Automatic tracking with PTZ cameras – a comparison

Automated camera tracking with PTZ cameras (pan-tilt-zoom) is no longer a niche topic. Many PTZ manufacturers offer tracking functions. In times of increasing demand for professional live streams, hybrid events and online training, many companies and production companies want to make their processes more efficient - without having to compromise on quality. In this blog post, we compare various automatic tracking solutions from MiruSuite, Panasonic, Sony and Canon.

MiruSuite

MiruSuite takes a manufacturer-independent approach and offers fully automated tracking that integrates seamlessly into a wide range of hardware setups. It is not just the cameras of individual suppliers that are the focus here, but the entire production environment. Whether you’re using Panasonic, Canon, Sony, or a mix of different brands – MiruSuite is designed to be flexible and impresses with its sophisticated AI-based person tracking as well as a wealth of configuration options.

Advantages of MiruSuite

• High-precision and natural tracking: MiruSuite uses an AI-based pose estimation to recognize and track people in the image. The posture is being analyzed and the camera is aligned accordingly. MiruSuite also supports facial recognition and intelligent motion prediction so that the right person is never lost sight of. MiruSuite thus offers high-quality tracking that is second to none.
• Flexibly configurable: Whether it’s tracking speed or intelligent placement of the speaker in the “golden ratio” – MiruSuite offers numerous settings to adapt the tracking to individual requirements. As a result, the software can be optimally configured for dynamic stage shows as well as calm lecture situations.
• Flexible hardware integration: MiruSuite supports a wide variety of PTZ cameras and video sources, including models from Panasonic, Sony, and Canon. MiruSuite itself runs as a standalone application on Windows PCs and Macs. You can find all supported devices in the documentation.
• Fully local: MiruSuite does not send any data to the cloud and processes all information locally on your computer.
• Companion support: Easy integration into existing production environments with Companion support. This allows you to conveniently control MiruSuite via Companion scripts and integrate it into your existing setup.

Disadvantages of MiruSuite

• Only for Windows and Mac: MiruSuite is currently only available for Windows PCs and Macs. A Linux version is not planned.
• A laptop or PC is required for tracking

MiruSuite not only enables automatic tracking but also serves as an entry point to a new world of production automation. By connecting video mixers, additional cameras, and audio sources, a variety of production scenarios can also be fully automated. You can find more information about MiruSuite at mirusuite.de.

Panasonic

Panasonic offers the AW-SF100 and AW-SF200 tracking software, specially developed for its own PTZ cameras. This software enables precise tracking of people and can be used with various Panasonic cameras such as the AW-UE150, AW-UE100, AW-HE130, AW-UE70, AW-HE42, AW-HE40, and AW-HE38.

The tracking software is a standalone application that controls the camera. To do this, the camera is connected to the tracking software via the network.

Some Panasonic cameras also have an integrated tracking function that can be set directly in the camera. This is available free of charge for the AW-UE40, AW-UE50 and AW-UE80 models.

Advantages of Panasonic tracking

• Specifically for Panasonic cameras: The software is specially tailored to Panasonic cameras and offers optimized tracking.
• Fully local: Panasonic tracking does not send any data to the cloud and processes all information locally on your computer.

Disadvantages of Panasonic tracking

• Only partially configurable: Panasonic’s tracking software does not allow for continuous, fine-grained adjustment of shot size and sensitivity.
• Only available for Windows PCs

Sony

Sony provides automated tracking via a new firmware for the PTZ cameras BRC-AM7, ILME-FR7, and SRG-A40/A12. The tracking function is based on a pose estimation algorithm that detects and tracks people in the frame. The tracking function can be configured and controlled via the camera’s web interface.

Advantages of Sony tracking

• Multi-person framing: Sony tracking can follow up to 8 people at once and keep them in the frame.
• Face registration: Users can register faces so that the camera automatically prioritizes the registered faces.
• Directly on the camera: The tracking software runs directly on the camera and does not require an additional computer.

Disadvantages of Sony tracking

• Only for specific camera models: Sony’s tracking function is only available for certain camera models, and even then only in specific versions (for example, face registration and multi-person framing are only available for the BRC-AM7, SRF-A140, and SRG-A12).

Canon

Canon offers a tracking solution for the CR-N camera series that follows the speaker using face/head recognition. The app can be purchased separately and runs directly on the camera.

Advantages of Canon tracking

• Specifically for Canon cameras: The software is specially tailored to the CR-N camera series and offers optimized tracking.
• Directly on the camera: The tracking software runs directly on the camera and does not require an additional computer.

Disadvantages of Canon tracking

• No body detection: Canon’s tracking software is based on face and head detection, which can pose problems if people are far away.
• Configurability only in the paid app: The Lite version of the tracking software offers only limited configuration options.
• No golden ratio positioning: The software does not offer a way to automatically place the speaker in the golden ratio.

Iris AI

Iris AI is a cloud-based platform for remote control and management of PTZ cameras, letting operators access and steer cameras from anywhere. It supports many PTZ models (commonly via VISCA over IP) and includes an automatic tracking feature for supported cameras, but its primary focus is remote management rather than high-end automatic tracking. A local/on‑premises tracking mode is not available for testing as of writing, so we could not evaluate the tracking quality.

Advantages of Iris AI

• Many supported cameras: Iris AI supports a wide range of PTZ cameras using VISCA over IP or HTTP protocols.
• Cloud-based: Cloud-based solution with a local bridge software that allows remote control and tracking of PTZ cameras from anywhere.
• Easy to deploy:: The bridge software can run on any Windows PC with an NVIDIA GPU or an Apple Silicon Mac.

Disadvantages of Iris AI

• Cloud dependency: Iris AI relies on cloud processing, so a stable internet connection is required. This can introduce latency and reduce responsiveness. Complete offline control is limited. The increased bandwidth usage can lead to additional costs for high‑resolution streams.
• Data privacy: Since video data is processed in the cloud, there may be concerns about data privacy and security. You should consider whether this is acceptable for your use case.
• Limited bandwidth: The user is being charged extra for high bandwidth usage.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tracking solution depends on a number of factors, including existing hardware, tracking requirements and budget. MiruSuite offers a flexible and powerful tracking solution that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of production environments. Panasonic, Sony and Canon offer specialized tracking solutions for their own cameras that are characterized by high quality and ease of use. The decision for a tracking solution should therefore be carefully considered in order to optimally meet the requirements of the respective production environment.