© 2013 Thorlabs GmbH
2 Camera Basics
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2.4.2 Subsampling
Subsampling is a technique that skips multiple sensor pixels when reading out image data. 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 subsampling as performed by most color sensors skips pixels while maintaining colors (see illustration). For
some monochrome sensors, the camera also performs color subsampling, resulting in slight artifacts.
Monochrome sensors and some color sensors ignore the Bayer pattern and the color information gets lost (mono
subsampling).
Depending on the model, DCx Cameras support different subsampling factors. Subsampling of horizontal and
vertical pixels can be enabled independently.
The Camera and sensor datas chapter lists the subsampling methods and factors supported by each camera
model.
Subsampling on monochrome sensors
Subsampling on color sensors
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