Needless to say, image quality is critical in video surveillance. High-quality images not only provide more details about objects in a scene, but also boosts the performance of video analytics.
Needless to say, image quality is critical in video surveillance. High-quality images not only provide more details about objects in a scene, but also boosts the performance of video analytics. This article provides an overview of image quality and camera features that determine it.
Importance of image quality
Image quality in video surveillance is crucial for monitoring and securing sites effectively. Heightened situational awareness and rapid response to incidents all hinge on quality images taken by security cameras.
“Image quality is essential in video security because it directly impacts the usability of the footage – especially when details matter. High-resolution, sharp images enable accurate identification of people, license plates, or objects and provide critical evidence in case of incidents,” said Christian Cabirol, CTO of MOBOTIX.
In addition, the emergence of AI cameras where data processing is performed on the edge further underscores the importance of image quality.
“With the rising demand for intelligent surveillance systems – where AI cameras analyze and make judgments about a scene – image quality has become even more crucial. The quality of the video directly dictates the accuracy and reliability of the analytics. For example, noise and distortion in low-quality footage can trigger false alarms, while high-quality video that clearly captures an object’s characteristics allows for precise metadata tagging, enabling users to quickly search for specific events or objects,” an industry expert told asmag.com.
What determines image quality
Image quality is determined by various factors, including the camera’s lens, image sensor and image processing capabilities – the latter of which entails noise reduction, wide dynamic range and white balance. Below we take a closer look at each.
Noise reduction
Noise reduction refers to the removal of noise in the image – irregular speckles or blotches that degrade image clarity and detail. “Effective noise reduction helps deliver clearer images in low-light scenarios by minimizing digital artifacts. MOBOTIX uses intelligent 3D noise reduction algorithms that preserve details while reducing pixel noise – especially important for analytics performance and compression efficiency,” said Cabirol.
HDR/WDR processing
High dynamic range (HDR) or wide dynamic range (WDR) processing is key in scenes with strong contrast, such as entrances or areas with backlight. “When a scene contains both very bright and very dark areas, a camera's sensor can struggle to capture detail in both. WDR works by synthesizing multiple images taken at different exposures, ensuring that bright areas are not overexposed and dark areas are sufficiently lit. This preserves hidden details and improving contrast. For example, WDR can optimize the brightness of a person's face hidden in shadow against a bright backlight,” the industry expert said.
White balance
White balance is a technology that ensures that white objects appear white in various lighting conditions so that it does not appear, for example, reddish in incandescent light and bluish in fluorescent light. White balance is important in accurately identifying certain attributes, for example the color of clothes one is wearing.
“Accurate white balance ensures that colors are rendered naturally, which is crucial for correct interpretation in video evidence. MOBOTIX systems dynamically adjust white balance based on ambient lighting and scene content, maintaining true-to-life image reproduction,” Cabirol said.
Other camera functions/features that may affect image quality
There are other camera functions and features that may affect image quality. “MOBOTIX includes key features such as backlight compensation, lens correction, adaptive exposure control, and infrared support, all of which contribute to a well-balanced and sharp image. The decentralized architecture of our cameras allows these processes to run directly on the edge without latency,” Cabirol said.
Proper setup/configuration of camera
It’s also important to note that the user should properly set up and configure their cameras to get the best image quality.
“Users should ensure that cameras are correctly positioned and configured based on the specific use case and environment. Factors like lighting conditions, object distance, and motion should be considered,” Cabirol said. “MOBOTIX provides intelligent default profiles and auto-optimization features, but expert users can fine-tune settings such as resolution, compression, exposure, and white balance through our user-friendly interface. Regular firmware updates and calibration are also recommended to maintain optimal image quality."
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