PTZOptics Move SE: Big features for small productions

The PTZOptics Move SE is a PTZ camera designed for small-scale livestreaming productions and solo content creators. It boasts features like auto-tracking, 12x, 20x or 30x optical zoom, and a variety of connectivity options. All of this makes it a versatile choice for capturing dynamic presentations and live events.

This review will explore the camera’s strengths, including its impressive auto-tracking, good low-light performance and multiple control options. We’ll also touch on its one notable weakness and compare it to similar cameras on the market.

Features to know

The PTZOptics Move SE is a PTZ camera with automatic tracking, perfect for small-scale livestreaming. A PTZ, or pan, tilt, zoom, camera is a type of robotic camera that allows you to adjust orientation and framing from a distance. It’s a good option for small livestreaming productions that want to add another camera without having to bring on another camera operator. This type of camera is also handy when you are recording yourself but still want to include dynamic camera movement.

As for this PTZ camera, it captures video in 1080p at up to 60 frames per second using a Sony CMOS 1/2.8-inch image sensor. It supports H.265, H.264 and MJPEG video compression. While 1080p FullHD is a modest resolution compared to that of the Move SE’s 4K competitors, the selling points for this PTZ camera are its auto-tracking and optical zoom features. While we tested out the 12x version, the Move SE lineup also includes models with 20x and 30x optical zoom capabilities. The Move SE 12x starts at just under $1,000. For the 20x version, you’ll pay $1,100. The 30x version is $1,200.

Connectivity

In addition to the HDMI, 3G-SDI and USB output options, the Move SE also supports video over IP and power over ethernet. That’s a lot of outputs all crammed into this tiny package. This gives you enormous flexibility and scaling potential. With so many connection options, the Move SE can integrate into practically any production environment. Plus, for $99, it can be upgraded to support NDI|HX. NDI is a great way to expand your multicamera production since it allows you to connect and manage video sources directly over a network. This means fewer cable runs and easier setup overall.

For audio, the camera has 3.5 mm stereo audio in and out ports. This lets you easily add quality audio to your video stream.

Controlling the PTZOptics Move SE

For camera control, the Move SE offers a number of useful tools. For control connections, it supports RS-232, RS-485 and IP. Once set up, common livestreaming software like OBS, Wirecast, Tricaster and more can be used to make adjustments to camera orientation, focus and exposure settings. PTZOptics also offers a selection of free software and plugins for desktop and mobile devices. If you want more tactile control, PTZOptics makes a few different joystick controller options.

Included with the camera is an IR remote control. This can be used to direct the camera as well as activate the automatic tracking features. The remote is especially convenient for solo producers who might need to make adjustments to the camera settings as they are presenting. There is also an option to set up to 255 presets. Presets have an accuracy of 0.1 degrees.

The camera has a total pan movement range of plus or minus 170 degrees. It can pan at a maximum rate of up to 100 degrees per second. That should be quick enough to keep up with most presenters, but faster movements might outpace the camera. As for tilt, the camera can tilt upwards up to 90 degrees and down to minus 30 degrees. The Move SE’s maximum tilt speed is 69.9 degrees per second.

Compact, discreet design

For power, the camera uses either DC power or power over ethernet. All of these options give you lots of flexibility when it comes to placement and setup. PTZOptics also highlights the camera’s discreet mounting options, thanks to its compact form factor. It measures only 5.6 inches by 6.7 inches by 6.5 inches in its resting state. Constructed out of aluminum and plastic, it weighs just over three pounds. The Move SE can be mounted to the wall, ceiling, and poles and is even suitable for outdoor use when outfitted with an option outdoor enclosure. The camera will automatically sense when it has been mounted upside down and flip the video feed accordingly. It also features a built-in Kensington lock to protect against theft. This way, you can feel more secure about mounting the camera in a communal space like a school or event venue.

All of this makes it well-suited to spaces like classrooms and conference rooms. However, with the ability to livestream to platforms like YouTube and Facebook directly from the camera, the Move SE also appeals to broadcasters, streamers and content creators.

PTZOptics Move SE strengths …

As we were testing out the PTZOptics Move SE, we discovered a number of compelling strengths and only one notable weakness. Before we get to the bad news, let’s focus on the good.

Advanced auto-tracking

For solo and small team productions, a major highlight of the Move SE is its advanced auto-tracking functionality, including Presenter-Lock auto-tracking. This feature allows you to track a specific person, even when multiple people are in view. We found auto-tracking to be easy to set up and use, even on the fly as a solo presenter. One click on the remote and the Move SE goes into tracking mode. It’s super easy and does a good job of tracking the selected subject.

Long optical zoom range

Complementing the Move SE’s subject tracking feature is its 12x optical zoom and up to 16x digital zoom. This long zoom range allows you to create more interesting and dynamic streams. Plus, when paired with subject tracking, you can capture the detail and emotion of a presenter’s face while automatically keeping them properly framed.

Good low-light performance

PTZOptics markets the Move SE as having “High Performance in Low Light,” and — surprisingly, based on our experience with other PTZ cameras — it does. The low-light performance of the Move SE was better than expected. The camera was good at capturing a nice-looking image even when the lighting was not optimal. Plus, not only did the image look good, but it was also free from noise. That’s a big win for any livestreamers and video producers who might need to shoot in low-light conditions.

Remote control capabilities

Another strength of this camera is its robust set of control options. The Move SE can be controlled via IR remote, software or compatible control systems. We especially liked the included IR remote control. This made it very easy to operate the camera when streaming alone. Being able to control pan, tilt, zoom and auto-tracking functionality, all from in front of the camera, was super handy throughout the testing and review process.

Lots of connectivity options

Finally, on the good side, we love that the Move SE supports all of the major connection types. With the accessible HDMI, the more professional 3G-SDI and cutting-edge IP streaming outputs, the Move SE can fit in almost anywhere. This is a lot of flexibility to pack into one small camera.

… and the weakness

Now that we’ve talked about what we liked, we’ll point out one weakness — a nitpick really. The fan is kind of loud. That’s it. The internal fan is audible in quiet environments. This will be more of an issue for the reviewed PTZOptics Move SE 12x than its 30x counterpart. That’s because the 12x is more likely to be closer to the presenter and, therefore, the microphone. The 20x and 30x zoom versions will likely be placed farther away, making any fan noise less of a potential problem.

Marketplace

If you’re in the market for a PTZ camera, there are a couple of options you may want to consider alongside the PTZOptics Move SE. Like the Move SE, both of these alternatives shoot 1080p video and offer auto-tracking functionality as well as NDI support. However, there are also some differences to consider as you shop.

First up the BZBGEAR Live Streaming HD comes in 12x, 20x and 30x optical zoom versions. Similar to the Move SE, the BZBGEAR camera features a 1/2.8-inch Sony CMOS sensor. While this camera is not quite as compact as the Move SE, it does feature internal recording and it has a tally light to help you keep track of the camera’s status. The BZBGEAR Live Streaming HD costs $1,700.

You might also consider the HuddleCamHD SimplTrack3. This offers similar features to the BZBGEAR and PTZOptics options, including HD video capture, a 1/2.8-inch Sony CMOS sensor, NDI support and automatic tracking. However, this camera boasts 20x optical zoom as well as a dual-sensor design that allows you to capture a wide reference shot and a close-up shot at the same time. The HuddleCamHD SimplTrack3 is priced at $1,650.

Final thoughts on the PTZOptics Move SE

If you’re looking for a compact and feature-rich PTZ camera for your livestreams or video productions, the PTZOptics Move SE is definitely worth considering. Its user-friendly controls, auto-tracking capabilities and various connection options make it a strong choice for solo creators and small teams alike. Just be aware of the slightly audible fan noise if you plan to use it in whisper-quiet settings.

Overall, the PTZOptics Move SE strikes a nice balance between affordability, performance and ease of use, making it a great option for those looking to add a dynamic element to their productions.

PTZOptics Move SE

$899.00 at Amazon $999.00 at B&H Video

Strengths

• Connectivity options (HDMI, 3G-SDI and IP streaming outputs)
• Remote control capabilities (Can be controlled via IR remote, software or compatible control systems
• Good low-light performance
• Built-in tracking

Weaknesses

• Fan noise

Tech specs