PTZ Camera Control Apps for Mobile Phones

PTZ Camera Control from your smartphone

We are truly living in a new age of video production. Broadcast quality video, once reserved for networks, news organizations, and professional studios, is now available to anyone, even those without large budgets. Robotic PTZ cameras like those available from PTZOptics offer incredible video quality and also add some features that make them more practical for producers with smaller budgets and a limited number of staff and volunteers.

It wasn't long ago that every camera needed a camera operator, and that person was stuck with the camera for the duration of the production. With PTZOptics cameras, the producer or engineer in the control room can now handle all of the camera movements, including pan, tilt, zoom, and focus, remotely. Built-in presets make it even easier, allowing the operator to quickly and smoothly move each camera to a different scene and zoom level. And now, thanks to PTZOptics Mobile Apps, these same cameras can be controlled from anywhere in the room.

PTZOptics cameras already offer fantastic versatility and functionality. Now, with apps available for iOS, Android, and Kindle devices, you can have powerful control options right in the palm of your hand. Whether from a tablet or phone, this intuitive multi-touch interface allows you to pan, tilt, zoom, and focus with variable speed for professional-level camera control without being tied down. Combining the flexibility of the PTZOptics cameras with the portability and touch screen capability of smart devices is a real game-changer. Imagine being able to control up to four cameras from anywhere in the room on a device you can hold in your hand. Even better, there is no need to invest in expensive equipment since these apps run on devices you may already have. All you need is an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android phone or tablet, or Amazon Kindle device.

Smooth, Intuitive Control

The on-screen virtual joystick makes the PTZOptics camera more natural to operate than ever. There is no need to operate pan and tilt separately. Just move the joystick in the direction you want the camera to move, and it will take care of adjusting the pan and tilt. Thanks to multi-touch control, you can even control the zoom level at the same time.

Built-In Presets

The PTZOptics Mobile apps also allow you to set and name presets for quick camera repositioning right from your device. Just use the virtual joystick to find your position and choose one of the ten presets. You can even name them for easy recall, especially with multiple operators. And these presets are separate from your cameras' built-in presets. Instead of overwriting the internal presets, these are set and saved within the app, giving you even more control.

Up to Four Cameras

This portable power isn't limited to one camera. With the PTZOptics mobile app, you can operate up to four cameras. Seamlessly switch from camera to camera and take advantage of the same intuitive, broadcast-quality controls. Each camera even gets its own presets, giving you up to 40 possible preset camera shots from your smart device.

WiFi Ready

There is no complicated setup to gain control of your cameras via the PTZOptics Mobile App. Just connect your cameras to WiFi and your wireless device to the same network. Then, type in the IP address for each camera, and you are ready to go.

Make Single-Camera Operations Look Even More Professional

While the PTZOptics Mobile App works with up to four cameras, it really shines in the smooth operation of a single camera shot. It is not always possible or practical to have multiple cameras. With the app, set the presets for the shots you want. When it is time for the camera to move, just hit the preset button, and the app will create a smooth transition for the camera. It will look like you have a professional camera operator, all with the push of one button.

Live Video Preview on Android

Another cool new feature is the ability to have split-screen views of the camera control app and live video from your PTZOptics cameras. Now you can truly take camera controls anywhere with a live video preview using the VLC application and PanTiltZoom for Android. This feature should be available for iOS users soon and additional controls are expected to be available for NDI PTZOptics camera owners. A detailed Android setup blog post is available here.

Now Available on More Devices

Initially available only for iOS, PTZOptics Apps are now available for nearly any smart device, including Apple, Android, and Amazon. The developers have taken advantage of the features of each device to create a smooth operating experience tailored to the hardware and software of your choice.

Learn how to use PTZOptics cameras with Roland Switchers here.

Learn how to use PTZOptics cameras with Wirecast here.