PTZ cam with 25x zoom for driveway

[mvanders]

I want to start by saying thanks to the group. I had a question earlier about a camera for a driveway and the overwhelming recommendation was for a IPC-B54IR-Z4E S3 . This was the perfect choice and has worked well. Additionally i am looking for a PTZ camera with tracking but in a smaller formfactor. I currently have a Ubiquiti unifi GTZ 6 which in ok at best, but has a great form factor. I am looking for recommendations for an IR PTZ cam that can to up to a 25x zoom but with the smallest footprint possible. This is a residence so not looking for a camera that belongs in a prison but more so something that is smaller an lend in. May be a unicorn but the group had great suggestions before, and hope you have some suggestions for this.
Thanks for your help.
Mark

 

[Timokreon]

Something like the mini-ptz is perhaps the closest you're going to get. It doesn't have an ideal lens, etc.. but it works well, especially if you have enough light.

mini-ptz

 

[bigredfish]

^^^^
This.

But as mentioned, at night you will need some good ambient light. IR is weak and it’s a 1/2.8 sensor so don’t expect great nighttime performance

If you have plenty of streetlights and you and neighbors keep driveway coach lights on it can be ok

 

[mvanders]

Thanks. Need a good lens with strong ir the view is highly backlit. Guess I need a basketball size cam.

 

[bigredfish]

What distances are you looking at?

 

[mvanders]

Approx 20-150ft.

 

[flynreelow]

Thanks. Need a good lens with strong ir the view is highly backlit. Guess I need a basketball size cam.

this is like a small basketball but will work great.

EmpireTech PTZ5A4M-25X 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 5.4mm–135mm Va

4MP, 1/1.8" CMOS Powerful 25x optical zoom Starlight+ Technology Max. 25/30fps@4MP IR distance up to 150 m Deep-learning-based perimeter protection Auto-tracking and IVS PoE+ IP67, IK10

empiretech01.com

 

[bigredfish]

Here's the most common ones, mini is the first one on the top left

EmpireTech PTZ425DB-AT 1/2.8"CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 5mm–125mm Vari-

4MP, 1/2.8" CMOS 25x optical zoom Starlight technology Max. 25/30fps@4MP IR distance up to 100 m Auto-tracking 1.0 Perimeter protection Face detection SMD 3.0 IP66

empiretech01.com

PTZ Camera | EmpireTech

EmpireTech PTZ cameras provide extensive coverage with exact clarity. Anti-corrosion and explosion-proof models serve specific requirements. Proven for dependability and productivity in various industries, such as transport, government, and city surveillance, plus extreme settings like Mt. Everest.

empiretech01.com

This one is next most popular. It would likely be fine for that distance. Much stronger IR.
But fair warning, we've been working with Dahua to improve the tracking. I'm finding that inside of 120ft it does very well at my distances of 300-450ft its a bit weak on tracking.

EmpireTech PTZ5A4M-25X 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 5.4mm–135mm Va

4MP, 1/1.8" CMOS Powerful 25x optical zoom Starlight+ Technology Max. 25/30fps@4MP IR distance up to 150 m Deep-learning-based perimeter protection Auto-tracking and IVS PoE+ IP67, IK10

empiretech01.com

 

[mvanders]

this is like a small basketball but will work great.

EmpireTech PTZ5A4M-25X 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 5.4mm–135mm Va

4MP, 1/1.8" CMOS Powerful 25x optical zoom Starlight+ Technology Max. 25/30fps@4MP IR distance up to 150 m Deep-learning-based perimeter protection Auto-tracking and IVS PoE+ IP67, IK10

empiretech01.com

Any reason to pick the 4 vs 8MP. All other specs seems similar

 

[wittaj]

Do not chase MP.

Two cameras on the same size sensor, the lower MP will win in lower light conditions over the higher MP all night long.

This is even more critical for a PTZ that could have light up close and minimal light further away. Why handcuff and blind a powerful PTZ at distance in lower light conditions.

An 8MP on the ideal MP/sensor ratio is over $2k.

 

[bigredfish]

Any reason to pick the 4 vs 8MP. All other specs seems similar

Not if you don’t care about nighttime image

 

[mvanders]

Thanks

 

[StevenFromTexas]

Thanks. Need a good lens with strong ir the view is highly backlit. Guess I need a basketball size cam.

Dahua specializes in bigger than basketball size cams and the company is focused on making everything they produce bigger and not a whole lot better.

 

[StevenFromTexas]

this is like a small basketball but will work great.

EmpireTech PTZ5A4M-25X 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 5.4mm–135mm Va

4MP, 1/1.8" CMOS Powerful 25x optical zoom Starlight+ Technology Max. 25/30fps@4MP IR distance up to 150 m Deep-learning-based perimeter protection Auto-tracking and IVS PoE+ IP67, IK10

empiretech01.com

7.48" × 13.07" is something about the size Godzilla would play with.