NewTek PTZ3 UHD review

Is this latest PTZ camera the ultimate tool for broadcasters of all kinds?

NewTek PTZ3 UHD review
(Image: © Adam Juniper / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

This 4K camera built to meet the latest NDI standards is a dream for an enthusiastic broadcaster, especially one committed to the network-friendly protocol. We hope as the firmware develops that the AF becomes a little smarter/faster, but the system is already surprisingly friendly and flexible while the video quality competes with the biggest of names.

Pros

  • +

    4K at up to 60fps

  • +

    Supports NDI5 and NDI|HX3 standard

  • +

    30x optical zoom

  • +

    Mini-XLR audio input (and full XLR adapter)

  • +

    USB-C / HDMI / 3G-SGI / Ethernet out

  • +

    Multicast option

  • +

    Can act as a webcam

Cons

  • -

    8-bit only

  • -

    No Mac ‘joypad mode’

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

 Broadcasting is no longer the preserve of major corporations; there is an ever-growing demand for high-quality equipment for streaming and conferencing too, with ‘broadcasters’ based in locations from churches to basements. 

A big part of this has been the rapid spread of NDI® tech. This standard, meaning Network Device Interface, is all about getting low-latency video over existing IP networks. Because it’s a network standard, other info (like commands and tally) can be sent to the camera over the same connection. The core components can be downloaded for free from NDI, and plugins are available (again for free) for OBS.

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Adam Juniper
Managing Editor

With over 20 years of expertise as a tech journalist, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge across a vast number of product categories, including timelapse cameras, home security cameras, NVR cameras, photography books, webcams, 3D printers and 3D scanners, borescopes, radar detectors… and, above all, drones. 

Adam is our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, from buying guides on the best choices for aerial photographers of all ability levels to the latest rules and regulations on piloting drones. 

He is the author of a number of books including The Complete Guide to Drones, The Smart Smart Home Handbook, 101 Tips for DSLR Video and The Drone Pilot's Handbook