The need to monitor and ensure the security of various facilities requires investment in innovative technologies. Therefore, it's impossible not to touch on the topic of video surveillance, which is unparalleled in its effectiveness. Surveillance cameras with a zoom lens provide the ability to zoom in, or, in more modern terms, multiple times, as well as pan in the desired direction. Today, zoom cameras are the most advanced technology in surveillance camera systems. Below, we'll examine the functionality and technical specifications of zoom cameras in more detail.
Cameras with a zoom lens
First, it's worth mentioning the zoom lens itself, a technology that enhances monitoring and security. A zoom lens is a telescopic optics system with a smoothly graduated magnification. Simply put, it's a lens system that provides the necessary zoom of an object within the camera's field of view, within certain limits. A special feature of zoom lenses is the ability to zoom in on specific parts of the image. Zoom lenses are relatively small, so they won't significantly impact either the camera's weight or aesthetics. Zoom lenses can use optical zoom up to a certain level of magnification. This feature allows for uninterrupted quality recording, as the zoom is achieved by shifting the lenses within the zoom lens. Digital zoom is also available, but this comes at the expense of the recorded footage, significantly reducing its quality. In general, various cameras with a zoom lens can magnify the captured image from 5x to 20x, and in some cases, this figure can reach 50x.
When considering the advantages of a zoom camera, it's important to note that a zoom camera can be equipped with a pan/tilt function. This feature allows for a larger area of the protected facility to be covered and, if necessary, allows for a closer look at smaller details, such as a face, the presence of various objects in the user's hands, etc.
Cameras with a built-in zoom lens are primarily used in facilities that require increased security and enhanced monitoring. Therefore, the technological component dictates the high price of these cameras. On the other hand, installing a single camera with pan/tilt and a zoom lens can replace several other, cheaper cameras. As mentioned earlier, zoom cameras are the most modern technology in video surveillance systems, and therefore, certain technical specifications have become superior to those of other camera types. For example, aiming accuracy, maximum angle of capture, ability to operate in low-light conditions (high sensitivity, rare black-and-white mode), automatic speed control, and intelligent control for different focusing positions.
However, it's advisable to evaluate all of the above features in conjunction with the appropriate video camera model, as each camera has its own unique capabilities, settings, technical specifications, and a specific zoom lens system, which ultimately determines the quality of operation and control of the area being monitored.