PTZ, which stands for pan, tilt, and zoom, describes a camera with all three functions—panning left and right, tilting up and down, and zooming in and out remotely. This makes it easy to cover a wide area and focus on specific subjects using a single adjustable camera.

PTZ cameras, while versatile, have drawbacks. They can be expensive compared to fixed cameras and require skilled operators for optimal use. Their moving parts are also prone to wear and tear so you need to maintain them well. For optimal performance, PTZ cameras also require good lighting conditions.

Most CCTV cameras feature fixed lenses, whereas PTZ cameras offer pan, tilt, and zoom functions to monitor large or dynamic areas. CCTV cameras come in different styles like dome, bullet, and turret, but PTZ cameras are generally limited to the dome design.

PTZ video cameras are widely popular and well-suited for live-streaming events such as sports, concerts, and conferences. Their dynamic panning, tilting, and zooming capabilities allow for automatic or on-demand views.