How to Fix Blurry Night Vision on Your Comelit Camera
Clear night vision is a critical feature of any modern security system, including your Comelit intercom or CCTV camera. When the sun goes down, your camera relies on infrared (IR) technology to see in the dark. If your nighttime image has become blurry, hazy, or washed out, it compromises your security.
Fortunately, most causes of blurry night vision are straightforward to identify and fix. This guide will walk you through the common culprits and their solutions to restore a sharp, clear image.
## Common Symptoms of Poor Night Vision
First, let's identify the specific issue you're seeing on your monitor or app when it's dark outside.
- General Blurriness: The entire image is out of focus and lacks sharp detail.
- Hazy or Foggy Image: The picture looks like there is a fog or mist in front of the lens.
- White Glare or Halo Effect: A bright, washed-out area, often in a ring shape, dominates the screen.
- Black Spots or Cobweb Effect: Dark shapes or patterns are visible that aren't there during the day.
- Very Dark Image: The camera fails to illuminate the scene, and the image is almost completely black.
## Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Work through these steps to find and resolve the cause of your blurry night vision.
### 1. Clean the Camera Lens and Dome
This is the simplest and most common fix. Over time, the camera's lens cover accumulates dust, dirt, water spots, and grime. While this might not be very noticeable during the day, the IR light at night will illuminate these smudges, causing blurriness and glare.
- Power Down (Optional but Recommended): It's good practice to power down the camera before cleaning.
- Use a Microfibre Cloth: Gently wipe the lens or dome with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. For stubborn grime, you can slightly dampen the cloth with clean water or an approved lens cleaning solution.
- Check for Spiderwebs: Spiders are attracted to the warmth of IR cameras. Their webs, especially when close to the lens, will reflect the IR light and create a large, blurry white mass on the image. Clear them away completely.
### 2. Check for and Eliminate IR Reflection (Glare)
IR reflection, or IR bounce-back, is the leading cause of a white, washed-out image at night. It happens when the camera's own infrared light hits a nearby object and reflects directly back into the lens.
- Check for Obstructions: Look for any objects too close to the camera's field of view. This could be a wall, the soffit of an eave, a downpipe, or even a nearby plant.
- Adjust the Camera Angle: Try tilting or panning the camera slightly away from the reflective surface. A tiny adjustment can often make a huge difference.
- Check the Sunshield: Many cameras have a small hood or sunshield. If this has slipped forward, it can get in the view of the lens and cause IR reflection. Push it back into its correct position.
### 3. Inspect for Moisture or Condensation
Moisture trapped inside the camera's housing is a major cause of a foggy or hazy view, which often becomes more pronounced as temperatures drop at night.
- Look for Water Droplets: Visibly check the inside of the lens dome for signs of condensation or water droplets.
- Check the Seals: The rubber gaskets that weatherproof the camera can degrade over time. Ensure they are correctly seated and not cracked or broken.
- Drying Out the Unit: If you suspect moisture, the camera may need to be dismounted and brought into a warm, dry place for a day or two to allow the internal moisture to evaporate completely.
### 4. Verify Power Supply
The IR LEDs that illuminate the scene at night draw a significant amount of power. If the camera is not receiving enough power, the LEDs may not turn on or will be very dim, resulting in a dark image.
- Check the Power Adapter: Ensure you are using the correct power supply unit (PSU) specified for your Comelit model.
- Inspect Power Cables: Look for any damage or loose connections in the power cable, especially if it's a long cable run.
By methodically checking these common issues, you can likely resolve the problem of blurry night vision and ensure your Comelit system is keeping a clear watch, day and night.