P an-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras have been making a splash in the live audio-visual industry as of late. With dozens of scenarios where these cameras might prove beneficial – from corporate events to stage performances and academic lectures – the best-suited PTZ will depend on your own unique needs. Will one angle be enough? Is automated tracking a priority? Is resolution of the utmost importance? We’ve scoured the market, browsing both household names and up-and-comers alike, including Logitech, Sony, Birddog and JVC to name just a few. Our resulting buyers’ guide outlines technical specs such as resolution, zoom, frame rate, size and connectivity to help you draw meaningful distinctions between the abundant options. By giving side-by-side comparisons of select products, we aim to make the PTZ purchasing process less convoluted – and ultimately less stressful – allowing AV pros to focus on the bigger picture. Go ahead and dive in! PTZOPTICS HIVE Winner of NAB Show 2024’s Product of the Year, PTZOptics Hive is a remote production software that’s pushing the bounds of PTZ camera control. Offering a singular ecosystem where operators can manage camera movements, save presets, colour correct, livestream and switch feeds in real time, Hive is turning production into a more collaborative, streamlined process. And best of all, it works with any PTZ camera – not just PTZOptics’ own. There are three versions of Hive available: Free Studio, Standard Studio and Professional Studio – with each one priced accordingly. To join the waiting list and get first dibs, head to ptzoptics.com/hive
LIVE.
JVC KY-PZ540
The first JVC PTZ to incorporate 40x zoom capability, the KY-PZ540 is the direct result of consumer feedback, offering high-resolution imagery at an affordable price point. This PTZ performs well in larger spaces, where the distance between camera and subject is sizable. Among its standout features are a 4K sensor, AI-based auto-tracking, JVC’s Variable Scan Mapping technology and NDI-enabled remote control, as well as direct connection to video conferencing programs such as Zoom and Google Meet. Key features 40x optical zoom at 4K Automatic tracking Separate modes, including Standard, Area, Stage, Wide area and Fine adjustment Priced at $1999
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