PTZ Cameras Vs. Robotic Heads
We at MRMC are often asked about the differences between integrated PTZ cameras and dedicated robotic heads. In this blog post, Paddy Taylor, Head of Broadcast at MRMC, outlines the key differences and discusses why the choice between the two matters for your workflow. Learn how each compares and when each delivers the best performance for your production needs, so you can choose confidently.
We at MRMC are often asked about the differences between integrated PTZ cameras and dedicated robotic heads. In this blog post, Paddy Taylor, Head of Broadcast at MRMC, outlines the key differences and discusses why the choice between the two matters for your workflow. Learn how each compares and when each delivers the best performance for your production needs, so you can choose confidently.
How Are Integrated PTZ Cameras Different To Robotic Heads?
We are often asked about the differences between integrated PTZ cameras and dedicated robotic heads. It can get very complicated because the names are often interchanged, but it is important to understand that the general application, whilst overlapping, must be carefully considered before deciding which route to go down.
Integrated PTZ cameras offer a very cost-effective way to provide easy-to-move cameras with ever-increasing image quality, but have significant limitations in terms of flexibility, motion performance and use in position-specific workflows. Additionally, they are also limited to certain sensor sizes.
High-quality dedicated pan-tilt heads have none of these limitations; they are significantly more accurate, can control all axes, and enable land shots using synchronised motion across multiple heads. It offers much more precise control, allowing for very slow, smooth movements as well as much faster high-speed motion than integrated PTZ cameras can achieve. Users have complete flexibility with camera and lens combinations, utilising standard broadcast lens control from Canon or Fujinon, and can also use lens control motors to enable the use of lower-cost cine lenses.
For simpler applications, integrated PTZ cameras will be cheaper, but there is a sweet spot where the right combination of robotic head, camera, and lens typically comes in at about the same price as the higher-end, more capable integrated PTZ cameras. In these scenarios, the improved accuracy and rigid construction of dedicated pan-tilt robotic heads, such as the Slidekamera by MRMC BULLHEAD or the MRMC AFC Robotic Head, will provide significantly better control. These dedicated pan-tilt robotic heads also provide control over the robot on a rail or lift system without fear of camera shake at certain speeds and moves, unlike integrated PTZ cameras. We at MRMC are pleased to be able to support all workflows with our award-winning software solutions, which can control third-party PTZ cameras and dedicated robotic heads. Our motion systems also have solutions for PTZ cameras, such as the LLS Light Lift System, which can integrate 3D data from a PTZ camera and combine it with the lift axis to seamlessly work with virtual graphic systems.
Overall, it is important to understand that not all camera robotics are made equal. When considering robotic heads for your workflow, make sure they provide the features you require. For example, check whether a robotic head can be calibrated and store positional data (such as FreeD), which is essential for workflows that rely on preset recall and are used in virtual production environments. If you need help determining which solutions best meet your requirements and fit your workflow, reach out to our expert team today.