The camera is designed for easy use. Typically, all you need to do is install the lens properly, connect the signal cable, and power it on. However, in real-world applications, improper installation of the lens or incorrect adjustment of the camera and lens settings can lead to suboptimal performance. To ensure the best results, it's essential to follow the correct procedures.
First, when installing the lens, make sure it is compatible with your camera. Choose the right type based on your application—such as fixed-focus or zoom lenses, manual iris or auto-iris lenses, standard, wide-angle, or telephoto lenses. Pay close attention to the lens interface type: C-mount or CS-mount. It’s crucial to match them correctly, as using a C-mount lens on a CS-mount camera without an adapter could damage the CCD sensor.
To install the lens, remove the protective covers from both the camera and the lens. Gently screw the lens onto the camera’s lens mount. For auto-iris lenses, connect the lens control cable to the camera’s auto-iris port. For motorized two-variable or three-variable lenses, simply rotate the lens into place; there's no need to adjust the balance at this stage. Only after focusing is complete should you fine-tune the balance.
Next, adjust the aperture and focus. Turn off the electronic shutter and backlight compensation on the camera. Position the camera where it will be used and adjust the lens’s aperture and focus ring to get the best image on the monitor. If the environment has varying light levels, it's best to use an auto-iris lens and set the electronic shutter to OFF. If you're using a manual iris lens, turn the electronic shutter ON. When the ambient light is brightest, open the aperture as much as possible while ensuring the image isn't overexposed.
Once the adjustments are made, secure the lens cover and mount the camera. A larger aperture reduces the depth of field, so focus carefully to ensure the entire scene is sharp. When lighting decreases, the electronic shutter automatically slows down, allowing the camera to maintain image quality. With a larger aperture, the image should still look good even in low light.
If the image appears too dark during low-light conditions, it may be due to a small aperture and the electronic shutter already at its slowest setting (1/50s). In such cases, consider adjusting the exposure settings or using a higher-quality lens.
Another important step is back focal length adjustment. This refers to the distance between the lens and the image sensor, ensuring the image is focused correctly on the CCD. Most cameras come pre-adjusted from the factory, so fixed-focus lenses usually don’t require further adjustment. However, if the image remains blurry even when the focus ring is fully adjusted, check the lens interface first. If everything is correct, you may need to adjust the back focus.
To adjust the back focal length:
1. Mount the lens correctly on the camera.
2. Open the lens to its maximum aperture to reduce the depth of field.
3. Zoom in on an object that's not more than 10 meters away and adjust the focus.
4. Zoom out to the wide-angle position. At this point, the image may appear blurry, but this prepares the system for the next step.
5. Loosen the hex screw securing the back focus ring on the front of the camera. Rotate the back focus ring (or the lens itself if it has a built-in one) until the image is as clear as possible, then tighten the screw temporarily.
6. Zoom back to the telephoto position and check if the previously focused object is still clear. Repeat steps 3–5 if needed.
7. Usually, one or two iterations are enough to achieve proper focus.
8. Finally, tighten the screw and adjust the aperture to an optimal level.
By following these steps, you can ensure your camera delivers sharp, clear images under various lighting conditions. Proper setup and adjustment are key to achieving the best performance from your surveillance system.
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