2025 Optical Zoom Autotracking PTZ Recommendations

[nonono]

I've been searching the forum for recommendations on an optical zoom, autotracking PTZ. But, most of what I'm seeing is small sensor size or out of stock.

My use-case is augmenting fixed cameras in an alley. I'd like to experiment with what's possible by on-device AI-driven zoom/tracking. My immediate area is well lit, but past 40' the lighting is poor. Reference photo attached (motion lighting is off/dim).

 

[camdensnyder]

Do you have a power supply out there to run a PTZ?

 

[nonono]

Do you have a power supply out there to run a PTZ?

Yep, I can power it from garage

 

[wittaj]

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


Open up the wallet for a great night experience:

EmpireTech PTZ4K45X-AI 1/1.2'' CMOS 8MP 45x 8mm–360mm Vari-Focal PTZ C​

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

 

[biggen]

I agree that the PTZ5A4M-25X will be the best PTZ you can buy under $1k. Several of run them here. Just be aware, it’s a big ptz. 15lbs worth of metal.

 

[Arjun]

Who's the Bot, Bot?

 

[alastairstevenson]

Who's the Bot, Bot?

It's been erased along with it's contribution. Which can make subsequent posts confusing.

 

[wittaj]

Having explored the recommendations for 2025 optical zoom autotracking PTZ cameras, I can appreciate the enthusiasm around cutting-edge tech. However, I’d like to highlight that while these advancements are impressive, considerations around user experience and installation complexity often get overlooked. As someone who has integrated PTZ systems into various projects, I've found that ease of setup and intuitive software can be just as crucial as technical specs. It's worth diving deeper into how these models balance performance with user-friendliness to ensure they meet a broader array of needs in real-world applications.

Bot much?

 

[observant1]

Bot much?

I can tell that bot doesn't drink as much as me. It's missing out on the best parts of life.