Security cameras
What does PTZ mean on a camera?
PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt and Zoom: a PTZ camera can turn left and right (pan), tilt up and down (tilt), and bring the image closer (zoom), all controlled remotely from an app. That lets one camera watch a much wider area than a fixed one.
What each movement does
Pan is the horizontal rotation that sweeps the room from side to side. Spec sheets list it in degrees; around 355° means it turns almost all the way around.
Tilt is the vertical angle, for looking toward the floor or ceiling. Zoom brings the image closer; on home Wi-Fi cameras it is usually digital, not optical.
Features that usually come with PTZ
Auto tracking: when the camera detects motion, it turns to keep the person in frame.
Preset positions and patrol: you can save spots (the door, the window) and let the camera cycle through them. Keep in mind that while it looks at one spot, it does not see the others.
What to check before you buy
- Check the horizontal and vertical rotation in degrees: they define how much it covers.
- If you need to zoom in a lot, confirm whether the zoom is optical or digital.
- For outdoor use, it should also carry an IP rating (IP65 or IP66) against rain and dust.
Guides to help you choose
Frequently asked questions
It covers more area with one device, but it only sees where it points at any moment. To watch one spot all the time, a fixed camera is safer.