PTZ Cameras are cameras that can be moved via a computer, DVR, or PTZ joystick. PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. These cameras can be controlled to move left to right, up and down, and zoom in and out. All of this is done through the controller.Typically the dome-type cameras you see either hanging from the ceiling or attached to the ceiling at a store is a PTZ camera. They can easily be used to follow an event or person as they move about. One distinct advantage PTZ cameras have is the ability to zoom. You can zoom in on someone's face, a license plate, a cash register, or virtually anything else.

A camera’s motion is remotely controlled with a keyboard. Patrol movements can also often be programmed. These allows users to pan, tilt, and zoom into a specific area with just a push of a button. Preset patterns can also be triggered automatically even when the user is not near the keyboard. This is done by connecting devices such as magnetic door contacts, motion detectors, and panic buttons directly to the camera. When a certain device is triggered, the camera can move to look in a predetermined specific location.