BirdDog XL Ultra PTZ Camera – Black

Overview

With the XL Ultra, BirdDog have launched a cinema-quality PTZ camera designed for high-end broadcast, XR stages, virtual productions, and premium studio installations. At its heart is a large-format 4/3-inch CMOS sensor, paired with a 20x optical zoom (40x in HD) and HLD, OLFPF, and ND filters. The camera delivers cinema-quality depth of field and outstanding clarity even in low-light conditions.

In addition to the main PTZ camera, XL Ultra offers an integrated 100-degree panoramic camera with a 1/1.8-inch sensor – larger than the main sensor of most PTZ cameras. Both XL cameras record in 4K60; both can be controlled independently and output their data simultaneously as separate sources.

Thanks to its advanced AI tracking engine, XL Ultra can be adapted to any situation – from a CEO on a podium to a dynamic band guitarist in full action. The camera not only tracks the subject, it acts like a human cameraman. Its high-quality motors and advanced thermal design make XL Ultra both ultra-precise and very quiet. No buzzing. No distractions.

The RGB halo tally is fully customizable. Side-mounted e-ink displays show IP, logo, or camera ID even when the camera is turned off. The tally on the back of the housing makes it easy to identify in multi-camera setups. This guarantees clarity and control.

With 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, HDMI, and optical 12G-SDI via SFP+ interfaces, XL Ultra can be integrated into any configuration. The balanced XLR connector with phantom power, PoE++, and SFP is ideal for long runs. Thanks to its advanced processor, future firmware versions will also be ready for immediate use. Last but not least, XL Ultra streams simultaneously in NDI High Bandwidth and NDI HX3, offering ultimate flexibility.

Genlock and timecode enable perfect synchronization of multi-camera workflows.
FreeD makes the XL Ultra a natural addition to AR/XR environments. An integrated OLPF filter reduces moiré effects when shooting in front of high-resolution LED walls. An (optionally available) mounting system hides cables and fits on trusses or tripods, ceilings, or studio installations.

Features

• Large-format 4/3” CMOS sensor for cinematic depth of field and outstanding low-light performance.
• 20× optical zoom (40× in HD) with OLPF and ND filters for precision and clarity.
• AI tracking with machine learning, using dual-camera input for natural, human-like framing.
• Ultra-quiet motors and advanced thermal design for distraction-free operation.
• Dual 4K60 outputs via 12G-SDI and HDMI for uncompromising image quality.
• FreeD and Genlock support, making XL ideal for XR stages, AR workflows, and multi-camera sync.
• SFP+ fiber connectivity for large-scale and remote installs.
• Simultaneous Full NDI® and NDI® HX3 streaming for flexible workflows.
• Dual streaming support — NDI plus SRT, RTMP, or RTSP concurrently.
• Firmware-ready for NDI 6.2, ensuring future-proof performance.

Specifications

Primary Camera:

• Image sensor: Sony 4/3-inch CMOS 5K
• Lens focal length 9.8 to 186 mm
• 20x optical zoom
• Video format 2160p60, 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25 fps
• 1080p@60, 59.94, 50, 30, 29.97, 25 fps
• 1080i60, 59.94, 50 fps
• 720p@60, 59.94, 50 fps
• Horizontal angle of view: 71 degrees (W) to 4 degrees (T)
• Vertical angle of view: 40 degrees (W) to 2 degrees (T)
• Diagonal angle of view: 79 degrees (W) to 4.5 degrees (T)
• Aperture: F2.8 to 4.5
• Focus: Auto, Manual
• Exposure time: 1/1 to 1/10,000s
• Optical low pass filter
• Digital image stabilization

Secondary Panoramic Camera 

• Image Sensor: 1/1.8” Sony CMOS 4K sensor
• Lens: Fixed
• Focal Length: 4.4 mm
• Aperture: f2.0
• Horizontal Field of View: 85°
• Vertical Field of View: 53°
• Diagonal Field of View: 93°
• Mechanical 
• Pan/Tilst Rotation +170°, -30° -+90°
• Pan control Speed 0.05° -120°/
• Tilt Control Speed 0.05°~90%

I/O interface

• Video output interfaces: 12G-SDI, 36-SDI x 2, HDMI 2.0, USB-C 1Gb RJ45, SFP+ Cage (Ethernet)
• Video compression: H.264, H.265, SpeedHQ
• Network interfaces: 1GbE Adaptive Ethernet port++; 1x SFP+ cage (Ethernet)
• Encoder network protocols: High-bandwidth NDI (SpeedHQ), NDI HX3, NDI HX2, SRT, RTSP, RTMP
• Decoder network protocols: NDI-HX3, NDI-HX2
• Control protocols: VISCA IP, NDI, VISCA Serial, Pelco-P, Pelco-D
• Digital audio: Embedded with main and secondary HDMI, 12G-SDI, network video, USB (UVC)
• Analog audio: Balanced audio XLR x 2
• Genlock supported
• Timecode supported
• Kensington Lock supported

AI Features

• Advanced tracking with Secondary camera support
• Advanced auto-framing with Secondary camera support
• Zone tracking supported
• Gesture control supported

General Parameters

• Input voltage: DC 12V, PoE++
• Input current: 12V 5A (max.)
• Power consumption: 60W (max.)
• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 degrees Celsius
• Operating humidity: 20 to 80 percent (non-condensing)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): approx. 21.9 x 29.2 x 26.3 cm
• Weight: approx. 4 kg