As security needs to continuously evolve and change, the night vision technology of network cameras is also experiencing constant upgrades. Recently, Dahua Technology officially launched its WizColor technology that addresses traditional challenges in low-light scenarios through advanced hardware, software and algorithm enhancements. We spoke with Dahua product managers Beryl Bai and Jolyne Zhou to know more about this remarkable technology.

What is WizColor?

Beryl Bai: Dahua WizColor Technology has made multiple innovations in both hardware and algorithms. Firstly, it adopts an F1.0 super large aperture lens, significantly increasing the amount of light intake, ensuring bright and clear images even in low-light conditions. Secondly, equipped with a 2.9μm super large pixel size sensor, it further enhances the light reception capability and reduces noise. Lastly, by introducing the new generation AI-ISP Visual Engine, it significantly improves the dynamic image processing effect and scene adaptability, providing users with an outstanding security monitoring experience.

What motivated Dahua to develop the WizColor series?

Beryl Bai: Image quality at night has always been a key point for security cameras. In recent years, the night imaging technology of network cameras has been continuously upgraded; from IR illumination to Starlight technology, and then to Full-color technology. Although the image quality at night has been improved, there are still issues such as motion blur, image noise, image overexposure, illuminator pollution, and false alarms caused by mosquitoes and insects. To address these pain points, we need to seek new technological breakthroughs.

What key technologies have been applied to the WizColor series?

Jolyne Zhou: There are three key technologies in the WizColor series. First, the F1.0 Aperture. In the realm of photography and surveillance, the size of the aperture directly affects the lens's ability to capture light in low-light conditions. Regular cameras usually use F1.6 aperture, while our WizColor cameras uses F1.0 aperture with 2.5 times the light intake of F1.6. This larger light intake allows for capturing more light under the same lighting conditions, significantly improving image brightness and definition in nighttime monitoring.

Next is the 1/1.8''sensor. Dahua WizColor camera uses a 1/1.8'' sensor with a large pixel size of 2.9μm. The area of light reception is directly proportional to the square of the pixel dimension. Therefore, its area is approximately 2.1 times larger than that of a regular 4MP camera. This technological advancement allows the WizColor camera to capture brighter and clearer images in low-light conditions, while reducing noise and motion blur.

Lastly, the AI-ISP. Dahua WizColor camera is equipped with a new generation vision engine AI-ISP, which brings comprehensive upgrades on both hardware and software. On the hardware side, it meets the three key elements for building highly efficient AI: powerful computing power of up to 2.4T, highly efficient algorithms, and massive training media. It also adopts an advanced 12nm process aligned with the current mobile phone industry, reducing power consumption by 30% compared to conventional cameras. On the software side, there is an update to the advanced 3DNR technology, which reduces image noise while maximizing the preservation of scene details. Also, improvements in 2D noise reduction technology enable the WizColor camera to meet the noise reduction needs of different scenes. What’s more, with the help of deep learning semantic segmentation, AI-ISP can accurately separate moving targets from the background, greatly assisting in eliminating motion blur.

What are the future trends for the WizColor technology?

Beryl Bai: With the continuous progress of the security industry, Dahua WizColor tech is actively planning its future development to meet the growing market demand. The Dahua WizColor tech will be integrated into series such as TiOC, Smart Dual Light, and X-spans, further enhancing the competitiveness of the products in the market. Also, Dahua WizColor products will continue to develop 5E functions, including easy installation, easy connection, easy configuration, easy usage, and easy maintenance. In addition, we are planning to launch WizColor tech products with zooming function to meet the needs of users in different scenarios.

Dahua WizColor is committed to maintaining technological leadership in the security monitoring realm, providing users with a more superior and reliable visual experience.