In the field of photography and videography, the shutter acts as a critical component that controls the duration of light entering the image sensor, exerting a decisive impact on imaging quality. Rolling Shutter and Global Shutter are two common electronic shutter technologies, each featuring distinct operating principles, application scenarios and imaging performance.

What is a Shutter

A shutter is a device within a camera that controls how long light hits the photosensitive element. It can precisely set exposure time, ranging from an extremely short fraction of a second to several seconds or longer, to meet diverse shooting requirements. A faster shutter speed means a shorter light intake period and sharper images, ideal for freezing fast-moving moments. A slower shutter speed can capture light trails and create unique motion blur effects. This property makes the shutter a key tool for photographers to express creativity and shape visual aesthetics.

Rolling Shutter

Rolling Shutter, also known as electronic rolling shutter, works by exposing pixels row by row on the sensor. At the start of exposure, pixels on the sensor are reset sequentially row by row, and then exposure begins row by row until all pixels are exposed. Since data readout is serial, resetting, exposure and readout proceed sequentially row by row, usually from top to bottom.

The main advantage of rolling shutter is its fast readout capability, which enables higher frame rates. However, when shooting fast-moving objects, differences in exposure timing between rows may cause distortion such as skew, wobble or partial exposure. This phenomenon is called the Rolling Shutter Effect, or Jello Effect.

Global Shutter

Unlike rolling shutter, global shutter exposes the entire image at the same time. All pixels of the sensor collect light and get exposed simultaneously. Once the preset exposure time expires, the sensor stops light collection and converts the exposed image into an electronic signal. This shutter mode can freeze moving subjects, so it is well suited for capturing fast-moving objects.

The primary advantage of global shutter is eliminating the rolling shutter effect and ensuring complete image capture. Nevertheless, global shutter technology is more complex. Each pixel requires an additional sample-and-hold unit, which increases the number of components per pixel, reduces fill factor, and raises design difficulty and production costs. In addition, sample-and-hold units may introduce new noise sources.

Comparison of Shutter Implementation: Kaimorui CM8236G vs Sony FCB‑EV9520L

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Application Scenarios

Thanks to global shutter that reduces motion blur, the CM8236G is ideal for drones to stably capture fine details of power lines and equipment, avoiding blurred images caused by motion blur.

For PTZ live broadcast and relay of sports events, the Sony FCB-EV9520L delivers stable and clear aerial footage, bringing viewers an immersive watching experience.

For forest fire monitoring PTZ cameras, Kaimorui CM8236G and Sony FCB-EV9520L can work collaboratively to realize all-round, all-weather forest monitoring. With functions including high-definition image capture, rapid response and positioning, and adaptability to low-light environments, they provide accurate and timely fire information for forest fire prevention personnel and improve the efficiency of fire early warning and suppression.

In summary, Kaimorui CM8236G and Sony FCB-EV9520L are suitable for different application scenarios based on shutter characteristics. Users shall select the model according to specific requirements and environments. The global shutter technology of Kaimorui CM8236G is more suitable for high-speed shooting and environments with drastic light changes. The Sony FCB-EV9520L, with high sensitivity, image stabilization and long-range shooting capability, performs excellently in traffic monitoring, forest fire prevention and many other fields.