PTZ cameras rental
A PTZ camera can pan, tilt and zoom, all controlled remotely from the control room, without an operator standing behind it. That way you cover a whole hall with a few cameras and switch smoothly between viewpoints for your livestream or recording. HuurAV takes care of advice on positioning and control, the build, a test of the camera control and operation on site, so every shot is framed cleanly at the right moment.
What a PTZ camera is
A PTZ camera owes its name to the three movements the device can perform remotely: pan (turning horizontally), tilt (tilting vertically) and zoom (zooming in and out). Where an ordinary camera has a fixed viewpoint or needs an operator to move, a PTZ camera is controlled entirely from the control room. One operator controls several cameras at once from a central place, chooses the framing and follows the action, without anyone having to stand physically behind the camera.
That principle changes the way you capture an event on screen. Instead of a camera crew moving visibly through the hall, you place compact cameras at strategic points that do their work unobtrusively. From the control room you set the desired framing per camera, save fixed positions and jump from one viewpoint to another at the push of a button. That gives you the dynamics of a multi-camera production, while the crew stays small and the setup discreet.
Why you choose PTZ
The main reason to deploy PTZ cameras is efficiency without giving up image quality. A classic setup with several manned cameras calls for just as many camera operators, which is costly and visible. With PTZ cameras one operator controls a whole set of viewpoints, which makes the crew smaller and the setup more unobtrusive. For livestreams, hybrid events and recordings where you want to show several angles, that is a solution.
On top of that, PTZ cameras are discreet. They are compact, place at the bottom of a stand or on a console, and draw no attention away from the stage. For an event where you do not want to disturb the experience in the hall, that is valuable. Speakers and audience barely notice the cameras, while the broadcast or recording looks professional and varied.
Suitable events
At hybrid events and livestreams PTZ cameras deliver the varied footage that keeps an online broadcast lively. At presentations and conferences that are recorded or broadcast, they cover the whole hall with a few positions. And at corporate events they provide a polished recording without a camera crew being visible in the space.
The technology: positioning and control
The strength of a PTZ setup lies in the well-thought-out placement of the cameras. Each camera gets a task: a wide shot of the stage, a close-up of the speaker, a side view for extra dynamics or a shot of the audience. We determine the positions based on the hall layout, the sightlines and the programme, and place the cameras so that together they can capture every important moment. The position must be free of obstacles and offer a good angle on the action.
The control happens from the control room via a control panel or software. The operator saves fixed viewpoints per camera, known as presets, so that during the event they can jump to a preset frame in a flash. The movements are smooth and controlled, so a zoom or turn looks smooth on the broadcast and not jerky. We link all cameras to the image mixer, where the control room assembles the final image.
Automatic tracking and manual control
Many PTZ cameras support automatic tracking, where the camera keeps a moving speaker in shot by itself. That is handy at presentations where someone walks around the stage, because the operator can then focus on the other cameras. We set up that tracking in advance and test it thoroughly on site. At the same time we always keep manual control on hand, because there are moments when a deliberately chosen frame works better than automatic tracking.
Considerations with PTZ cameras
A successful PTZ setup calls for attention to light. Cameras only deliver a good image once the subject is well lit. Too little light gives a grainy, dull image, while harsh backlighting puts a speaker in silhouette. We match the camera position and the lighting to each other, so each camera delivers a clear, even image that matches the other viewpoints.
A second point is consistency between the cameras. If the colours and brightness differ per camera, that shows immediately when switching. We calibrate the cameras on site so they look the same as each other and a switch between viewpoints goes seamlessly. That is one of the details that makes the difference between an amateurish and a polished production.
Finally, the operation during the event is decisive. A PTZ camera is only as good as the operator controlling it. Smooth movements, well-timed switches and sharp framing call for experience and concentration. Our technician operates the cameras throughout the programme, anticipates what is about to happen and keeps the shots clean, so the control room always has the right viewpoint at its disposal.
Combining and renting at HuurAV
PTZ cameras come into their own in a complete image chain. They link to an image mixer and a streaming encoder for your livestream, and work together with a good lighting setup that lights the speakers and with clear sound, which is just as important online as image. Within our range in the field of video we build the cameras, the control and the transmission as one.
HuurAV takes care of the advice on positioning and control, the build, a test of the camera control and operation on site, so every shot is framed cleanly at the right moment. If you want the equipment only, without support, standalone rental is available through Speaker Verhuur Amsterdam at SpeakerVerhuur.nl. Request a no-obligation quote and we will put together a fitting camera setup for your event.
Renting ptz cameras rental
What does PTZ mean?
PTZ stands for pan, tilt and zoom: the camera can turn horizontally, tilt vertically and zoom in or out. What makes it special is that this is all controlled remotely from the control room, without anyone physically standing behind the camera. That way you control several cameras at once from one place and follow speakers or the stage without a camera crew being in shot.
How many PTZ cameras do I need?
That depends on the hall and the type of event. For a speaker on a stage, two or three cameras are often enough: a wide shot, a close-up and a side view. For a larger or more complex event you deploy more. We advise on the number and the positions based on your programme and the hall layout, so you have every important moment in shot.
Can a PTZ camera follow a speaker automatically?
Many PTZ cameras support automatic tracking, where the camera keeps a moving speaker in shot by itself. That works nicely at presentations where someone walks around the stage. We set up the tracking in advance and test it on site, and always keep manual control on hand for the moments when precision matters more than automation.
Are PTZ cameras suitable for livestreams?
PTZ cameras are very suitable for livestreams precisely because a small crew can control several viewpoints and switch smoothly between shots. They deliver a clean, professional image and are discreet because there is no operator standing beside them. We link them to the image mixer and the encoder, so your broadcast looks polished.
Renting ptz cameras rental for your event?
Tell us what you are organising. We advise, deliver, build and operate on location, or you rent it yourself through our webshop.