What are PTZ CCTV security cameras?
The cctvnottingham.co.uk guide to PTZ cameras
What are PTZ Cameras?
PTZ stands for pan, tilt and zoom – meaning they can literally pan out, tilt to cover multiple areas and zoom in on a specific point of interest.
PTZ cameras allow you to remotely monitor larger areas that would potentially require several fixed cameras to do the same job. The pan, tilt and zoom features enable the camera to move up & down and zoom in for more area coverage and much greater detail.
How Does A PTZ Camera Work
They are fitted with mechanical parts to allow for movement of the lens and camera. Depending on the PTZ camera you have installed, the camera or software enables the position of the camera to move to a set program. You can, for example, set the camera to automatically react and move when suspicious activity is detected, allowing for the camera to follow the action as it moves along.
Range of movement on the camera depends on the model and its capabilities. 360 degree pan cameras have the ability to turn full circle, which eliminates blind spots. PTZ cameras with 180 degree tilt means the camera can see in all directions; above, below and straight ahead. The tilt and pan features enable the camera to view action taking place right next to or behind it.
The more flexible the cameras abilities, the better the results will be, so full movement PTZ cameras are recommended. A number of PTZ camera models also feature digital pan and tilt, which means that the video can be removed after recording has finished.
Surveillance cameras come with a choice of two zoom types – optical and digital. Optical means that the lens can actually move to zoom in, which enlarges the field of activity by moving in closer. The image quality is retained, meaning the cameras carry on recording perfect video.
With digital zoom, you have the ability to zoom in on a specific area after the video has finished recording. Digital zoom basically just enlarges a current image, so the quality of the video could be reduced if you zoom in too far, causing pixelation to the image.
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Home CCTV cameras and planning permission
What are the laws regarding CCTV cameras installed on residential properties
Home CCTV installation does not require any planning permission as it is covered under the Data Protection Act. You can install CCTV at your home to protect your property and the areas around it.
However, there are rules that need to be followed to ensure you use your CCTV system in the correct way. If it is not correctly installed, or if it is used for purposes different to what it was designed to do, then further action could be taken out against you under other laws.
Private gate with CCTV warning sign © Copyright Christine Johnstone and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
If you do install CCTV cameras on the outside of your property, you must not point the cameras directly onto another person’s property, such as your neighbours. They could take action against you for violating their privacy and involve the police.
If you are on good terms with your neighbours, an idea would be to speak to them and let them know of your intentions. They might even decide to join forces on shared outdoor CCTV cameras to protect both properties.
You must not fix cameras on the outside of your property such as on public fencing, street lights, trees or public buildings unless you’ve written to the appropriate authorities and been granted permission.
As a domestic user, you don’t need to make people aware that CCTV is in operation at your property but it’s advisable to use signs anyway, as they do act as strong deterrents and cover you if someone wishes to make a claim against you about the way in which you are using your CCTV cameras.
If you live in rented accommodation, you must get written permission from the landlord or owner of the property before you install CCTV.
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