Details of color video vs monochrome

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the performance differences between color and monochrome video output from a CCTV camera that is producing a violet image. Participants explore potential causes for the color issue, the implications for detail resolution, and whether the camera should be repaired or replaced.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the violet image may be due to a broken color channel rather than just a missing IR filter.
  • Another participant mentions that monochrome images could historically have more detail than color images due to video signal coding, but this is less clear with modern sensors.
  • Some participants propose that the bluish tint observed during the day could indicate an issue with the IR filter, while others question this interpretation.
  • Links to external resources are provided, discussing potential causes for color issues, including cable length and lighting conditions.
  • A participant shares observations of color histograms, suggesting that the blue channel may be saturated, indicating a possible display or camera fault.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of the violet image and whether it is related to the IR filter or other components. There is no consensus on the exact issue or the best course of action regarding the camera.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge that without knowing the specific components of the camera, it is difficult to diagnose the problem accurately. There are also references to external factors such as lighting conditions that may affect color output.

seazal
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I have a cctv camera that is defective that only gives violet image. I think the IR filter mechanism is broken and it is out of warrantee.

I'd like to know how poorer can you resolve details using monochrome than using color. So I can decide whether to replace it (won't if the details are the same or close).

Thank you.
 
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The missing/broken IR filter just makes it sensitive to near IR, it won't make the image violet. More likely one of the color channels is broken: the sensor or the following electronics.

Originally monochrome image could be more detailed than colored one due the video signal coding (and some other factors), but that was before the whole image sensor business fired up. Right now it's not possible to say anything without knowing the exact components of the camera.

Knock it a few times and if it does not start working normally, just replace the thing.
 
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Rive said:
The missing/broken IR filter just makes it sensitive to near IR, it won't make the image violet. More likely one of the color channels is broken: the sensor or the following electronics.

Originally monochrome image could be more detailed than colored one due the video signal coding (and some other factors), but that was before the whole image sensor business fired up. Right now it's not possible to say anything without knowing the exact components of the camera.

Knock it a few times and if it does not start working normally, just replace the thing.

How do images look with missing/broken IR filter?
 
With one word: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/infrared-photography-using-a-digital-camera-4743.

Ps.: these are photos, not CCTV, but the point can be seen I think: the picture is definitely NOT violet.
 
Rive said:
With one word: https://www.ephotozine.com/article/infrared-photography-using-a-digital-camera-4743.

Ps.: these are photos, not CCTV, but the point can be seen I think: the picture is definitely NOT violet.

It's bluish, see the thumbnail. It's not the IR filter?
 

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seazal said:
It's bluish, see the thumbnail. It's not the IR filter?

Here is another clue. At night time with artificial lighting, the color becomes normal. I really think it's the IR filter. At daytime, the whole image is bluish.
 
Here are the color histograms of the posted image. As you can see, the Blue channel is almost completely saturated. It looks more like a display problem than a camera problem, but it could be either. It may be a Blue channel gain adjustment that is faulty or has a bad solder joint. If you consider the camaera no good the way it is, open it up and see what you can find. Often, but not always, manufacturers will take the trouble to label things on the circuit boards. If you open the camera, do your best to keep dust off of the image sensor. A small dust speck will look like a boulder in the image!
upload_2018-12-6_23-44-41.png


Cheers,
Tom
 

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