Is Your Blink Camera's Night Vision Letting You Down?
Blink cameras are known for their simplicity and wire-free convenience, but their effectiveness as a security tool depends on a clear picture, both day and night. If your camera's nighttime footage is blurry, foggy, or has a distracting glare, it can make it impossible to identify important details. Fortunately, most night vision issues are caused by simple, fixable problems.
Blink cameras use an infrared (IR) light source to illuminate the scene at night. This light is invisible to the human eye but allows the camera sensor to see in the dark. A blurry image is often the result of something interfering with this IR light or the camera's ability to focus on it. This guide will help you identify the cause and restore your camera's clear night vision.
## Step 1: Clean the Camera Lens
This might seem obvious, but it is the most common and overlooked solution. Over time, the camera lens can accumulate dust, dirt, pollen, water spots, or even fine spiderwebs. While these might be unnoticeable during the day, they can cause the IR light to scatter at night, resulting in a blurry or hazy image.
- Action: Take a clean, dry microfibre cloth (the kind used for cleaning eyeglasses).
- Gently wipe the camera lens to remove any smudges or debris.
- Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials, as these can permanently damage the lens coating.
## Step 2: Check for and Eliminate IR Reflection
IR reflection, also known as IR bounce-back, is the second most common issue. This happens when the camera's own infrared light hits a nearby surface and reflects directly back into the lens, causing a bright, washed-out halo or a foggy appearance.
- Common Culprits: Look for objects positioned too close to the camera, such as a windowsill, a soffit, a nearby wall, or even a large leaf from a bush.
- Action: Try to reposition your camera. Moving it just a few centimetres forward, backward, or changing the angle slightly can often prevent the IR light from reflecting off the problematic surface. Ensure there is a clear line of sight in front of the camera.
- If your camera is mounted under an eave or covering, ensure the camera lens is positioned out from under the covering to prevent the IR light from bouncing off it.
## Step 3: Verify Power Source and Settings
Your camera's performance is directly tied to its power.
- Check Batteries: For battery-powered Blink models (like the Blink Outdoor), weak batteries may not provide enough power for the IR illuminator to function at full strength. This can lead to a dim, grainy, or blurry image. Replace the batteries with the recommended 1.5v AA lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries are not recommended and can cause performance issues.
- Check IR Intensity Setting: In the Blink app, go to the settings for the affected camera. Under the 'Night Vision' section, you'll find a setting for 'IR Intensity'. It's usually set to 'Medium' by default. If your image is too bright and washed out, try setting it to 'Low'. If it's too dark, try 'High'.
## Step 4: Consider the Distance
Every camera's IR illuminator has a limited range. The effective range for clear night vision on most Blink cameras is typically up to about 6 metres (20 feet).
- Action: If the area you are trying to monitor is too far away, objects in the distance will naturally appear dark and less clear. If a specific area is important, you may need to move the camera closer or consider using a supplementary, third-party IR illuminator to provide more light for the scene.
By systematically working through these four steps, you can solve the vast majority of issues causing blurry night vision on your Blink camera and ensure you have a clear view of your property around the clock.