New User Looking for PTZ Info

[Tampy]

Hello all,
I have been lurking here for several weeks trying to soak up enough info to make a decision on a PTZ for a location in the North Georgia mountains. I seem to be gravitating to Dahua for a brand. I found an Amcrest that might work, but it was only 12x zoom and did not seem as fully featured as the 25x and 30x Dahua cameras (1080P) that I see in that forum. Not that I plan on using all the features, but I would like the ability to control the camera remotely (zoneminder most likely) and of course view the stream. Security is important to me as far as my network, so I will be trying to lock whatever camera I use down to help insure no funny business occurs. Any input is very appreciated and I do appreciate this forum and the vast experience of the users here.

Tampy

 

[looney2ns]

What exactly are you wanting to use the PTZ for? That's not clear.

 

[Tampy]

Yes, I totally failed to state the purpose. (sorry) This would be deployed at a vacation cabin in North Georgia so I can enjoy the view when I am not there.
This would not be for security as much as for looking at the scenery. I am being pushed to consider a few fixed cameras instead by what I read about the longevity
of PTZ cameras. I would not get to use it everyday and I think the weather would take a toll on the PTZ. I am guessing from my research that 2-3 years is the life
expectancy of such devices. It probably makes more practical and financial sense to get a couple of fixed cameras (bullet perhaps) and just enjoy viewing those remotely.

Tampy

 

[looney2ns]

If you haven't, study this: Cliff Notes
I'm not sure where you saw the lifetime stats, but if cam is installed correctly, and all connections are correctly water proofed (you can not gloss over this step) then I'd expect much much longer life than you have stated.

Connections getting wet inside is the biggest complaint seen for cams "failing".
Of course you have lightning considerations in your situation as well.
Everything grounded and surge protected properly.

You still don't say what distances are involved.

But this makes a great "scenery cam".
Review-Dahua SD6CE245U-HNI Starlight PTZ 45x Zoom | IP Cam Talk
See @lulu5kamz video examples of his as well.
Zoom Testing DH-SD6CE245U-HNI 45x Optical 16x Digital
Dahua DH-SD6CE245U-HNI Night Video Capture

 

[Tampy]

Distances for views that I desire are the field next to the cabin, (100-150 yards) and to the horizon. (blueline)
I am thinking this over and I will not be able to use this very often. (busy with work and such) I am thinking a couple of bullet cams will do the trick
if I can aim them at the proper views. Is there an advantage to using a 4megapixel camera and only streaming at 1440p?
In video games this is called super sampling. Will the 265 compression deliver a higher quality video by using a higher resolution camera
or should I stick with a 2megapixel model?
Also the PTZ camera you recommend is on the high side of my budget.
But it looks fantastic.