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PTZ cameras have become a staple in houses for worship. With the ability to have one person run multiple cameras, it's an easy way to up your production without breaking the bank. However, PTZ’s aren't without drawbacks. Typically, the smaller lenses and sensors render a noticeably different image than other cameras. One of the other issues with many PTZ cameras is the size—while typically smaller than ENG or studio cameras, they still require a decent footprint. Many PTZs also have lenses or pan-tilt arms extending out over the camera's base, requiring a larger footprint. BZBGear has solved this problem with its BG-VPTZ. The camera and arm don't extend past this unit's base, which is capable of being positioned in a tiny place. The camera is only 120m square wide and 146mm tall, and it seems to fit the old adage "good things come in small packages."
This camera is small, so small that it fits in my hand almost like a webcam. But the specs and image quality make it an interesting option as a production camera.
Tech Specs
The BG-VPTZ is available in several zoom options: 10X, 20X, and 30X, each costing $200 more than the previous. They feature the Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor; the 10X is 1/2.7-inch and the others are 1/2.8-inch. The aperture of all three cameras is variable 1.6-3.5 for the 10X and 20X and 1.3-4.8 for the 30X. The BG-VPTZ can handle resolution and frame rates up to 1080p@ 60 down to 480i@ 60 and almost everything in between.
Where the camera stands out is in its options for output and control, and this is where it does it all. The BG-VPTZ can simultaneously output SDI, HDMI, USB 3.0, and IP streaming. The ethernet port also features POE, can stream H.264/H.265 compression, and can broadcast in ONVIF, RTSP, and RTMP IP streaming protocols. Since it has a 3.5mm audio jack, the front-of-house mix can be piped right in, and this camera can take and embed it from there.
The control options for the BG-VPTZ are almost as diverse. It can utilize RS-232, RS-485, IR remote control, or LAN using a web GUI. You can also control the BG-VPTZ with the BG-PTZ-Control app, a free proprietary PTZ control software for Windows, Mac, and iOS. It also supports control protocols, including IP VISCA, ONVIF, and PELCO-P/D. Bottom line: all the significant ways to control a PTZ camera work with this camera.
The BG-VPTZ is now also available in an NDI model: BG-VPTZN-HSU3.
The BG-VPTZ can simultaneously output SDI, HDMI, USB 3.0, and IP streaming. The ethernet port also features POE, can stream H.264/H.265 compression, and can broadcast in ONVIF, RTSP, and RTMP IP streaming protocols.
In use
This camera is small, so small that it fits in my hand almost like a webcam. But the specs and image quality make it an interesting option as a production camera. I could see a smaller church using this as the primary camera. A larger church could use it on-stage where it would virtually disappear due to its small size. Of course, it would certainly work well as a high-quality camera in conference rooms or classrooms, as well, for youth events or other meetings.
I found the BG-VPTZ to be an excellent bang for the buck. The web GUI is intuitive, and the movements are quick without being jarring. Preset recall time was fast and accurate. Even controlling the camera with the IR remote wasn't a chore. I wouldn't want to try and follow a hockey game that way, but for quick minor adjustments it works well. The number pad on the remote can recall 10 preset positions. I also like that when utilizing the remote, the camera number flashed, so if you were using the remote to control more than one camera, you wouldn't have a doubt about which cameras you were currently controlling. Also, it gives you visual feedback that commands have been sent. The IR remote worked well, as well, but it tended to be very directional, too far off axis, and the camera wouldn't receive the signal.
The web GUI fared better for control, but it also had a stumbling block in how the preset recall works. The recall requires a number to be typed in and the "call" button to be pressed. Not atypical for most PTZ cameras, but once the preset is recalled, the last recall number remains persistent in the recall box. As a result, it has to be removed before another number can be typed in, making the process slow and a little cumbersome. The good news is BZBGear is currently fixing this to make storing presets much easier. The updated firmware will be available soon. I am also interested in seeing how this camera functions with a PTZ controller.
The small form factor makes the camera useful in an IMAG environment because it can be easily hidden on stage and not be distracting. Beyond that, this camera would be a good fit for meeting rooms, classrooms, and larger churches. With a price tag of $1,199.00 for the 10X zoom going up to $1,599.00 for the 30X zoom, this camera is not cheap. But the variety of features and connections allows your church to benefit nicely from this Swiss Army knife of a camera.
For more information on the BG-VPTZ-HSU3, visit BZBGear.com.
For information on the BG-UPTZN-HSU3 (NDI model), visit BZBGear.com.
