Lens-Related Q&A

What is a Video Driver?

The switch at the back of the camera must be set to AI (or Video). Generally, there are four wires to connect: 1. Red: ; 2. White: Video; 3. Black: GND; 4. Green: generally unused. Be careful not to short the wires when cutting them.

What is a DC Driver?

The switch at the back of the camera must be set to AIMP (or DC). This type also has four wires, and if there is a yellow wire, it must be this type. Typically, the original manufacturer has pre-installed connectors; please refer to the Camera or Lens Menu for wiring details.

Cannot Adjust the Image to Be Clear?

Please check if the lens is C or CS Mount. If it's C Mount, please attach the camera's supplied lens adapter ring. If it's CS Mount, do not use the lens adapter ring.

Take out the L-shaped hex wrench provided with the camera and adjust the mechanical focal distance until the image is clear.

What is the Difference Between an Auto-Iris Lens and a Manual-Iris Lens?

An auto-iris lens automatically adjusts the iris, making it suitable for locations with significant light changes, such as outdoors, or for locations with strong backlight indoors or from outside. A manual-iris lens, on the other hand, requires manual iris adjustment, making it suitable for locations with stable lighting, such as indoors. The price of an auto-iris lens is higher than that of a manual-iris lens.

"Illumination" and "Resolution"

Illumination	The smaller the value, the better	The smaller the LUX value, the less light is needed, which is better.
Resolution	The larger the value, the better	The higher the pixel value, the better the resolution and the finer the image quality.

What is the Difference Between CCD and CMOS?

Cameras require "film" as a "photosensitive element" (SENSOR CHIP), and surveillance cameras work on a similar principle, requiring a photosensitive element as well. "CCD" and "CMOS" are two types of photosensitive elements with different qualities. They are rectangular, transparent components similar to glass materials, attached to the circuit board. Here is a comparison of the two:

CCD Chip

• The circuit board is larger (at least 3x3 cm), with numerous IC circuits on the board.
• CCD provides clearer image quality with higher sharpness.

CMOS Chip Cameras

• All CMOS circuits are integrated on a single chip, leaving more empty space on the circuit board, unlike CCD.
• CMOS produces more blurry images, especially in low light conditions where image quality deteriorates further.

Miniature CMOS Pinhole Cameras

• Due to the compact CMOS design, many miniature pinhole cameras are CMOS, as CCD cannot achieve such a small size.
• CMOS produces blurry images, particularly in low light conditions.

Type of Photosensitive Element	Application	Image Color Saturation	Power Supply	Price
CCD	V8, surveillance cameras, digital cameras	More vibrant colors	12V	Higher
CMOS	Video conferencing cameras (often marketed as CCD, but mostly CMOS), scanners	Less vibrant colors	6V or 12V	Lower (some unscrupulous sellers may market CMOS as CCD; choose reputable vendors)

What Are the Two-Variable and Three-Variable Lenses, and What Are Their Features?

There are two types of lenses in motorized zoom lenses: two-variable lenses and three-variable lenses. A two-variable lens has a variable focal length (f) and focus controlled by motors, while the iris (IRIS) is controlled automatically by the camera. A three-variable lens, on the other hand, has a variable focal length, focus, and iris, all controlled by motors. Generally, two-variable lenses perform slightly better than three-variable lenses and are priced slightly higher.

How to Choose a Suitable Lens?

Common types of lenses include manual/auto-iris fixed-focus lenses and auto-iris zoom lenses.

1. Manual/Auto-Iris Fixed-Focus Lenses:
   • Manual Iris Lens: Suitable for environments with relatively stable lighting, such as indoors.
   • Auto-Iris Lens: Suitable for environments with significant lighting changes, such as outdoors.
   • Fixed-focus lenses include standard lenses and wide-angle lenses, suitable for:
     • Wide-Angle Lens: Suitable for monitoring a wider angle, closer distance.
     • Standard Lens: Suitable for moderate angles and distances.
2. Auto-Iris Zoom Lenses
   • Zoom lenses include 10x, 6x, and 2x zoom, and can also be classified as manual zoom or motorized zoom (with motorized or auto iris).
   • Zoom lenses can be categorized by their format: 1/3", 1/2", or 1".
   • When selecting a zoom lens, the lens format should not be smaller than the camera format. For example, a 1/2" lens can be used with a 1/3" camera, but a 1/3" lens cannot be used on a 1/2" camera.

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