CCTV Security Camera Specifications explained
CCTV Security Camera Specifications like AGC and AES are not straight forward and plain to everybody. Below, we have put some effort into providing our potential clients with a comprehensive CCTV Specification Guide. Ideal CCTV's quotations are among the most clear and transparent in the security market, showing all important features and specifications of every camera on the project. In order to evaluate and compare propositions effectively, one needs understand why for example a camera specified at 560TVL is much more advanced than a random wireless 320TVL import.
Any camera data specification sheet has a many specifications shown like resolution, sensitivity, camera voltage, signal to noise ratio, chip type, and operating temperature. Some data sheets are elaborate, while others are relatively basic and cover the bare minimum. To define a security camera, most people will first look at the resolution and sensitivity in the data sheet. These two values are the most important. In this lesson we will look into these specifications in more detail. There is confusion surrounding these terms and I would like to demystify them by explaining them in simple terms.
AES - Automatic Electronic Shutter
Cameras need to be able to measure the present scene illumination, in order to determine the overall video brightness. In modern day the most advanced and commonly used method is Auto-Iris. Auto-Iris is established through team-work of a professional CCTV CCD Camera in conjunction with a modern lens - both supporting Auto Iris function. The camera measures the light level - decides whether it needs more or less light - and then adjusts the motorised iris in the Auto Iris Lens (open further or close), via a small control cable.
The most common cause for not equipping cameras with auto iris lenses is the cost-saving factor. Utilising AES, a standard Manual Iris Lens will be used on an average setting (determined by needed and average scene illumination. The electronic in the camera will modify the shutter speed of the CCD Chip. Increase in shuttering = darker image, decrease of shutter speed = brighter image.
Adavantage = Cost Saving. Disadvantage = less crisp image quality and less quality when capturing moving objects.
Engineer Tip: Be sure to TURN OFF AES whn an Auto Iris is being used.