What is D-WDR AHD & IP Camera [Tutorial]

Understanding Wide Dynamic Range (WDR)

Dynamic Range refers to the entire range of light values in a picture, from the darkest element to the lightest element.

Wide dynamic range (WDR)

Wide dynamic range technology can allow camera capture good effect pictures even under challenging light conditions.

The WDR can maintain proper image brightness and exposure, also the contrast and ensures image clarity.

Both analog and digital IP camera offer this function. DB is the value to measure the wide dynamic range.

A higher WDR range (for example 120DB), represents camera can catch a greater scale of brightness.

Digital wide dynamic range (D-WDR)

Digital D-WDR is a software-based technique that optimizes image quality by adjusting the gamma (γ) value to enhance dark areas.

The D-WDR level, which ranges from 1 to 8, should be carefully adjusted according to the lighting conditions in order to minimize possible image deterioration (i.e. the image being washed out).

True WDR (Sensor WDR)

True WDR is a sensor-based technology, camera with this technology can produce images with an extremely wide dynamic range.

The WDR image sensor can capture several images with short and long exposures, then combining them into a single frame.

True WDR can be adjusted using three pre-set levels (Low/Mid/High) according to the lighting conditions.

Proper calibration of WDR level is essential to achieving the best result –setting the WDR level too low may not produce satisfying visibility, while setting the WDR level to high may lead to washed out images.

Why is it important?

A surveillance camera with built-in Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology is able to control the exposure as well as process the light values of each pixel in the image. Using WDR, the camera captures a balanced image with optimal exposure for all areas within the camera’s field of view.

In other words, think of an adjustment dial for each pixel that controls the level of exposure. Bright spots are toned down to prevent the image from being washed out, and the dark images are augmented to expose the objects in the shadows.

This, in turn, enables the camera to go in places that would normally require expensive lighting controls/equipment.