Why is my CCTV blurry? 

If your CCTV images are blurry or of low quality, it defeats the purpose of installing a camera in the first place.

There are a few common reasons why this problem might be occurring, and some preventative measures you can take. 

So, let’s explore what causes blurry CCTV images and what you can do to solve it. 

What causes blurry CCTV? 

Whether it’s home CCTV or commercial CCTV, you need the best-quality images to identify possible culprits or would-be thieves. But if your pictures are coming out blurry, what could be the reason? 

A dirty or watery lens 

The first check you should make is whether there’s anything over the lens that could be disrupting its view. Dirt, rainwater, or even spiderwebs can build up on a camera lens and result in blurry or unclear images. If it’s safe to do so, check your camera lenses and clean them in accordance with any guidance from the manufacturer. 

An out-of-focus lens

Check if your camera is out of focus. Depending on the type of camera you have purchased, you may need to follow the instructions to adjust the focus. It’s wise to pair up with another person who can watch the monitor as you do this, adjusting until the image is crisp. 

Faulty image sensor 

If you’ve tried to adjust the focus, and the image is still blurry then it could be an image sensor problem instead. This is caused by a hardware defect or bug. The only way to correct this issue is to get a professional to confirm that the fault is in the hardware, and then to order a replacement camera under your warranty. 

Cable length and quality

A longer cable can sometimes mean lower image quality. It can also make the camera more susceptible to damage, as the more cable there is, the greater potential for deterioration. It’s wise to get a professional to check the quality of your camera cables to see if this is the problem. The expert might suggest a complete replacement of the device with an IP camera to eliminate the need for cables entirely.

Loose connections 

In the case of analogue cameras, the connectors may be loose or twisted which could be causing issues with the quality of the images. Adjusting the connectors can sometimes fix the issue. If you’re unsure of how to do this safely or properly, then always consult with an expert. 

Low-resolution model 

It could simply be that the camera model you have is of a lower quality, and therefore is producing low-resolution images as a result. You may want to consider replacing your CCTV cameras with upgraded or more high-resolution models. If you’re unsure of which cameras might be suitable for your property, then consult with a CCTV expert for guidance. 

How do I fix a blurry CCTV camera? 

If you’ve tried to identify and fix the problem yourself, it’s time to call in a professional such as Caught on Camera. By getting a CCTV expert on board, they can swiftly pinpoint the issue and resolve it. 

They might even suggest preventive measures, such as making sure you call on a professional to carry out the recommended annual maintenance check, in order to reduce the risk of problems occurring in the future. 

Here at Caught on Camera, we provide expert CCTV installation and maintenance services to ensure your premises remain secure, all the time. We stay up to date with all the latest CCTV trends and provide our reliable services to homes and businesses across Cambridgeshire, Essex andLondon. For some helpful advice or responsive services, just get in touch today.