Photo & VideoImage Quality

    A look at the various test solutions for traditional photography and video capture.

    Discover Photo & Video Solutions
    Photo & Video

    Industry Overview

    Since the early days of analog-film cameras, objective image quality testing has provided a reliable means to compare performance, optimize image capture, and maintain consistency across production workflows.

    Traditional Photography

    Traditional DSLR cameras have remained widely used despite the rise of mobile imaging, due to their optical quality, sensor performance, and extensive lens ecosystems.

    To ensure these cameras meet industry requirements, their image quality must be evaluated appropriately. Factors such as resolution, color accuracy, noise, dynamic range, distortion, and flare should all be tested to ensure performance standards are met. We offer a wide range of advanced image quality test solutions for traditional photo and video capture devices.

    Traditional Video

    The broadcast industry has also remained relevant over the years, as television remains a top source of media consumption.

    Image quality testing is especially vital for broadcast cameras used in television production and HDTV. These cameras must meet strict technical standards to guarantee consistent video quality across studios, live events, and transmission platforms.

    Main Applications

    A look at the crucial applications and factors when determining the image quality performance of traditional cameras and video devices.

    Color Calibration

    Color Calibration

    Color accuracy is essential for traditional camera systems to depict the captured scene accurately. Camera color calibration ensures the camera meets industry color requirements.
    Image Flare

    Image Flare

    Flare (also known as glare or veiling flare/glare) is unwanted light in an image that did not originate from the related scene object. Flare can occur from multiple sources and can be challenging to simulate during testing.
    Dynamic Range

    Dynamic Range

    A dynamic‑range measurement determines the ratio between the maximum sensor output (saturation) and the lowest signal level at which the signal‑to‑noise ratio still exceeds a defined usability threshold.
    Lens Performance

    Lens Performance

    Determining the impact of various image quality factors on a camera lens's performance is essential to developing high-quality cameras.
    Timing measurements

    Timing measurements

    Understanding and controlling timing parameters allows camera system operators to achieve their desired exposure settings, motion capture, and overall image quality. Parameters include shooting and shutter time lag, autofocus, and framerate, among others.
    Resolution

    Resolution

    Image resolution is a digital camera's ability to reproduce scene details. Resolution is an essential image quality attribute as it relates to the overall image quality perceived by a human observer.
    Noise

    Noise

    Noise can take many forms within an image and, in most cases, is an unwanted or disturbing artifact that reduces subjective image quality. It is essential to understand how noise can affect the overall image quality.

    Image Quality International Standards

    A look at a few of the crucial international standards in photography.

    ISO 12233 – Resolution

    Outlines the metrics and test methods for measuring the resolution and SFR performance of a camera system.

    ISO 18844/ISO 9358 – Flare

    These standards outline the metrics and test methods for measuring flare performance of various camera systems.

    ISO 15739 – Noise

    Outlines the metrics and test methods for determining the SNR and dynamic range performance of a camera/scanner system.

    Key Products

    Specifically designed test equipment for measuring the image quality performance of camera systems.

    TE42-LL

    TE42-LL

    A multipurpose test chart optimized for low-light testing and ideal for evaluating multiple image quality factors in one test image.
    TE281

    TE281

    A test chart for measuring flare and its effects on a camera system. Based on the test methods outlined in ISO 18844.
    Image Quality Testing Solutions

    iQ-Flatlights

    Generate custom spectra and uniformly illuminate a reflective test target scene with these iQ-LED-powered light sources.
    iQ-Analyzer-X

    iQ-Analyzer-X

    Advanced AI-powered analysis software for evaluating the camera's performance of various image quality factors.

    Camera Test Services

    Partner with our image quality test lab for professional and reliable test results using the latest test solutions.

    Send us your cameras!

    We house one of the world's largest independent and objective camera test labs. For over twenty years, we have provided objective camera tests to companies looking to improve the image quality performance of their digital cameras.

    Our test lab always adheres to the testing methods established by international standards when applicable. In addition, we are constantly innovating and closely following industry trends to ensure our testing services deliver the most accurate results possible. Our team uses the latest test equipment and software to evaluate the image quality of each camera we receive. 

    Want to learn more?

    Don't hesitate to reach out to our iQ-Lab team to discuss your requirements and our full range of test service options.

    Example Test Solutions

    A look at example solutions for building a full image quality test setup for traditional camera systems.
    TE42-LL-T Testchart

    Test Setup 1: Multipurpose

    The goal of this test setup is to improve efficiency by analyzing multiple image quality factors, e.g., resolution, texture loss, color accuracy, dynamic range, noise, shading, etc., in one test image.

    Ideal equipment:

    • TE42-LL – Multipurpose Test Chart

    • iQ-Flatlights – Uniform illumination

    • iQ-Monopod – Camera Mounting and Alignment

    • iQ-Chartmount – Chart Mounting and Alignment

    • iQ-Analyzer-X – Analysis software

    The setup begins with the TE42-LL multipurpose reflective test chart mounted in the iQ-Chartmount. The iQ-Flatlights, powered by iQ-LED technology that allows you to generate custom spectra, are positioned to illuminate the chart uniformly. The iQ-Monopod provides a heavy base for mounting your camera during testing. Finally, the iQ-Analyzer-X is an AI-powered evaluation software that analyzes your test results.

    Test Setup 2: Dynamic Range & OECF

    Test Setup 2: Dynamic Range & OECF

    The goal of this test setup is to obtain the OECF (opto-electronic conversion function) efficiently and to evaluate dynamic range and noise performance.

    Ideal equipment:

    • TE297 – Grayscale Test Chart

    • LE7 Lightbox – Uniform illumination

    • iQ-Align XL – Camera mounting and alignment

    • iQ-Analyzer-X – Analysis software

    This setup begins by mounting the TE297 test chart in the LE7 lightbox. The TE297 is an advanced test chart for wide-dynamic-range measurements, and the LE7 is our iQ-LED-powered light box for illuminating transparent charts. Mount the camera under test on the iQ-Align XL and align it with the LE7 and test chart. The iQ-Analyzer-X offers an AI-powered evaluation software that analyzes your test results.

    Test Setup 3: Lens Performance

    Test Setup 3: Lens Performance

    The goal of this test setup is to evaluate the performance of a lens system. Essential image quality factors include distortion, shading, resolution, and texture loss.

    Ideal equipment:

    • TE268 – Resolution and texture loss test chart

    • TE251 – Distortion measurements

    • TE255 – Shading measurements

    • Studio Lights – Reflective test chart illumination

    • LE7 lightbox – Transparent test chart illumination

    • iQ-Analyzer-X – Evaluation software

    This setup is based on various test charts, such as the TE268 for evaluating a lens's resolution and texture-loss performance, the TE251 for distortion measurements, and the TE255 for analyzing shading/vignetting. The Studio Lights offer a quick and flexible option for uniformly illuminating reflective test charts (TE268 and TE251). At the same time, the LE7 lightbox, powered by iQ-LED technology, is ideal for illuminating transparent test charts (TE255). Finally, iQ-Analyzer-X offers advanced analysis software for analyzing test results.

    Test Setup 4: Real-scene testing

    Test Setup 4: Real-scene testing

    The goal of this test setup is to evaluate your camera's performance with real-life objects to create a realistic scene.

    Ideal equipment:

    • lightSTUDIO – Real-scene testing

    This test setup is based on the all-in-one lightSTUDIO. This device lets you set up multiple real objects, all selected for their textures, colors, and materials, to analyze how a camera performs against real objects rather than just 2D test targets. We offer multiple variations of the lightSTUDIO, including the lightSTUDIO-AW, which uses adaptive white technology to replace fluorescent tubes. The lightSTUDIO-L uses iQ-LED technology for generating custom spectra. Finally, we offer the iQ-LED versions with moving targets and/or HDR test targets.