Understanding wide dynamic range (WDR) is critical to capturing high quality images in demanding conditions. However, with no real standards, any manufacturer can claim WDR, and many do even if actual performance is weak, causing confusion for even experienced users.
In this tutorial, we break down these issues, explaining:
2021 State of WDR
What is WDR?
Camera WDR Challenges
Solution: True Multi-Exposure WDR
Number Of Exposures Varies
True WDR Camera Improve Effective Details
How WDR Is Measured
Decibels Vs. WDR Ratio Measurements
Interpreting Manufacturer WDR Specifications
Resolution Vs. WDR
Multiple Exposures May Reduce Low Light Performance
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Informative to note when purchasing to determine 'true WDR' as opposed to digital WDR or some made-up term for 'fake' WDR capability. I wonder though if WDR is absolutely necessary given that shutter speed, frame rates, imager and ISO can also correct lighting conditions depending on the environment.
given that shutter speed, frame rates, imager and ISO can also correct lighting conditions depending on the environment.
No, not for WDR / high contrast scenes. The challenge with WDR scenes is that they combine areas with low light levels and high light levels, so simply having a single capture adjusting the shutter or ISO etc. would still leave part of the scene (either the low or high light levels) poorly captured. Does that make sense?
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Comments (11)
Undisclosed #1
when performing the lux meter test, doesn’t the meter need to point towards the camera?
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Michael Miller
Ethan I would had that all H5A and H5SL cameras from Avigilon now have WDR
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Amitkumar Sirjusingh
Informative to note when purchasing to determine 'true WDR' as opposed to digital WDR or some made-up term for 'fake' WDR capability. I wonder though if WDR is absolutely necessary given that shutter speed, frame rates, imager and ISO can also correct lighting conditions depending on the environment.
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Amitkumar Sirjusingh
Yes, thanks for the feedback
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