Hardware controllers like this are completely unnecessary unless you are going to be regularly controlling your PTZ cameras. Then using a joystick is certainly going to be easier. For example, if you are using PTZ cameras in a broadcast/streaming situation or controlling them from a manned security room, then controllers like this are great. If you are a home owner that just wants to move/control their PTZ camera occasionally, then using a software controller is going to work just fine IMHO.