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PTZ cameras are versatile video surveillance devices that offer the ability to pan and tilt to cover a 360 degree view while also being able to zoom in on a specific object of interest. For the outdoors, PTZ cameras are a great option as they can take on the role of multiple general-purpose cameras.

They can be controlled manually or automated to monitor a wide-open space (like a parking lot or filling station) for unusual activity. PTZ features like auto-tracking, scan presets, patterns, and tours are very useful in these settings.

Let’s get into it.

Best Outdoor 360-Degree 4K PTZ Security Cameras

Top Pick
RLC-823A
Awards
  • Only camera listed with Google Nest Hub support
  • Highest rated camera listed with DC Power option
  • Highest rated camera listed with PoE data
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
IP Rating
IP66
Pan Angle
360°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
5x

Our top pick is the Reolink RLC-823A PTZ Security Camera. It has an IP66 rating and covers full 360° panning, 90° tilting, and 5x optical zoom magnification.

The motorized lens allows the PTZ camera to perform automated PTZ functions such as tracking and following preset patterns. On top of that, the camera can detect humans or vehicles and send out push notifications via the Reolink mobile app.

This Reolink PTZ camera is compatible with smart integration systems such as Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Google Nest Hub, allowing you to seamlessly pull up a live feed from this camera onto your smartphone or TV.

Pros
  • Power Options: PoE, DC Power
  • Smart Integrations: Google Assistant, Chromecast, Google Nest Hub
  • Integrated Microphone
  • Two Way Audio Functionality
  • Data Transmission: PoE
  • Integrated Spotlight
Cons
Runner Up
E881AP-W
Awards
  • Highest rated camera listed with Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
  • Highest rated camera listed with IP67
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
IP Rating
IP67
Pan Angle
360°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
25x

Our runner-up is the Lorex E881AP-W, a 4K resolution PTZ camera. It is a high-end PTZ camera well regarded for its instantaneous panning and tilting speeds. (400°/s panning and 300°/s tilting.)

As per usual, the camera can carry out full 360° panning and 90° tilting. Additionally, the motorized lens can carry out 25x optical zoom. (Digital zoom is only available with compatible NVRs.) There are numerous automation features for the PTZ functions, allowing users to set up highly customizable presets. (Configurable patterns during a certain time of day.)

The device has an IP67 rating and is specifically designed to cover large outdoor spaces. It also has an IK10 impact rating which classifies it as vandal-proof.

Pros
  • IP Rating: IP67
  • Motorized Pan Feature
  • Storage Options: microSD, NVR
  • Motorized Tilt Feature
  • Data Transmission: PoE
  • High Resolution: 4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Cons
  • No smart home integrations
  • No integrated microphone
  • No smart / AI motion detection
  • No inbuilt spotlight
  • No two-way audio feature
  • Does not have an integrated siren
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
IP Rating
IP66
Pan Angle
360°
Optical Zoom Magnification
22x

The Ubiquiti UniFi Protect G4 is another high-end PTZ camera that records 4K footage on a motorized lens.

The PTZ capabilities include 360° panning and 22x optical zoom. Unfortunately, the device incorporates none of the audio-based features such as two-way communication and integrated sirens. Therefore, you will be left with video footage with no sound, no way to sound the alarm or carry out two-way communication.

Since this is a Ubiquiti product, the PTZ camera needs to be set up using Ubiquiti’s own UniFi Protect support software and compatible NVRs. (Unifi Dream Machine Pro> or the UniFi Protect UNVR)

Pros
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
  • Storage Options: NVR
  • IP Rating: IP66
  • Night Vision Support: Infrared
  • Power Options: PoE
  • Data Transmission: PoE
Cons
  • Does not have an integrated siren
  • No integrated microphone
  • No two-way audio feature
  • No inbuilt spotlight
  • No smart home integrations
DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3
Awards
  • Highest rated camera listed with NAS support
  • Highest rated camera listed with True WDR
  • Highest rated camera listed with Face Detection
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
IP Rating
IP66
Pan Angle
330°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
4x

The Hikvision DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 is a more affordable mid-range PTZ camera. It has a 4MP camera with 2560x1440 maximum resolution.

The motorized lens allows the system to carry out 330° panning, 90° tilting, and 4x optical zooming. (Along with a standalone 16x digital zoom.)

One of the main reasons to consider this PTZ camera is the number of intelligent features. Apart from PTZ presets, the camera can also perform face detection and line crossing detection. (Along with other events such as video tampering and audio exception detection, to name a few.)

The enclosure has an IP66 rating and can endure a stable temperature range of -4F to 140F.

Pros
  • Motorized Pan Feature
  • Data Transmission: PoE
  • Great Image Clarity: True WDR
  • Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
  • Motorized Tilt Feature
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
Cons
  • Does not have an integrated siren
  • No inbuilt spotlight
  • No smart home integrations
CZ800 Ultra
Awards
  • Highest rated camera listed with AC Power option
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
IP Rating
IP67
Pan Angle
360°
Optical Zoom Magnification
25x

The ANNKE CZ800 Ultra is a premium-priced high-end PTZ camera. It includes an 8MP camera recording 4K footage at 3840x2160 resolution.

The PTZ capabilities of this device include 360° panning and 25x optical zooming with support for automated customizable preset and scanning. The device also supports 16x digital zoom, and it’s one of the few cameras designed to perform license plate recognition with the aid of supported software. (Check here for the best LPR cameras.)

This PTZ camera also supports various intelligent motion detection features, including but not limited to human, vehicle, and face detection.

Pros
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
  • Integrated Spotlight
  • Storage Options: NVR
  • Data Transmission: PoE
  • Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Spotlight)
  • Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, Face Detection
Cons
  • No integrated microphone
  • No two-way audio feature
  • No smart home integrations
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
IP Rating
IP67
Pan Angle
360°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
25x

The Montavue MTZ8250-IRAI is a high-end PTZ security camera. It utilizes an 8MP sensor to record 4K footage at 3840x2160 resolution. The PTZ functions allow it to carry out full 360° panning and 90° tilting with 25x optical magnification. (Along with 16x digital zoom.)

The camera can also perform several PTZ-based automated operations such as tours, presets, scans, and tracking.

This Montavue PTZ camera is one of the most feature-packed PTZ cameras regarding intelligent features. A few of these include vehicle and person detection, tripwire detection, IP address conflict, network disconnection detection, scene changing, and storage anomaly

Pros
  • High Resolution: 4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
  • Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection
  • Motorized Tilt Feature
  • IP Rating: IP67
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
  • Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Cons
  • No inbuilt spotlight
  • Does not have an integrated siren
  • No smart home integrations
  • No integrated microphone
IP4M-1063EW-AI
Awards
  • Only camera listed with Cloud support
  • Only camera listed with Non-Motor Vehicle Detection
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
IP Rating
IP66
Pan Angle
360°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
25x

The Amcrest IP4M-1063EW-AI is a 4MP outdoor PTZ camera. Its motorized lens allows it to carry out full 360° panning, 90° tilting, and 25x optical zoom. On top of that, the camera can also perform 16x digital zoom and supports a variety of PTZ automation features such as tracking and customizable presets.

Despite being a mid-range camera, this device includes a versatile catalog of intelligent features such as various object detection facilities, configurable motion zones, storage anomaly, illegal access, and video tampering detection, to name a few.

The enclosure is rated at IP66 along with IK10 vandal-proof impact protection.

Pros
  • IP Rating: IP66
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
  • Motorized Pan Feature
  • Motorized Tilt Feature
  • Great Image Clarity: True WDR
  • Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, Non-Motor Vehicle Detection, Face Detection
Cons
  • No integrated microphone
  • No inbuilt spotlight
  • No smart home integrations
  • Does not have an integrated siren
6CE445XANR
Awards
  • Highest rated camera listed with Object Detection
Data Type
IP
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
IP Rating
IP67
Pan Angle
360°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
45x

The Dahua 6CE445XANR is a high-end PTZ security camera with a 4MP image sensor. It records footage at 2560x1440 resolution with a motorized lens that can carry out full 360° panning and 90° tilting. (With 45x optical and 16x digital zooming capabilities.)

The camera supports a variety of PTZ automated functions such as presets, scans, and tracking. It also includes multiple general-purpose intelligent features such as person and vehicle detection, tripwire detection, missing object detection, and many more.

The housing has an IP67 rating, and the device can operate at temperatures ranging from -40F to 158F.

Pros
  • Storage Options: microSD, NVR, NAS, FTP
  • Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
  • Smart Motion Detection Features: Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, Object Detection
  • Two Way Audio Functionality
  • Great Image Clarity: True WDR
  • Data Transmission: PoE
Cons
  • No integrated microphone
  • No inbuilt spotlight
  • Does not have an integrated siren
  • No smart home integrations
IPC675LFW-AX4DUPKC-VG
Awards
  • Highest rated camera listed with Sound Detection
Data Type
IP
Resolution
5MP: 2880x1620
IP Rating
IP66
Pan Angle
345°
Tilt Angle
110°
Optical Zoom Magnification
4x

The Uniview IPC675LFW-AX4DUPKC-VG is a decent mid-range PTZ camera with a 5MP image sensor recording footage at 2880x1620 resolution. The motorized lens allows 345° panning, 110° tilting, and 4x optical zoom.

The automated PTZ functions include presets and tracking. This PTZ camera lacks many intelligent features but manages to include sound detection along with other events detection features such as IP address conflict, video tampering, and audio exception.

This Uniview outdoor PTZ camera has an IP66 rating, along with operating temperatures ranging between -4F to 140F.

Pros
  • Night Vision Support: Infrared, Full Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
  • Power Options: PoE, DC Power
  • IP Rating: IP66
  • Smart Motion Detection Features: Sound Detection
  • Motorized Pan Feature
Cons
  • No smart home integrations
  • Does not have an integrated siren
  • No inbuilt spotlight
Data Type
IP
Resolution
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
IP Rating
IP51
Pan Angle
180°
Tilt Angle
90°
Optical Zoom Magnification
5x

Our final device on this list is the AXIS M5065 PTZ Network Camera. It is a 2MP mid-range PTZ camera with limited 180° panning, 90° tilting, and 5x optical zooming. (Also includes 10x digital zoom.)

It supports PTZ presets and is one of the few outdoor PTZ cameras that includes optional cloud storage. A few of its intelligent features include object and sound detection along with event triggers for missing object detection and storage anomaly.

Unfortunately, the enclosure for this camera has a weaker IP51 rating which doesn’t protect the device against water. (It also has a narrower operating temperature range of 32F to 113F.)

Pros
  • Power Options: PoE
  • Data Transmission: PoE
  • Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
  • Storage Options: microSD, NVR, NAS, FTP
  • Integrated Microphone
  • Motorized Pan Feature
Cons
  • No night vision support
  • Low IP Rating: IP51
  • Relatively Low Resolution: 2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
  • Does not have an integrated siren
  • No two-way audio feature
  • No smart home integrations

Decision Factors when Choosing an Outdoor PTZ Security Camera

IP and IK ratings

When installing any security camera in an outdoor setting, you need to ensure that it is protected against rain and dust. Therefore, we recommend choosing a device with a minimum of IP66. Fortunately, most cameras on this list have this minimum IP rating. Also, if you want to vandal-proof the device, you will have to get one with an IK10 rating. 

Night Vision

Night Vision features play a significant role in maintaining security, especially at night. Most PTZ cameras on this list include full-color night vision with infrared as a backup. Infrared and full-color Night vision is adequate for most situations. Nonetheless, you can have better security with a PTZ camera that incorporates an in-built spotlight. (On top of the existing night vision functions.) 

PTZ Specs

The PTZ specs are the most important aspect of any PTZ camera. Ideally, you want to look for a device with 360° panning and 90° tilting. Also, some high-end devices offer high optical magnification, such as 12x or 20x. Depending on your requirements, you might want to prioritize the optical zoom. (For applications like License plate recognition.)

PTZ automation

Almost every PTZ camera allows you to control the camera manually. However, it takes a special camera and supporting software to automate these features. This is another aspect we recommend you look for, as it will help you customize presets or enable tracking so the camera can do a better job of monitoring a wide-open space. 

Audio Features

Audio-based features such as two-way communication and integrated sirens aren’t included in every outdoor PTZ camera. However, these add a new level of security and can help deter intruders and avoid a break-in. We recommend going for a PTZ camera that includes two-way communication facilities and integrated sirens, especially for homes and small businesses.

Conclusion

Here is our list of the top ten outdoor wired PTZ cameras. Unlike wireless PTZ cameras , the advantages of a wired system are that you can record footage continuously and automate the camera to follow a preset or keep track of objects in the location.

Hopefully, this list helped you with some ideas on what to look for in your next outdoor wired PTZ camera.

Do you agree with our top pick? Let us know in the comments.

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