Highlight compensation finds the brightest parts of a scene, such as headlights or a spotlight, and darkens them so the surrounding area stays readable. It is a targeted correction, unlike backlight compensation, which brightens the whole image and can wash out detail.
Cameras at night on a road or lot spend much of their time looking into vehicle lights. HLC is the setting that keeps the plate and the lane visible behind the glare.
How HLC differs from WDR and BLC
WDR combines several exposures into one balanced frame. BLC raises exposure for a backlit subject. HLC instead suppresses the light source itself, so the scene does not blow out.
When to leave it off
HLC can hide a light that genuinely matters, such as a warning lamp or a flame. Record the scene with and without it before committing.
Related:Commercial security camera systemsGlossary: PTZ camera systems