Controlling Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ)

Navigation:  Working with Nx Witness > Device Management > Setting Up Cameras and Devices > Image Controls >

Controlling Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ)

Previous pageReturn to chapter overviewNext page

To the extent supported by the particular ONVIF camera, pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) controls are available when a camera is in Live mode. PTZ controls are also available on archived footage for fish-eye cameras. These control and also for archived footage. Note that PTZ must be configured first (see "Configuring Dewarp and Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ)".) For the most commonly-used cameras that support ONVIF Absolute Move, the following features are also available:

Saving and Restoring PTZ Positions

Setting Up PTZ Tours

Relative PTZ

When PTZ requirements are met and enabled, the PTZ icon ptz_hovered will display on the corresponding camera item.

Manufacturer "native" PTZ settings

Native PTZ camera presets – those provided in-camera – for a specific camera can maintained by checking Use camera native presets in Camera Settings > Expert. To ignore manufacturer settings in favor of Nx Witness settings, check Use system presets instead.

Available PTZ controls

Depending on the camera model, one of the following modes is available when you click on the PTZ icon ptz_hovered.

Simple (Zoom only) – As shown in the image below, only the + and - buttons are available to zoom in and out.

Setting up PTZ - 1

Regular (Zoom and Point) – Use the + and - buttons to zoom in and out. When there is a center circle as shown below, you can use it to click-and-drag the center of the image to the desired position.

Setting up PTZ - 2

Extended (Zoom, Point and additional features) – Requires ONVIF Absolute Move support by the camera and custom product integration. Allows zooming, repositioning, and the following additional controls:

Setting up PTZ - 3

Click anywhere in the field of view to re-center at that position.

Left -click-and-drag and draw a zoom rectangle that can be positioned until the mouse button is released.

Double-click to zoom out all the way.

Once a PTZ position is set, press ptz_hovered again to hide PTZ controls.