Why this matters

Noise is the unwanted grainy look caused by low-light amplification or electromagnetic interference. Excessive noise reduces clarity and distracts viewers.

Sources of Noise

  • Low light: Forces high gain settings, adding noise to shadows.
  • Interference: Poor cables, unstable power supplies (12 V 2 A), and incorrect grounding introduce artifacts.
  • Sensor size: Smaller sensors collect less light; larger sensors perform better in dim conditions.

Where to configure Noise Reduction

  • OSD menu: MENU ▶ CAMERA ▶ NOISE REDUCTION
    OSD Noise Reduction menu
  • Web GUI: VIDEO ▶ Camera Settings ▶ NR
    Web GUI Noise Reduction

Noise Reduction Modes

  • NR-2D – Temporal noise reduction analyzing individual frames; ideal for low-resolution or stationary scenes to avoid motion trails.
  • NR-3D – Spatial noise reduction comparing multiple frames; better for high-resolution and moving subjects for cleaner results.
  • Dynamic Hot Pixel – Detects and corrects overly bright “hot” pixels that become visible at high sensitivity or with sensor aging.

Configuring Noise Reduction

  • Start with Low on either NR-2D or NR-3D and increase only until noise is acceptable.
  • Combining NR-2D and NR-3D often yields a crisp, clear image.
  • Caution: High noise reduction levels soften the image and reduce detail; it’s always better to add light whenever possible.

Best Practices

  • Add as much light as practical to the subject before applying electronic noise reduction.
  • Use high-quality cables, stable 12 V 2 A power supplies and proper grounding to minimise interference.
  • Test different NR settings in your venue to balance noise removal and image sharpness.

Quick Checklist

  • Ensure adequate lighting and robust infrastructure.
  • Select NR-2D or NR-3D, start at Low, then fine-tune.
  • Enable Dynamic Hot Pixel correction for long exposures or high gain.
  • Verify final image for minimal grain and preserved detail.


  • NR (Noise Reduction)


    Figure 33: WebGUI > VIDEO > Camera Settings > NR

    Noise reduction can be used to soften the image when noise is present due to poor lighting conditions. The higher the amount of noise reduction, the softer the image will be, ultimately resulting in loss of details.

    Be careful when adjusting the noise reduction, as it can take away the natural ‘crispness’ of the image. You will lose the natural 'crispness' of the image, if you set the dynamic contrast and gain too high (this will cause more noise). Better practice is to add light to the filmed object.