Capturing security camera footage in high-contrast lighting conditions can be a challenge. Traditional security cameras can struggle to capture usable video when both dimly and brightly lit areas are present in the camera’s field of view. However, wide dynamic range (WDR) technology improves a camera’s ability to capture details clearly in both poorly and strongly illuminated areas of video – even capturing color footage in low-light conditions. Read on to learn more about Axis WDR security cameras can help you capture better video and keep your business safe.
What is WDR?
Dynamic range refers to the difference in light levels of the darkest and brightest areas within an image. The greater the difference between the brightest and darkest areas, the harder it is for your security camera to capture video that allows you to clearly identify the items in the darkest and brightest parts of the image.
Wide dynamic range areas are those that have the greatest difference between the brightest and darkest areas within the camera’s field of view. Cameras with WDR technology can effectively render footage that contains both bright and low light areas by utilizing dynamic contrast and dynamic capture capabilities.
Capturing video of individuals in your business in front of glass doors or through windows has always been a struggle because the dynamic range of the scene is wider than most cameras can handle. WDR technology equipped cameras can effectively capture the individuals in front of or behind the glass, the interior of your business, and the outdoor scene beyond the door or window.
WDR-equipped cameras contain advanced light sensors that are more sensitive than traditional surveillance cameras. These sensors allow the WDR cameras to record better footage in a wide range of lighting, including bright and low-light conditions. WDR cameras also include the ability to balance the lighting in the camera’s field of view, either due to the camera’s hardware or the included software. Using tone mapping, WDR cameras automatically brighten or darken specific areas of the image. More advanced WDR cameras utilize an extremely fast light sensor to record several versions of the same video at different exposure levels. The various versions of the video, including overexposed, underexposed, and the normal video, are combined to create the best footage possible.
Avoid common camera obstacles
WDR cameras are able to avoid many of the common obstacles faced by traditional cameras. While most indoor surveillance cameras struggle with capturing footage outside windows and glass doors, WDR cameras are able to mitigate issues such as glare off glass, vehicles, and bodies of water – rendering clearer video footage.
Fluorescent lighting and car headlights that flood the field of view with bright light can also be a challenge for standard cameras. While regular cameras struggle to decipher details in bright lighting conditions, WDR cameras are able to.
Another obstacle for regular camera imaging is fluorescent lighting. Indoor lighting can also cause glare that can be difficult for standard cameras to fix. Car headlights can also cause issues for standard cameras as they can create a bright light in an image that makes it hard to decipher any other details. WDR cameras will work well with any of these obstacles and lessen the impact of various lightning issues on the final footage.
Natural color
While traditional surveillance cameras tend to distort or wash out colors, WDR cameras are able to produce more naturally colored images. In addition to having a more accurate balance of color, WDR cameras also reduce image noise which allows the captured image to be smaller in size. This reduced file size allows you to save on storage costs, making WDR cameras more cost-effective in the long run.
Wide range of applications
Since WDR cameras are designed to mitigate the effects of strong light, they are ideally suited for use in office buildings, retail locations, and banks as these locations often have large glass windows and doors. In areas where lighting conditions can vary greatly at different points in the day or where headlights can interfere with traditional cameras, such as ATMs or parking lots, can also benefit from the installation of WDR cameras. Check out Must-Have Security Camera Features for Banks and ATMs to learn more about securing your bank or ATM.
Nationwide service
Our nationwide network of technicians coordinates with our home office in southwest Ohio to provide installation of WDR cameras for businesses, schools, and municipalities in all 50 states. So whether you’re located in our local service area or need our nationwide service, our commitment and promise to you are to always exceed your expectations for customer service and professionalism. From our 15-minute guaranteed response on quote requests to our quick response time on phone calls and emails, our commitment to service has always been a top priority. When you need a partner you can trust who is also a trusted partner in the community, look no further than Camera Security Now. Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the camera solutions that your company needs, helping you ensure the security of your business, employees, and customers. To find out how easy it is to keep your company secure, request a quote today.
Axis WDR Cameras and Installation with Johnny
Are you looking for security cameras and/or installation? Johnny can give you a free security consultation for your location. Even if you’re not sure what you need, our security technicians will walk you through what it takes to secure your business. Whether you need access control, security cameras with infrared, license plate recognition, object tracking and more, Johnny can assist you with all of your security needs! If you have any questions about security cameras, access control, or the purchasing and installation process, contact Johnny today at 800-440-1662 or fill out a fast, easy online quote form.
Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and follow us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.