Improving Image Quality on 360 Cameras
Image Quality Concerns on Fisheye Cameras
Fisheye Cameras (or 360 cameras) have a large image sensor to allow for a high field-of-view, and because of this they can be very sensitive to environmental factors that negatively impact image quality. In many cases these environmental factors can cause the fisheye camera to have poor image quality out-of-the-box, and correcting this is a matter of adjusting camera-side settings to account for those environmental factors.
Video Overexposed or Washed Out
If the video looks overexposed or washed out, begin by disabling the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) under the Picture Adjustment section in Camera Setup. Additionally under the Exposure section, decrease the minimum shutter speed to darken the image. If the video continues to be washed out, finally adjust the white balance under the White Balance section or adjust the brightness under Picture Adjustment.
Some 360 cameras may have a Color Setup section under Camera Setup. If that option is available, set the color style to 'Dark Detail Brighter'
Video Underexposed or Dark
If the video looks underexposed or dark out, begin by disabling the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) under the Picture Adjustment tab in Camera Setup. Additionally under the Exposure tab, increase the minimum shutter speed to lighten the image. If the video continues to be washed out, adjust the white balance under the White Balance tab or adjust the brightness under Picture Adjustment.
Some 360 cameras may have a Color Setup section under Camera Setup. If that option is available, set the color style to 'Highlight Detail Brighter'
Image is Noisy or Grainy
If the image is noisy or grainy, begin by setting the TV System under Camera Setup to Linear. If the image continues to be noticeably grainy, adjust the Max Gain under the Exposure tab. Additionally, you can increase or decrease the amount of noise reduction the camera applies under the Noise Reduction tab.
Objects Distorted or Warped
If objects are looking distorted or warped, first ensure the type of dewarping and mounting type are correct under the Fisheye Setting of the camera. If objects continue to look distorted, check that the cover of the camera is tightened to the base of the camera evenly.
Nighttime Image Concerns
If the nighttime image of the camera looks extremely washed out, check the view of the camera for areas that the IR light from the emitters may gather such as eaves or close walls. You may have to physically move the camera to a different position to fix this issue.
Conversely, if the nighttime image is too dark, consider using external IR emitters to illuminate the camera view.