Cream of the crop
Posted on Dec 19, 2024 by FEED Staff
These PTZ cameras employ sophisticated AI algorithms to analyse the scene in real time
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Discover what sets Sony’s PTZ apart – and why features like AI PTZ auto framing offer cutting-edge and superior benefits.
In the realm of video production and livestreaming, the pursuit of seamless camera operation has led to the development of many exciting new technologies, all aimed at enhancing efficiency, precision and production quality.
Sony’s BRC-AM7 is the latest PTZ camera with built-in AI auto-framing technology, ideal for a wide range of production tasks including studio-based and live operations. Delivering pristine 4K/60p output with a 20x optical zoom range, the flagship BRC-AM7 excels at capturing both expansive wide-angle shots and powerful close-ups.
Furthering the appeal of the BRC-AM7 is its ability to integrate seamlessly with other Sony system cameras, ensuring consistent colour matching and interoperability. This makes the light and compact camera an ideal choice for integration in a variety of production set-ups.
Additionally, the SRG-A12 and SRG-A40 PTZ cameras have built-in the revolutionary AI PTZ auto framing, allowing them to outshine conventional options equipped with standard auto tracking.
But what is it about AI tracking over auto framing that makes this difference so important?
Understanding auto framing
The best place to start is by getting to grips with standard auto tracking. Traditional PTZs equipped with this function rely on motion detection algorithms to identify and follow moving objects within the frame. These systems analyse changes in pixel values and attempt to maintain a consistent focus on the detected subject by adjusting pan, tilt and zoom parameters accordingly.
While standard auto tracking has proven useful in many scenarios, it has several inherent limitations. These systems may struggle with complex scenes featuring multiple moving subjects or erratic movements. Moreover, they often require a clear and distinct separation between the subject and the background, making them less effective in cluttered or dynamically changing environments.
In contrast, the AI PTZ auto-framing technology built into Sony’s BRC-AM7, SRG-A12 and SRG-A40 PTZ cameras operates with unparalleled precision and adaptability. Instead of relying solely on motion detection, these cameras employ sophisticated AI algorithms to analyse the scene in real time, intelligently identifying and framing individuals or subjects with exceptional accuracy.
Adaptive intelligence
AI PTZ auto framing uses an AI analytics algorithm that supports multiple recognition technologies – including body skeleton detection, head detection, face recognition and clothing details recognition.
Users can select their desired shooting mode (full body, waist, close-up) and simply adjust the picture composition (size, up and down, left and right), and the camera will automatically track and keep the subject in the chosen position.
Whether it’s a speaker moving across the stage or a panel discussion with multiple participants, the AI technology ensures that the frame remains optimised at all times.
Efficiency and integration
The efficiency and integration offered by AI PTZ auto framing further distinguish it from standard auto tracking. By automating complex framing tasks, Sony’s PTZ cameras allow operators to focus on creative storytelling and visual composition, rather than being bogged down by technicalities. This integration of AI technology enhances workflow efficiency and productivity, ultimately leading to smoother productions and superior content quality.
This auto-framing technology will also be available for the Sony cinema line FR7 PTZ via new firmware v3.0 in summer 2025.
This feature was first published in the Winter 2024 issue of FEED.
