PTZ Camera Recommendation

[joogle]

Hi - i have a Lorex system and NVR, with two EmpireTech cameras. One of them is a PTZ which was model # SD49225XA-HNR.

Now I believe there are better units out there now with auto tracking with AI, etc.

I do see Lorex has one called P11 and then I also saw a video of on Youtube of Viewtron IP-PTZ-832 IP camera which seemed real good.

Would appreciate the insight - I prefer the PTZ cameras as the point and directional ones seem a bit limiting in my perimeter.

Thanks!

​

 

[wittaj]

One camera cannot be the be all/see all. The camera to IDENTIFY at 15 feet is a different camera than one to IDENTIFY at 70 feet.

PTZs with auto tracking are a compliment to an existing fixed camera system and not replacements for fixed cameras.

So with only PTZs and no additional fixed cameras - what happens when 2 or more people come up to your house - the PTZ is only catching and tracking one of them, not all of them.

PTZs are not perfect and can lose tracking. Then you miss the person.

What happens when the PTZ is looking left and a perp comes from the right?

That is why PTZs are not a replacement for fixed cameras - they are a compliment to an existing system.

If you rely on a PTZ only it will miss many instances, especially when it is off tracking something else.

You are much better off using fixed cams as spotter cams to point the PTZ to where the action is and then let the autotracking take over from there.

See this thread on how a PTZ compliments a fixed camera system.


But if you are looking for a PTZ, the Lorex P11 is the same as this camera from EmpireTech but it is not on the ideal MP/sensor ratio and would perform worse at night than your existing 49225.

The Viewtron IP-PTZ-832 IP would be even worse as it shoves 8MP on the same sensor as your 2MP 49225 and would be horrible at night.

Here are the PTZs we would recommend.

Best overall value on the ideal MP/sensor ratio:

https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-SD5A425XA-HNR-Starlight-Auto-Tracking-IVSEnglish/dp/B08GKQSK2W




Cheapest ones but will struggle at night due to less than ideal MP/sensor ratio:

https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-Full-Color-Illuminator-Auto-Tracking-PTZ4M-25X-PV/dp/B0CN8JG6TF?ref_=ast_sto_dp

https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-Starlight-5mm-125mm-Auto-Tracking-Protection/dp/B0BPH7L1Z1?ref_=ast_sto_dp

EmpireTech PTZ494M-25X 1/2.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 4.8mm–120mm Va


Open up the wallet for a great night experience:

1/1.2" 8Megapixel STARVIS CMOS | 45x optical zoom | Ultra light sensitivity | Max. 25/30 fps@4K | Auto-tracking | Perimeter protection | Face detection | Face recognition | Metadata | SMD Plus | IP67 | Dual light fusion | Electronic defog | Wiper

 

[joogle]

Thanks - what is the camera that you linked under this bullet "Open up the wallet for a great night experience:" - as the link is broken.

 

[wittaj]

Dang it sold out - it was a $2,300 PTZ with the 1/1.2" sensor

 

[marq]

Andy posted recently that a Dahua successor to the 45X 1/1.2 4K PTZ is in the works, expected to be available within the next few months. IIRC, it looked very similar specs to the recently EOL'd 45X 1/1.2 PTZ (Dahua model SD8C845FG-HNF), so my guess is the newer model will be just a minor refresh, but I am just guessing based on what I remember reading. Andy?

 

[tmxv4128]

I just replaced one of my SD49225XA-HNR cameras this morning with a PTZ5A4M-25X. It is definitely worth the upgrade; but as others have mentioned, it is a beast! Mounting it was more challenging than the old camera because the cable is so much wider and stiffer. Pushing it up into the mount while hanging off a ladder took more effort than I expected. Now that it is in place though, I would say it is a fantastic upgrade. I am using it to view my driveway with two spotter cameras: 4K-X (6mm) and a 44IR-Z4E S3. Perfect combo.

 

[wittaj]

I just replaced one of my SD49225XA-HNR cameras this morning with a PTZ5A4M-25X. It is definitely worth the upgrade; but as others have mentioned, it is a beast! Mounting it was more challenging than the old camera because the cable is so much wider and stiffer. Pushing it up into the mount while hanging off a ladder took more effort than I expected. Now that it is in place though, I would say it is a fantastic upgrade. I am using it to view my driveway with two spotter cameras: 4K-X (6mm) and a 44IR-Z4E S3. Perfect combo.

Yeah as good as the 49225 was at the time, that 5A4M is tough to beat for under $1k.

 

[Tinman]

I have had mine now just over 2 years and it has performed flawlessly. My only complaint is that when fully zoomed back in the afternoon, I get a reflection due to the lens cover. If I zoom out to even 4x it goes away. Not a huge deal, I've just lived with it. The tracking is awesome.

 

[joogle]

Thanks - were you able to use the existing mount and just replace the camera? Or had to buy a new mount?

 

[tmxv4128]

Thanks - were you able to use the existing mount and just replace the camera? Or had to buy a new mount?

The new camera uses the same mount as the old camera. Very easy to swap out the old one for the new one.

 

[tmxv4128]

BTW, the tracking on the new camera (PTZ5A4M-25X) is amazing compared to the older PTZ. Here is a cat about 50 feet away yesterday that the PTZ tracked.
View attachment cat 1.mp4

 

[Tinman]

BTW, the tracking on the new camera (PTZ5A4M-25X) is amazing compared to the older PTZ. Here is a cat about 50 feet away yesterday that the PTZ tracked.
View attachment 217378

So, are you running the new firmware which detects animals? Also be sure not to get this set to high or you will miss faster moving targets.