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Bosch Security and Safety Systems I South East Europe
Video Systems

PTZ cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)

Moving cameras that can pan, tilt and zoom for wide-area coverage and minimal blind spots.

What is a pan-tilt-zoom camera?

PTZ cameras, or pan-tilt-zoom cameras, are essential in security and surveillance. Their advanced capabilities allow security operators to control the camera’s direction left or right, tilt up or down and zoom in on critical details when necessary. This versatility ensures nothing escapes attention, making PTZ cameras and indispensable choice for effective security management.

Bosch PTZ cameras deliver high-quality surveillance footage that is crucial for identifying and responding to incidents indoors and outdoors. High-performing AUTODOME and MIC PTZ moving cameras offer flexible zoom control for wide-area coverage and high-quality imaging, even in low-light conditions. This feature enhances the accuracy of identifying faces, license plates, and other important details with minimum motion blur. Clear and detailed shots are crucial for security professionals monitoring large areas like traffic and construction sites and law enforcement personnel who need to make quick, informed decisions.

Advantages of PTZ Cameras

1. Wide-area coverage with a single camera

2. Remote control capabilities for real-time adjustments

3. High-resolution images and detailed shots

4. Automation features for consistent monitoring

5. Cost-effective solution for large-scale surveillance

Applications of PTZ security cameras

PTZ surveillance cameras are widely used in various settings:

Large areas

Ideal for monitoring expansive spaces like parking lots, warehouses, and outdoor sites - with wide-area coverage.

Perimeter protection

Ideal for early and long range detection in challenging outdoor scenes (can even detect crawling, rolling and camouflaged intruders)

City and traffic

Useful for monitoring traffic and crowds to understand flow, and accurately classify types of vehicles (and people).

Key Features of PTZ Cameras

Pan-tilt-zoom camera overlooking an empty parking lot

Pan, tilt, and zoom

Pan-tilt-zoom functionality allows PTZ cams to rotate left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom in and out. This versatility enables users to:

  • Monitor large areas efficiently
  • Obtain close-up views of suspicious activity
  • Capture license plates and object details
  • Eliminate blind spots in expansive spaces
close up of motorized zoom lens of PTZ camera

Zoom capabilities

Zoom capabilities are a standout feature of PTZ security cameras. Most models offer both optical zoom and digital zoom options:

  • Optical zoom uses a motorized zoom lens to magnify images without loss of quality
  • Digital zoom enlarges pixels, which may result in some digital pixelation
A moving vehicle being tracked through the lens of a PTZ cam

Auto tracking

Auto tracking is an advanced feature that allows PTZ CCTV cameras to automatically follow moving objects or individuals. This functionality is particularly useful for:

Industry outdoor area seen from above with illustration showing 360-degree coverage

Preset tours

Preset tours enable users to program predetermined pan, tilt, and zoom sequences. This automation feature ensures consistent coverage to safeguard critical areas without constant manual control.

A moving vehicle in a city street

Video Analytics while moving

Advanced video processing systems utilize real-time analysis to automatically generate descriptive metadata about the events occurring within a (moving) video feed. This capability enables PTZ surveillance cameras to execute various tasks, including:

Technologies in PTZ Cameras

Advanced PTZ IP cameras often incorporate modern technologies:

  • AI-enabled PTZs with advanced video analytics
  • 4K and HD imaging for superior detail
  • Low-light performance for challenging conditions
  • 360-degree FOV coverage options
  • PoE (Power over Ethernet) for simplified installation

Integration with recording and management solutions

PTZ security cameras can be integrated with various solutions:

Our moving PTZ cameras

PTZ security camera with wall mount
Locate, track and zoom

The AUTODOME family

AUTODOME moving video cameras are made for high level security application with a robust ball form factor that enables undistorted, high-resolution video. A built-in closed loop positioning system ensures a position is never lost, which significantly improves reliability in challenging weather conditions.

The latest AUTODOME cameras, like the AUTODOME 7100i (IR), feature IVA Pro, an expert suite of application-specific video analytics offering reliable, precise classification for city surveillance, traffic monitoring and long-distance perimeter detection. When paired with IVA Pro Intelligent Tracking, the camera improves situational awareness by detecting and classifying persons or vehicles when the camera is panning, tilting, or zooming and follows continuously, even if the object stops moving.

To save valuable time while still maintaining safety standards, the cameras employ a simplified installation concept and require no calibration for person or vehicle detection.

PTZ moving camera with illuminator
Made for extremes

The MIC family

MIC security cameras provide wide-area coverage, and are designed for surveillance applications beyond the mechanical capabilities of normal PTZ cameras. A robust, solid metal housing (rated to an industry-leading IP68, Type 6P, IK10) endures high impacts and protects against salt-water and corrosion. It is constructed to perform in any environment and withstands high winds, heavy rain, snow, 100% humidity and extreme temperatures.

An optional illuminator can light up areas without compromising video quality and significantly helps with deterrence in unmanned areas. Thanks to edge-based AI, the cameras are designed to resist false triggers like snow, wind, rain, hail, water reflections, and shaking.

The MIC IP fusion 9000i 9mm camera combines a thermal imager with an optical camera. With metadata fusion, it offers a unique technology to combine object detection data from both thermal and optical video analytics streams and display them together in one view.

Thanks to easy installation and maintenance, they deliver a lifetime of value, making them the most cost-effective choice to safeguard mission-critical applications.

Choosing the Right Type of PTZ Camera for Your Needs

When selecting a PTZ surveillance camera, consider:

1. Coverage area and required range

2. Indoor or outdoor use

3. Resolution and image quality needs

4. Low-light performance requirements

5. Environmental conditions in which the camera is placed

6. Integration with existing systems

7. Remote access and control needs

Need advice? Our experts can help you out.

Summary

PTZ cameras offer a powerful and flexible solution for monitoring large areas and capturing detailed shots of suspicious activity. With advanced features like auto tracking, preset tours, and high-quality imaging, these versatile security cameras provide comprehensive surveillance capabilities for a wide range of applications. When choosing a PTZ cam, carefully consider your specific needs, environment, and budget to find the ideal solution for your security requirements.

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