[ANSWERED] PTZ Cam and Isadora

[mark]

Dear All,

@laurentR @Woland @jandraka @DusX @GertjanB @liminal_andy 

So the least expensive VISCA capable PTZ camera. It seems that the company PTZOptics is a kind of go to, and is used for broadcast applications, but even the cheapest model (US$1599) is still quite expensive for lower-budget shows.

When I search B&H for VISCA, the cheapest entry -- AViPAS AV-1080 3G-SDI -- comes in at US$650.

I see various security web cams for as little as US40, but none of them use VISCA and generally they use a non-open protocol that isn't even published in the manual. So I would rule those out.

Am I missing something? Are there less expensive PTZ cameras out there that our users could use? I'm ready to commit to getting a VISCA capable camera so that we can add VISCA control to Isadora. But I'd love some input from anyone who knows more than me.

Best Wishes,
Mark

[GertjanB]

I also found the Logitech PTZ camera. (±900€) But I haven looked into depth into it to see if it is controllable. (I'm currently working on two other projects)

@mark We are now writing the dossier and looking for money for the project. When we found the money and I have one I'll let you know. If all goes well we start in December. 

[bonemap]

Hi,

PTZ cameras are one device option to look at. I am thinking perhaps the proliferation of gimbals is another - somewhat related device - that can be considered for Izzy plugin development. I have a DJI Ronin M and a Ronin S gimbal and just a quick comparison of cost suggest these possibly  provide good value and flexibility compared to the PTZ camera lineup - admittedly they are a BYO camera option. The PTZ cameras appears to have some shared protocol, but the diversity of gimbal makes and models are likely all proprietary. Still I would definitely use an Isadora Plugin that implemented gimbal control as an alternative to acquiring a PTZ camera. Specifically because the gimbal allows any number of camera types to be mounted and offer comparable functionality to PTZ.

Just a thought.

Best wishes

Russell

[crystalhorizon]

@mark „Are there less expensive PTZ cameras out there that our users could use?“

Wanted to know about this in 2025

[GertjanB]

@crystalhorizon

I've been working with the OBSBOT camera's for a while now they have different models in different price ranges and they work great. I like the tail models because they are completely wireless. 

you can control them using OSC but i use the AI tracking mode most of the time.

[DillTheKraut]

@crystalhorizon

Marshall does have some pretty neat budget cameras for broadcast level.

Especially the mini cameras are a nice alternative to the usual action cams, having professional connectors and being remotable.

The Marshall CV605 is a little PTZ for around 800€.

https://marshall-usa.com/camer... 

For the MiniCams: Marshall does have their own expensive remote. But some guys have a diy project to get them on PoE and software remote.

https://techministry.blog/2022...

[RDTJ]

@crystalhorizon

The world has certainly changed in this time

Here are some VISCA capable cameras

https://www.amazon.com/AVKANS-...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F...

[DillTheKraut]

@rdtj

Do you have any experience regarding picture quality? 

[Armando]

@gertjanbn hello, since the obsbot are supposed to be UVC so it should work with the video in ptz image control. Did you try ? I guess it is not possible out of usb c cable connection but I'd love to know about it.

[GertjanB]

@armando

I've tested it and you can control it using the PTZ image control when connected over USB-C.

I must admit that i never connect the Obsbot and always use it wirelessly and control the camera using the app or OSC.