A P-Iris is an advanced type of auto iris that not only adjusts a camera’s aperture automatically, but also provides precise, software-controlled optimization of overall image quality.

Unlike a traditional DC auto iris—where the aperture size changes only according to light levels—P-Iris works in coordination with intelligent software inside the camera. This software determines and sets the aperture position that will achieve the best possible image quality, not just proper exposure. To accomplish this, a P-Iris lens uses a high-precision stepping motor to control the iris opening with exceptional accuracy.

P-Iris also leverages electronic parameters such as gain (signal amplification) and exposure time to further optimize image quality. More importantly, it prevents degradation caused by optical phenomena like diffraction, which occurs when the iris becomes too small.

For example, in a very bright environment, a traditional auto iris would continue to close the aperture until diffraction causes the image to become soft or blurry. A P-Iris system, however, stops the iris from closing past the point where diffraction becomes problematic, while using electronic adjustments to handle excess light. As a result, the camera maintains sharp, high-contrast images even in challenging lighting conditions.

Summary

In simple terms:

• DC auto iris lenses react only to light levels and do not consider how aperture changes affect depth of field or sharpness.
• P-Iris lenses, working together with camera software, continuously optimize both light exposure and depth of field, delivering clearer, more stable, and more detailed images.