ZistosHD Optical Zoom Cameras

A valuable feature of any remote video inspection system is the ability to zoom in and get a close-up of a point of interest without having the operator be in close physically proximity. In some instances, getting close to the point of interest is not possible because it is either impossible to access, or getting into a close inspection position is dangerous to the inspector.

The ZistosHD systems offer a true optical zoom feature that can magnify the image to many times its true size. Optical zoom uses a series of adjustable lenses that are controlled by the operator to magnify an image. Digital zoom cameras magnify an image by artificially increasing the number of pixels to make an object appear larger. Digital zoom cameras reduce the resolution of an image when they magnify its size. Optical cameras maintain the highest image resolution, even when they are at maximum magnification. The ZistosHD zoom cameras utilize optical zoom and maintain full resolution at maximum zoom settings.

Zistos’ zoom cameras are available in 10X (WPC-2.5Z-HD) and 30X (WPC-3.5Z-HD) optical magnification options. These cameras are housed in rugged, waterproof housings. Both have audio listening capabilities, self-illuminating LEDs, and provide high definition 1080p images and video. Our 10X camera has both white light and IR (WPC-2.5ZIR-HD) illumination options. The cameras can be fixed with additional side illuminators. The systems can also be equipped with a talkback speaker box for full duplex audio. This allows the operator to listen and communicate back with others who may be in the inspection location. These zoom cameras are compatible with all ZistosHD systems.

The ZistosHD wireless bridge accessory allows the system to interface to a standard cell-modem, (a product that is offered by most major cellular carriers). This allows transmission of real-time video from anywhere that has cell coverage – to anywhere that has internet access!

We would welcome the opportunity to set up a virtual product demonstration so you and your team can see the ZistosHD Portable Pole Camera System with our optical zoom camera in operation. These sessions can take as little as 15 minutes and can be scheduled at your convenience.

March 18, 2021July 13, 2021

Digital vs Optical Zoom

Zistos has recently introduced a line of high-definition pole camera systems that have many new features and benefits. Our new systems feature securely encrypted wireless video, they support full HD resolution (1080P) and include a large battery to extend use time in the field (approx. 6hrs minimum). We have designed a full array of interchangeable options and accessories that further expand the system’s capabilities. Suitable applications for our new ZistosHD system include: Tactical Surveillance, Technical Rescue, Industrial Inspection and Vehicle/Cargo Search.

One of the options that is available for these new systems is a camera that features optical zoom capabilities. Optical zoom utilizes lenses to magnify the visual image. This method has significant advantages over cameras that are limited to digital zoom capabilities.

Cameras that utilize optical zoom have the ability to magnify an image without any loss of resolution. Digital zoom expands the image by using software to double up the existing pixel content in the image. This magnifies the image by increasing the size of the pixels in the image and thus reducing the number of pixels that make up the image. This makes the image appear larger, but at the expense of resolution. Images that use digital zoom will often look reasonable after a 2X, or sometimes even a 4X magnification, (depending on the size of the image sensor). Often the images will become too coarse, or pixelated to see any meaningful detail. The more digital magnification that is applied to the image, the worse the image quality gets. Optical zoom allows the user to zoom in without any loss of resolution. When you view an image with a camera that utilizes optical zoom, the picture maintains resolution and image quality regardless of zoom magnification. The ZistosHD line has zoom cameras that feature optical zoom capabilities that range up to 30X.

When looking for victims in a rubble pile, searching attics for a subject, inspecting large storage vessels from a distance or searching the back of cargo truck for hidden contraband, having a quality image that maintains good visual detail is the most important aspect of a video pole camera system. The ZistosHD pole camera systems that are configured with the Optical Zoom camera options allow the operator to assess the smallest of image details and enable them to make critical decisions based on their visual assessment of the video.

For more information or a no obligation product demonstration, Virtual or In-Person, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone: (631) 434-1370, email: info@zistos.com or website: www.zistos.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

November 12, 2020November 4, 2021

Benefits of Motorized Articulation and Optical Zoom in Victim Location Operations

ZistosHD Victim Location Systems are wireless, high-definition systems designed to help operators facilitate victim location operations following building collapses, natural disasters or other search and rescue missions. All ZistosHD systems are modular and different system configurations are available. The systems can be custom configured with different poles and camera technology to best fit the needs and budget of a USAR team.

The ZistosHD Victim Location tool combines the ZistosHD handle with a wireless HD tablet display which can be configured with a telescoping, motorized carbon fiber pole, and a 1080P, self-illuminating, 10X optical zoom camera.

The telescoping, carbon fiber pole features a motorized articulation camera mount which is remotely controlled using the handle buttons or touchscreen controls on the wireless display. The articulation feature allows the camera head to pan, +/-120 degrees. Pole lengths available for ZistosHD motorized articulating, telescoping poles are 6ft (1.8m), 10ft (3m), 16ft (4.9m), 24 ft (7.3m), and 30 ft (9.1m). The articulation speed of the motorized assembly can be adjusted to best fit the nature of the search application. This is of benefit when it is necessary to slow down the camera pan function to conduct a detailed grid search for victims, or keeping quick articulation for rapid search assessments of a void space. The motorized head can be auto-centered by double tapping the center button on the control handle for ease of extraction from an insertion point.

The WPC-2.5Z-HD zoom camera has a 10 times optical zoom which does not lose ANY resolution when magnifying the image. This is unlike many of the search cameras on the market that utilize digital zoom functions. Digital zoom technology will lose resolution as soon as you begin to magnify the image. The 10X optical zoom camera option lets the technical search specialist magnify the smallest of details in the video image. This allows them to see and identify any subtle visual indicators of a trapped victim that may be otherwise missed using other video search systems.

When configured with a ZistosHD 10X Optical Zoom camera (WPC-2.5Z-HD) and Motorized Articulating Pole (HDP-MCXX) you get the perfect tool to assist operators in both rapid search assessments and methodical grid searches.

The system can also be configured with full communication capabilities that allow the operator to hear the subtle sounds of a victim and communicate back to them with audio. Multiple ZistosHD display tablets can be used to view the image from a single system. This allows members on the USAR team to view images in real-time that are related to a victim location operation.

Batteries are also a strong point for the ZistosHD systems. The rechargeable battery runtime for the system can last from 6-10 hours, and the systems include two batteries each.

In conclusion, a ZistosHD Victim Location System with a motorized pole and 10X optical zoom camera has all of the features to maximize success in victim location operations. All ZistosHD systems are modular and systems are available that can be custom configured with different poles and camera technology to best fit the needs and budget of a USAR team.

February 7, 2018July 31, 2019

Zoom Rescue System for Victim Location Operations

See video details in Victim Location Operations that could be the difference between life and death.

Locating and rescuing trapped victims is often a race against time. Technical Search Specialists rely on video images from pole camera systems inserted into void spaces to help identify locations and the status of trapped victims. The details provided in these images are often key in recognizing a victim and saving a life.

The Zoom Rescue System from Zistos can provide more detailed images— better than standard fixed focus systems. The video images generated by this system now allow rescue personnel to identify subtle signs and visual indicators that could otherwise be missed.

The self-illuminating zoom camera head has a true 10x optical zoom, which magnifies small areas in a void space. The system also includes an additional and interchangeable fixed focus camera with a smaller diameter for insertion into tighter areas.

The Zoom Rescue System comes equipped with the newly improved, sunlight viewable, WalkAbout III display that has four times the pixel resolution as the previous model. A built-in DVR for recording video onto an SD memory card is available as an option.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out by phone: (631) 434-1370, email: info@zistos.com or website: www.zistos.com. We look forward to hearing from you.