Compare a still scene with movement
A bright static picture can hide motion blur. Review a short recording of someone moving through the intended area, with their permission. Slow exposure can brighten a scene while smearing detail on a moving person. More megapixels alone will not resolve poor lighting or unsuitable exposure.
Look for reflections and obstructions
Spider webs, dirt, nearby walls, soffits and reflective surfaces can bounce infrared light back into the lens. Cameras behind glass can see their own IR reflection. Clean only safely accessible surfaces using the manufacturer's method; do not use abrasives or solvents. Move obstructions where safe and compare another recording.
Check lighting mode
Infrared commonly produces a black-and-white night image. Colour-night cameras need ambient or supplementary visible light. Check whether a white-light mode is enabled, scheduled or triggered by detection. Infrared range is an illumination specification, not a promise that a face can be identified at that distance.
Check focus and camera position
A varifocal camera may need an authorised focus adjustment. Fixed-lens cameras need the right distance and view for the job. A high mounting point can show the top of a head instead of a face. The positioning guide explains these trade-offs.
Separate an image fault from condensation
Moisture inside a housing, persistent fogging or water-damaged connectors needs inspection. Do not open a sealed camera or drill drain holes. A repair visit can establish whether cleaning, repositioning, lighting, settings or replacement is the appropriate remedy.
Still having problems?
Sentinel5 can inspect the system. Book CCTV Fault Support or read about our CCTV repair service. Include the model and symptoms, but never passwords or private footage.
Further Reading
Axis guidance on camera positioning and lighting. Manufacturer instructions are model-specific; check applicability before changing settings.