The Best PTZ Cameras (2022)
Last updatedThis is a list of the best PTZ cameras I recommend and use for live streaming and multi-cam production.
In this list you'll find:
But first...
What Is A PTZ?
PTZ is an abbreviation for Pan-Tilt-Zoom, a reference to the movements the camera unit can make.
While focus is not part of the abbreviation, it is assumed when zoom is present.
To be considered a PTZ, it must:
- Have an imaging sensor, a zoom lens, and servo motors for pan, tilt, zoom, and focus
- Be able to pan, tilt, zoom, and focus on its own with no other outside physical forces
- Be able to receive control and commands remotely
Realistic Expectations
When considering PTZ cameras, it's important to have proper expectations...
Good PTZs Are Not Cheap
This is easily the most common misunderstanding I find.
PTZs simply consist of more moving parts than camcorders.
Therefore, expect PTZ pricing to break down to around ⅓ camera and ⅔ everything else. And that does not include the controller, cabling, accessories, etc.
It is safe to assume a $3,000 PTZ will only look as good as a $1,000 camcorder, and that is nearly always a best case scenario.
You can see this formula pretty accurately reflected when comparing the PTZs here to my camcorder recommendations in The Best Cameras For Live Streaming.
Where PTZs Excel
- Locations where manned cameras are not possible or unsafe
- POV angles in orchestra pits or on stages
- Sports (goals, wide cutaway shots, areas where human operators will be distracting or in the way, etc.)
- Studios where there is little camera movement and conditions are highly controlled
- Static camera shots where live movement is not needed
- Courtrooms, classrooms, conference rooms, boardrooms, etc.
Where PTZs Often Fail
The keyword here is often. While PTZs can do some of the things below well, you generally have to pay a premium for it.
- Follow shots (smoothly tracking and framing a person walking around, especially at longer distances)
- Creative and complex moves (simultaneous zoom and focus, for example)
- Smooth and finer movements at longer focal lengths
- Smooth, distraction-free movements between presets
- Replacing manned cameras (while higher end solutions are getting better, there is still no match for a human physically operating a camera)
- Mounted to physical structures like columns, walls, ceilings, and balconies (structures move more than you think)
Matching Cameras
If you want a good chance at making all cameras match when it comes to color and image quality, it's best to at least stick with the same brand for all cameras.
And the more you pay, the more control you get.
As a general rule, if the PTZ costs less than $2,500 then there's a high likelihood that it will be extremely difficult to match well with other cameras and brands.
Do I Need A Hardware Controller?
In most cases, absolutely.
While some PTZs offer control over IP, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth, nothing beats the speed, consistency, and reliability of a matched hardware controller.
It's also important to keep in mind that serial controllers are usually quicker and more responsive compared to IP-based controllers.
If your situation just needs a few presets, and manual camera moves are not necessary, then software control can work. But if you plan on using the cameras in a more dynamic environment then I highly recommend using hardware controllers.
Demo Or Rent
Don't believe me?
That's okay.
Sometimes seeing is believing.
Therefore, I recommend that you do your due diligence by getting a demo or renting the specific model(s) you are considering. This is the only true way to know if your expectations will be met or not.
What About _____?
I can't be more clear about this...
If you don't see a brand in this list, there is probably a reason why.
I have the unique perspective of seeing many different systems and fielding many requests from people that need help or advice with their PTZs. Because of this, I see very clear trends in the brands that people enjoy, tolerate, or dislike.
It is also important to know that the PTZ market has quite a few categories that include security, corporate, industrial, teleconferencing, and broadcast. And many of the non-broadcast brands try to market their products as broadcast cameras to reach more customers. This ultimately causes confusion, and often frustration.
Ultimately, I want you to have the information you need to make your own educated decisions. At the end of the day, it is your system, not mine. But I also personally have standards that guide what recommendations I make (and don't make).
Now, let's dive in...
PTZ Cameras
Canon CR-N300
Take my top pick camcorder, turn it into a PTZ, add some pizzazz, and you've got a no-brainer top pick PTZ!
I have been waiting for a long time, probably around a decade, for a broadcast company to take their affordable (and great performing) camcorder and also offer it as a PTZ.
Finally that day has come!
All of the same great imaging and video features as the XA45:
- Output up to 3840 x 2160 at 29.97 fps or up to 1920x1080 at 59.94 fps
- Built-in optical image stabilization
- 20x optical zoom (~29-600mm full frame equivalent)
- Simultaneous 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP output in HD formats
- Power (PoE+) and control over Ethernet
- NDI|HX capability
- Built-in RTMP/RTMPS and RTSP/RTP streaming
Outputs: 3G-SDI, HDMI (Type A - Full Size), and IP (RJ-45)
Output Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 29.97 fps (HDMI or IP) and up to 1920 x 1080 at 59.94 fps (3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP)
Control Protocols: IP, VISCA (Serial or IP), XC Protocol (Canon-specific), or RS-422 (through RJ-45 port)
Recommended Controller: Canon RC-IP100
Suggested Camera Matches: Canon G50, XA40, or XA45
My Favorite Feature: Same great image as the G50/XA40/XA45
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Canon CR-N500
Take my runner up camcorder, turn it into a PTZ, add some ooh-la-la, and you've got another no-brainer runner up PTZ!
All of the same great imaging and video features as the XA55:
- Output up to 3840 x 2160 at 29.97 fps or up to 1920x1080 at 59.94 fps
- Built-in optical image stabilization
- 15x optical zoom (~25.5-385mm full frame equivalent)
- Simultaneous 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP output in HD formats
- Power (PoE+) and control over Ethernet
- NDI|HX capability
- Built-in RTMP/RTMPS and RTSP/RTP streaming
Outputs: 3G-SDI, HDMI (Type A - Full Size), and IP (RJ-45)
Output Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 29.97 fps (HDMI or IP) and up to 1920 x 1080 at 59.94 fps (3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP)
Control Protocols: IP, VISCA (Serial or IP), XC Protocol (Canon-specific), or RS-422 (through RJ-45 port)
Recommended Controller: Canon RC-IP100
Suggested Camera Matches: Canon G60, XA50, or XA55
My Favorite Feature: Same great image as the G60/XA50/XA55
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Panasonic UE150
Panasonic has consistently provided some of the best industry standard PTZs, and this is no exception.
It slices! It dices! It does all this:
- Output up to 3840 x 2160 at 59.94 fps
- Built-in optical image stabilization
- 20x optical zoom (24.5-490mm full frame equivalent)
- V-LOG and HDR capability
- Simultaneous 12G-SDI, HDMI, optical fiber, and IP output
- Power and control over Ethernet
- NDI|HX capability (paid upgrade)
- Synchro scan shutter (fractional shutter adjustments to reduce/remove flicker and other anomalies from lighting, projectors, and LED walls)
- Genlock port for broadcast interfacing
- Built-in RTMP, RTMPS, and SRT streaming
- Cropping with simultaneous full sensor output
- Auto tracking capability (optional software purchase) with simultaneous cropping and tracking of up to 3 people
Outputs: 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, HDMI (Type A - Full Size), optical fiber (12G capable, includes slot for optional module), and IP
Output Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 59.94 fps (12G-SDI, HDMI, optical fiber, or IP) and up to 1920 x 1080 at 59.94 fps (3G-SDI)
Control Protocols: IP or RS-422 (both through RJ-45 port)
Recommended Controller: Panasonic AW-RP150 or AW-RP60
Suggested Camera Matches: Panasonic broadcast cameras and the UX and CX camcorder series
My Favorite Feature: Image looks about as "un-PTZ" as you can get
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BirdDog Eyes P200
A solid low-cost option with a full Sony sensor and imaging system.
Highlights include 3G-SDI output, 30x optical zoom, some of the best movement and control response for the price, some of the best color matching (including a free Windows 10 Cam Control app), NDI video, and NDI control capability.
Bonus features include the ability to automate through a RESTful API, integration with BirdDog's Comms Pro and Lite, and BirdDog's substantial discounts for education, house of worship, and non-profit customers.
IMPORTANT: While this is a great bang for the buck, expect some downsides like output latency, less than ideal fine movements (especially at longer focal lengths), a steep learning curve, and top notch IP infrastructure for NDI capabilities, just to name a few.
Outputs: 3G-SDI, HDMI (Type A - Full Size), NDI, and analog composite
Output Formats: Up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps (23.98 and 24 fps not available)
Control Protocols: NDI, RS232/RS422/RS485 (2 x RJ-45 ports), VISCA, Pelco D
Recommended Controller: BirdDog PTZ Keyboard
My Favorite Feature: IP integrations (NDI, NDI control, Comms)
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Sony BRC-X400
Not a lot of frills or glamour, just an excellent all-around PTZ with nice image quality and smooth action.
4K output over HDMI or IP (streaming), 3G-SDI output, genlock input, 20X optical zoom, and NDI|HX (with optional license).
Outputs: 3G-SDI, HDMI (Type A - Full Size), NDI|HX (optional upgrade), and IP (streaming)
Output Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 29.97 fps (HDMI or IP streaming only) or up to 1920 x 1080 at 59.94 fps (all outputs)
Control Protocols: VISCA RS-422 RJ45 (In/Out), VISCA over IP RJ-45, and S700PTP RJ-45
Recommended Controller: Sony RM-IP500 or Sony RM-IP10
My Favorite Feature: Probably the smoothest movement you will find for the price
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BirdDog P4K
It may look like similarly priced 4K models from competitors, but it's turned up to 11!
Highlights include:
- Output up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps or 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
- Image stabilization
- 12x optical zoom (24x equivalent in 1080p)
- Simultaneous 6G-SDI (x2), HDMI, NDI, and IP output
- Power and control over Ethernet
- Full NDI and NDI|HX capability
- Genlock port for broadcast interfacing
- Built-in streaming up to 4K30 or 1080p60
Bonus features include the ability to automate through a RESTful API, integration with BirdDog's Comms Pro and Lite, and BirdDog's substantial discounts for education, house of worship, and non-profit customers.
Outputs: 2 x 6G-SDI, HDMI (Type A - Full Size), NDI, NDI|HX, and IP streaming
Output Formats: Up to 3840 x 2160 at 30 fps or up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps
Control Protocols: NDI, VISCA, and VISCA Over IP
Recommended Controller: BirdDog PTZ Keyboard
My Favorite Feature: BirdDog ecosystem
Get Latest Price on AmazonAlternative PTZ Solutions
Many times, the best PTZ is actually not a PTZ at all.
Instead, it is a fully remote operated camcorder or studio camera mounted to a third-party pan/tilt remote head.
If you want an idea of some high-end solutions available, check out Ross Furio series, Telemetrics, Mark Roberts Motion Control, and the Vinten Vantage series.
Here are a few options to consider if image quality or specific camera features are priority, but PTZ capabilities are also needed...
Bescor MP101
When you just need a quick and simple pan/tilt remote head to mount a camcorder on, the MP101 has been the go-to for many years.
It can hold up to 6 lbs, rotate ±170 degrees, tilt ±15 degrees, and can be powered by 4 x AA batteries, AC power, or external batteries.
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Skaarhoj
If you've ever thought to yourself "I wish this could connect to that and control it...", Skaarhoj may already have the answer.
Their products are an essential "glue" that holds many remote and PTZ workflows together, and they do it well.
Top notch engineering, high quality manufacturing, and tons of options to get just the workflow you need.
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Middle Things
This solution is pretty slick, uniting the indie filmmaking world with live PTZ production.
Control your DJI gimbals and Blackmagic cameras straight from your ATEM switcher, even using regular USB joysticks.
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