ROUND TABLE
FILMMAKERS SHOULD EVALUATE image quality, control precision and system integration ”
CL: Filmmakers should evaluate image quality, control precision and system integration when selecting a PTZ camera. High-quality sensors, smooth zoom and pan-tilt mechanisms, as well as advanced automation tools like AI-based framing, ensure adaptability across a wide range of production scenarios. It’s also crucial to consider how well the camera fits into workflow, including connectivity and interoperability with other equipment. KH-J: The initial considerations when selecting a PTZ camera are not unlike those for choosing a cine camera – with the primary focus being the look and feel of the image, which is influenced by the sensor and colour science. How well will it match with the A camera, or even the B camera, in terms of visual consistency? Since most PTZ cameras are all-in- one units, key factors to consider include the required focal range and speed for the project, as well as the ability to easily add filtration. Does it offer the necessary I/O connections? Is the remote-control functionality sufficient? Given the fixed nature of PTZ cameras, there is limited flexibility to adjust these aspects later, making it even more critical to get the choice right from the outset. DM: Filmmakers should focus on image quality, connectivity and adaptability. High-resolution capabilities like 4K/60p with advanced encoding ensure cinematic fidelity, while versatile connectivity options – such as 4K/60p 12G-SDI and NDI HX3 in BirdDog’s X5 Ultra or Wi-Fi 6 and completely
or moods, adapting framing decisions to support the narrative. For filmmakers, this could mean reduced technical barriers, enabling more time and energy to be spent on storytelling. KH-J: Built-in AI-based subject tracking is now a standard feature in PTZ cameras, though its performance can vary significantly between brands and models. That said, the term ‘AI’ is often overused as a marketing buzzword, and its actual implementation might not always live up to the expectations. Nevertheless, the pace of advancement in this area is rapid. For filmmakers, we’re not far from the day when a PTZ camera, mounted on the back of a moving vehicle, can use AI tracking to lock onto talent or fast- moving vehicles – ideal for dynamic chase scenes. If PTZ cameras begin to incorporate technologies like LiDAR- based autofocus, they could evolve into powerful, all-in-one tracking tools. Def: What features or qualities are most important for filmmakers to consider when choosing a PTZ camera for their project?
TRACK STAR The Sony BRC-AM7 (left) uses AI to lock onto subjects; Sony PTZs were also deployed for Vasco Rossi concerts (far left)
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