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No sooner have we talked PTZ cameras at ISE 2023, than Sony pushes out a press release talking about two new 4K units featuring AI analysis, the SRG-A40 and SRG-A12.
Two new PTZs from Sony on show at ISE 2023, both of which will be available in the summer.
The Sony SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 are both based on an Exmor R CMOS sensor supporting 4K 30p and Full HD 60p. The SRG-A40 offers Clear Image Zoom technology which digitally doubles the optical zoom from 20x to 30x in 4K or 40x in Full HD, while the SRG-A12 provides up to 12x zoom. With tele convert mode the SRG-A40 can extend up to 80x zoom, while the SRG-A12 can extend up to 24x, all while offering smooth, fast PTZ movement between cameras. Day mode and night mode help optimize capture in brightness and shadows.
New to these cameras, and grabbing the headlines at their launch, is Sony’s built-in PTZ Auto Framing technology with AI analytics. Multiple Auto Framing angles provide well-framed options for close-ups, waist-up or full body images, and the cameras begin to operate as soon as the power is turned on, searching for, and rediscovering an object to track. Sony says that a combination of advanced and consistent recognition technologies are employed, including facial recognition which can even detect masked faces. A handy tally light allows users to easily identify which camera is actively in use and tracking movements.
Connectivity is via 3G-SDI, HDMI, and IP connectivity, with NDI|HX available through an optional license. Both can be controlled remotely through VISCA/VISCA over IP, using a single network cable for power, output and control, and include PoE++ for simplified integration into new or existing environments without separate power supply cabling.
As for PTZ functionality, the new models’ PTZ motion sync feature enables smooth and rapid PTZ movement to a target position at a maximum ±170° pan/tilt angle range, while pre-set recall allows for quick transitions from one camera to other pre-set angles, to capture critical moments. A picture freeze preset can also be used to hold the last image captured in place, as the camera moves, thus eliminating blurry transition shots and minimising distraction. And finally for those that really want to raise their Zoom game, the virtual webcam driver software can turn up to five connected cameras into collaborative conference and lecture tools using a computer to provide professional image quality during web-based meetings.
The SRG-A40 and SRG-A12 will have a list price of £4300 and £3600 respectively, and it's definitely interesting to see the onboard AI feature so heavily. Expect this sort of thing to spread like wildfire through the PTZ market.
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