Binning - THORLABS DCU223x Operation Manual And Sdk

DCx Cameras

2.4.3 Binning

Binning is a function that averages or adds multiple sensor pixels to obtain a single value. This reduces the amount
of data to be transferred and enables higher camera frame rates. The captured image has a lower resolution but
still the same field of view compared to the full-resolution image. This mode can be used as a fast preview mode
for high-resolution cameras.
Color binning, as performed by most color sensors, combines only pixels of the same color (see also the Color filter
(Bayer filter) chapter). For some monochrome sensors, the camera also performs color binning, resulting in
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slight artifacts.
Most monochrome sensors and some color sensors combine neighboring Bayer pattern pixels; in this case, the
color information gets lost (mono binning).
With CCD sensors, binning makes the images brighter because the pixel values are added up. With CMOS
sensors, pixel values are usually averaged; this reduces image noise.
Depending on the model, DCx Cameras support different binning factors. Binning of horizontal and vertical pixels
can be enabled independently.
The Camera and sensor data chapter lists the binning methods and factors the individual camera models
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support.
Binning on monochrome sensors
Binning on color sensors
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