Control an NDI camera
How to control PTZ cameras over the network—pan, tilt, zoom.
PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras can be controlled remotely over the network. Here are the control options.
Control methods
Camera web UI
Easiest for occasional control:
- Open the camera IP in a browser
- Go to the PTZ section
- Use the controls:
- Arrows for pan/tilt
- +/- for zoom
- Preset buttons
NDI control in software
Many apps support direct NDI PTZ control:
- OBS Studio (with plugin)
- vMix
- NDI Studio Monitor
- Wirecast
Hardware controller
For professional control:
Mobile apps
Vendors often provide apps:
- PTZOptics Camera Control (iOS/Android)
- BirdDog Central Lite (iOS/Android)
Presets
What are presets?
Presets store camera positions:
- Pan position
- Tilt position
- Zoom level
- Optional: focus, exposure
Set presets
Choose a position
Move the camera to the desired framing (e.g., minbar front).
Set zoom
Adjust zoom as needed.
Save
Save as a preset (e.g., Preset 1).
Repeat
Repeat for additional positions.
Recommended mosque presets
| Preset | Position | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minbar front | Standard for khutbah |
| 2 | Minbar close | Imam close-up |
| 3 | Prayer hall | Wide overview |
| 4 | Mihrab | For prayers |
| 5 | Side | Alternate angle |
Recall presets
Depending on control method:
- Web UI: Click the preset button
- Software: Press the preset button
- Controller: Preset number + "Recall"
Control with OBS Studio
Install PTZ plugin
- Download the OBS-NDI plugin
- Install the plugin
- Restart OBS
NDI source with PTZ
- Add an "NDI Source"
- Choose the camera
- Right-click the source → "PTZ Controls"
- The control window opens
Set hotkeys
For quick preset switching:
- Settings → Hotkeys
- Search for "NDI PTZ"
- Assign keys to presets
- Example:
- F1 = Preset 1
- F2 = Preset 2
- F3 = Preset 3
Control with vMix
Add the camera
- Add Input → NDI / Desktop Capture
- Select the NDI source
- The camera appears as an input
Open PTZ controls
- Click the gear on the input
- Choose "PTZ"
- The control panel opens
Shortcuts in vMix
- Go to Shortcuts
- Create PTZ shortcuts:
- PTZMoveToPreset1
- PTZMoveToPreset2
- etc.
Automatic control
Auto-tracking
Some cameras offer auto tracking:
- Follows a person in frame
- Auto zooming
- AI-based detection
Cameras with auto tracking:
- PTZOptics (with AI upgrade)
- BirdDog P4K
- Panasonic AW series
Scheduled movements
For recurring events:
- Automatic preset changes at set times
- Useful for routine flows
Tips for smooth operation
During the khutbah
- Start: Wide shot/overview
- Main part: Frontal on the imam
- Key moments: Zoom closer
- End: Back to the wide shot
Movements
- Move slowly and smoothly
- Avoid fast moves
- Prefer preset jumps over manual moves
- For live streams: cut instead of long pans
Zoom
- Not too tight (don’t cut off the head)
- Not too wide (subject too small)
- Aim for chest to medium shot