Hardware · Networking
PTZ Camera
Also known as: Pan-Tilt-Zoom Camera
A PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera is a remotely controllable security or AV camera that can pan (rotate horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom optically — as opposed to a fixed-position camera with a set field of view.
PTZ cameras are used in security, conference rooms, broadcast, and event coverage where the field of view needs to be adjusted remotely or automatically. A single PTZ camera covering a large area can replace several fixed cameras, though it can only cover one area at a time.
In IT infrastructure terms, PTZ cameras are network-connected IP cameras — they run on the data network, typically on a dedicated IoT or camera VLAN, and are powered via PoE (usually PoE+ or PoE++ given their higher power draw for the motor and optics).
Control protocols: most PTZ cameras use VISCA (Sony's PTZ control protocol), PELCO-D/P, or IP-based API control. In video management systems (VMS), PTZ control is typically integrated — clicking in the camera view moves the camera.
For conferencing, auto-tracking PTZ cameras use AI to follow speakers around a room, keeping them centered in frame without a dedicated camera operator. These are increasingly common in hybrid meeting room setups.