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To obtain high quality images from a camera, a few basic rules apply. These rules are equally applicable to network cameras as they are to any other type of camera. Here are some simple tips for capturing good images.
GOOD LIGHT
The most common reason for poor quality images is a lack of light. Generally, the more light, the better the images. With too little light, the images will become blurred
from the electronic shutter being in an "open" state
long enough to capture enough light to get a picture.
Since it is open for a relatively long time, any
movement at all will result in some blurring. Color will
be also appear dull. What is "good" light? It depends on
the camera, specifically the video sensor and
lens. A camera rated for day/night will be able to
provide good quality images in less light than a camera
not rated for day/night. Low light cameras will go a
step further and be able to work at even lower levels of
light. No camera will operate in the absence of light.
Infrared cameras will need a source of infrared light,
which is invisible to the naked eye but is light
nonetheless as far as the camera is concerned.
BE CAREFUL OF BACKLIGHT
Taking a picture of a subject that has a
lot of light behind them or a bright reflective object
behind them is also problematic. The bright object or
light source overwhelms the video sensor and makes the
subject appear very dark or hazed. If you have no choice
and you have to monitor subjects in this type of
lighting condition make sure you use a camera that has
backlight compensation (BLC) or auto-backlight
compensation (ABC). The ability of your equipment to
compensate for this type of lighting situation will vary
from camera to camera and since there are no industry
standards applicable to this type of situation you will
need to experiment until you find an acceptable
solution. In general the more expensive the camera the
better the backlight compensation, but that can not be
guaranteed.
HIGHLY CONTRASTING COLORS
When trying
to capture an image of a person standing in front of a
white wall, the person generally tends to appear too
dark. This problem is easily solved by substituting the
background color for gray instead of white.
However, you may not be able to change the color of the
background. When forced into this position, your have to
turn to your DVR, your monitor, or any controls on the
camera itself that can adjust the contrast until you
find an acceptable setting.
I DID ALL THAT AND NOTHING WORKS
Normally all of these factors can be alleviated by
correctly placing your camera so that it is not subject
to conditions that make getting a good video image
difficult. If that is not possible, then you will have
to choose your equipment carefully and try to get as
much range as possible on your DVR controls and video
monitor controls. If possible test the equipment in
place before you purchase. |
