PTZ5A4M-25X vs PTZ4M-25X

[JL-F1]

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

 

[wittaj]

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.

 

[guykuo]

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

 

[guykuo]

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.


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.


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.

 

[guykuo]

A PTZ5A4M-25X star field sample with some PTZ motions (reduced to 1080P)

 

[guykuo]

Just for fun, I stacked three frames and did non-linear gamma to see what we can get PTZ5A4M-25X. I might have to get some software and do more frames.
It's a security camera!!!!? The little companion galaxy starts to show up above the main galaxy.

 

[JL-F1]

Thank you much!
Super helpful, especially the examples

Guess I am saving up for the good one

 

[guykuo]

Guess I am saving up for the good one

Good choice.

Truthfully, I was a bit disappointed with going from the old 2MP to the PTZ4M-25X. The night imaging was bad enough that I had to add IR floods whereas previously I didn't need them. Just not sensitive enough on that 4MP on 1/2.8' resolution/sensor size combo.