ZowieTek 4K PTZ Streams with Graphics—No Computer Needed!

Make a Logo on Fiverr

Last Updated on September 16, 2025 3:03 pm by Jeffrey Powers

A PTZ Camera That Does More Than Pan, Tilt, and Zoom

ZowieTek is a great 4K PTZ camera for those who just want to set up a camera and stream. Working in a conference room, at the field, or on a stage, it’s a simple all-in-one camera that you can record and stream from.

Last year I reviewed the ZowieBox, which had similar features. With the ZowieTek 4K PTZ, you can stream out, record, and send out via HDMI, SRT, or NDI.

Get ZowieTek 4K Camera

Key Specs of the ZowieTek 4K PTZ Camera

The 4K PTZ offers a solid hardware foundation for pro-level use:

• Image Sensor: 1/2.8” CMOS, 8.42 megapixels
• Optical Zoom Options: 12x / 18x / 25x models
• Video Outputs: HDMI, 3G-SDI, USB 2.0, IP streaming (RTSP, RTMP, SRT)
• Network Protocols: NDI|HX support, ONVIF, RTSP
• Max Resolution: 4K (3840×2160) at 30fps
• Audio: Built-in mic plus 3.5mm external input
• Control: Web UI, RS-232/485, VISCA, joystick compatibility, Stream Deck support
• Extra Features: Tally light, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and flip/auto orientation modes

With LAN, HDMI, and SDI all active at once, this PTZ can output simultaneously to different workflows—perfect for hybrid productions where you need one signal to hit a switcher and another to go live on YouTube or Facebook.

OSD Graphics With or Without the Laptop

A great feature here is the OSD graphics engine. Through the camera’s web interface—accessible from a computer, tablet, or even phone (when you set up a WIfi connection or WIfi Hotspot) —you can load a scoreboard, insert text, drop in timers, or overlay a logo. Everything streams out directly in the video signal, no need to route through a software or hardware switcher.

During my tests of the ZowieTek 4K Camera, overlays were simple but effective: a scoreboard in the corner, live time/date, or text banners. It’s not a full broadcast-graphics suite, but for small productions, churches, schools, or indie streamers, it cuts down the gear list dramatically.

Real-World Performance

The ZowieTek PTZ handled livestreaming over Ethernet with little fuss. RTSP and RTMP streaming worked right from the camera, and SRT is available for more robust connections. NDI|HX-3 support means it drops into existing IP-video studios, while USB keeps it flexible for Zoom or Teams.

And yes, you can even use an Xbox controller to pan and tilt.

Pros and Cons of ZowieTek 4K PTZ

The camera is decent, but still has some issues. The Fast Frame option, for example, still misses the mark, and the camera will take some work to get it looking good. The motors in the PTZ camera are not as smooth as I would like.

If I set this up for one-camera recording, I will need to bring a power source. There are several battery options for that nowadays.

The camera can be set up to record to an external drive, or a NAS system. This means I can record the video, along with send via HDMI/SRT/NDI to a switcher.

And the OSD features are great, but in some cases you have to do some fidgeting – especially if you set the camera to 4K30fps.

In all, this camera will do the job with a switcher, and on it’s own. That makes it pretty versatile for what you might need.

Check it out at https://geni.us/zowietek4kptz (affiliate link)

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to subscribe to Geekazine:

RSS Feed - YouTube
Twitter - Facebook

• Tip Me via Paypal.me
• Send a Tip via Venmo
• RSS Bandwidth by Cachefly Get a 14 Day Trial
• Be a Patreon: Part of the Sconnie Geek Nation!

Reviews: Geekazine gets products in to review. Opinions are of Geekazine.com. Sponsored content will be labeled as such. Read all policies on the Geekazine review page. 

Reviews: Geekazine is also an affiliate of Amazon

The post ZowieTek 4K PTZ Streams with Graphics—No Computer Needed! appeared first on Geekazine.