In today's industrial imaging landscape, achieving good performance in low light remains one of the most persistent and complex challenges for webcam manufacturers. Whether used for security, automation or machine vision, cameras are often expected to deliver reliable image quality in poor lighting conditions. However, achieving consistent performance in low light is far from straightforward. The trade-offs between noise, exposure time, texture preservation and colour accuracy can quickly degrade image quality, impacting both system reliability and end-user trust. We understand these challenges because they are shared across the industry. For years, the lack of standardised testing methods made it difficult to objectively evaluate and compare low-light capabilities. While the introduction of ISO 19093 has provided a structured and repeatable framework, implementing it effectively still requires the right expertise, tools and interpretation. This is where we can help. By combining standardised methodologies with advanced testing solutions, such as multipurpose test charts and precisely controllable lighting systems, we can help you to accurately measure, analyse and optimise your camera’s low-light performance. Our goal is to empower you with clear insights, reliable metrics and practical guidance so that you can enhance image quality with confidence and stay competitive in demanding industrial environments. ISO 19093 - Low Light Performance ISO 19093 describes a protocol to measure the low light performance of a digital camera including mobile phones. The standard was put together by the ISO TC42 working group. High image quality in low light situations is an important priority for digital cameras, especially in certain industries such as automotive, security and mobile phone. With the increasing relevance of low light situations, it became crucial to develop an international standard to address how best to analyze the low light performance of digital cameras. ISO 19093 defines the methods to be used for a proper analysis including the test setup and the correct illumination devices and test charts. Test Chart TE42-LL The test chart described in the standard is the TE42-LL (as seen below). During the development of the standard, Image Engineering worked in collaboration with the TC42 group to design a suitable chart for low light measurements. The result was the TE42-LL test chart, which is based off of our TE42 multipurpose test chart. The main difference in the two charts is the layout at the center. The low light version has all of the important structures, such as the low light Siemens stars and slanted edges, at the center of the layout so as to avoid fall off at the corners and to ensure all of the targets are equal distance to each other. Using the TE42-LL, you are able to analyze all of the important low light and image quality factors in one image. ISO 19093 recommends using this chart for the best measurement results. Recommended Test Setup Another important part of the standard is the test setup, specifically the illumination of the chart. The standard describes a specific light source that must have a dim function with no significant change in the spectral distribution of the light. The most efficient light source for this scenario is a spectrally tunable LED light source such as the iQ-Flatlight , a spectrally tunable light source that uses iQ-LED technology to generate custom spectra including low light illumination. A pair of iQ-Flatlights combined with the TE42-LL is a perfect solution for measuring the low light performance of a digital camera. As cameras continue to become more relevant in low light situations, it is important for the different industries to follow ISO 19093 and use the proper testing procedures to ensure high quality performance in their devices. Contact us for more details on the chart layout and test setup and don’t miss out on our limited time offer of a free TE42-LL chart with the purchase of the iQ-Flatlights.
In today's industrial imaging landscape, achieving good performance in low light remains one of the most persistent and complex challenges for web camera manufacturers. Whether used for security, automation or machine vision, cameras are often expected to deliver reliable image quality in poor lighting conditions. However, achieving consistent performance in low light is far from straightforward. The trade-offs between noise, exposure time, texture preservation and colour accuracy can quickly degrade image quality, impacting both system reliability and end-user trust.
We understand these challenges because they are shared across the industry. For years, the lack of standardised testing methods made it difficult to objectively evaluate and compare low-light capabilities. While the introduction of ISO 19093 has provided a structured and repeatable framework, implementing it effectively still requires the right expertise, tools and interpretation.
This is where we can help. By combining standardised methodologies with advanced testing solutions, such as multipurpose test charts and precisely controllable lighting systems, we can help you to accurately measure, analyse and optimise your camera’s low-light performance. Our goal is to empower you with clear insights, reliable metrics and practical guidance so that you can enhance image quality with confidence and stay competitive in demanding industrial environments.
ISO 19093 describes a protocol to measure the low light performance of a digital camera including mobile phones. The standard was put together by the ISO TC42 working group.
High image quality in low light situations is an important priority for digital cameras, especially in certain industries such as automotive, security and mobile phone. With the increasing relevance of low light situations, it became crucial to develop an international standard to address how best to analyze the low light performance of digital cameras.
ISO 19093 defines the methods to be used for a proper analysis including the test setup and the correct illumination devices and test charts.
The test chart described in the standard is the TE42-LL (as seen below). During the development of the standard, Image Engineering worked in collaboration with the TC42 group to design a suitable
chart for low light measurements.
The result was the TE42-LL test chart, which is based off of our TE42 multipurpose test chart. The main difference in the two charts is the layout at the center. The low light version has all of the important structures, such as the low light Siemens stars and slanted edges, at the center of the layout so as to avoid fall off at the corners and to ensure all of the targets are equal distance to each other.
Using the TE42-LL, you are able to analyze all of the important low light and image quality factors in one image. ISO 19093 recommends using this chart for the best measurement results.
Another important part of the standard is the test setup, specifically the illumination of the chart. The standard describes a specific light source that must have a dim function with no significant change in the spectral distribution of the light.
The most efficient light source for this scenario is a spectrally tunable LED light source such as the iQ-Flatlight, a spectrally tunable light source that uses iQ-LED technology to generate custom spectra including low light illumination. A pair of iQ-Flatlights combined with the TE42-LL is a perfect solution for measuring the low light performance of a digital camera.
As cameras continue to become more relevant in low light situations, it is important for the different industries to follow ISO 19093 and use the proper testing procedures to ensure high quality performance in their devices.
Contact us for more details on the chart layout and test setup and don’t miss out on our limited time offer of a free TE42-LL chart with the purchase of the iQ-Flatlights.