A few years ago, I settled on Hikvision for network cameras. The typical install is residential with 4 to 16 outdoor cameras and no need for PTZ or audio. For this purpose, Hikvision has worked well.

Now, I have a client wanting to replace his old analog system with higher res network cameras and he wants PTZ in several locations. Apparently, he connects in from time to time and browses around the property. I can't imagine he uses more than 5x zoom or 1/2 rotation on pan/tilt.

Also, he would like one way audio on some of the cameras.

So, I am reviewing Hikvision's lineup for suitable options, but I thought I would also toss this out and get some thoughts/suggestions.

Can anyone vouch for the reliability of Hikvision PTZ cameras? The motorization aspect is what has me concerned, since that seems to raise the bar for quality requirements.

Any other brands I should look at? One of the challenges is that many PTZ cameras are designed for commercial, and seem to be overkill for my client's purposes (i.e. my client doesn't need 360 degree rotation or extremely fast motors or automatic object tracking.)

Lastly, I'm not sure what price point to be targetting. In the non-PTZ world, a $200 (retail) Hikvision camera gets me a suitable level of performance and reliability. What does a client need to spend for a comparable camera with modest PTZ capability?

We’ve used hik Ptz units without issue. I don’t think hikvision build quality is as high as say axis but you get what you pay for. Having said that, we use hikvision all the time. I don’t think you’ll find a real ptz that doesn’t have 360 rotation. Some mfg have tracking, some have good tracking and some don’t have it at all. If you’re accustomed to hikvision that would be an easy install transition for you as menu and setup is the same minus the additional ptz setup. If you’re in the $200 range for fixed, check out the hik value series for ptz. Make sure you factor in wall or pendant mounts as they don’t come with them.

Ditto Eric's response.
I have a couple of the cheap hik PTZ on my house and they work very well with EXTERNAL IR the internal IR sources just don't have enough throw for outdoor use.

Great, many thanks for the input.

We've used the Hik PTZ a few times and they work well. I can't recall the actual model but they were in the mid tier pricing if I remember right.
The night ir worked way better that I had thought it would, I was impressed. We also had have an input trigger from the alarm system into the NVR and it triggers the PTZ to zoom right at the gate to get a great shot of anyone that enters, cool feature.

We use LTS, think it is built by Hik. The PTZs are awesome. Have a client with 13 stationary and 3 PTZs. It works great!