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Kapta Auto Exposure

This tutorial explains how to use the Auto Exposure feature on Kapta cameras to automatically adjust the exposure based on the scene lighting conditions.

Overview

By default, Kapta cameras use a fixed (manual) exposure value that you set in the Show Explorer. The Auto Exposure mode lets the camera automatically adjust its exposure to maintain optimal image brightness, which is useful in environments with changing lighting conditions.

Enabling Auto Exposure

  1. Open the Show Explorer and navigate to the Kapta tab
  2. Select a camera from the device list (NIR or Visible camera)
  3. Locate the Exposure (ms) parameter
  4. Check the Auto checkbox next to the exposure field

Auto Exposure checkbox

When Auto Exposure is enabled:

  • The exposure slider becomes disabled (grayed out)
  • The camera automatically adjusts exposure based on scene brightness
  • Your previous manual exposure value is remembered

Disabling Auto Exposure

To return to manual exposure control:

  1. Uncheck the Auto checkbox
  2. The exposure slider becomes active again
  3. The previous manual exposure value is automatically restored

You can then fine-tune the exposure manually using the slider.

When to Use Auto Exposure

Scenario Recommendation
Stable lighting (theater, concert hall) Manual exposure recommended for consistent tracking
Changing lighting (outdoor, mixed environments) Auto Exposure can help maintain visibility
Setup and calibration Manual exposure recommended for precise control
Quick checks Auto Exposure for fast visual feedback

For best tracking performance, we recommend using manual exposure in production shows with controlled lighting. Auto Exposure is most useful during setup or in environments where lighting conditions are unpredictable.

Technical Notes

  • Auto Exposure works by setting the camera exposure to 0, which activates the camera's built-in automatic exposure control
  • The auto-exposure algorithm adjusts the shutter speed based on the overall scene brightness
  • When switching back to manual mode, the previously used exposure value is restored automatically