Skip to content

Ultra Low Light Mode

Introduction

Ultra low light mode is a feature of some cameras that support photography in low light conditions. Low light cameras can capture more light sources when visible light illumination is low, thereby achieving better imaging effects when ambient light is insufficient.

Some image sensors with low light sensitivity are usually used in such scenarios, such as SONY's Starvis series(IMX290, IMX291, IMX462, IMX678, etc.).

The Ultra Low Light USB UVC Camera launched by Arducam and SONY not only achieves excellent imaging performance in low light, but also is compatible with the UVC protocol plug-and-play feature, making the camera easier to use and deploy.

Product

Sensor USB Device Connector Output Format Resolution&Frame Rate Operating Voltage Operating Temp Power Requirements Supported OS Recommend Apps UVC Controls Supported Systems
B0497 YUY2 IMX678 8.3MP USB 3.2 Gen 1&Type-C M12 100°(D) × 88°(H) × 72(V) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max: 1.48W , Min: 0.86W Windows, Linux
B0496 YUY2 IMX462 2MP USB 3.2 Gen 1&Type-C M12 Mount 98°(D)×85°(H)×69°(V) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max: 1.6W , Min: 0.8W Windows, Linux
B0448 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens °(D)×°(H)×°(V) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w Windows/Linux
B026101 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens 120°(D) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% / Windows/Linux
B0363 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 CS Lens 70°(H) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w/td> Windows/Linux
B0200 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens 100°(D) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w Windows/Linux
B0202 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens 160°(D) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w Windows/Linux
B0201 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens 120°(D) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w Windows/Linux
UB020201 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens 160°(D) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w Windows/Linux
B0261 MJPG/YUY2 IMX291 2MP USB2.0 M12 Lens 175°(D) Manual Focus 5 V +/- 5% Max 1.5w Windows/Linux

Switch Mode

For Linux

Tip

The 0 in Backlight Compensation represents the normal light sensitivity mode, and 1 represents the ultra-low light mode. The mode can be switched by sliding the slider.

Slide the slider to switch the mode:

For Windows

Tip

The 0 in Backlight Compensation represents the normal light sensitivity mode, and 1 represents the ultra-low light mode. The mode can be switched by sliding the slider.

Slide the slider to switch the mode:

Start AMCap.exe to execute the following steps:

Python OpenCV

import cv2

# open video0
cap = cv2.VideoCapture(0)

# read one frame to start camera.
cap.read()

# Ultra Low Light Mode: 1, Normal Mode: 0
cap.set(cv2.CAP_PROP_BACKLIGHT, 1)

while(True):
    # Capture frame-by-frame
    ret, frame = cap.read()
    # Display the resulting frame
    cv2.imshow('frame', frame)
    if cv2.waitKey(1) & 0xFF == ord('q'):
        break

# When everything done, release the capture
cap.release()
cv2.destroyAllWindows()

Comparison Effect Diagram

Shooting Conditions - instance 1

  • Camera Module: Arducam IMX678 USB3 UVC Camera Module

  • Resolution: 2560x1440

  • Illuminance: 3.1-3.3 lux

  • Lens Details: 100°(D) Ultra Wide Angle M12 Lens

Normal Mode

Ultra Low Light Mode

Shooting Conditions - instance 2

  • Camera Module: Arducam IMX678 USB3 UVC Camera Module

  • Resolution: 2560x1440

  • Illuminance: 0.2-0.3 lux

  • Lens Details: 100°(D) Ultra Wide Angle M12 Lens

Normal Mode

Ultra Low Light Mode