How to Fix Blurry Night Vision on Your Netatmo Camera
A key feature of any security camera is its ability to see clearly in the dark. If your Netatmo Smart Indoor or Outdoor Camera (formerly Presence) provides a blurry, foggy, or generally poor-quality image at night, it severely compromises your security.
This guide, written in British English, will walk you through the common causes of blurry night vision and provide you with simple, effective solutions to restore a crystal-clear picture after dark.
## Cause 1: A Dirty or Smudged Lens
This is the most common and easily fixable cause of poor image quality. Over time, the camera's lens can accumulate dust, dirt, fingerprints, water spots, or even thin layers of grime. While this might not be very noticeable during the day, the infrared (IR) light used for night vision will illuminate these imperfections, resulting in a hazy or blurry image.
The Solution:
- Get a Microfibre Cloth: Use a clean, soft microfibre cloth – the kind you would use for cleaning spectacles or a computer screen.
- Wipe Gently: Carefully wipe the camera's lens in a circular motion. For outdoor cameras, you may need to clean the entire glass housing.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can permanently damage the lens coating. If water is needed, use only a very small amount on the cloth, not directly on the camera.
- Check for Cobwebs: Spiders are often attracted to the warmth of the IR LEDs. A single strand of a web in front of the lens can make the entire night-time image look out of focus.
## Cause 2: Infrared (IR) Reflection or Glare
Netatmo cameras use built-in infrared LEDs to illuminate the scene at night. This light is invisible to the human eye but visible to the camera's sensor. If the camera is positioned too close to a surface, this IR light can bounce back into the lens, causing a bright glare or a foggy "halo" effect that washes out the image.
Common sources of IR reflection:
- Windowsills or Soffits: If the camera is mounted right under an eave, soffit, or windowsill, the IR light will hit it directly.
- Nearby Walls: Placing the camera too close to a side wall can cause reflection.
- Looking Through a Window: You cannot effectively use IR night vision through a pane of glass. The IR light will simply reflect off the window back into the camera, blinding it.
The Solution:
- Reposition the Camera: Try to move the camera slightly further away from any reflective surfaces. Even an adjustment of a few centimetres can make a huge difference.
- Adjust the Camera Angle: Tilt the camera so that the main IR beam is not pointing directly at a nearby surface.
- Disable IR for Window Setups: If your camera must be placed indoors to look outside through a window, you must turn off the built-in night vision LEDs in the Netatmo app settings. To get a picture at night, you will need to rely on external lighting, such as a porch light or a dedicated external IR illuminator placed outside.
## Cause 3: Condensation or Moisture
For outdoor cameras, changes in temperature and humidity can sometimes lead to condensation forming on or even inside the lens housing. This will create a foggy, blurry view, especially at night.
The Solution:
- Ensure Proper Installation: Make sure the camera is installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, with all seals and gaskets correctly in place to prevent moisture ingress.
- Allow for Acclimatisation: If the blurriness appears after a sudden temperature change, it may be temporary condensation that will clear on its own as the camera's temperature stabilises.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the camera's housing for any cracks or damage that could be allowing moisture to get inside. If the unit is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
By methodically checking these three areas – lens cleanliness, IR reflection, and moisture – you can solve the vast majority of night vision problems with your Netatmo camera and ensure you always have a clear view, day or night.