Are you Having CCTV Camera Image Problems?
You’ve invested time and money into a surveillance system for your business. It’s reasonable to expect your cameras to work correctly. After all, the worst thing that could happen is having CCTV camera image problems right when a security event occurs that you need to record. While there’s no guarantee that your CCTV camera will function 100% of the time, there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of missing out on capturing the footage that you need. Here are common CCTV camera image problems and how to resolve them.
Eleven of the Most Common CCTV Camera Image Problems
CCTV cameras have been around since the 1940s, when they were used to view the launch of V2 rockets in Germany. While technology has certainly evolved and improved over the years, CCTV cameras are still not as advanced as newer technology like IP cameras. But before you throw out your old surveillance system due to its CCTV camera image problems, there may be hope for extending the life of these critical security tools. Here’s how.
1. Infrared Glare
Infrared glare is a common CCTV camera image problem, especially if your camera is mounted under something like a shelf and part of the shelf is in its field of view. If your camera has night vision, the reflection of the lights on the shelf will cause a glare in your CCTV camera view making that part of the image very bright and the rest of it dark. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Simply point the camera downwards and remove the objects from its field of view that is causing the glare.
2. Flickering Images
Flickering CCTV footage can occur due to incompatible lighting or incorrect camera settings. Adjust the camera’s shutter speed and frame rate to match the lighting conditions and ensure proper synchronization with the power supply frequency.
3. Unable to Access All Cameras
Another one of the common CCTV camera issues is an inability to view all the cameras. This could be an IP address conflict issue. While IP cameras are webcams that transfer information over the internet, CCTV cameras must be connected to a local area network (LAN). And each one needs to be configured with a unique IP address. If you are unable to access all your CCTV cameras and you know that they are powered up and working, then the problem could be an IP address conflict.
4. Security Camera Image Fuzzy or Not Clear
If your CCTV image is fuzzy or unclear, there could be several reasons you are having this issue. So, let’s start with the simplest – your lens is dirty. Yes, it’s out of the way and unlikely that someone could get their dirty fingerprints on it, but dust and spider webs can mar the camera’s view. Use a clean, soft cloth to remove any debris and see if this fixes your issue. If not, then you may need to call in support to troubleshoot. It could be your wiring, your lens unable to focus, or even a damaged lens that needs repair. You can also check the camera’s resolution settings to ensure it’s set to the highest possible resolution for the clearest picture possible.
5. Overexposure
When the camera’s image is too bright, it can cause CCTV camera image problems often resulting in loss of details. Adjust the camera’s exposure settings to lower the brightness or install an outdoor housing or shade to protect the camera from direct sunlight.
6. Underexposure
Underexposure is the opposite of overexposure, where the image appears too dark. However, the result is the same: CCTV camera image problems. Ensure proper lighting conditions for the camera’s field of view and adjust the camera’s exposure settings accordingly. Adding additional lighting sources might also be necessary to resolve the issue.
7. Blown-Out Highlights
Another common CCTV camera image problem is called blown-out highlights. This problem happens when bright areas in the image lack details due to excessive brightness. Adjust the camera’s exposure settings and use Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) or High Dynamic Range (HDR) features (if available as features on your cameras) to handle scenes with high contrast.
8. Motion Blur
If the CCTV footage appears blurry during motion, it could be due to a slow shutter speed or inadequate camera settings. Try increasing the shutter speed or enabling motion blur reduction features (e.g., digital image stabilization) to capture clearer images during movement.
9. Image Noise
If your CCTV image problems include grainy or speckled artifacts in the footage you could suffer from a phenomenon known as image noise. Several things can cause image noise including light conditions, high camera sensitivity, or poor camera quality. Improve lighting conditions, or try reducing camera gain or ISO settings, and consider upgrading to a camera with better noise reduction capabilities.
10. Distorted Perspective
Distorted perspective occurs when the camera is not correctly positioned or if the lens has a wide-angle or fisheye effect. Adjust the camera’s position or use lenses with suitable focal lengths to minimize distortion to more accurately represent the scene you’re trying to capture.
11. Ghosting or Double Imaging
Ghosting happens when moving objects leave a trail or appear multiple times in the image. Slow shutter speeds or interlaced video settings can cause it. To fight this common CCTV camera image problem, increase the shutter speed, switch to progressive scan mode, or adjust the camera settings to reduce ghosting effects.
These, and other CCTV camera image problems can be frustrating. Remember, specific solutions may vary depending on the camera model and the underlying cause of the problem. Consulting the camera’s user manual or seeking assistance from the manufacturer’s technical support can provide more accurate guidance for resolving image issues with your specific CCTV camera. Unfortunately, many small business owners don’t have time to handle these CCTV camera image problems.
What’s the solution to protect your business with the best security cameras — and the fewest hassles?
Eliminating CCTV Camera Image Problems
While these are a few of the more common issues with CCTV cameras, there are many more issues that business owners run into with this older type of technology. It may be time to replace it with a more modern and efficient surveillance system that uses IP camera hosting instead.
With IP cameras, you can access your live video feed from anywhere at any time via the internet. And suppose you use an experienced security company like Pro-Vigil. In that case, you can access camera health monitoring camera health monitoring to ensure that your cameras and equipment are functioning properly 24/7/365
You can’t afford for your cameras to fail you at the wrong moment. Contact Pro-Vigil, undisputed leaders in the commercial security camera space, for a free quote on an IP-based surveillance system.
