A technology that becomes progressively more available year by year, WDR or wide dynamic range has already improved the quality of video footage for many across multiple industries. You wouldn’t be faulted for not knowing what it is, but you’ve likely seen the feature in action when reviewing footage or shopping for security cameras. It is a technology that clearly provides CCTV cameras with improved performance as seen here.
When activated, you’ll notice dark spots and glare are no longer a problem for security cameras. In essence, WDR manages those extremes of the light spectrum to a level that provides the most detail possible when reviewing or streaming video footage. Having been shown in a past article alongside other prominent features you may be interested in; the technology has since vastly improved. While on its face that is good for you, that also means there are more details to consider before purchase. Below, we offer that detail in the most understandable way possible while also showing off some of what our manufacturers are offering so you can make the best possible decision for your current or future security camera system!
The basics of WDR #
With so many standards of the technology and each of the most popular CCTV brands adding their own unique spin, there are many options for you to choose from. Despite having the benefit of variety, this has also been a headache for many of our customers when deciding on which products to buy. Fortunately for you, WDR cameras can be categorized into two types.
True WDR #
- Features two image sensors
- Includes a digital signal processor
- Takes two pictures at different speeds (low and high speeds)
- Combines both images to create a balanced image
- Creates sharper images compared to digital WDR
- More expensive and requires more data
Digital WDR #
- Uses software and algorithms to adjust each pixel in each frame.
- Adjusts video footage in near realtime
- Heavily relies on DSP chip
- More affordable than true WDR
- Granier images compared to true WDR
As one of the most common features in security cameras, you will have a harder time finding security cameras that don’t have one or the other than those that do. Moreover, the industry consensus on which is better is clear and that is true WDR. As mentioned above, the superior technology features an additional sensor that makes it possible for the technology to capture two images at opposite speeds/light levels before combining the best of both.
Conversely, digital WDR relies on software and more so on the DSP or digital Signal Processor chip instead of an additional sensor. While both true and digital WDR rely on the DSP chip, digital functions more like your smartphone in that it actively works to adjust each pixel based on the algorithms preprogrammed or applied by software. To put it more simply, digital WDR is the exact same as the HDR technology used by smartphones used to improve pictures.
The comparison between the two technologies is similar to motorized zoom versus digital zoom. Like motorized zoom, true WDR features additional hardware physically built into the security camera that is specifically designed to enhance the device. When it comes to digital WDR, the focus is on additional software or programming that enhances the base design of the security camera.
Advancing through top manufacturers #
Not only are there two different types of wide dynamic range to consider for your security camera system, but each of the leading CCTV manufacturers has also put their own spin on the technology. Here are some notable examples among the many that A1 Security Cameras has available.
Arecont Vision #
While not as competitive as other CCTV manufacturers offering the technology, Arecont Vision (now AV Costar) has developed the technology to work with their ConteraIP series products. Additionally, AV Costar has developed an enhanced version of the technology with the WDR panoramic exposure setting. Designed for products like AV12586DN, the setting allows for improved management and quality.
Axis Communication #
As a top CCTV manufacturer, AXIS is expected to have something more effective than the competition, which it does with WDR Forensic Capture. Not just effective against glare and dark spots, but the technology has proven effective against objects in the direct range of car lights and sunlight. Moreover, AXIS WDR is effective in lowlight settings too with examples like Lightfinder.
Dahua #
Like Hikvision and Axis, Dahua has enhanced WDR to make it far more effective in each device. Known as Ultra WDR, the capability allows each device to gather far more data when faced with direct light, glare, low light, or dark environments by taking three pictures per frame instead of two. Effective, especially when both extremes of the light spectrum are present in the same shot, this technology has proven beneficial to small to large businesses alike.
LTS Security #
Particularly effective for small and mid-sized companies, LTS has developed effective WDR solutions. Not just designed for office settings, such cameras can be used on roads, forested areas, and more. Moreover, the function is exceedingly easy to toggle, thanks to LTS’s quick read guide!
There are certainly more examples to consider when focusing on WDR, like Hanwha Techwin’s extremeWDR or Vivotek’s WDR Pro. We at A1 Security Cameras then encourage you to practice due diligence when wide dynamic range is a necessary feature for your future or current security camera system. Our team is ready to help you and can make suggestions when needed!
HDR vs. WDR: Which is better? #
Comparing HDR (High Dynamic Range) and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) involves understanding their applications and specific characteristics. Below is a table highlighting some key differences and considerations between HDR and WDR:
| Criteria | HDR | WDR |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | HDR is a technique to reproduce a greater dynamic range of luminosity than standard imaging techniques. | WDR is a technology that allows a camera to capture and display a wider range of brightness levels in a single image. |
| Application | Commonly used in photography, displays, and video content creation to enhance image quality and detail. | Primarily employed in surveillance and security cameras to handle challenging lighting conditions, ensuring details in both bright and dark areas. |
| Processing Method | Combines multiple images with different exposures to create a composite image with enhanced details. | Utilizes various techniques, including different exposure levels and image processing algorithms, to capture details in a scene with varying lighting conditions. |
| Use Cases | Photography, cinematography, gaming, and multimedia content creation where visual aesthetics are crucial. | Surveillance and security applications where maintaining visibility in both bright and dark areas is essential. |
| Dynamic Range Coverage | Addresses a broad range of luminosity for artistic and visual appeal, but may not handle extreme variations as well as WDR. | Specifically designed to handle extreme variations in lighting, making it more suitable for surveillance scenarios with high contrast. |
| Intensity of Processing | Typically involves post-processing to merge multiple exposures, which may result in a delay in capturing the final image. | Real-time processing is crucial in surveillance, and WDR systems are designed to provide quick and seamless adaptation to changing lighting conditions. |
| Consumer vs. Professional | Commonly found in consumer electronic devices such as cameras and TVs for enhanced viewing experiences. | Predominantly used in professional surveillance systems where maintaining visibility in challenging environments is critical. |
| Cost Considerations | HDR-capable devices are widely available across various price points, making it accessible for consumer applications. | WDR technology is often implemented in specialized surveillance cameras, which may be priced higher due to their specific features and requirements. |
Ultimately, the choice between HDR and WDR depends on the specific application and requirements. While HDR enhances visual aesthetics, WDR is tailored to address the challenges of surveillance in environments with extreme lighting variations.
Measuring wide dynamic range #
When practicing due diligence, it might help to have some understanding of how this technology works. Believe it or not, there is a science to developing WDR so that it may be as effective as possible in each environment. While on some occasions, it can be too dark or bright for the technology, it will undoubtedly help reduce the environmental effects on the recording. The science, in this case, is measuring illuminance and brightness (decibels) to handle the lux at a given time of the day. As shown in an article by i-PRO, there is quite a bit to consider. Here, we try to break it down to a simpler level.
| Decibels | Darkest to Brightest Ratio |
| 10 dB | 20 |
| 100 dB | 40 |
| 1000 dB | 60 |
| 10000 dB | 80 |
| 100000 dB | 100 |
The measurement of decibels is important as that is the industry standard for the type of sensor the camera will feature. Lux, conversely, doesn’t need a matching measurement but will match a given scenario. For example, .2 to 1 Lux equals a night with a full moon, 500 to 1000 lux is typically an office, and 100,000 lux is direct sunlight.
That information is important because it then allows manufacturers to develop the technology that suits normal environments. While our eyes can achieve a wide range of light, most security cameras cannot unless outfitted with the technology in question. Regular offices, rooms with windows, garages, and typical work environments will typically use normal WDR to easily combat glare and dark spots. Meanwhile, lobbies, corridors near an outdoor entrance, areas prone to car light beams, and so on are likely to need super wide dynamic range cameras.
The Difference between normal and super wide WDR #
Following the logic displayed above, you can measure your eyes and camera sensors similarly using decibels. The difference between your eyes, normal WDR, and the super wide technology is simply how much illuminance each can handle. While the numbers can differ for specific examples, your eyes can handle 80 to 110 decibels, the normal wide dynamic range can deal with 60 to 72 decibels, and the super wide version can handle 144 decibels.
To be clear, both digital and true WDR are measured similarly despite being different in design, as they are based on the measurements above. While each might handle light differently, both can be normal or super wide, respectively.
Should WDR be on or off CCTV? #
Whether to have WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) enabled or disabled on a CCTV camera depends on the specific lighting conditions and environment where the camera is installed. Here are some considerations to help you decide whether to use WDR:
- High Contrast Environments: Enable WDR when the scene has areas with both intense brightness and deep shadows. WDR helps maintain visibility in both extremes, ensuring that details in well-lit and poorly lit areas are captured.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: For outdoor surveillance where natural light conditions can vary significantly, WDR can be beneficial to handle the changing lighting throughout the day. Indoor environments may not always require WDR, especially if the lighting is more controlled and consistent.
- Specific Security Concerns: If there are specific security concerns in areas with challenging lighting conditions, such as entrances with strong backlighting, WDR can be essential to capture critical details.
- Testing and Optimization: It’s advisable to test the camera with WDR both enabled and disabled to observe the differences in image quality. Adjust the settings based on the specific requirements of the surveillance site.
- Performance Impact: In some cases, enabling WDR might introduce some processing delay or affect the camera’s performance. Assess whether the camera can handle real-time processing with WDR enabled.
- Power Consumption: WDR may consume more power, so if power efficiency is a concern, consider whether the benefits of WDR are necessary for the specific surveillance scenario.
- Cost Considerations: WDR-capable cameras may be more expensive than cameras without this feature. Evaluate whether the increased cost aligns with the specific needs of the surveillance application.
In summary, the decision to enable or disable WDR on a CCTV camera should be based on a careful assessment of the lighting conditions and security requirements of the specific environment. Regular testing and optimization can help ensure that the camera settings are configured to provide the best possible image quality for surveillance purposes.
Why toggle WDR? #
Wide dynamic range was designed to combat glare and dark spots in video feeds while also improving overall footage quality. However, the feature can take up more data in a given recorder or server. That is especially the case with true WDR, which takes multiple images at a time per frame before combining them to make the best result. It can also be the case that your system features multiple supportive cameras on the same shot or surrounding area and does not necessarily need the feature at every vantage point.
Improve your surveillance with WDR cameras! #
When it comes to the best result for your security camera system, we at A1 Security Cameras definitely recommend WDR to each of our customers. The technology is one that vastly improves the performance of each CCTV product it is included with and allows for the surveillance of an area to be far more effective at all times of the day. Better yet, year by year you are sure to see advancements in the technology that matches the CCTV industry so glare and low light become less of a problem. So when considering this wide dynamic range on a product or for your system, don’t be afraid to contact us!
