@jmcu put together a really good video on the PTZ4M-25X-PV, which is the replacement to the popular 49425 model.
I have been playing with one and @EMPIRETECANDY asked me to share my thoughts and do some comparison images of my other PTZs, so I won't replicate the stuff in the video.
Even though this camera is on the less than ideal MP/sensor ratio, the updated chipset and improved IR make it an improvement over the 49425.
The IR is a more focused, tighter beam of light than the previous PTZs. We started to see that with the miniPTZ, but this takes it to a new level. It can be offsetting to some because on wide zoom you will have a white hotspot in the middle of the image, but it improves the distance capabilities tremendously. It is doubling the distance range I have with the 49425.
The hotter IR does cause some issues at close range and washout, so that is something to keep in mind, but most of us have close range covered with fixed cameras.
Sadly, the white light LED does nothing except up close.
The speaker is a nice addition, but it isn't very loud. The 4K/X speaker is much louder, as is the T180.
The red/blue light is still kinda gimmicky, but some people like the visual deterrence.
It is the best autotracking of my PTZs.
Since people seemed to like the Halloween mask my neighbor tricked me with on a prior review, and with that Holiday in a couple weeks based on stores LOL, Here are some examples.
The first one is the ever popular 49225 PTZ that is 2MP on the 1/2.8" sensor:
Since I have so many PTZs LOL, I have forced this one in color. Gain is high and has some noise, but it helps with color at some distance. But because I force it in color, it has the shortest distance range of my PTZs.
Next up is the brother to the 49225, which is the 49425, which is 4MP on the same 1/2.8" sensor:
I cannot run this one in color as the double the MP just make the image too dark or blurry to slow the shutter down to make it brighter.
Next is the miniPTZ:
This PTZ took me the longest to dial in, but like most, the focus is a tad soft on it, even with a standing still object.
Next is the PTZ4M-25X-PV
You can see how much brighter it is. You can see more details as well.
I still have to dial in this PTZ for target ratio and optimize the other settings, but it is pretty close.
I will update this with some video as I spend more time dialing it in.
TL/DR - the PTZ4M-25X-PV is an improvement over the prior favorite 49425. While I would love it in a 2MP, the improved IR allows you to get by with the 4MP. It is the new best sub $450 PTZ, and the speaker and TIOC features adds value for those wanting it. You can always turn it off if you don't want the TIOC features. Between this PTZ and the miniPTZ, I would opt for this one in every instance where form factor isn't an issue.
I have been playing with one and @EMPIRETECANDY asked me to share my thoughts and do some comparison images of my other PTZs, so I won't replicate the stuff in the video.
Even though this camera is on the less than ideal MP/sensor ratio, the updated chipset and improved IR make it an improvement over the 49425.
The IR is a more focused, tighter beam of light than the previous PTZs. We started to see that with the miniPTZ, but this takes it to a new level. It can be offsetting to some because on wide zoom you will have a white hotspot in the middle of the image, but it improves the distance capabilities tremendously. It is doubling the distance range I have with the 49425.
The hotter IR does cause some issues at close range and washout, so that is something to keep in mind, but most of us have close range covered with fixed cameras.
Sadly, the white light LED does nothing except up close.
The speaker is a nice addition, but it isn't very loud. The 4K/X speaker is much louder, as is the T180.
The red/blue light is still kinda gimmicky, but some people like the visual deterrence.
It is the best autotracking of my PTZs.
Since people seemed to like the Halloween mask my neighbor tricked me with on a prior review, and with that Holiday in a couple weeks based on stores LOL, Here are some examples.
The first one is the ever popular 49225 PTZ that is 2MP on the 1/2.8" sensor:
Since I have so many PTZs LOL, I have forced this one in color. Gain is high and has some noise, but it helps with color at some distance. But because I force it in color, it has the shortest distance range of my PTZs.
Next up is the brother to the 49225, which is the 49425, which is 4MP on the same 1/2.8" sensor:
I cannot run this one in color as the double the MP just make the image too dark or blurry to slow the shutter down to make it brighter.
Next is the miniPTZ:
This PTZ took me the longest to dial in, but like most, the focus is a tad soft on it, even with a standing still object.
Next is the PTZ4M-25X-PV
You can see how much brighter it is. You can see more details as well.
I still have to dial in this PTZ for target ratio and optimize the other settings, but it is pretty close.
I will update this with some video as I spend more time dialing it in.
TL/DR - the PTZ4M-25X-PV is an improvement over the prior favorite 49425. While I would love it in a 2MP, the improved IR allows you to get by with the 4MP. It is the new best sub $450 PTZ, and the speaker and TIOC features adds value for those wanting it. You can always turn it off if you don't want the TIOC features. Between this PTZ and the miniPTZ, I would opt for this one in every instance where form factor isn't an issue.
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