Optimal Lighting

Good lighting day and night, with backlighting or at twilight

Unfavourable or changing lighting conditions pose challenges for surveillance cameras in many locations. Dark shadows caused by backlight, heavy picture noise in weak lighting or complete darkness mean that video images filmed in these conditions are not suitable for reliable evaluation. However, for 24-hour monitoring or object protection at night in particular, it is important that cameras are equipped with special technology for enhancing images, e.g. digital noise reduction (DNR), WDR (brightness compensation) or integrated infrared illuminators. 

Thanks to high-performance image sensors and image correction functions, ABUS video surveillance cameras also deliver excellent image quality in unfavourable conditions.  

Functions for all application areas

Find out here which image correction functions ABUS video cameras have, and the application areas for which they are suitable.

AES – Automatic Electronic Shutter

• Regulates the exposure time (shutter = closure) and avoids highlights.
• Reacts quickly to changes in brightness, 1/50 to 1/120,000 seconds. 
• Suitable for variations in lighting in indoor spaces. Not suitable for outdoor use.

AI – Auto-Iris

• Automatically controls the aperture opening, if the lighting conditions change throughout the day.
• Reacts slowly to changes in brightness.
• Suitable for strong lighting fluctuations. A MUST for outdoors use!

AGC – Automatic Gain Control

• The camera's output signal is automatically amplified.
• The image is brightened in poor light.
• Suitable for rooms with changing lighting, particularly dark areas are brightened.

WDR – Wide Dynamic Range

• The image is illuminated several times with different exposure times, and the optimally illuminated areas are digitally compiled to form a new image.
• Compensates strong contrasts and differences in brightness.
• For recordings where there is backlight and in darkness with bright light sources, e.g. for recognising registration plates on vehicles with headlights on.

BLC – Back Light Compensation

• Contrasts in video images are regulated using AGC, shutter time and aperture setting.
• Bright image areas are darkened and dark areas brightened. 
• For surveillance of entrance areas, particularly for recognising people against bright backgrounds and where there is backlight.

DNR – Digital Noise Reduction

• Reduction of image noise through digital filtering of specific frequencies. Much of the usable video signal is removed of offensive noise.
• Image noise is reduced, noise is not incorrectly interpreted as movement. 
• For situations where lighting is very poor. Storage capacity for cameras with motion detection is reduced.

ABUS products with functions for optimal lighting

• Outdoor cameras with DNR and switchable IR LEDs
• Day/night cameras with infrared cut filter
• WDR 3D DNR day/night cameras
• Infrared illuminators as optional supplementary lighting source for night time surveillance
• Light-intense lenses