How to Fix Blurry or Foggy Night Vision on Your Fermax Device
During the day, your Fermax video doorbell or camera may provide a crystal-clear image, but at night, the picture can sometimes become a blurry, foggy, or washed-out mess. This is a common issue with security cameras and is almost always caused by problems with the infrared (IR) illumination system. This guide will help you diagnose the cause and get your night vision back to being sharp and clear.
Understanding How Night Vision Works
Your Fermax camera uses several small infrared LEDs to see in the dark. These LEDs emit light that is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor. This allows the camera to illuminate its surroundings and produce a black and white image even in complete darkness. The problem arises when this invisible light is reflected directly back into the lens. This is known as IR reflection or IR glare.
1. Clean the Camera Lens and Cover
This is the simplest and most common solution.
- The Problem: Over time, the lens cover on your outdoor device accumulates a thin layer of dust, pollen, dirt, and water spots. During the day, this might not be very noticeable. However, at night, the powerful IR LEDs are located right next to the lens. The light hits these tiny particles and scatters, creating a foggy or hazy glow across the entire image. Oily smudges from fingerprints can cause a similar effect.
- The Solution: Take a clean, dry microfibre cloth (the kind used for cleaning eyeglasses) and thoroughly wipe the entire surface of the camera's lens cover. Make sure it is completely clean and free of streaks. You'll often be surprised at how much this single step improves night vision quality.
2. Check for Obstructions and Reflective Surfaces
The second most common cause is the camera's proximity to a reflective surface.
- The Problem: If the camera is installed too close to a side wall, a windowsill, a soffit, or the eaves of your roof, the IR light will hit that surface and bounce straight back into the lens. This creates a large, bright, washed-out area on the side of the image, which can obscure the rest of the scene.
- The Solution: Check the camera's positioning. If possible, try to adjust the angle of the camera so it points slightly away from any immediate surfaces. Even a small adjustment can often prevent the IR light from reflecting directly back. Using a wedge or corner mount can help achieve a better angle.
3. Remove Spiderwebs and Debris
Insects are attracted to the warmth of the IR LEDs.
- The Problem: Spiders often build webs directly in front of the camera lens. At night, the IR light illuminates the web, making it look like a huge, blurry mess that blocks the view. A single strand of a web can make the camera's autofocus system struggle.
- The Solution: Regularly clear away any spiderwebs or other debris from the front of the camera.
4. The Problem with Windows
You cannot use IR night vision to look through a window from the inside.
- The Problem: The glass of the window acts like a mirror for the infrared light. The IR LEDs will produce a massive glare on the glass, completely blinding the camera and making it impossible to see anything outside.
- The Solution: If you need to monitor an outdoor area, the camera must be mounted outside. If this is not possible, you must go into the camera's settings in the Fermax app, turn off the IR LEDs, and then place a separate, external IR illuminator outside to light up the area.
By systematically checking for these common issues—a dirty lens, nearby reflections, and obstructions—you can solve the vast majority of blurry night vision problems and ensure your Fermax device provides a clear picture, day and night.