What is WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) for Surveillance Cameras?

Camera sensors are limited in the range of darkness to brightness that they are able to capture accurately in a single image. In day/night surveillance, WDR is essential for capturing clear images in scenes with a wide range of lighting, such as high-contrast settings where sunlight might create intense shadows or glare. By combining multiple exposures in a single frame, WDR can better balance bright and dark areas, ensuring that subjects and details in shadow or highlight areas are visible regardless of lighting conditions. This is particularly useful in areas like entrances, parking lots, or streets where cameras need to capture faces or license plates even in backlit conditions.