A swivel mechanism (200) for orientating a camera includes a base (8) configured to attach to a support structure; a wedge mechanism comprising a first wedge (5) and a second wedge (6) each having an inclined surface (5d, 6b) on one side, wherein the inclined surface of the first wedge (5d) is arranged on the inclined surface of the second wedge (6b), a back cover (1) configured to receive a camera head (100), the back cover (1) arranged at a side of the swivel mechanism (200) opposite to the base (8) in a direction of a pan axis (A1), wherein the back cover (1) comprises a joint member (1a) connected to the wedge mechanism; a housing (40), arranged in the direction of the pan axis (A1) between the base (8) and the back cover (1), wherein the housing (40) encloses the joint member (1a) and the wedge mechanism.