WDR Wide Dynamic Range

A camera with WDR wide dynamic range is able to operate in variable light conditions (known as lux levels), especially in high contrast situations. A “dB” is usually the unit used to measure the dynamic range of security cameras, with more being better. A camera with a 60 dB dynamic range would be well suited to clearly record a scene in low or high light levels.

It is a key security camera specification especially when it reaches greater than 100dB. In the past it has been assumed that WDR is for backlight compensation only. In reality it can handle many different difficult lighting situations.

Wide Dynamic Range gives the camera the ability to capture shadow and highlight detail at the same time without artifacts. It is measured by “deep black” and crisp white while retaining image detail. It is also measured by subtlety of gradations. Pixim-powered cameras are the only cameras with >100dB.

Most CCD sensors are rated at a max of 48dB with a 256:1 SNR. Pixim WDR cameras are greater than 100dB with a 128,000:1 SNR.

Also see CCD, CMOS and SNR.

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