PTZ Dome Security Camera
PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, and Zoom.
A PTZ dome security cameras differ from a fixed dome camera in that it
can move left and right (pan) or up and down (tilt). These security
cameras can also zoom in and out, making it very feature-rich. These
domes require a keyboard and a receiver to operate PTZ functions. Most
PTZ dome security cameras have receivers built in to them, however.
Using the keyboard, PTZ domes can be programmed to view an area and/or
can utilize alarm triggers to induce movement by the camera. A series
of motions can be programmed by the user for the security cameras to
follow. For example, PTZ security cameras can be programmed to sweep a
parking lot every 10 minutes. Additionally, triggers such as motion
detection or door contacts can alert the camera to reposition itself.
The total zoom capability of PTZ security cameras is actually
a combination of digital zoom and optical zoom. Digital zoom uses
electronics to zoom in and out while optical zoom uses lens motion. The
total zoom of a camera can be calculated by multiplying the digital
zoom by the optical zoom.
Like fixed domes, PTZ domes often are smoked or otherwise obscured,
making it hard for people to tell if they are being watched. PTZ domes
also come in a variety of configurations, including weatherproof and
day/night. Day/night capability means the security cameras are color by
day and black and white at night. They can be mounted almost anywhere
using a variety of dome mounts, such as pendant and recessed mounts. A
pendant mount allows the camera to hang from the mount arm as a pendant
does on a necklace. A recessed mount hides the entire camera except for
the dome. Cameras using these mounts usually are mounted in drop or
tile ceilings.
PTZ dome security cameras have several advantages over
traditional PTZ security cameras. Domes can efficiently move in all
directions, including 360 degree rotation and viewing straight down.
Dome cameras utilize auto-flip to view something directly below it.
Auto-flip allows the security cameras to rotate automatically when
something passes directly below it, ensuing that the object or person
remains upright on the viewing screen.
Article ID: 124, Created: July 14, 2009 at 1:29 PM, Modified: July 14, 2009 at 1:29 PM