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When part of an image is extremely dark but another part is so bright you can’t see any details, that’s dynamic range—the difference in lighting. Cameras with wide dynamic range (WDR) have special software that allows them to balance that lighting for one clear image. This makes them ideal for recording areas like store entrances where the contrast between the sunshine outside and the dim lighting inside can be extremely difficult to record.

In a word, Dynamic Range is the difference in light levels in an image, between the darkest and the brightest areas.

How Wide Dynamic Range Can Help You

Cameras with wide dynamic range are great for many tricky lighting situations:

1. Lobbies and showrooms with many windows where the contrast between natural light and indoor light causes bright and dark areas

2. Indoor recording, where the light when a door opens may make the person and their clothing unrecognizable

3. Nighttime recording, where non-IR lighting may overexpose some areas while leaving other areas dark

When considering a camera with WDR, ask yourself two questions:

1. Is there a way I can balance the light? WDR is only available on professional cameras and may not fit into your budget, so adding or moving lights to balance your images might be a budget-friendly alternative

2. Is there a different camera location I can use? Doorways and windows may add too much light to a shot, so consider moving a camera you already own to record from a different location or angle before installing a camera with WDR

If it’s not possible to add balanced lighting or move the camera, a professional-level camera with WDR may be right for you

The original article is from https://www.videosurveillance.com/tech/wide-dynamic-range.asp