Happy Birthday PTZs - 15 years and counting

In 15 short years, over 250.000 Panasonic PTZ cameras have been sold globally making them the clear industry leader. That leadership has been established by continuing to listen to customers and developing products that meet the demands of the video production industry. This approach has delivered generation after generation of PTZ cameras boasting numerous industry firsts.

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Happy Birthday PTZs - 15 years and counting

Every now and then a technology product comes along that transforms the way we do things or the industry we work in. Think of what the PC did for the workplace and the iPhone did for mobile communications. In the world of video production, the PTZ camera has transformed the way the industry works.

It’s hard to believe that for all its achieved, it is still a teenager - celebrating its 15^th birthday in March 2023. Today, these cameras – with almost a cute cartoon-like personality in the way they look and move – can be seen everywhere. They bring ground-breaking reality tv shows to our living rooms, take us closer to the action at live events and stadium tour concerts and bring us all the latest news from broadcast and corporate studios.

A history of firsts

It began in 1999, when Panasonic first introduced the traditional box camera and pan-tilt remote head solution with the AW-E600 and AW-PH300. These cameras became incredibly popular across studios and auditoriums around the world. The natural next step was the progression to an all-in-one solution to improve functionality. The introduction of the AW-HE100, with key features including its smooth pan-tilt performance and direct RS422 control, alongside its HD/SD video capabilities and ergonomic design, led to it being the first PTZ camera to be used in a Big Brother tv show.

The next generation was 60% smaller and lighter and included a new fan-less design, enabling use in different markets, such as parliaments and court houses, where minimal noise was important to prevent distractions during filming.

Then came the introduction of 1080/50p video and the ability for simultaneous image output and control over IP. These functions became critical to the PTZ camera’s success, and it soon became commonplace in use on fixed-rigs for filming reality TV.

Like a youngster quickly outgrowing their shoes, the ground-breaking developments kept coming. Supporting power, control and video over a single Cat5 cable, the world’s first UHD PTZ and the ability to picture match with VariCam LT and live camera systems. The first IP65 rated PTZ camera for outside use. The first PTZ capable of 4K at 50/60p. The widest viewing angle and the list goes on, including building-in the best support for all industry standards, such as high-bandwidth NDI®, NDI®|HX, NDI®|HX version 2, SRT, RTMPS and the FreeD protocol

Today, the new flagship model AW-UE160 enables more unique and new visual expression by combining the flexibility of a PTZ camera with the functionality of a System Camera used in the broadcast industry. Along with an outstanding high sensitivity of F14 / 2,000 LX and its High-Bandwidth NDI^® support. The UE160 is also the first ever compact PTZ camera to support SMPTE ST2110, available through a simple software option. This next- generation PTZ camera offers total freedom for video productions and can adjust to the different needs in multiple markets. From 12G as standard, optional ST2110 for the studio and broadcast markets, anti-Moiré filter, and high sensitivity for live events and theatre to a highspeed output for sports - the UE160 ticks all the boxes.

More functionality, more uses

As the Panasonic PTZ camera range continues to evolve, its uses continue to expand. With changing work patterns to a new hybrid model, they are being used in education for remote learning, and corporate studios for effective communications. They can increasingly be seen at live events, such as the Ed Sheeran’s current global stadium tour, and working in harmony with studio camera systems.

As well the continued development of the cameras themselves, the focus has also been in the development of the ecosystem surrounding the PTZ camera range. Panasonic has a vast variety of (free-to-download) software options. For example, the PTZ Control Center to manage multiple PTZs from one central point or the PTZ Virtual USB Driver, which makes it possible to use a remote camera in a network as a USB camera.

When operating in difficult filming locations or minimising costs in remote learning set-ups, the ability to auto-track the presenter via movement or voice becomes a critical factor. Panasonic offers compatible software options with its PTZ cameras to meet these needs.

How about robotics and other accessories? The complete ecosystem that surrounds and supports the PTZ camera is now essential. Robotic camera systems enable smoother, more complete movements that can be managed remotely, from intuitive software platforms that bring multiple systems together as one.

So, as you can see, Panasonic and the PTZ camera range doesn’t stand still. The first 15 years have seen incredible developments and we’re even more excited for the possibilities moving forward – as our teenager continues to grow towards adulthood.

Find out more about Remote PTZ Camera Systems Get in touch with us Visit our PTZ Virtual Demo Room

Happy Birthday PTZs - 15 years and counting