Are you in the market for modern, high-resolution cameras in the automotive space? Well, AHD and CCD cameras are the way to go. These vehicle camera systems have been used in the automotive industry in numerous ways, including:
- Vehicle surround-view systems
- Backup cameras (Required in all new US vehicles thanks to FMVSS 111)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Autonomous driving
- Security surveillance
If you're not sure which vehicle camera system you should go for, here's all you need to know about both.
A Quick Overview of AHD vs. CCD Screens
AHD (Analog High Definition) cameras have long been used for CCTV security cameras for transmitting high-quality 720P video signals over standard RCA or coax cables. However, more recently, AHD cameras have been adopted in the automotive industry for various purposes, including driver monitoring and reversing cameras.
Similar to AHD cameras, CCD (Charged-Coupled Device) cameras are analog cameras that have been extensively used for their low-light video and image-capturing ability. CCD cameras typically offer higher resolution than their AHD counterpart and are better suited when image quality is essential such as for license plate reading and even facial recognition.
AHD and CCD cameras differ in cost, light sensitivity, transmission, and resolution. These differences make each camera better suited to specific scenarios compared to others. Here are distinct ways you may use each camera in the automotive space.
Use Cases of AHD Cameras
AHD cameras offer relatively high-resolution image and video output that you may use for your various automotive needs. Here are some ideal ways you could utilize Analog High Definition cameras.
1. Backup Cameras
You could use these as reversing cameras to provide a live feed to assist you when parking, especially in narrow and tight spaces. Although AHD camera output is not as high resolution as that from CCD cameras, the quality is sufficient for backup camera use.
What makes AHD cameras suitable for use as reversing cameras? Here are some of the fitting features
- Field of view – According to New York Times, the optimal field of view for backup cameras is between 160 and 17 degrees. Most AHD cameras either archive those angles or come relatively close.
- Resolution – Reversing cameras do not require very high image and video detail. The 720P HD video quality standard on AHD cameras is more than enough for a backup camera.
- Waterproof and Fog resistance - A lot of AHD cameras have an IP rating of IP 66, meaning they are resistant to small water jets such as rain and dust. Perfect for ensuring the backup camera is not compromised in adverse weather conditions.
2. Driver Monitoring
AHD cameras have been extensively used for driver monitoring, particularly for commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and more. Commercial driver monitoring is part of ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and is pivotal in curbing driver errors caused by inattention and drowsiness.
What features of AHD cameras make them appropriate for driver monitoring? Here are some of them.
- GPS availability – Other than monitoring the physiological state of your driver, AHD cameras equipped with GPS allow you to track where the vehicle is at any given time. These cameras do an excellent job of combining live driver footage and map locations.
- Live transmission feed – Audio and video recorded from AHD cameras can be transmitted and relayed live using AHD to HDMI converter, making driver monitoring more straightforward.
3. Fleet Management
Fleet management constitutes a set of actions performed, especially by organizations with numerous commercial vehicles, to ensure the fleet runs promptly and efficiently. Cameras such as AHD can be used as dash cams or surveillance cameras in the fleet management system.
Suppose you operate a fleet of commercial vehicles. In that case, you could mount AHD cameras on the windshields of the cars to obtain a high-quality, unrestricted view of what's happening in front. Features of AHD cameras ideal for fleet management include:
- 360-degree video – Some AHD cameras can record footage in a full circle, allowing an even better view of what's going on with your vehicles.
- Night vision – AHD cameras use infrared light to provide an accurate view of the surrounding during low-light situations.
AHD Cameras Pros
- It uses less storage compared to CCD cameras.
- Relatively cheaper compared to its CCD counterpart
- Compact and easy to install on vehicles
AHD Camera Cons
- Lower video resolution compared to CCD cameras
- Relatively worse low-light capabilities
Use Cases of CCD Cameras
CCD cameras have high image and video resolutions, usually 1,000 x 1,000 pixels, for all your high-quality automotive camera needs. Some of the ways you could unlock CCD cameras' capabilities are:
1. Autonomous Driving
Self-driving cars have been the hottest trend in the automotive industry, with car manufacturers like Tesla championing this technology. Autonomous driving is made possible by various components such as cameras, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), semiconductors, radar, and more.
Of all the components, the camera system is likely the most essential. Several cameras, mostly CCD cameras, are mounted on various points around the vehicle for the software to stitch together a 360-degree view of the surrounding.
CCD cameras are optimal for self-driving cars due to these characteristics:
- Incredible low-light performance – CCD sensors are exceedingly sensitive to light, allowing them to capture images and video in concise detail. This attribute is essential for autonomous driving as it will enable these vehicles to be operational at night.
- High resolution – CCD cameras tend to have higher resolution than other camera technologies. Additionally, the light-sensitive elements allow the sensor to capture less noisy images comparatively. High resolution is vital for self-driving cars as it will enable them to pick out fine details in the environment.
2. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS was introduced in the 1950s with the core objective of bettering pedestrian safety. Today, Advanced Driver-Assistance System has numerous features, including:
- Anti-lock braking system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot detection system
- Collision avoidance system
For the proper functioning of ADAS systems, high-quality CCD cameras are required. The cameras must be mounted with clear views of the front, back, and side for clear views of the road, vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs.
What are the attributes that make CCD cameras exemplary for ADAS systems?
- CCD-based color imaging – CCD cameras do a brilliant job reproducing colors. This is important in the ADAS system as it allows the car to read and interpret various road signs.
- High resolution – The 1,000 x 1,000 pixels of CCD sensors provide high-quality imagery compared to other camera systems. In addition, the high resolution offered by these cameras results in the capture of fine details, which are invaluable in ADAS systems.
CCD Camera Pros
- Relatively higher image and video quality
- Comparatively better low-light performance
- Comparatively better dynamic range
CCD Camera Cons
- Relatively more expensive
- Bulkier compared to other options
Get a High-quality Automotive Camera System Today!
If you enjoy motor activities like off-roading, rock crawling, RV camping, and more, both these camera options will be top-notch to capture those moments. For the perfect vehicle cameras and accessories for you, CameraSource has you covered!
CameraSource offers a broad portfolio of cameras as well as stand-alone monitors that include both AHD and CCD cameras. Among the products sold include:
Contact us today for all your vehicle camera needs.
