NDI cameras
Overview of NDI camera types and buying tips.
There are different NDI camera types for various needs and budgets.
Note: Prices/availability change frequently. Example links are reference only.
Camera types
PTZ cameras
PTZ = Pan-Tilt-Zoom. These cameras can:
- Pan
- Tilt
- Zoom
Advantages:
- Remote control
- One position, multiple perspectives
- Presets for quick switching
Best for:
- Mosques without a dedicated camera operator
- Shots from multiple angles
- Streams with camera changes
Fixed cameras (box / ePTZ)
Cameras with fixed lenses (or ePTZ = digital crop) without mechanical PTZ.
Advantages:
- Cheaper than PTZ
- Fewer moving parts
- Easier to install
Best for:
- Fixed framing (e.g., always on the minbar)
- Budget-conscious setups
- Backup cameras
Compact “webcam/compact PTZ” with NDI
Very small cameras, great for tight spaces.
Advantages:
- Very compact
- Quick to set up
- Ideal for booths/small rooms
Heads-up:
- Sometimes NDI is license/firmware only.
Recommended cameras
A few solid PTZ options from Fomako and Tenveo for entry to advanced setups.
| Model / Specs | Resolution / FPS | Zoom | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fomako PTZ NDI | 1080p 30fps | 20x | Link |
| Tenveo PTZ NDI | 4K 30fps | 12x | Link |
| Tenveo PTZ NDI | 4K 30fps | 20x | Link |
| Fomako PTZ NDI | 4K 30fps | 30x | Link |
| Fomako PTZ NDI | 4K 60fps | 20x | Link |
What to check before buying
NDI version & bandwidth
- Full NDI: Highest quality, highest bandwidth
- NDI|HX/HX2/HX3: Compressed, lower bandwidth, slight delay
For most mosques, NDI|HX is sufficient.
Avoid license surprises
- Confirm NDI is really included and not an extra license.
- Some products require purchasing an NDI license key separately.
POE (Power over Ethernet)
With POE cameras you only need one cable:
- Network + power over Ethernet
- Fewer cables, clean install
- Requires a POE switch
NDI converters (alternative)
If you already own a good HDMI/SDI camera, this is often the most affordable, clean solution.
| Converter | Direction | NDI version | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zowietek 4K HDMI | HDMI ↔ NDI (bi-directional) | NDI|HX3 | Link |
| Kiloview N5 | 3G-SDI ↔ NDI (bi-directional) | NDI|HX | Link |
| BirdDog Play | NDI → HDMI (decoder only) | NDI 5 | Link |
| WayPonDEV Link Pi ENC1-V3 | HDMI → NDI (encoder) | NDI|HX | Link |
| youyeetoo ENC1-V3 | HDMI → NDI (encoder) | NDI|HX | Link |