If you require an outdoor security camera with the ability to perform surveillance over the entire 360-degree area of your property, an outdoor PTZ camera is your best option. The challenge is determining which outdoor PTZ camera is most suitable for your business requirements.
In this article:
PTZ Outdoor Camera
A PTZ camera is a type of camera that has pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. This means that the camera can be remotely controlled to move left or right (pan), up or down (tilt), and closer or further away (zoom).
PTZ cameras are commonly used in surveillance systems, as they allow for a wide range of viewing angles and can be controlled by a security operator or software to track subjects of interest. They can also be used in video conferencing, broadcasting, and live streaming applications, where the camera operator can remotely adjust the camera’s position and zoom to capture the desired shot.
PTZ cameras are typically equipped with motors and gears that allow for precise movement and positioning, and they often have features such as auto-tracking, which can automatically follow a moving object or person. Some PTZ cameras also have advanced features such as facial recognition and object tracking, which can further enhance their surveillance capabilities.
Tips to Choose Outdoor PTZ Camera
Choosing the best outdoor PTZ camera to meet your business need is challenging. Here are some tips to consider when buying a business class PTZ camera:
Image Quality:
The first thing to consider when buying a PTZ camera is image quality. Look for cameras with high resolution and good low light performance. A minimum resolution of 1080p is recommended for business use, but if you need higher quality, consider cameras with 4K resolution.
Zoom Capabilities:
Consider the camera’s zoom capabilities, as this is a critical feature of a PTZ camera. Look for cameras with a high optical zoom, as this will allow you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality.
PTZ cameras generally offer optical zoom or digital zoom, which one is better between optical and digital zoom. PTZ cameras generally offer either optical zoom or digital zoom, or a combination of both.
Optical zoom uses the physical movement of the camera’s lens to zoom in or out, allowing the camera to maintain a high level of image quality even at high zoom levels. Optical zoom is generally considered to be superior to digital zoom, as it does not degrade image quality.
Digital zoom, on the other hand, uses software to magnify the image and make it appear closer, which can result in a loss of image quality and detail. Digital zoom works by cropping the original image and enlarging the remaining portion, which can lead to a pixelated or blurry image.
In general, optical zoom is preferred over digital zoom, as it provides higher quality and more detailed images. However, there are some situations where digital zoom may be useful, such as when the camera is unable to get closer to the subject, or when the image quality is not critical.
It’s worth noting that some PTZ cameras offer a combination of optical and digital zoom, allowing users to take advantage of both types of zoom depending on the situation.
Harsh Environment
The primary goal of a surveillance system is to detect intruders attempting to breach the outer perimeter of your property. Consequently, outdoor cameras must be strategically positioned in areas that are typically exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as rain, wind, extreme temperature changes, and the possibility of lightning strikes.
As a result, your security camera must be able to withstand such severe environments. At a minimum, it should be weatherproof and rated IP66 for weather resistance. Ideally, it should come with a sturdy housing that offers vandal resistance and lightning protection features.
Pan / Tilt Speed:
Consider the pan/tilt speed of the camera, as this will impact its ability to track fast-moving objects. Look for cameras with fast pan/tilt speeds, particularly if you plan to use the camera for surveillance or security purposes.
Control Options:
Look for cameras with easy-to-use control options, such as a joystick or remote control. Some cameras also have software control options that allow you to control the camera from a computer or mobile device.
Compatibility:
Consider the camera’s compatibility with other devices and systems, such as video conferencing software, recording systems, and network infrastructure. Look for cameras that are compatible with your existing equipment or can easily integrate with new equipment.
Durability:
Consider the durability of the camera, particularly if you plan to use it in harsh or outdoor environments. Look for cameras with weather-resistant housing and durable construction.
Brand Reputation:
Look for cameras from reputable brands that have a track record of producing high-quality, reliable products. Consider reading reviews and doing research to find the best PTZ camera for your business needs.
Best Outdoor PTZ Camera
By considering these factors, you can find a high-quality, reliable PTZ camera that will meet your business needs and provide years of use. A product that is ideal for your residential property may not be sufficient for your business property, especially for large offices and process plants that demand a high level of security.
The following are the top-rated products suitable for small businesses, large homes, and offices with a high-security level. Let’s begin with the product best suited for homes or small businesses.
1. Reolink RLC-523wa
Reolink offers a wide range of DIY security camera products that are affordable compared to similar offerings from other vendors, without compromising on specifications and features required for homes or small businesses. Among its best-selling products is the Reolink RLC-523wa, a top-tier PTZ outdoor camera with Wi-Fi connectivity, designed for such settings.
Wifi camera
Wi-Fi connectivity allows for practical placement in strategic outdoor locations, eliminating the need for running network cables to connect to your home internet network. Dual-band Wi-Fi support is also included, making it an excellent option for connecting to the latest Wi-Fi routers with dual-band technology. This feature allows you to utilize the cleaner and less crowded 5GHz radio band, reducing the risk of signal interference compared to the more crowded 2.4GHz radio band.
5MP Resolution with AI features
The Reolink RLC-523 boasts a 5MP (2k) camera resolution, while its wired counterpart, the Reolink RLC-823, offers double the resolution at 4k. For most residential applications, the 2k resolution is more than sufficient. However, if you require a higher resolution, the RLC-823 is an excellent option, though it is not available as a Wi-Fi model.
Pease notice that nowadays In addition of RLC 823a, reolink updates its line of PTZ cameras with RLC 823a 16x that comes with longer focal length range with 16x optical zoom as opposed to only 5x optical zoom on previous version of rlc823a.
One of the key advantages of this camera is its support for AI technology, enabling it to detect only human and vehicle motion, minimizing false alerts. You can easily adjust the sensitivity level of motion detection using either the motion detection radio button or Smart detection, making it an ideal option for residential and small business settings.
From the camera setting select Setting > Detection Alarm > Sensitivity, you can either select ‘Motion detection’ or ‘Smart detection’ radio button. With selection of ‘Smart detection’ you enable the ptz outdoor camera to detect motion smarter, detecting only human and vehicle.
Night Vision
Both the Reolink RLC-523 and RLC-823 models come equipped with three spotlights that can illuminate the surroundings and provide color night vision. When motion is detected, the spotlight automatically turns on, producing full-color images. You can also disable the spotlight to use black and white night vision with IR LEDs. By default, the camera is set to ‘auto’ mode.
Go to menu and select Advanced > Spotlight > Click Night Mode > select Close radio button to turn off the spotlights. Or you can setup the spotlights to turn on when you live view. Instead of click the ‘Night mode’, you select Auto-On for Live View.
Additionally, this camera supports time-lapse recording. However, note that this feature cannot be enabled when the camera is connected to a recording unit (NVR). Instead, it must operate as a stand-alone device and be controlled through the Reolink app on your Smartphone.
Highlights
- 5MP resolution @20 fps wireless PTZ camera with auto tracking feature
- Varifocal lens f=2.7~13.5mm F=1.6~3.3 support 5x Optical zoom and 16x digital zoom
- Comes with 3x Spotlights 945 lumens and 5700 Kelvin color temperature, turned On with event detection or Live view
- Color night vision with spotlights ON or B/W night vision with 4pcs 850nm IR LEDs range up to 190ft (60m)
- Two way audio with built-in speaker and microphone and support local memory storage micro SD Card up to 256GB
- Comes with dual band 802.11a/b/g/n wifi and Ethernet Port
- 360 degree panning with Pan Speed 2.5°-150°/s and 90 degree tilting with Tilt Speed 1.5°-60°/s Preset: 64
- IP66 weatherproof with aluminum metal housing
Cons
- Only IP66 weatherproof feature, doesn’t support lightning and surge protection, no IK10 vandal resistant
- Doesn’t support richer alerts such as perimeter protection, face capture, advanced behavior protection
If you require a more advanced PTZ camera with features such as face capture, perimeter protection, and lightning protection, the Reolink RLC-523 may not be the best option for you. However, for home use, this camera is one of the best outdoor PTZ cameras available.
To read more spec details and current price (around $259.99 Jan 2022 in Amazon), click the product’ link below in Amazon.
Click here to learn more details Reolink RLC-523 in Amazon (#ad)
See also comparison between Dahua vs Reolonk vs Hikvision PTZ camera, choose best value reolink vs professional ptz cameras.
What if ptz camera for businesses? Which best ptz outdoor camera suitable to meet your business?
2. Amcrest IP4M-1083
Amcrest has recently released the much more advanced Amcrest IP4M-1083 outdoor PTZ camera, building upon the success of its previous model, the Amcrest IP4M-1063. This new series offers even more sophisticated features than its predecessor, surpassing what the Reolink RLC-523 can offer.
32 x Optical zoom
The IP4M-1083 boasts a Sony Starvis CMOS 4MP resolution, which is slightly lower than that of the Reolink. However, the real difference lies in the zoom capabilities. The Amcrest IP4M-1083 comes with 32x optical motorized zoom, while the Reolink only offers 5x optical zoom. This makes the Amcrest PTZ camera an ideal option for industrial surveillance needs, allowing for coverage of a vast area while maintaining sharp and vivid image quality even at full 32x optical zoom.
Night Vision
In comparison to the Reolink rlc-523, which we discussed earlier and has spotlights for color night vision, the Amcrest ip4m-1083 does not have this feature. Instead, it uses the Sony Starvis CMOS sensor which is known for providing good camera performance in low light conditions. Additionally, the camera boasts a true 120dB WDR feature which compensates for extreme lighting conditions, ensuring that the camera produces high-quality images even in challenging lights environments.
See also Hikvision Colorvu vs Dahua color night vision cameras.
Better housing protection
PTZ cameras installed outdoors are often subjected to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, rain, snow, and even lightning strikes if they are mounted on a tall structure. Amcrest offers better protection against these conditions with IP67 weatherproof and IK10 vandal-proof ratings, as well as 6KV lightning protection. This product also features a sturdy metal aluminum housing to ensure durability and longevity.
The amcrest ip4m-1083 is designed to cover a wide area with its 32x optical zoom feature, making it ideal for outdoor placement at elevated heights. As a result, the camera requires lightning protection, which is included in its solid metal aluminum housing. In contrast, the Reolink rlc-523, with only 5x optical zoom, is suitable for porch placement.
Smart Alerts
While the Reolink rlc-523 offers human and vehicle detection for smart alerts, it lacks the comprehensive Deep IVS feature set of the Amcrest ip4m-1083. Deep IVS includes advanced analytics such as face detection, tripwire, and intrusion, which can be managed through a web browser interface rather than the Amcrest View Pro app.
In high-security areas, tripwire protection is often required, which triggers an alarm if someone crosses a specified line. With the amcrest ip4m-1083, you can create such a rule with the tripwire feature and specify the direction of the trigger. This feature is not available in the Reolink rlc-523 or many other PTZ cameras.
There are still more smart features you can configure to add higher level of security in business properties.
Highlights
- High speed PTZ outdoor camera with 4MP resolution @30 fps, designed with Sony Starvis CMOS image sensor for much better low light performance
- Long range varifocal lens 4.9 mm ~ 156 mm with Max. Aperture F1.35 ~ F4.4
- 32x optical motorized zoom and 16x digital zoom
- Comes with 120dB true WDR
- 4x IR LEDs with range up to 492.13ft (150m)
- 360 degree endless panning, speed up to 200 degree /s, tilting up to 90 degree with speed up to 120 degree
- Presets up to 300, 8 tour, 5 patters and 5 scan
- IVS rules and Smart event trigger including human and vehicle detection, video tampering, scene changing, network disconnection etc
- AI features including tripwire and intrusion, face detection
- Support micro SD Card 256GB, NAS, Local PC, NVR
- POE support
- IP67 weatherproof, IK10, 6000V lightening proof, surge and voltage protection
Cons
- Very heavy security gear
The Amcrest IP4M-1083 is a professional-grade PTZ camera and its price point is higher compared to standard PTZ cameras in the market (MSRP $899.99). However, the product is available at a relatively lower retail price on Amazon (#ad). To check the current price and explore more details about its specifications, click on the product link provided below.
Click here to learn more details Amcrest PTZ camera(#ad)
For businesses, this camera is one of best ptz outdoor camera products available in the market today that support AI and IVS feature.
3. Lorex E881AP
If the Amcrest ip4m-1083 series, which offers a high-end PTZ camera with 4MP video resolution, doesn’t meet your business needs, you may want to consider the Lorex e881ap series, which offers 4K resolution.
4k resolution
The Lorex e881ap boasts a double resolution image sensor similar to the Amcrest but has a slightly shorter varifocal lens, providing up to 25x optical zoom. While its optical zoom factor is only 78% of that of the Amcrest, the Lorex’s 4K video resolution allows for more detailed imagery even when fully zoomed in.
Both cameras are equipped with a wide dynamic range feature to handle unfavorable lighting conditions with both bright and shaded light in the frame. However, the Lorex utilizes HDR technology (a digital version of WDR) rather than true 120dB WDR.
For night vision, both products offer either color night vision in ambient light conditions or black and white with IR LEDs.
Body protection
Both the Amcrest and Lorex models feature a durable metal aluminum housing and are designed to be weatherproof and vandal-resistant. While the Lorex model is slightly heavier than the Amcrest, it still provides robust protection against physical damage.
However, the Amcrest IP4M-1083 has an advantage in terms of electrical surge protection, withstanding up to 6000V. This makes it a great option for use in large-scale industrial plant environments, such as mining projects and airports, where the risk of electrical surges is higher.
Audio and Alarm
The Amcrest IP4M-1083 camera comes with an Audio In/Out interface port, which allows for the connection of external audio devices, such as microphones and speakers. This means that the camera can be used for two-way audio communication, allowing users to speak and listen through the camera.
In addition, the Amcrest IP4M-1083 camera also features Alarm I/O 2/1, which refers to its ability to support two alarm input devices and one alarm output device. This means that the camera can be integrated with other security devices, such as door sensors or sirens, and can trigger them in response to certain events, such as motion detection.
On the other hand, the Lorex e881ap camera does not come with an Audio In/Out interface port or Alarm I/O capabilities. This means that it cannot support two-way audio communication or be integrated with other security devices for triggering alarms. However, it still provides excellent video quality and features that make it a great choice for many business and security applications.
Take a look at the following spec comparison table between lorex and amcrest high speed PTZ camera, best ptz camera for businesses.
Table 1 Lorex vs Amcrest PTZ Camera
| PTZ Camera Model | Lorex E881AP | Amcrest IP4M-1083 |
| Image sensor | 8MP/4K 1/1.8″ CMOS | 1/2.8″ 4MP STARVIS™ CMOS |
| Lens | Varifocal lens 5.3 ~ 135mm F1.6- F4.0 / Zoom Module | Varifocal lens 4.9 mm ~ 156 mm F1.35–F4.4 |
| View Angle | Horizontal: 61.6°– 3.6° / Diagonal: 66.6°– 4° | Horizontal: 61.6°–2.1°; Vertical: 35.1°–1.3°; Diagonal: 68.2°–2.5° |
| Zoom | 25x Optical zoom and supports digital zoom | 32x optical zoom 16x digital zoom |
| Minimum Illumination | Unknown | Color: 0.005 Lux @F1.6B /W: 0.0005 Lux @F1.60 Lux @F1.6 (IR light on) |
| WDR | HDR | 120 dB WDR |
| Night Vision | Color night vision in ambient light Low light night vision with IR LEDs up to 150ft (46m) or up to 98ft for total darkness | Auto (ICR)/ Color/B/W Auto (ICR)/Color/B/W 4x LEDs range up to 492.13 ft (150m) |
| Video resolution | Up to 4K (8MP) @ 30fps | 4MP @25 fps with H.265 supports |
| Connectivity | Wired Ethernet | 10/100Mbps Ethernet Port |
| Power | PoE Plus Class -802.3at)/24W | AC 24V/3A ± 25% (standard) PoE+ (802.3at) |
| PT | Pan: 0°~ 360° endless Tilt: -15° ~ 90° | Pan: 0°–360° (endless) Tilt: -15°–90° (auto flip 180°) |
| PT Speed | Pan: 0.1°~ 300°/s Tilt: 0.1°~ 200°/s | Pan: 0.1°–200°/s Tilt: 0.1°–120°/s |
| Audio | N/A | Audio In/Out interface port |
| Alarm | N/A | Alarm I/O 2/1 |
| Storage | NVR system | NAS; Local PC; Micro SD Card (Up to 256GB) |
| Body Protection | IP67 weatherproof IK10 vandal-resistant with metal aluminum housing | IP67 weatherproof; IK10 violence proof; 6000V lightning proof; surge; voltage protection |
| Dimension | 20.50 inches x 10.50 inches x 10.40 inches | Φ7.48″ × 13.07″ (Φ190 mm x 332 mm) |
| Weight | 11.7lb / 5.3kg | 10.36 lbs. (4.7 kg) |
| Price | $999.99 | $859.99 |
See that the price difference is not too much. Now you have better insights the spec differences between these business class ptz camera. Lorex E881AP with 4k resolution and 25x optical zoom is one of best ptz camera with 4k resolution.
Click here to learn more details lorex E881AP in Amazon (#ad)
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For large channel business class NVR system, see Lorex vs GW Security 32 channel system kits, 32 channel NVR system with 32 4k cameras.