PTZ5A4M-25X vs PTZ4M-25X

J

JL-F1

Getting the hang of it
Jun 12, 2020
132
80
USA
Looking to update one front camera to tracking

I have an overview camera as well

I only need identify out to about 80ft

I do have fairly low light at night

Is the only real advantage for me the low light capability of the PTZA4M?

Or are there any other pros cons between the two?

I will be going with Empiretech for either, of course :)

Thank you
 
The PTZ5A4M-25X is 4MP on the ideal 1/1.8" sensor.

The PTZ4M-25X is 4MP on the smaller less than ideal 1/2.8" sensor.

Regardless of the what the LUX ratings say, the 5A will do better at night.
 
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I have several of both models installed. The PTZ5A4M-25X 1/1.8 sensor is sharper even in the day and massively better able to get dim details at night. It really isn’t much of a competition. One is so obviously superior performing that the only reason to buy the 1/2.8 censored one is if one simply cannot afford the PTZ5A4M-25X
 
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I don't have the cameras in same position, but these two shots tonight via PTZ5A4M-25X vs PTZ4M-25X should already give you a good feel for the night time difference. Mind, you the PTZ4M-25X would be even murkier without the extra IR floods.

PTZ4M-25X 4MP on less than ideal 1/2.8" sensor. Notice how the grass lacks detail and the fir tree has blobs for its branches.
Screenshot 2024-04-16 at 21.44.24.jpg

PTZ5A4M-25X is 4MP on the ideal 1/1.8" sensor. The grass is sharper. It's just plain more detail despite both being 4MP cameras.
Screenshot 2024-04-16 at 21.44.38.jpg

FInally, here is Andromeda galaxy this morning on the PTZ5A4M-25X. I can barely see any stars in the slight night haze with my eyes, but with the cameras set to 250 msec shutter and 65 gain, it sees a lot of stars even zoomed in about 15X.

Screenshot 2024-04-17 at 03.34.16.jpg
 
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Finally replaced older PTZ4M-25X 4MP (less than ideal 1/2.8 sensor) with a PTZ5A4M-25X 4MP (on 1/1.8 sensor).
Now I can supply a more direct comparison between the smaller sensor vs larger sensor PTZ's. Both are 4MP images, but the sensor difference is obvious.

First is the 1/2.8 sensored PTZ4M-25X 4MP. Again, without the two extra IR lights, you would not be able to see much detail in the area below tree across the yard.
05-07-2025 22 C Knoll PTZ.m4v-00_00_12-00001.png

Next is the PTZ5A4M-25X 4MP (on 1/1.8 sensor). Same lighting setup. The 1/1.8" sensor camera shutter is set to manual 0 to 20 msec. It achieves even better clarity WITHOUT a motion destroying long exposure.
05-17-2025 00-01-54 M Knoll PTZ.m4v-00_00_00-00001.png
 
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guykuo said:
Next is the PTZ5A4M-25X 4MP (on 1/1.8 sensor). Same lighting setup. The 1/1.8" sensor camera shutter is set to manual 0 to 20 msec. It achieves even better clarity WITHOUT a motion destroying long exposure.
View attachment 221196
Click to expand...
You could even dial back the exposure on the 5A. Exposure is overcooked, especially in the foreground.

You have a TON of ambient lighting (post lighting, accent lighting). Not many will have this much light available. Everyone's application will be different.
 
Anyone have recommended exposure settings for those night time star shots?
Used to have it dialed in but it defaulted and I lost it.
Saw above 250ms shutter and 65 gain. That about right?
 
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