Abstract: A pan and tilt camera system is provided. The system involves positioning a payload (e.g., camera, sensor, controlling electronics) with its center of mass substantially centered over both the pan and tilt axes, which facilitates increasing the payload of a pan and tilt system by reducing and making more constant the load on panning and/or tilting motors. With the more constant motor loads, smoother and finer camera and/or sensor control is possible than with conventional systems. Example systems also provide for belt drive motors, a survivable casing, and a casing adapted for a larger variety of lens sizes.