camera on your property, we’ve come up with a list of their pros and cons.

Pros

Wide coverage

A reason why lots of people buy and install pan-tilt-zoom cameras is that they cover a wide area. They can pan widely and zoom over distances, meaning they are able to film a larger area than many fixed CCTV cameras. They also have a zoom that is significantly higher quality than other cameras’.

Can come with motion sensors

Another reason why pan-tilt-zoom cameras are popular is that they can come with motion sensors. If the camera detects movement then it will automatically start filming it and continue to do so until the movement stops. This is a great feature if you’re concerned about intruders trespassing on your property.

Can be economical

Installing one or more pan-tilt-zoom cameras can also be a great economical move. Because pan-tilt-zoom cameras cover wide areas they reduce the overall amount of cameras that you need to cover a property. So investing in a PTZ cameras could save you a significant amount of money.

Cons

Shorter lifespan

Unfortunately, pan-tilt-zoom cameras tend to have a shorter lifespan than other CCTV cameras. This is because their complicated mechanics tend to make them harder to service and more likely to malfunction than fixed CCTV cameras.

Develop blind spots

Another disadvantage to pan-tilt-zoom cameras is that they develop blind spots easily. If they zoom in on a small area then they leave the rest of the area that they cover unmonitored. This means that it’s possible for an intruder to outwit the camera and avoid appearing in the footage.

Expensive

Property owners also get put off pan-tilt-zoom cameras because they’re expensive. While they’re an economical way to cover a large area, if you just want to cover a small area then it’s much cheaper to buy a fixed box, bullet or dome camera.

Price

From around £200

Not including installation

Installation time

Less than 1 day


Advantages and disadvantages
  • Wide coverage
  • Can come with motion sensors
  • Can be economical
  • Shorter lifespan
  • Develop blind spots
  • Expensive