Camera images from security cameras are increasingly being shown on television or on social media and are particularly striking for the very different quality of the camera images. What is the difference between the almost razor-sharp camera images that are sometimes taken by surveillance cameras in the inner city under poor lighting conditions and the dramatically poor images that are sometimes requested for programs such as Investigation. In this blog we look at the different characteristics that make the difference between the different camera images.
Resolution with regard to camera images:
With most security cameras, the quality is indicated by the resolution with which the camera images are transmitted. In most cases a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels (VGA), 1280 x 960 pixels (VGA +), 1280 x 720 pixels (HD ready) and 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) is given for this. Obviously, the images from the higher resolution surveillance cameras are often better than those with a lower resolution, but there are regular differences between them. For example, especially with security cameras from China, the resolution indicated is not achieved or only through software improvement. Here, therefore, the quality of the lens itself also plays an important role in the differences between the camera images.
Quality lens compared to camera images:
As stated, outside the resolution, the quality of the lens itself plays a major role in the quality of the camera images. There are several examples where the image quality of a brand lens with a VGA resolution is better than that of an unbranded lens that has an HD resolution or this is claimed.
Camera technology compared to camera images:
Thus, after looking at the resolution and quality of the lens, most variables are eliminated, although the construction and use of the additional materials can still have a significant impact on the camera images. For example, there are certain security camera manufacturers that do use a Sony or Panasonic lens but use the further material, such as camera 'board' and the like, of such a low quality that they actually negate the good properties of the lens. Especially with cheaper security cameras where only the resolution or the number of TV lines are advertised, it often happens that the materials with the worst quality are chosen and the final camera images are less than those of security cameras with a lower quality lens and / or resolution.
Night vision quality camera images:
For camera images from security cameras that film at night, the night vision (light sensitivity) also has an influence beyond the above characteristics. For example, with camera security features are indicated although Lux (brightness) is needed to make clear camera images. Here a distinction can be made between security cameras that use IR LEDs around the lens and between cameras that amplify the (little) light present to still be able to give an image. With security cameras that are not called IR LEDs around the lens, this technique is called 'Sense Up' and the minimum lux is about 0.01, which means that an image can still be given with a very limited light source. Some distortion can be seen in the camera image by artificially amplifying the light present. With security cameras using IR LEDs around the lens, the lens of the camera itself is less sensitive to light and the infrared light in the dark provides the necessary exposure. The difference between the camera images determines the strength of the LEDs, the number of LEDs and the possibility to adjust the strength of the LEDs to the situation so that there is no overexposure.
Compare camera images:
Comparing camera images between security cameras is therefore very difficult due to the different variables that affect this. Comparing online security cameras is therefore especially difficult, especially because the stated values are incorrect, or are canceled out by other things. It is actually best to compare the camera images personally in a test setup, so that you can immediately see which camera images are better and are in the desired price range. Outside our webshop we also have a branch with a Demo wall, where various security cameras are set up and the quality between the camera images can be directly compared. 
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