2.5.4 Configure the settings relating to image adjust, privacy zone, and VIQS [Image quality]
Click the [Image quality] tab on the “Image/Audio” page or “Image” page . (→2.2.1 How to display the setup menu, 2.2.2 How to operate the setup menu)
When the [Setup>>] button of each setting item is clicked, the detailed settings menu will be displayed in a newly opened window. The detailed settings can be configured while monitoring images displayed on the [Image quality] tab.
The settings relating to the image adjust, privacy zone, and VIQS can be configured on this page.
[Image adjust]
Click the [Setup>>] button to display the setup menu that can configure the settings relating to image quality. The setup menu will be displayed in a newly opened window. (→2.5.4.1 Configure the settings relating to image quality (“Image adjust” setup menu))
[Privacy zone]
Click the [Setup>>] button to display the setup menu that can configure the settings relating to the privacy zone. The setup menu will be displayed. (→2.5.4.3 Configure the settings relating to the privacy zone (“Privacy zone” setup menu))
[VIQS]
Click the [Setup>>] button to display the setup menu relating to VIQS. (→ 2.5.4.4 Configure the VIQS setting)
2.5.4.1 Configure the settings relating to image quality (“Image adjust” setup menu)
Click the [Setup>>] button of “Image adjust” on the [Image quality] tab of the “Image/Audio” page or “Image” page . (→2.5.4 Configure the settings relating to image adjust, privacy zone, and VIQS [Image quality])
The settings relating to image quality can be configured with the setup menu displayed in a newly displayed window. When the values are changed, the changed values will be applied to the currently displayed image on the [Image quality] tab.
Click the “+” mark on the left of each item in the setup menu to expand the respective item, and enable detailed settings.
Click the “-” mark on the left of an expanded item to return to the screen displayed before the item was expanded.
<Example: Super dynamic (SD)>
[Camera selection]
Select the camera to reflect the image quality setting.
Common(Cam. 1-4): Configures the Cam. 1, 2, 3, and 4 simultaneously. The image displayed in the [Image quality] tab is divided into 4-split display of Cam. 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Cam. 1: Sets image quality of camera 1. The image displayed in the [Image quality] tab is image of Cam. 1.
Cam. 2: Sets image quality of camera 1. The image displayed in the [Image quality] tab is image of Cam. 2.
Cam. 3: Sets image quality of camera 1. The image displayed in the [Image quality] tab is image of Cam. 3.
Cam. 4: Sets image quality of camera 1. The image displayed in the [Image quality] tab is image of Cam. 4.
Default: Common(Cam. 1-4)
Note
When “Common(Cam. 1-4)” is set, the setting is available only the ones before the advanced setting is expanded (“Super Dynamic”, “Light control mode”, “Day & Night(IR)” , “White balance” , “Intelligent Auto”, and “Scene registration”). To perform advanced settings, select “Cam. 1”, “Cam. 2”, “Cam. 3”, or “Cam. 4”.
Super Dynamic(SD)
[Super Dynamic(SD)]
Select “On” or “Off” to determine whether or not to activate the super dynamic function.
Refer to the description “Super Dynamic function” (→Super Dynamic function) about the super dynamic function.
On: The super dynamic function will work.
Off: The super dynamic function will not work.
Default: On
Note
When the following are observed depending on the light condition, select “Off” for “Super Dynamic(SD)”.
When flickering appears or the color changes on the screen
When noise appears in the brighter area on the screen
[Level]
Adjust the super dynamic (SD) level.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, a subject with high contrast can be captured without over exposure or under exposure.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the parts with medium brightness can be captured with rich gradation.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 28
Note
When the following are observed depending on the light condition, select “Off” for “Super Dynamic(SD)”.
When flickering appears or the color changes on the screen
When noise appears in the brighter area on the screen
Super Dynamic function
When there is wide variation between the illumination of light and dark areas of the location being monitored, the camera adjusts the lens iris in accordance with the brighter areas. This causes loss of detail in darker areas. Conversely, adjusting the lens brightness for the darker areas causes the brighter areas to become washed out.
Super Dynamic digitally combines an image that is set up for a clear view of the brighter areas with an image that is set up for a clear view of the darker areas, creating a final image that preserves overall detail.
A.
Subject in the dark area is hard to notice...
B.
Subject in the bright area is washed out...
C.
Creates a clearer image by digitally combining images
[BLC/ HLC]
Select from the following. When “On” is selected for “Super Dynamic(SD)” or when “On” is selected for “Intelligent Auto”, this setting is not available.
Back light compensation (BLC): Activates the back light compensation (BLC) function.
High light compensation(HLC): Activates the high light compensation (HLC) function. The high light compensation function limits the over exposure of subjects caused bright light (such as light from headlights of cars) at night.
Off: Deactivates the back light compensation function and high light compensation function.
Default: Off
[BLC level]
Adjust the BLC level.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the effect of back light compensation will increase.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the effect of back light compensation will decrease.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 16
[HLC level]
Adjust the high light compensation level.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the effect of high light compensation (HLC) will increase.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the effect of high light compensation (HLC) will decrease.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 16
[Mask area]
When mask area is set, the selected area is masked and you can adjust brightness. When “On” is selected for “Super Dynamic(SD)”, this setting is not available. When “Common(Cam. 1-4)” is selected, this setting is not available. Set the mask area of the camera respectively.
Refer to 2.5.4.2 Set mask areas for information on how to set the mask area.
Light control mode
[Light control mode]
Select the light control mode from the following.
Indoor scene (50 Hz) / Indoor scene (60 Hz): The shutter speed will automatically be adjusted to prevent flicker caused by fluorescent light. Select 50 Hz or 60 Hz corresponding to the location where the camera is in use.
ELC: Uses shutter speed adjustment to control light.
Default: ELC
[Brightness]
Adjust the brightness.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the image will become brighter.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the image will become darker.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default brightness setting.
Default: 64
[Maximum gain]
Adjusts the maximum gain. When the luminance of the subject becomes darker, gain will be automatically increased and screen will become brighter. If you increase the gain, the noise may also increase.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the maximum gain will increase.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the maximum gain will decrease.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 9
[Maximum shutter]
The maximum shutter time adjusts the storage time of the sensor. The following are available for the recording duration.
Max.1/10000s, Max.1/4000s, Max.1/2000s, Max.1/1000s, Max.1/500s, Max.1/250s, Max.1/120s, Max.1/100s, Max.2/120s, Max.2/100s, Max.3/120s, Max.1/30s, Max.2/30s, Max.4/30s, Max.6/30s, Max.10/30s, Max.16/30s
Default: Max.1/30s
Note
When “0” is selected for “Maximum gain”, “Max. 2/30s” or higher is not available.
[Light control speed]
Adjust the light control speed.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the light control speed will increase.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the light control speed will decrease.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 16
Day & Night(IR)
[Day & Night(IR)]
Select switching between the color mode and the black & white mode from the following.
Off: The color mode is selected.
On: Always captured as black & white images.
Auto1(Normal): The camera automatically switches between the color mode and the black & white mode in accordance with the picture brightness (luminance).
Auto2(IR Light): The camera automatically switches between the color mode and the black & white mode in accordance with the picture brightness (luminance). Suitable when using near-infrared lighting at night.
Auto3(SCC): Suitable to keep the color mode even under darker light condition. The Super Chroma Compensation (SCC) function retains the color mode even with dim lighting.
Default:Auto1(Normal)
Super Chrome Compensation (SCC) function
This function achieves faithful color images using the proprietary color compensation technology that reproduce images even under low illumination where it is usually difficult to capture objects faithfully.
Note
Since the color compensation technology is used for “Auto3(Super Chrome Compensation(SCC))”, some colors may look different from the actual objects depending on the light condition (such as when infrared lights are used).
The operating sound might be heard when changing to black-and-white mode, however it does not indicate any malfunction.
The color mode and the black white mode may not be switched automatically depending on the environment. In such a case, use the schedule function to switch the color and the black white mode. For how to set up, refer to the following Panasonic support website.
[Level]
Select the threshold illuminance level (brightness) to switch between the color mode and the black & white mode. The descriptions about the following threshold illuminance levels are given when “Off” is selected for “Super Dynamic(SD)”.
High: Switches from the color mode to the black & white mode when the ambient brightness (illuminance) of the camera is approx. 2 lx or less.
Low: Switches from the color mode to the black & white mode when the ambient brightness (illuminance) of the camera is approx. 1 lx or less.
Default: High
Note
When a low value is selected for “Maximum gain”, it may be difficult to switch modes depending on the environment.
[Dwell time]
Select a wait time for switching between the color mode and the black & white mode from the following.
2s/ 10s/ 30s/ 1min
Default: 10s
White balance
[White balance]
Select a method of white balance adjustment from the following.
White color can be adjusted by “Red gain” and “Blue gain”.
ATW1: Selects the automatic tracing white balance mode. The camera will constantly check the color temperature of the light source and adjust the white balance automatically. Operating color temperature range is approx. 2,700 K to 6,000 K.
ATW2: Selects the automatic tracing white balance mode under a sodium lamp. The camera will adjust the white balance automatically under a sodium lamp. Operating color temperature range is approx. 2,000 K to 6,000 K.
AWC: Selects the automatic white balance control mode. This adjustment is suitable for a location where a light source is stable. Operating color temperature range is approx. 2,000 K to 10,000 K.
Default: ATW1
Note
Under the following conditions, color may not be faithfully processed. In these cases, select “AWC”.
When shooting a subject whose major part is a thick color
When shooting blue sky or sun at sunset
When shooting a subject whose luminance is too low
When “AWC” is selected, click the [Set] button.
[Red gain]
Adjust the red color of images.
When the slider is moved in the “+” direction, the red color will become thicker. When the slider is moved in the “-” direction, the red color will be thinner. Click the [Reset] button to reset the color to the default.
Default: 128
[Blue gain]
Adjust the blue color of images.
When the slider is moved in the “+” direction, the blue color will become thicker. When the slider is moved in the “-” direction, the blue color will be thinner. Click the [Reset] button to reset the color to the default.
Default: 128
[Mask area]
If you set the mask area, you can adjust the white balance after masking the set area. When “Common(Cam. 1-4)” is selected, this setting is not available. Set the mask area of the camera respectively.
Refer to 2.5.4.2 Set mask areas for information about how to configure the mask area.
[Adjustment speed]
Adjust the white balance adjustment speed.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the white balance adjustment speed will increase. If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the white balance adjustment speed will decrease. If you click the [Reset] button, the slider position and white balance adjustment speed will be reset to default.
Default: 16
Intelligent Auto
[Intelligent Auto]
Select On/Off to determine whether or not to activate the “Intelligent Auto” function.
“Intelligent Auto” can detect conditions (back lighting, outdoor, night time, etc.) and moving objects, and then automatically adjust the camera's aperture, gain, shutter speed, and contrast in order to display the moving objects more clearly.
Default: On
[Motion priority level]
Adjusts the motion priority level when “Intelligent Auto” is activated.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, it becomes difficult for the moving subjects to blur, but the noise of dark subjects increases.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, it becomes easier for the moving subjects to blur, but the noise of dark subjects decreases.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 128
Detailed setting
[Auto contrast adjust]
Select On/Off(Manual) to determine whether or not to activate the auto contrast adjust function.
On: Activates the auto contrast adjust function.
Off: Stops the auto contrast adjust function.
Default: On
Note
When “On” is selected for “Intelligent Auto”, this setting is not available.
[Contrast level]
Adjust the contrast level.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the contrast of the image will increase.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the contrast of the image will decrease.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 128
[Adaptive black stretch]
Adjust the brightness of the dark parts of the image.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the dark parts of the image will become brighter.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the dark parts of the image will become darker.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 128
IMPORTANT
The “adaptive black stretch” settings may cause the noise in the darker parts to increase, and the parts around borders between the darker parts and the brighter parts may become darker/brighter than the other darker/brighter parts.
[Adaptive highlight stretch]
Adjust the brightness of the bright parts of the image.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the dark parts of the image will become brighter.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the bright parts of the image will become darker.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 128
[Fog compensation]
Select “On” or “Off” to determine whether or not to activate the fog compensation function. When “On” is selected for “Auto contrast adjust”, or when “On” is selected for “Intelligent Auto”, this setting is not available.
The fog compensation function can make dim images that have been affected by fog or other conditions clearer using digital image processing.
On: Activates the fog compensation function.
Off: Stops the fog compensation function.
Default: Off
[Level]
Adjust the fog compensation level.
The level of fog compensation will increase when the slider is moved in the “+” direction, and decrease when the slider is moved in the “-” direction. Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 4
[Chroma gain level]
Adjusts the chroma level (color density).
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the colors will become loud and vivid. If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the colors will become subdued. Click the [Reset] button to reset the color to the default.
Default: 128
[Hue level]
Adjust the hue level of images.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the redness of skin color will increase, and the blueness of sky color will decrease.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the redness of skin color will decrease, and the blueness of sky color increase.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 128
[Aperture level]
Adjust the aperture level (outline compensation).
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the outline of the image will become sharper, and if you move it in the “-” direction, the outline of the image will become softer. Click the [Reset] button to reset the color to the default.
Default: 16
[Pedestal level]
Adjust the black level of images by moving the slider.
When the slider is moved to the “+” direction, images will become brighter. When the slider is moved to the “-” direction, images will be darker. Click the [Reset] button to reset the color to the default.
Default: 128
[DNR]
The digital noise reduction function reduces noise automatically under the condition of low illuminance.
If you move the slider in the “+” direction, the noise reduction effect is strengthened. There may be many afterimages.
If you move the slider in the “-” direction, the noise reduction effect is weakened. There are fewer afterimages.
Click the [Reset] button to reset to the default setting.
Default: 128
Scene registration
[Scene file]
The combination of settings used to adjust image quality can be saved as a scene file. The scene file can be selected here.
Registered scene files can be configured in the “Schedule” page (→2.9 Configure the settings relating to the schedules [Schedule]). If the timing of when images are viewed greatly affects the area where images are viewed, registering scene files to the schedule can let you match a combination of settings to different times of day in order to view images in the best conditions.
[Scene file title]
The scene file name (up to 10 characters) displayed in “Scene file” can be changed. Only file names displayed in “1:”, “2:”, “3:”, and “4:” can be changed.
Unavailable characters: " &
[Load] button
Loads the setting data selected in “Scene file” and changes the current image accordingly.
[Register] button
The title of the scene file can be registered to the scene file.
2.5.4.2 Set mask areas
This explains how to mask an area of the image and adjust brightness.
When setting the mask area, set “Super Dynamic(SD)” to “Off”.
2.
Click “+” on the left of “Super Dynamic(SD)” to display the detailed SD menu.
3.
Click the [Start] button of “Mask area”.
Borders will appear and the image displayed on the [Image quality] tab will be divided into 48 (6×8).
4.
Click the divided areas to be masked.
The clicked areas will be masked and will become white. To cancel masking, click the area again.
5.
Click the [End] button after completing masking areas.
The borders on the image displayed on the [Image quality] tab will disappear.
IMPORTANT
The mask area may move out of alignment when “Image capture mode” of the [Image] tab is changed. Make sure to check the mask area after changing the “Image capture mode” setting.
Note
When the [Reset] button is clicked, masking for all the masked areas will be canceled.
2.5.4.3 Configure the settings relating to the privacy zone (“Privacy zone” setup menu)
Click the [Setup>>] button of “Privacy zone” on the [Image quality] tab of the “Image/Audio” page or “Image” page . (→2.5.4 Configure the settings relating to image adjust, privacy zone, and VIQS [Image quality])
When there is a zone that you do not want to display, set the zone as a privacy zone not to be displayed. Up to 8 privacy zones can be set.
[Camera selection]
Select a camera to set the privacy zone from Cam. 1, Cam. 2, Cam. 3, or Cam. 4.
[Area]
The privacy zone will be set when an area is designated by dragging the mouse. Each zone can be overlapped. The zones are numbered sequentially from area 1.
Note
Set the privacy zone larger than the size of an object to be hidden.
[Status]
Select “On” or “Off” to determine whether or not to display the privacy zone.
On: The privacy zone will be displayed.
Off: The privacy zone will not be displayed.
Default: Off
[Delete] button
Click the [Delete] button corresponding to the zone to be deleted.
[Close] button
Click this button to close the “Privacy zone” setup menu.
IMPORTANT
After configuring the privacy zone, the privacy zone may move out of alignment if the setting for “Image capture mode” of the [Image] tab or “Upside-down” of the [Basic] tab is changed. Make sure to check the privacy zone after changing the setting.
2.5.4.4 Configure the VIQS setting
Click the [Setup>>] button of “VIQS” on the [Image] tab of the “Image/Audio” page “Image” page . (→2.5.4 Configure the settings relating to image adjust, privacy zone, and VIQS [Image quality])
VIQS is an abbreviation of Variable Image Quality on Specified area and is a feature that enables you to change the images of a specified area.
It is possible to enhance the image quality of the specified range within a shooting area (image).
It is also possible to moderate the image data size by lowering the image quality of other areas.
The VIQS setting is available only for H.265 (or H.264) images.
Up to 8 VIQS areas can be set.
To check the image after configuring VIQS, when H.265 (or H.264) images are selected under “Stream”, you can check the image by pressing the [Confirm] button. You can also check by displaying an H.265 (or H.264) image on the “Live” page.
[Area]
When selecting a VIQS area in the screen, it will be numbered as area 1. (Subsequent areas will be numbered in the order of selection.)
[Status]
Select “On” or “Off” to determine whether or not to use the VIQS area.
On: The VIQS area will be set.
Off: Does not set the VIQS area.
Default: Off
[Delete] button
Deletes the VIQS area. Click the button to delete the VIQS area.
[Level]
Configure the difference level in the image quality between specified areas and non-specified areas. The greater the difference level, the more the image quality of the non-specified area is reduced. This makes it possible to moderate the image data size.
0 Min./ 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5 Normal/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9 Max.
Default: 5 Normal
Stream
[Stream(1)]
Select “On” or “Off” to determine whether or not to activate the VIQS function for the transmitted (Stream(1)) images.
The VIQS (Stream(1)) images can be confirmed with the [Confirm] button.
Default: Off
[Stream(2)]
Select “On” or “Off” to determine whether or not to activate the VIQS function for the transmitted (Stream(2)) images.
The VIQS (Stream(2)) images can be confirmed with the [Confirm] button.
Default: Off
IMPORTANT
After the VIQS setting is set to “On”, the VIQS area may move out of alignment when the “Image capture mode” setting on the [Image] tab of the “Image/Audio” page or “Image” page is changed. Make sure to check the VIQS setting after changing the “Image capture mode” setting.
Note
Refer to 2.5.4.5 Configure the VIQS area for setting procedure of the VIQS area.
When “Off” is selected for “Stream transmission” of the applicable stream, the stream selection cannot be changed.
2.5.4.5 Configure the VIQS area
The VIQS area is specified by following the steps below.
1.
Drag the mouse on the screen to specify the area (up to 8 areas).
The specified area is set to area “1(White)”, and the outline is displayed.
The areas are set in the area number order from number 1. The color next to the area number show the color of the corresponding outline.
2.
Configure the difference level in the image quality between specified areas and non-specified areas. The greater the difference level, the more the image quality of the non-specified area is reduced. This makes it possible to moderate the image data size.
3.
Select On/Off to activate/deactivate a distributed image of “Stream(1)” or “Stream(2)”.
4.
Click the [Set] button.
This unit is updated with the setting contents. Click the [Delete] button corresponding to the area to be deleted.
5.
Click the [Confirm] button.
The image (“Stream(1)” or “Stream(2)”) that the [Confirm] button was pressed for is displayed. When a window is newly opened and about 3 seconds pass, the currently outputted bit rate can be confirmed with the configured VIQS.
IMPORTANT
No setting contents are determined unless the [Set] button is clicked.
To check the image after configuring VIQS, display an H.265 (or H.264) image on the “Live” page, or press the [Confirm] button under “Stream”.
The outputted bit rate changes depending on the subject. Confirm the bit rates with actual subjects used when operating the camera.
If the larger range is specified, the output bit rate increases. Check the current output bit rate to decide the area size.