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Thread: remote/zooming i nand out good cams?

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    Default remote/zooming i nand out good cams?

    I am wondering if anyone uses a remote cam and zooms in and out and that I can record videos with too and have it turn different angles and things. what is a good clear kinda HD one that I can do all of this with?

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    Default Re: remote/zooming i nand out good cams?

    ^^^ the proven 'go to' Pan/Tilt/Zoom camera has been and arguably remains the Sony EVI-D100. New Sony EVI cameras run $700+, though. However, a good condition second hand unit can be had for $250-$300. Additionally, to use this kind of 'analog' camera, you'll also need a $50-$100 video capture card / module.

    The primary 'virtue' of the Sony EVI-D100 and similar cameras is that the zoom function is achieved optically ... via a tiny motor which physically readjusts the lens position. The result is that the camera's resolution at any degree of zoom remains the same i.e. maximum.

    A few cameras are now becoming available, such as the TrendNet Proview, which combine the physical zoom function with an H.264 compressed digital video output ... thus offering maximum resolution under all zoom conditions while also eliminating the need for a digital video capture card / module. While the $400+ price is far less expensive than a NEW Sony EVI camera plus video capture device, these cameras are fairly new, fairly expensive, and little or no second hand units are available yet.

    In terms of lower priced cameras with zoom functions, the Logitech 900 family as well as many other manufacturers offer units with so called 'digital zoom'. However, instead of physically changing the focal length of the lens, they simply 'crop' the center of the fixed lens camera image and massage pixels so the 'cropped' image is blown up to 'full size'. This method of zooming, of course, sacrifices resolution in direct proportion to the amount of digital zoom applied. And just as obviously, there is no easy way for these cameras to accomplish pan and tilt functions ... since the only way to achieve those functions is to physically pan and tilt the entire camera. But you can't expect the world for ~$100 or less.

    There is one exception ... the Logitech BCC950 ( business ) conference cam. It has physical zoom ( albeit with a limited zoom range ), as well as a motorized base for pan and tilt. At $200+, this camera is somewhat reasonably priced. However, it is reported that the PTZ and auto-refocus functions aren't very smooth as well as being 'laggy' after actuating the remote control. Not bad for half the price of a TrendNet Proview, or 1/4th the price of a new Sony EVI setup, though.
    Last edited by Melonie; 04-08-2015 at 01:51 PM.

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    Default Re: remote/zooming i nand out good cams?

    Just a small correction - the bcc950 is a digital zoom I believe? the cc3000e has optical zoom.
    Quote Originally Posted by HaydenBlue View Post
    Somebody call the WAHHHHmbulance.

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    Default Re: remote/zooming i nand out good cams?

    ^^^ yes you are correct of course ... although Logitech isn't exactly 'clear' about the BCC950 specs. But physical zoom is a major part of the reason why the CC3000 sells for $800+, while the BCC950 sells for $200+

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