Guide: How Far Can a PTZ Camera See

Determining how far a PTZ camera can see is really important but not always easy. People often pick PTZ cameras because they want to see things that are far away.

But sometimes, they think these cameras can see much farther than they actually can. In this guide, we’re going to talk about key features that decide how much a PTZ camera can see.

By looking into these, we’ll get a better idea of what really shapes the distance a PTZ camera can see.

PTZ cameras are versatile. They can easily pan, tilt, and zoom in different directions, giving super clear views of faraway things. But, there are different types of these cameras based on how much they can zoom in.

Close-range zoom cameras: These typically feature 4x or 5x optical zoom, providing moderate magnification suitable for closer observations or indoor settings.

Medium-range zoom cameras: Falling within the 15-25x optical zoom range, these cameras offer enhanced magnification, suitable for moderate distance views, outdoor spaces, or smaller outdoor areas.

Long-range zoom cameras: With optical zoom capabilities ranging from 26x to 40x, these cameras extend their reach further, catering to larger outdoor spaces or distances that demand more powerful zoom capabilities.

Extremely long-range zoom cameras: These specialized cameras, often employed in military-grade applications, possess staggering zoom capabilities spanning from 1 kilometer to an astounding 50 kilometers, enabling surveillance across vast expanses or highly specialized long-range requirements.

Testing a 25X PTZ Camera: Results and Suggestions

We are going to use a Hikvision TandemVu PTZ camera to test out the distances and performance. This particular camera is a specialized surveillance solution that combines two cameras in one housing.

It integrates both a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera and a panoramic camera, allowing for comprehensive monitoring capabilities within a single device.

The PTZ feature enables users to pan, tilt, and zoom to focus on specific areas or objects with precise control and detailed observation.

Meanwhile, the panoramic camera provides a wide-angle view, covering a large area without the need for constant movement or adjustment.

Combining multiple lenses works together to give you panoramic views over wide areas while also providing detailed zoomed-in perspectives simultaneously.

Broad perspective: The panoramic channel provides a super-wide 180° view.

Intelligent connection: It automatically detects targets through the panoramic channel and instantly tracks them using the PTZ channel.

PTZ Model: DS-2SF8C442MXG-ELW/26 (TandemVu 8-inch Panoramic 4 MP 42X DarkFighter Network Speed Dome).

This camera captures big areas with great detail. The bullet channel has a high-quality 6 MP resolution for clear imaging day and night, thanks to DarkFighter technology.

You can adjust the panoramic channel tilt from 12° to 24° for versatile coverage. With 42X optical zoom and 16X digital zoom, it secures expansive areas, offering up to 30 meters of white light distance and 300 meters of IR distance for night vision.

It also supports smart functions for better analysis and detection. Lens size: 2.8 mm to 252 mm.

Overall, the exact distance a PTZ camera can see depends on various factors, including the camera’s resolution, lens size, and the specific details required for identification or observation. In this case, the camera has a lens size ranging from 2.8 mm to 252 mm and a resolution of 4MP.

The camera’s field of view is influenced by the lens focal length and the mounting height. Generally, a lens with a larger focal length provides more zoom, allowing for greater magnification of distant objects.

For a 2.8 mm to 252 mm lens, the camera can cover a broad area when zoomed out and focus on specific details when zoomed in.

It’s important to consider the purpose of the surveillance – whether it’s for wide-angle coverage or detailed identification of distant objects.

Additionally, environmental factors, lighting conditions, and the level of detail required should be taken into account.

Distances that a PTZ camera can see

Think of the lens as the camera’s eyes, with each type offering a distinct perspective.

The table shows the clear distances each lens can capture, ranging from a broader view with the 2.8mm lens to a more focused and distant observation with the 252mm lens.

For instance, the 2.8mm lens is suitable for closer monitoring, covering about 15 meters, while the 252mm lens excels in capturing details from an impressive distance of 400 meters.

These figures help users understand the practical capabilities of different lenses when choosing a PTZ camera for specific surveillance needs.

To add a perspective on nighttime visibility, the chosen lens for a PTZ camera also influences its performance in low-light conditions.

Looking at the table, it’s evident that the lenses not only impact the clarity during the day but also play a role in nocturnal surveillance.

For instance, a lens with a wider aperture, like the 2.8mm, may capture better low-light details at shorter distances.