ROUND TABLE
MINI VISION The Sony FR7 (left) and Canon CR-N700 (below right) are compact devices, making them ideal for filming in tight spaces
serve the narrative, and where PTZ cameras excel is in offering a wide range of creative options – all delivered in an incredibly compact and efficient form. DM: PTZ cameras are unlocking new levels of creativity with unmatched flexibility in shot composition and movement. Advanced robotic controls enable smooth, repeatable motions that previously required costly rigs, while their compact form factors allow for discreet placement and integration into set designs. Filmmakers are using PTZs for immersive shots, dynamic event coverage and even virtual production, blending live action with CGI in real time. Quick set-up and remote control also make them ideal for second-unit shoots or previsualisation, reshaping camera placement and movement in ways that expand creative possibilities. GP: A common fear camera operators have about PTZ cameras is that they are here to replace people – this is not the case. PTZ cameras are designed to complement existing work by providing dynamic angles in locations inaccessible to people. We have already seen this in live productions, and as sensor technology improves they will be adopted into more types of production. Def: In what ways do PTZ cameras improve or challenge efficiency and flexibility on-set compared to traditional camera set-ups? KH-J: The primary advantage of using PTZ cameras is their ability to reduce the number of operators needed to manage multiple cameras, while also allowing them to be placed in locations that would be impractical or unsafe for an operator to directly man. This creates the potential for more comprehensive coverage with fewer people, resulting in significant cost savings. However, unlike traditional camera set-ups, PTZs still rely on an infrastructure that includes cabling for video signals, connections for control and power, as well as a physical controller along with a live feed monitor
CL: PTZ cameras open creative possibilities by offering perspectives that would be challenging or costly to achieve with traditional set-ups. Their compact size and remote capabilities allow for seamless integration into unconventional filming spaces. AI-based framing technology supports directors in capturing dynamic shots effortlessly. KH-J: PTZ cameras significantly lower the barrier to entry for multicamera productions, particularly when dealing with limited physical space. For instance, what would traditionally be a static shot from a small cine camera tucked in a tight corner can now, with a PTZ camera, offer greater flexibility and movement in framing. Thanks to integrated robotics, PTZ cameras can both replicate precise movements and repeat them consistently, making them ideal for shots that require exact duplication. Ultimately, like any camera choice, the shot must
centralised control while maintaining colour and sensor detail. Kriss Hampton‑Joyce: Although these developments are still in their early stages, they hold great potential to significantly impact film productions as they mature, resulting in highly versatile and powerful PTZ systems. Key advancements to note include wireless transmission, portable power options (such as internal rechargeable batteries or external V-Mount power plates), and on-board recording capabilities. These innovations complement ongoing improvements in sensor technology, colour science and optics, further enhancing the overall performance and flexibility of PTZ cameras on-set. Def: How have PTZ cameras been influencing creative choices in cinematography and production design?
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