Realistic image quality even in dark environments

Issue 8 2022 Surveillance

Low-light conditions are a monitoring challenge for installers and end users. Images taken from scenarios with dark lighting (or after dark) using traditional surveillance cameras are often black and white, fuzzy or heavily pixelated, which is not ideal for backtracking in case of an event.

When choosing the right camera for scenarios with low illumination, you can consider 4K cameras – an industry craze that is gradually becoming a mainstream monitoring solution. In fact, according to a latest report, the 4K video surveillance market size is expected to grow at 9 percent CAGR (compound annual growth rate), which is primarily driven by the increasing demand for public safety and security services, as well as the speedy advancements in 4K technologies and more affordable cameras on the market.


4K in a nutshell

4K cameras have resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which means 8 million plus pixels. In comparison, 4K surveillance cameras have 4-times the number of pixels of 1080P cameras (see illustration), allowing it to produce clearer images with significantly higher resolution. In fact, if you try to compare the image output of 4K cameras to traditional non-HD surveillance cameras, you’ll immediately realise that the significant increase in resolution reflects the difference between ‘ambiguous’ and ‘clear’ details in the image.

The Dahua Full-colour 4K cameras adopt a 1/1.2 inch image sensor (currently Dahua's best low-light IPC sensor) that provides 110 percent pixel size increase compared to conventional 8 MP sensor. What’s more, its F1.0 large aperture can capture light that is more available and the maximum light energy that the sensor can receive is doubled.

AI functions

The Dahua Full-colour 4K camera is packed with AI functions that can accommodate various monitoring needs of users. Perimeter protection accurately detects targets in the scene. SMD 3.0 reduces false alarms and increases the detection distance. AI Schedule allows users to set different AI functions based on their preferred time. Other AI functions include people counting (eight rules) and queue management (four rules).


Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Safer spaces through smart surveillance
NEC XON Surveillance
Advances in facial recognition technology are transforming surveillance from a mere recording tool into an intelligent, integrated system that enhances real-time safety, moving beyond the traditional expansion of CCTV efforts.

Read more...
Next generation of AI-powered video telematics
IoT & Automation Surveillance Transport (Industry)
Webfleet, Bridgestone’s fleet management solution in South Africa, has launched Webfleet Video 2.0, an AI-powered solution designed to enhance fleet safety, security, compliance with local regulations and operational efficiency through real-time video insights.

Read more...
Key design considerations for a control room
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
If you are designing or upgrading a control room, or even reviewing or auditing an existing control room, there are a number of design factors that one would need to consider.

Read more...
Smart cities and the role of video security
Surveillance Integrated Solutions
As cities around the world continue to embrace smart technology, including IoT that not only connects to people, but also the surrounding activity, the integration of advanced video security systems is crucial to ensure safety and efficiency in environments.

Read more...
How intrusion protection helps secure O&G operations
Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Industrial (Industry)
For O&G operators in Africa, physical security remains one of the biggest considerations, particularly when it comes to perimeter protection and the ability to mitigate intruder-related incidents.

Read more...
Axis secures the Waterfront
Surveillance Entertainment and Hospitality (Industry) Retail (Industry)
Axis Communications shares insight into its longstanding partnership with the V&A Waterfront, one of Africa’s premier retail and mixed-use precincts, through its latest, updated customer success story.

Read more...
Advanced surveillance storage from ASBIS
Infrastructure Surveillance Products & Solutions
From a video storage solutions perspective, SkyHawk drives, designed for DVRs and NVRs, offer high capacity, optimised firmware, and a reliability workload rating of hundreds of terabytes per year.

Read more...
Open and collaborative logistics systems
Hikvision South Africa Surveillance Logistics (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
E-commerce and other high-volume logistics operations need open and collaborative technology ecosystems that drive efficiencies, throughput and digital transformation. Hikvision discusses the benefits of harnessing open and collaborative systems in the logistics market.

Read more...
4K HDR camera for mobility
Surveillance Transport (Industry)
e-con Systems has introduced a 4K HDR front-view camera, engineered to deliver reliable, long-range imaging for mobility applications such as delivery robots, autonomous vehicles, and off-road vehicles.

Read more...
The future of the surveillance channel
Duxbury Networking Technews Publishing Elvey Security Technologies SMART Security Solutions Surveillance
The video surveillance market has evolved from camera-based specifications to integrated solutions that solve customers’ problems. Moreover, the growth of AI and cloud has changed the channel even more, with more to come.

Read more...