One of the toughest but most important emerging choices is when to use PTZs vs panoramic cameras. It pits one of the most overhyped technologies of the past decade (PTZs) versus one of the most overhyped ones of this decade (panoramics), yet both have significant value as an alternative to fixed cameras.

Covering Larger Areas

Covering large areas with fixed cameras is problematic. Instead of using huge numbers of them, many users turn to PTZs so they can pan, tilt and zoom across such areas. But, clearly, this is not without downsides and misapplication. In the past few years, a new rival solution, panoramics, has emerged for covering them. Instead of mechanical control, these cameras, using multi-megapixel, capture and record a 'panoramic' view at all times. While some vendors hope for the 'death of PTZs', panoramics have many of their own issues.

What Do You Think?

Contrasting the Options

While PTZ use will decline at the expense of panoramics, both PTZs and panoramics will play an important role in the future of surveillance. Panoramics can help in areas where PTZs have historically been overspecified. However, users need to be careful to not overspecify panoramics which can create problems of their own.

Inside the PRO Member's section, we review the following critical issues:

• Viewing Range / Image Detail
• Recording Range
• Storage and Product Costs
• 180 vs 360 Panoramics (Fisheye vs Panoramic)
• Panoramic Maturity Issues

Finally, we conclude with a dozen real world use cases showing how PTZs and panoramics are best used in operation.