When choosing a PTZ camera, Minrray or other mdoel, it is important to understand which lens options are available. Before we dive into the specifics, let us look at what “field of view” (FOV) is and how it impacts the overall viewing experience.
FOV can be described as: “how much of an object is visible after viewing it through an optical lens”.
It is important to understand that there are two different specifications to consider – Horizontal FOV and Vertical FOV. Below is an example of Horizontal FOV with a lens, having 6.3 degrees FOV (tele). We can observe at 15 feet from the subject, there is 1.7’ visible when the camera is zoomed in, and 22’ when zoomed out.
The notion that “bigger is always better” does not hold true when selecting a lens. Careful consideration MUST be taken to match the environment and the needs of the installation to the correct lens type.
The chart below can be used as a “general guideline” (distance from camera to subject):
Lens options are available in resolutions supporting Full HD (1920x1080p) up to 4K.
There are many online tools available to aid in lens calculation, but caution should be exercised as specifications between manufacturers can widely vary. When in doubt, please consult with your local Techni-Contact sales manager or technical specialist for further assistance.