Positioning a camera to face a window with natural light or a bright light source is not ideal. However, if this setup is unavoidable, start by adding more front lighting to the object being filmed, similar to how a photography camera uses a flash when taking a picture.

Recommendations for Camera Configuration

Backlight Compensation

First, enable Backlight Compensation (BLC):

- Navigate to the camera web GUI > VIDEO tab > Camera settings:

* Note that the BLC option is only supported in AUTO exposure mode and not in other modes such as MANUAL, SAE, AAE, or BRIGHT.

- Alternatively, you can toggle BLC on/off using the IR remote control by pressing the "BLC ON/OFF" button:

Dynamic Range Compression (DRC)

Second, activate the DRC (Dynamic Range Compression) option available in the camera web GUI > VIDEO tab > Camera settings. Adjust the DRC level until you achieve a satisfactory image.

* Explanation from the CM7x user manual: DRC works by compressing the natural dynamic range of the image by reducing the extremes of brightness and darkness. This setting is particularly helpful in challenging lighting conditions. As the DRC level increases, dark areas of the image become lighter or more gray, making differences more visible.

Gain Limit (G.Limit)

Additionally, adjust the Gain Limit (G.Limit), which sets the maximum level of artificial brightness and contrast the camera can automatically add to the image. Avoid setting it too high, as this may result in a washed-out, grayish picture.

OSD Menu

All the above options are also available in the OSD menu > Exposure:

* Note that the OSD Menu is visible only on the CM40 and CM7x HDMI and SDI outputs (not on USB or IP outputs), and only on the USB output of the CM41 and CM44 videoconference cameras.