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.