Pan, Tilt, Zoom in 4K!

Posted on Jan 31, 2023 by Samara Husbands

The 4K PTZ cameras with AI from Sony are set to revolutionise shooting for education, corporate, medical, government, broadcast, faith applications, and live events

Sony is already in the market for pan-tilt-zoom cameras (PTZ), but is expanding with two 4K models, the SRG-A40 and the SRG-A12. The cameras possess built-in AI analytics, and automatically track and frame presenters, regardless of movement or posture. This provides a seamless content creation and control user experience – and without necessitating a computer.

With the flexibility of IP, image quality with automation, powerful zoom, remote control, and easy configuration and operation, both the SRG-A40 and the SRG-A12 4K PTZ are ideal for education, corporate, medical, government, broadcast, faith applications, as well as live events.

Smart Automation
This series integrates Sony’s built-in PTZ Auto Framing technology with AI analytics, improving usability and productivity. Waist-up for full body shots are simple, making way for creative freedom and customisation options. Looking for well-framed close-ups? Then the multiple auto framing angles are for you. With auto operation, the cameras kick into gear as soon as they’re switched on, constantly searching for, and rediscovering an object to track. A wicked combination of advanced and consistent recognition technologies is employed, even detecting faces with masks! A user-friendly tally light allows users to easily identify which camera is actively in use and tracking movements.

Superb Picture Quality
Both the SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 adopt a highly sensitive Exmor R™ CMOS sensor for high-quality, naturally vivid images with less noise that support 4K 30p and full HD 60p. The SRG-A40 offers Clear Image Zoom technology which digitally doubles the optical zoom from 20x to 30x in 4K of 40x in Full HD, while SRG-A12 provides up to 12x zoom. Tele convert mode on the SRG-A40 can extend up to 80x zoom, while the SRG-A12 can extend up to 24x, all while offering smooth fast PTZ movement between cameras. Day mode and night mode help optimise capture in brightness shadows.

Flexible and Stable Production
3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP connectivity are controlled remotely via VISCA/VISCA over IP, using a single network cable for power, output, and control. Power over Ethernet Plus Plus (POE++) allows simplified integration into new or existing environments, without the need for separate power supply cabling. Robust connection and integration options take advantage of PTZ cameras’ distinct ability to provide capture and control even in hard-to-reach locales, with the opportunity to utilise new angles and vantage points. Support for Real Time streaming Protocol (RTSP) makes remote viewing possible, while Security Reliable Transport (SRT) protocol enables safe, smooth and stable video streaming.

Easy Configuration and Operation
The 4K PTZ cameras are simple to set up and use for operators with differing levels of expertise. With the picture setting file feature, users can quickly set up and duplicate menu settings from camera to camera creating uniformity and instilling familiarity. The new models’ PTZ motion sync feature enables smooth and rapid PTZ movement to a target position at a maximum ±170° pan/tilt range. Capture all the action with pre-set recall, which allows for quick transitions from one camera to other pre-set angles. A picture freeze pre-set can also be used to hold the last image captured in place, as the camera moves – eliminating blurry transition shots and minimizing distraction. Additionally, the virtual webcam driver software can turn up to five connected cameras into collaborative conference and lecture tool using a computer to provide professional image quality during web-based meetings.