Controlling Cameras

Cameras used for video conferencing are either fixed (the lens is attached to the body of the camera and cannot move) or motorised to enable pan, tilt and in many cases zoom functions.

There are a number of different ways of controlling where such cameras point. Have a look at the interactive below to see some of the options.

More Information on Cameras

Local Control
  • Using a remote control a participant can manually control the picture they are sending
  • This has complete compatibility
  • Remote Control
Far-end Control
  • Control of the functions of the camera unit can be delegated to another participant in the conference, enabling them to decide what they see of you and your studio
  • This requires compatible equipment
  • This normally only works with one-to-one conferences using equipment from the same manufacturer
Camera Presets
  • This is a variation on Local Control where a number of different views are recorded as presets
  • A single button press allows switching between these preset positions.
  • For example a site might record two presets - one close-up on the lead presenter and another showing the students in a different part of the classroom
  • Not all equipment supports presets
Camera Tracking
  • Some equipment has the ability to track patterns as they move around a room
  • This is most commonly used to track a speaker as they move around a lecture theatre
  • This is not a common feature in video conferencing equipment