CCD color camera characterization for image measurements

In this article, we will analyze a range of different types of cameras for its use in measurements. We verify a general model of a charged coupled device camera using experiments. This model includes gain and offset, additive and multiplicative noise, and gamma correction. It is shown that for several cameras, except a typical consumer webcam, the general model holds. The associated model parameters are estimated. It is shown that for most cameras the model can be simplified under normal operating conditions by neglecting the dark current. We further show that the amount of additive noise is exceeded by the amount of multiplicative noise at intensity values larger than 10%-30% of the intensity range.