Why We Recommend NDI PTZ Cameras for Churches

One cable per camera

Most of the cost and trouble of a camera install is in the cables: a video run, a power outlet and a control line to every position. An NDI PTZ camera collapses all three into one network cable:

• Video and audio travel as NDI over the network
• Pan, tilt, zoom and presets travel on the same cable
• Power comes from a PoE network switch

That’s why we recommend NDI PTZ cameras for most churches, and why they’re the cameras we suggest adding to our Livestream Systems. (See how NDI saves churches money.)

Why PTZ works so well in churches

• One volunteer can run several cameras, recalling preset shots like “pulpit,” “baptistry” and “wide.”
• Cameras live out of the way on walls, balconies or ceilings, not on tripods in the aisle.
• Quiet motors move during a prayer without anyone noticing.

Reading the spec sheet

NDI|HX3. The current efficient NDI format: about 50 to 62 Mbps at 1080p60 with low delay. A gigabit network carries several comfortably. (See what is NDI?)

Zoom. 12x or 20x covers most sanctuaries from the back wall; deep rooms and balconies may want 25x to 30x. Our Studio and Broadcast bundles use 25x and 31x models.

PoE class. Check the camera’s power draw against your switch’s per-port limit and total budget. Many PTZ cameras need PoE+ (802.3at). (See PoE classes for church AV.)

Backup outputs. SDI, HDMI or USB outputs mean the camera still works if you ever need a direct cable.

Control protocol. Most cameras speak VISCA over IP. Make sure your control software supports your camera.

Choosing PTZ cameras

There is no single right brand. Look for professional image quality, smooth and quiet movement, and the connections your room needs (SDI, HDMI, USB and network) at a price that fits your budget. NDI|HX3 models carry video, audio, control and power over one cable. Adding cameras to one of our Livestream Systems? We’ll suggest models that fit your room and quote them in your consultation.

Already have cameras you love? Keep them. Every Livestream System works with any camera that has HDMI, SDI or NDI output, and a Magewell encoder can put an older camera on the network.

Running them with WorshipMetrics

Camera Control scans the network, finds your PTZ cameras with make and model identified, and lets anyone on the team drive them from a browser, with presets that show a picture of the shot. That means a volunteer can run cameras from a tablet anywhere in the building, not just from a seat in the booth.

Before you buy

1. Check the network. A wired gigabit network with a PoE switch, separate from guest Wi-Fi. (See what network does a church need for NDI?)
2. Plan the positions and measure the distance to the stage for zoom.
3. Map what you have. Our map-your-system checklist takes a few minutes and is the best way to get the best price: we’ll tell you which cameras to keep and which to add.

For setup and troubleshooting, see the PTZ camera troubleshooting guide.