Digital Signal Processor (DSP)Ĭameras can also offer different digital signal processors which are responsible for controlling all aspects of the image sensor and adjusting shutter speed, white balance, noise reduction, and the like. There are also a number of models of sensors which result in a noticeable difference in overall quality such as the HD29 which uses the Sony Exmor CMOS sensor. The larger area directly translates to a more accurate image. for example a 1/2.8″ sensor will offer a ~7% more surface area than a 1/3″ sensor. The size of the image sensor also has an impact on image quality. Now the majority of image sensors found in cameras are CMOS and the quality can be superb. With the rise of the smartphone billions have been poured into CMOS technology which has recently turned the tables.
It has generally been considered that the CCD sensors are superior to CMOS sensors due to the inherent nature of the technology where CCD’s are more accurate and sensitive than CMOS technology. Image sensors can be divided into two main categories: CMOS and CCD. Image sensors are responsible for translating the light being projected from the lens into an electrical signal that can be transmitted. The higher the quality of the lens elements, the better image clarity. The S-Mount is the most common type of lens for bullet and board style cameras.ĭespite the size difference between the lenses the actual lens elements are all roughly the same area, however the larger C-Mount and CS-Mount typically offer higher quality Glass elements, where the S-Mount lenses are typically a lower cost polycarbonate lens element. There are adapters for CS-Mount cameras to work with C-mount lenses, however C-Mount cameras will only work with a C-Mount lens. C-Mount and CS-Mount lens are largely similar with the primary difference being the distance from the lens to the image sensor in the camera. In general there are three types of lenses for these cameras C-mount, CS-Mount, and S-Mount (AKA M12). We traveled the roads near our office to display the fall colors and get an idea on how well these cameras handle different light conditions.Ĭameras differ in quality due to three main components lens, image sensor, and digital signal processor (DSP). To test these cameras we set all up to record in their maximum resolution. Camerasįor our test we choose our two most popular cameras the HD29 and HD25 as well as our newest offerings the HD19 Micro Bullet, and a CCD camera we’ve acquired for evaluation which we call the HD43. We’ve decided to create this article to show the differences and tradeoffs of each solution. Rugged Video works with a number of camera developers to offer a wide range of solutions. We frequently get questions about our cameras in particular which camera is best suited for a specific application.