The 17 Best PTZ Camera Models for the Money [with Buyer’s Guide]

Whether you own a school or shop, you want to get the best PTZ camera to help you monitor the activities that go on there.

These cameras are perfect for huge spaces mainly because they allow remote adjustment of their placement and zooming in and out of images.

If you want better control of your commercial space, we are here to help so keep it here for more.

Best PTZ Camera

Top-Rated PTZ Cameras: Comparison Table

Psst! The following article is quite long and detailed. Here’s a brief table for your perusal.

RankingProduct NameVideo Capture ResolutionConnectivity Technology
1AmcrestProHD 1080P WiFi Camera1080pWireless
2Amcrest Outdoor PTZ POE Camera1080pWired
3YI Zoom/Tilt/Pan Indoor Wireless Security1080pWireless
4Jide Tech PTZ IP Dome Camera1080pWired
5PTZOptics PTZ Streaming Camera1080pWired
6Reolink Indoor Tilt Baby Monitor Camera4 MP, 1440pWireless
7SV3C PTZ CCTV Outdoor CameraWireless
8Amcrest 4MP Ultra Indoor Wi-Fi Camera4 MPWireless
9Alptop Outdoor PTZ 2.4G Wireless Security
10Swann Smart Home Security Wi-Fi Camera1080pWireless
11Ctronics PTZ Wi-Fi Outdoor Security1080pWireless
12Alptop Outdoor PTZ Wireless Wi-Fi IP Security Camera1080pWireless
13Sunba 1080p Starlight PTZ Outdoor Camera3 MPWired
14ONWOTE 5MP PTZ Outdoor Security2560pWired
15Sunba 22x Zoom Outdoor PTZ Camera960HWired
16Tonton 1080P PTZ IP Dome Outdoor Camera1080pWireless, Wired
17Aver Information PTZ Plug-N-Play

1. AmcrestProHD 1080P WiFi Camera

This The AmcrestProHD camera can tilt, pan, and zoom the surroundings. It’s claimed to have the capability to offer high-quality images and alerts.

Additionally, the camera comes with a feature that allows you to store four hours maximum of footage over the cloud.

However, the downside of the camera is that cloud storage is not as big as compared to other cameras.

Key Features

The camera comes with a Sony Exmor 1/2.9″ 2.07 Megapixels image sensor. In addition, the camera also comes with a 1080P night vision, which is effective up to 32 feet.

The cloud remote video storage subscription service allows you to store the recorded videos off-site in a location hosted by Amazon AWS.

Pros

  • Pan and tilt
  • Two-way audio
  • Night vision
  • MicroSD storage

Cons

  • Minimum free cloud storage

2. Amcrest Outdoor PTZ POE Camera

The Armcrest outdoor PTZ POE Camera is believed to be one of the best outdoor cameras that is trustworthy in your home under 24-hour surveillance.

With this surveillance camera, you will be able to enjoy high-quality footage recorded at 30FPS which is quite fast. What’s more? The camera boasts the latest CMOS from Sony. The sensor is of top-notch quality and quite dependable in different conditions.

Key Features

This awesome PTZ camera by Amcrest comes with a pan tilt zoom and 16x digital zoom to enjoy extra-close images.

In addition, the camera has the capability of rotating on a 360-degree to provide a vintage view of the image.

Also, you will get alerts on your mobile device as the camera comes with an intelligence alert function. Its App is available on the App Store and Play Store.

Pros

  • Two-way audio
  • Cloud storage
  • 128GB MicroSD storage.

Cons

  • Warranty restricted to US clients

3. YI Zoom/Tilt/Pan Indoor Wireless Security Surveillance System

This indoor security surveillance system by YI can be a perfect option whenever you are on a budget.

Additionally, the camera has an excellent 1080p resolution at 15 frames per second, night vision, motion detection, and a multifunctional stand.

On the flip side, no matter how good the camera is when it comes to surveillance and motion detection, it is more suited indoors.

Key Features

The camera comes with a 112-degree wide-angle glass lens with another 345-degree horizontal and 115-degree vertical rotation. All this combined, the camera offers 360-degree coverage.

Moreover, you will find a microphone that comes with a 2-way Audio experience.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi connection
  • Baby-crying detector
  • Night vision
  • Motion detection

Cons

  • Not suitable for outdoors

4. Jide Tech PTZ IP Dome Camera for Ceiling Installation

If you are looking for a proper surveillance outdoor camera to keep your home safe, the Jide Tech PTZ camera might be useful as you will install it on the ceiling.

The camera is affordable, and this means that you will not have to dig deep into your pocket to get it.

Key Features

This camera comes with an HD 1080p video resolution that will provide you with quality footage.

The camera will send you alerts in case it detects some unusual movements or motions outside your house and notify you on your mobile device.

The camera also has built-in surge and lightning protection devices, which keeps your camera and house safe.

Pros

  • 1080p video
  • Lightning protection
  • Remote watching through your mobile device
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Might even track unsuspicious beings

5. PTZOptics PTZ Streaming Camera 

With its 20x zoom capability, this camera can be placed away from the object and still give quality footages.

The camera also has a full 1920×1080 HD resolution meaning that you will always get high-quality images.

On the downside, the camera does not have 360-degree image coverage, and it will be impossible to view what is happening in a particular direction.

Key Features

The camera has a noise cancellation feature as it comes with the latest 2D and 3D noise reduction.

Furthermore, you will enjoy quality footages even on long distances because of its 20X optical zoom capability.

Pros

  • 20x zoom
  • Noise cancellation
  • Good for large halls

Cons

  • Very expensive

6. Reolink Indoor Tilt Baby Monitor Camera

This is yet another one of the best PTZ camera models that stun. In fact, it doubles up as a baby monitor as you can always be notified when the baby is up.

It can work any time as it has a night vision feature, which allows it to detect movement even in the] dark.

Key Features

The Reolink Indoor Tilt Baby Monitor camera comes with a built-in Wi-Fi network feature that allows for a quick Wi-Fi set up.

Additionally, the camera also allows for video recording and, most of all, the video playback. You can save your videos on the MicroSD card, which is bought separately.

Pros

  • Easy remote access using mobile devices
  • Vision
  • Baby monitor

Cons

  • No 360-degree coverage

7. SV3C PTZ CCTV Outdoor Camera Surveillance

This camera is ideal as it comes with tilt and zoom that allows you to view clear footages captured of images that might be very far.

Besides that, this camera might be perfect surveillance of your backyard at night as it comes with a night vision feature.

Key Features

This SV3C camera is famous for its capability to view far images even at night. With its 1080p HD capability, it can view an image which is 165ft away.

Furthermore, the camera is made waterproof, which makes it ideal for outdoor purposes. With the change in weather, this camera has been made to withstand almost anything that comes its way.

With its Wi-Fi connectivity feature that you can set up in two minutes, the camera can be connected to mobile devices, where you can control it.

Pros

  • Wi-Fi connectivity
  • Night vision
  • 1080p resolution
  • Tilt and 5x zoom

Cons

  • No 360-degree coverage

8. Amcrest 4MP Ultra Indoor Wi-Fi Camera

The Amcrest 4MP Ultra indoor camera is a hard-wired camera that is remotely controllable using a mobile app.

Besides that, the camera is known for giving clear HD videos as they pan, zoom, and tilt. You will have peace of mind knowing that you can observe everything that goes on inside your house.

The downside of the camera, though, is that its installation is claimed to be very confusing.

Key Features

The camera comes with a 1080p resolution that gives you very clear images even when there is low visibility.

Additionally, the camera can rotate in a 360-degree format allowing you to get a great view of the surrounding.

Also, the camera comes with a 90-degree tilt, 16x zoom, and night vision features.

Pros

  • Night vision
  • Keeps your house safe
  • Affordability

Cons

  • Installation can be confusing

9. Alptop Outdoor PTZ 2.4G Wireless Security Surveillance

This is one camera that is believed not to offer a blind area whenever surveilling your outdoor areas.

In addition, it comes with very sophisticated features that make it lovable by many people as it can tilt and also be controlled remotely.

Key Features

Its zoom capability is a good one as you will be able to view images from a further distance using its 5x zoom capability.

Furthermore, the camera can control the 355-degrees horizontal and, in addition, 120-degree vertical pan. This is believed to give good coverage, and many believe it does not leave a blind spot.

With its 1080p HD resolution, you will be able to enjoy quality images as the camera also comes with a night vision feature that allows you to view your backyard or anywhere else clearly at night.

Pros

  • Night vision
  • Tilt and 5x zoom
  • Motion detection alerts

Cons

  • Installation is not easy

10. Swann Smart Home Security Wi-Fi Camera

The Swann Smart Security Camera comes with a rechargeable battery that is rechargeable after three to four weeks.

Additionally, you can use its app to get alerts on whether the battery is running low, which is quite a good innovation.

However, battery performance might be profoundly affected if the weather conditions are icy.

Key Features

The camera is highly waterproof as it is waterproof IP65 rated. This ensures that it will not be affected by the change in weather. However, this does not mean that you should always get it to contact water.

Additionally, the camera comes with a Wi-Fi frequency of 2.5GHz and 5GHz to allow you to connect with mobile devices and be able to control it remotely.

The camera has a recheargable600mAh lithium battery that keeps your camera keep on working even whenever there is no power.

To understand more on this, here are the pros and cons;

Pros

  • Audio microphone
  • Internal memory and secure cloud
  • Can be effective up to 16ft/5m

Cons

  • Battery affected by freezing temperatures

11. Ctronics PTZ Wi-Fi Outdoor Security Surveillance Camera 

The Ctronics outdoor surveillance camera comes with tilt and zoom features that help in improving image quality.

However, its installation is not straightforward, and you may need to get a professional to come to install it for you.

Key Features

The camera comes with 1080P resolution for quality HD video footages that allows you to view and zoom.

Also, the camera supports 355-degrees horizontal pan and 120-degree vertical tilt. It also has a 4x zoom capability.

Since the camera is used for outdoor surveillance, it is IP65 weatherproof rated and also comes with the night vision feature.

It is very easy to control it using your mobile device as it connects with your home Wi-Fi network.

Pros

  • Two-way audio
  • Motion detection and instant alerts
  • Waterproof

Cons

  • Complicated installation process

12. Alptop Outdoor PTZ Wireless Wi-Fi IP Security Camera

The Altop Outdoor PTZ is known for its capability to withstand temperature from -5 degrees F to 122 degrees F.

This means that the camera can be compatible even with extreme weather conditions such as storms or snowy conditions.

On the flip side, though, the camera does not come with a microSD card, and that means you will have to but it separately.

Key Features

The camera allows you to view everything in good color and with clarity as it comes with 1920 x 1080P resolution.

The camera allows you to operate it from your phone after installing its App, and from there, you will be getting alerts in case of anything.

Furthermore, the camera comes with a 2-way audio feature as it has a microphone and speaker technology.

The camera achieves its 360-degree panoramic view with its 70-degrees angle lens, 355-degree horizontal, and 120-degree vertical rotation range.

Pros

  • 360-degrees coverage
  • 2-way audio
  • 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection

Cons

  • No MicroSD card included

13. Sunba 1080p Starlight PTZ Outdoor Camera

The Sunba outdoor camera has the capability of capturing objects from quite a far distance using its 20x zoom feature.

This 20x optical zoom capability is one of the best in the PTZ cameras on the market right now.

However, the camera is believed to have a lower resolution than expected by many users.

Key Features

The camera has convenient wiring, with one Ethernet cable that is used to deliver both power and network signals.

The camera is also IP66 waterproof rated that allows the camera to withstand harsh weather conditions.

Moreover, the 20x optical zoom is ideal in viewing objects that are further from the camera.

Pros

  • IP66 waterproof
  • 20X zoom
  • Convenient wiring

Cons

  • Not as clear as expected

14. ONWOTE 5MP PTZ Outdoor Security Surveillance camera

You can now view stunning and clear sharper details with this PoE PTZ security surveillance camera by Onwote.

The camera comes with quality features such as tilt, zoom, and pan that make the camera become a darling to many.

However, the zoom feature is not as effective compared to other cameras, and that means you will not be able to view images from far very well.

Key Features

The power supply is via Ethernet network cable that is also useful for allowing internet access.

Additionally, the camera has the capability of connecting on your mobile device such as your mobile phone, which makes it easy to operate it remotely.

Also, the camera comes with a 90-degree tilt, 350-degrees pan, and 3x optical zoom. The camera is also made of waterproof.

Pros

  • No blind spots left
  • Operated remotely
  • Pan, tilt and 3x zoom

Cons

  • Cant capture images from far well

15. Sunba 22x Zoom Outdoor PTZ Camera

This camera is believed to be one of the best outdoor cameras with the capability of zooming an object from far and making the footage very clear.

Besides that, the camera also incorporates additional features such as tilt and pan that will enable it to provide the required surveillance in your home.

Key Features

The camera by Sunba comes with a night vision feature, which switches from day vision after detecting night time has arrived.

In addition, the camera has an incredible 20x optical zoom feature that allows you to view up to 100 meters away.

It is waterproof and has pan and tilt features that allow for 360-panoramic footage coverage.

Pros

  • Night vision
  • 360-degree coverage
  • Waterproof
  • 20x optical zoom

Cons

  • Only offers a warranty to people in the US

16. Tonton 1080P PTZ IP Dome Outdoor Camera

With the Tonton outdoor camera, you will experience the high quality 1080pHD video footages.

Additionally, the camera aims to provide proper surveillance with additional features such as Tilt, pan, and zoom.

On the flip side, though, the camera does not come with a microSD card, and this means that you will have to buy it separately.

Key Features

This Tonton camera comes with a built-in speaker and microphone that makes it possible for two-way audio.

Moreover, the 1080p camera supports remote rotation control with a tilt of 120 degrees and a pan of 355 degrees. You will also find eight preset points

The camera also has a 5x zoom that allows you to view images from afar. You will also be able to view everything that happens at night from the night vision feature.

Pros

  • Excellent video quality
  • Tilt, pan                      
  • Two-way audio

Cons

  • SD card bought separately

Related another post: Best Body Camera As Reviewed Among 9 Top Choices

17. Aver Information PTZ Plug-N-Play Conference camera

This Aver Information conference camera makes hosting people in a room much easier.

The camera comes with 12x zoom for quality viewing of images through enlarging without affecting the clarity or the quality.

On the downside, the response to the remote central is slower than expected.

Key Features

This camera is well suited for conference rooms and, therefore, easy to use with Skype, Google Hangouts, among others.

It is a Plug-N-Go camera and, therefore, very compatible with almost all your applications on your desktop or laptop. You can connect using a single USB cable.

With the 1080p video resolution, you will enjoy high-quality images.

Pros

  • Two-way audio
  • High-quality video
  • 12x zoom

Cons

  • Slow response to the remote central

Buying Guide for PTZ Cameras

Acquiring the perfect camera requires you to consider a few factors such as:

Field of View

Usually, PTZ cameras are able to capture an entire 360-degree view although it also depends on where the camera is mounted.

When you are purchasing a camera to monitor your premises, you want it to capture the entire area otherwise, you would have to buy and install several cameras.

Therefore, if you want to cover a large area such as a parking lot or shopping mall you want a PTZ camera with a 360-degree field of view that will minimize the overall cost of having the camera installed without compromising on security.

Motion Tracking Features

You want your PTZ camera of choice to come with this feature. This way, you get additional security because the motion sensor will trigger the camera to pan, tilt, or zoom automatically whenever there is any movement.

Auto Focus and Power Zoom

It is important to get a camera with a powerful zoom ranging from 12x to 40x. With that, you will be able to get clear images even from far away objects.

Moreover, you are able to conceal your camera while getting these images.

Autofocus helps in capturing clear images regardless of where the camera is zoomed, tilted, or panned. This feature also guarantees quality images even in low light conditions.

Weatherproof Ability

As we previously mentioned, PTZ cameras are fit for huge outdoor areas such as parking lots and rooftops.

Well, since this is the case, you want yours to be weatherproof in order to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Camera Durability

Your PTZ camera is susceptible to vandals. These devices have a high demand and thugs would not hesitate to make away with yours to sell to other commercial space owners.

You may want to get a camera that is designed and constructed with strong polycarbonate vaults to counter such issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we have addressed several questions that can be of help.

What does PTZ stand for in cameras?

It stands for pan–tilt–zoom. This is a camera with remote zoom and directional control making it suitable for monitoring larger spaces.

How does PTZ work?

These cameras have in-built mechanical parts that enable the lens and camera to move. Some PTZ cameras or add-on software allow the camera to move automatically the moment any form of movement is detected.

This allows for capturing of any suspicious activity in your premises.

What’s the Best Choice Overall?

The new technology surrounding PTZ security surveillance cameras has tremendously improved. However, some of the cameras stand out as being better than the others. Based on our analysis, the AmCrestProHD PTZ Camera is a really good choice.

We like the fact that it’s a highly intelligent piece of equipment. Above all, it comes with built-in IR LEDs for quality night-time images.

Final Thoughts

PTZ cameras come in various options and this may leave you spoilt for choice. While that is a good thing, you may be unable to make the right choice.

We have put together this guide to make the choice easier so go ahead and get yourself that camera.

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