Welcome to Churchfront! Today, we’re diving into the auto tracking feature of the PTZ Optics 4K Move camera. This advanced piece of technology offers impressive capabilities for any church looking to enhance its video production. In this article, I’ll walk you through the setup and functionality of the auto tracking feature, sharing my hands-on experience.
Setting Up the PTZ Optics 4K Move
The PTZ Optics 4K Move camera streams footage over NDI, wirelessly captured to my computer. To access the camera’s controls, you simply type the camera’s IP address into a web browser. This opens up a control page where you can adjust various settings, including image control and auto tracking.
The auto tracking feature can be toggled on or off from this page, through PTZ Optics joystick controllers, or even using the infrared remote. For this demonstration, I navigated to the control tab and enabled auto tracking.
Testing Auto Tracking
Once activated, the camera immediately started detecting a subject. As I moved around the stage, the camera tracked me with ease. Initially, I noticed a bit more headroom in the framing than I preferred. However, the tracking was smooth and responsive.
While auto tracking is active, manual adjustments to zoom or framing are locked. To test its functionality further, I toggled the auto tracking off and then back on. This reset the framing, which resulted in a more natural look with less headroom.
Performance and Adjustments
The PTZ Optics 4K Move camera tracked my movements across the stage smoothly, even when I walked directly towards the camera. It managed to keep me in frame, although it momentarily lost me when I moved out of the frame quickly. Upon returning, the camera promptly detected and tracked me again.
Interestingly, the camera does not rely on face detection to track the subject, making it versatile for different types of presentations. I tested its limits by moving rapidly and changing directions, and the camera performed admirably.
Framing and Focus
The framing was generally accurate, but after extensive movement, the camera benefited from a quick reset. Turning auto tracking off and on again recalibrated the framing to a more desirable position. The auto focus, while effective, occasionally struggled with our stained glass background but quickly readjusted.
Integration with Church Setup
At Rock Harbor Church, we’ve been using PTZ Optics 4K Move cameras for several months. They offer excellent value at around $2,000 per camera. Our setup includes using the SDI output to connect to our ATEM video switcher, though the built-in NDI with HX feature is also a great option for reducing network bandwidth.
These cameras integrate seamlessly into our system, allowing control from any web browser, PTZ Optics joystick controllers, or infrared remotes. Additionally, PTZ Optics offers a Hive platform that will revolutionize remote camera control.
Image Quality and Control
Despite the compact form factor and smaller sensors typical of PTZ cameras, the PTZ Optics 4K Move delivers impressive image quality, provided there is sufficient lighting. We have well-calibrated lighting at 4,000 Kelvin, complemented by blue kick lights and colored stained glass, creating a pleasing bokeh effect.
The auto focus locks onto the subject well, though manual adjustments to exposure settings are recommended to avoid overexposure or graininess. The control interface is user-friendly, allowing adjustments to image exposure, iris, shutter, and gain. Preset positions can be set for different camera angles, and the pan, tilt, zoom, and focus speeds are adjustable.
Joystick Controller
The PTZ Optics Super Joy joystick controller further enhances the camera’s functionality. It connects via a single POE network connection, allowing power and control through our main network switch. The joystick makes it easy to select and switch between different cameras, adjust settings, and recall presets.
Comparing PTZ Optics Cameras
We also tested the PTZ Optics Move SE, a more budget-friendly option at around $1,000. Although it only supports 1080p resolution, it pairs well with the 4K Move cameras. Both cameras demonstrated robust tracking capabilities, although the 4K Move offered superior image quality.
Conclusion
Overall, I am very pleased with the PTZ Optics 4K Move cameras. They provide excellent value for their price and are a strong choice for medium-range broadcast budgets. While higher-end options like Canon or Sony may offer enhanced image quality and precise control, the PTZ Optics cameras deliver exceptional performance for the cost.
At Churchfront, we are proud to be a dealer for PTZ Optics cameras. If you are considering these cameras for your church, feel free to reach out to us. Whether you’re a current client or exploring future design projects, these cameras are a fantastic option to consider.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you found this article helpful. If you did, please leave a like, subscribe, and I’ll see you next time!
