A PTZ camera is only one of many video recording devices available, as many in the industry know. Buying a new camera always requires considering your needs and assessing what any given model brings to the table. If you have PTZ cameras and are still trying to find the best ways to use them on set, we can help you establish an ideal strategy. Use these tips to get the most out of your PTZ camera and expand your production team’s capabilities on set.
Finding Angle Opportunities
Thanks to their size and rotation abilities, PTZ cameras can fit nicely into tight, unconventional spaces around your set. Moreover, when you shop for a PTZ camera online, you will find ceiling and wall mounts available to open up your placement opportunities further. Thus, if you want to use your PTZ camera to its fullest, you should reassess your camera placement on set and explore the new angles you can utilize.
This doesn’t mean you should start placing random cameras on set just because you can. However, re-evaluating your set with PTZ functionality in mind may help you discover better ways to showcase your footage to audiences.
Identifying Blind Spots
One of the defining characteristics of PTZ cameras is their impressive coverage, thanks in no small part to their titular capabilities. Having cameras that pan, tilt, and zoom at the touch of a controller presents an easier way to fill any blind spots you have on set.
For instance, PTZ cameras often appear in security applications because you can buy multiple that are small but provide an easy way to overlook a large area. Whereas our first tip is about experimenting, this step is about focusing on camera issues you know are present and fixing them with a PTZ device. Whether you want to show more of a set or monitor a wider area for security, PTZ cameras will provide you a convenient means to do so.
Reading the Manual
Sometimes, the top tips to get the most out of your PTZ camera are right in front of you. Neglecting to read user’s manuals is common for many devices, so it’s important to avoid bringing that habit into the production studio.
When you get a new camera or any other piece of video equipment, read the manual from the manufacturer. That way, you can learn about the device’s functionalities, upkeep requirements, and critical details. Not all PTZ cameras are built identically, so knowing what your unit can do is essential for making the most out of it every day of your filming schedule.