DashCamMan
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I know that niko has recently created some posts regarding how many cameras who claim to have Wide Dynamic Range, actually do not have it. This is specific to cameras with the Novatek NT96650 Processor and Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor which have become very popular this year. I have done some research on this topic as well and he is correct. I have updated the FAQs on these cameras with the following info:
Dynamic Range is measured in decibels (dB) and most cameras have a dynamic range of 60 dB to 80 dB. The human eye has a dynamic range of approximately 100 dB. Anything higher than 100 dB is often referred to as "Wide Dynamic Range" (to be confirmed).
While the Novatek NT96650 Processor supports Wide Dynamic Range, the CMOS sensor used, the Aptina AR0330, has a dynamic range of 72.4 dB (see datasheet). Hence from a pure technical perspective, this camera is not providing true Wide Dynamic Range. Note that a high dynamic range number (>100 dB) does not guarantee great night performance if other aspects of the camera are poor (processor, lens, firmware).
There is a lot of technical information behind this which I'm sure niko or others can elaborate on. I am not an expert in this area by any means so I am open to suggestions on this topic. Also note that even if a CMOS sensor claims a high dynamic range number on a spec sheet, the actual measured number might be less and apparently there are standard ways to measure this.
Dynamic Range is measured in decibels (dB) and most cameras have a dynamic range of 60 dB to 80 dB. The human eye has a dynamic range of approximately 100 dB. Anything higher than 100 dB is often referred to as "Wide Dynamic Range" (to be confirmed).
While the Novatek NT96650 Processor supports Wide Dynamic Range, the CMOS sensor used, the Aptina AR0330, has a dynamic range of 72.4 dB (see datasheet). Hence from a pure technical perspective, this camera is not providing true Wide Dynamic Range. Note that a high dynamic range number (>100 dB) does not guarantee great night performance if other aspects of the camera are poor (processor, lens, firmware).
There is a lot of technical information behind this which I'm sure niko or others can elaborate on. I am not an expert in this area by any means so I am open to suggestions on this topic. Also note that even if a CMOS sensor claims a high dynamic range number on a spec sheet, the actual measured number might be less and apparently there are standard ways to measure this.
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