What is WDR for Dash Cam and Security Camera?

The quality of the image output from the camera deteriorates when areas of high brightness illuminated by a strong light source and areas of relatively low illumination such as shadows and backlighting are present in the image at the same time, and this unpredictability can make it challenging to use dash cams or security cameras to record the living footage. So the WDR camcorder was born. This article will illustrate what WDR is for dash cams and security cameras.

What is Wide Dynamic Range?

WDR stands for wide dynamic range. This technology improves the camera's image quality under high-contrast lighting conditions with both dimly lit and brightly lit areas in the field of view. Camera in the same scene in the brightest spots and darker areas of the performance is limited; this limitation is often called the "dynamic range."

How does WDR on DashCam Work?

So how does this camera work? In bright conditions, such as when direct sunlight hits the camera lens, WDR can reduce overexposure and blur by equalizing light levels. In very dark situations, such as driving in a tunnel or at night, WDR can help improve image quality by increasing the overall brightness of the image.

A WDR camera captures multiple frames of the same scene at different exposure levels. One of the frames is used to capture details in the dark areas, and the other is used to capture details in the light areas. The captured frames are then processed using advanced image sensors and processors. These components work in tandem to merge the images and extract the best details from each edge. The different exposed frames are combined to synthesize a single photo presented on top of the car recorder.

How does WDR on Security Camera Work?

Regarding the working principle, there are two main factors: camera lens imaging and shutter speed. Let's check it out.

Camera lens imaging

WDR cameras combine multiple images at different light exposures into a single frame. This process relies on the camera lens, the image sensor, and software support. When the camera lens captures light, the WDR image sensor converts it into electrical signals processed into digital images.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed has a significant impact on dynamic range performance. For WDR security cameras, the time the camera sensor is exposed to light. Fast shutter speeds can freeze motion, while slow shutter speeds cause motion blur. Digital WDR cameras must quickly capture great images at different exposures to work effectively. The shutter speeds must be fast enough to capture each image without motion blur, ensuring a sharp final image.

Benefits of Using WDR on Dashcam and Security Camera

Dashcams and security cameras with WDR can be highly functional. Here are some benefits.

Powerful image processing capabilities

The image processing technology is constantly improving. Future WDR security cameras may use more advanced algorithms to enhance image quality and balance, improving their performance in extreme lighting conditions and allowing for revolutionary image excellence.

Clearer images

While current WDR motion recorders offer HD recording, future models may provide higher resolution, resulting in a clearer, more detailed picture. Clear images can help users identify specific objects or read license plates. This camera produces apparent photos that are filled with tone-mapped information.

More affordable and versatile

As the technology matures and becomes more popular, WDR Dynamic CarLogs will likely become more affordable, making them available to more drivers. And as the year progresses, new brands are emerging, and functionality is expanding to meet the diverse needs of different customers.

How to Maximize The Use Of WDR Cameras

Here are a few tips to maximize the use of your WDR cameras :

1. Proper installation: Ensure that the WDR camera is mounted in the correct position and at the right angle. An incorrectly mounted camera may not capture the desired detail, defeating the purpose of using WDR technology.

2. Keep the windshield clean: A dirty windshield will reduce the effectiveness of WDR. Glare makes it more difficult for the camera to capture a clear image. The easiest way to reduce glare is to clean the inside and outside of the windshield.

3. Enabling the WDR feature: If your dash cam can turn WDR on or off, ensure it is enabled.

4. Check and update regularly: You must periodically check the image quality and watch for any problems to arise. Manufacturers often release updates to improve camera performance. Update your dash cam with the latest firmware for optimal performance.

WDR Dashcam Installation: A Step-By-Step Guide

This section will introduce a detailed step-by-step description of the installation procedure. It will be helpful to you.

1. Adjusting the dashboard camera to a horizontal line: The curvature and tilt of the windshield make pinpointing with your eyes much more complicated than you might think, especially if you're sitting in a bucket seat on one side. Let the tools help you. Some phone cameras offer a leveling feature, and some dash cams have mounting assistants showing the correct alignment on an integrated display or phone app.

2. Install the suction cup mount: Place the cup so it won't obstruct the driver's view.

3. Inserting the memory card: Carefully insert the SD or Micro SD card into the memory card slot.

4. Connecting and securing cable: After installing the dashboard, the next step is to connect the power supply and other wires (GPS, rear camera, etc.). Locate the power supply and ensure the power cord is plugged in and connected.

5. Ensure the record indicator light is on: Most dash cams automatically record when plugged in. Depending on your dashcam model, the recording indicator light may be red, blue, or another color and may stay on or blink if the recording is in progress. Check your owner's manual to make sure you are recording.

Where to Install WDR Security Camera

Because of the various advantages of WDR, it can solve the problem of light exposure or too bright or too dark light, so WDR network cameras are widely used in multiple scenes. Here are a few representative examples:

Garage

In a bright and dark high-contrast scene, the garage is unclear, the vehicle's headlights are bright, and it is driving towards the surveillance camera; if the camera without WDR is exposed, it will affect the video quality. Then the camera with the WDR function can capture the license plate more clearly.

Entrances

The most common use of WDR cameras is to monitor building entrances under strong contrast backlighting. No matter what kind of location needs to be monitored around the clock, such as stores, banks, ATMs, transportation facilities, restaurants, or hospitals, each facility must have a brightly lit entrance door compared to the interior space. WDR cameras can compensate for too bright or dark areas and provide a clear snapshot or video.

Outdoor

The sun changes position throughout the day. Outdoor surveillance cameras are often exposed to strong sunlight and sometimes glass reflections that contrast with the shadows of the building or areas without sunlight. Our cameras can compensate for this difference and provide clear images.

WDR vs. HDR: What's the Difference?

WDR is the ratio (in dB) between the scene's brightest and darkest signal values. It's not an option that can be switched on and off but a hardware capability. In contrast, HDR is implemented in software. HDR technology combines multiple images with varying exposure times to increase the overall dynamic range, ensuring detailed photos are captured in light and dark scenes.

In summary, HDR allows for a broader and more accurate representation of brightness and colors, resulting in a more visually striking and lifelike viewing experience. On the other hand, SDR offers a standard and narrower range of brightness and colors, which may capture a different level of detail and realism than HDR content.

FAQs

What is the WDR setting on a dashcam?

WDR is a setting on dash cams that increases the dynamic range of light in an image so that details in shadows and highlights are captured simultaneously by a sophisticated sensor and then processed into a more compelling vision instead of switching between exposure modes that only charge one exposure.

How does WDR work on cameras?

WDR uses software-based tone-mapping technology to detect areas of the field of view that are too dark or too light and then adjusts them so that the final result is close to what the naked eye sees.

Does WDR work at night?

Of course. WDR can be effective at night because it helps to balance the exposure of the bright and dark areas of the lens. This results in a clearer, more balanced image of the road. The effectiveness of WDR at night depends on the quality of the camera's lens, the image sensor, and how WDR is implemented on a broader scale.

Are WDR and HDR the same thing?

WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) are related concepts but are not precisely the same. They both pertain to the range of luminance levels a camera or display can capture or reproduce, but they are often used in different contexts and technologies.

WDR is often associated with capturing scenes with challenging lighting conditions in a single shot. At the same time, HDR creates or displays images with enhanced dynamic range by combining multiple exposures or using advanced display technologies.

Conclusion

WDR technology is an invaluable feature for every dashcam and security camera user, as it allows clear images to be captured in poor lighting conditions. By reading this post, I hope you have gotten a general idea. If you found this helpful post, please share it with someone close to you. All comments below are welcome.