Skip to main content

 

Cisco Meraki Documentation

Troubleshooting MV Image Quality

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF

Overview

Review the following articles to get the best image quality:

If you have followed all the best practices above and are still see blurry images or artifacts, you are likely facing one of the issues below. This article goes over the different possible causes and how to mitigate them.

Causes of Other Image Quality Issues

It is recommended to clean all the dome cameras every six months to avoid IR reflection.

A lightly damp microfiber cloth is recommended for cleaning the domes. Harsh chemicals should be avoided as they can potentially damage the camera dome and void the cameras warranty

Many of these issues are mostly seen when using IR illumination in night mode, though some issues can affect footage during the day as well.

  1. The camera is deployed directly underneath a surface and at an angle with which the IR is reflected back onto the camera lens. 
    The image is shown because the camera is placed beneath a surface at an angle that causes the infrared light to reflect back onto the camera lens.
     
  2. Dust or dirt on the dome.
    • The following are an example of night mode images you could get with a dirty dome.
      The image is shown because dust or dirt on the dome affects the quality of night mode images.  The image is shown because dust or dirt on the dome affects the quality of night mode images.. The image is shown because dust or dirt on the dome affects the quality of night mode images.
    • The following are an example of night mode images when the domes of the above cameras are cleaned.
      The image is shown because the domes of the cameras have been cleaned, demonstrating improved night mode image quality.. The image is shown because the domes of the cameras have been cleaned, demonstrating improved night mode image quality. The image is shown because the domes of the cameras have been cleaned, demonstrating improved night mode image quality.
  3. Camera is deployed behind a glass window. 
     
  4. Condensation within the dome or on the outside, like shown in the photo below. Condensation can form due to a poor seal from improper camera installation as well as failure to replace desiccant pack during first time installation. Note: The desiccant pack is a small, rectangular, white packet that is used to absorb moisture. 


    The image is shown because condensation has formed inside or outside the dome due to a poor seal or failure to replace the desiccant pack during installation.
  • The following image shows an example of IR reflection due to condensation.

    The image is shown because it illustrates IR reflection caused by condensation on the camera dome.
  • The following is an example of how condensation affects images during the day (not using IR illumination).

    The image is shown because it illustrates how condensation affects image quality during the day without IR illumination.
  1. The lens gasket not being sealed against the dome optic.
    • The following image shows an example of IR reflection due to poor gasket seal.The image is shown because it illustrates IR reflection caused by the lens gasket not being sealed against the dome optic.
    • The following image shows the same camera with a proper gasket seal.The image is shown because it illustrates the same camera with a proper gasket seal.

Solving the Problem

Cleaning

Proper camera deployment can help mitigate most of the IR reflection causes. In the case of a dirty dome, a can of compressed air and a microfiber cloth can easily remove dust and other debris. 

Proper Gasket Installation

The most common cause of IR reflection is the lens gasket not being sealed against the dome optic and the IR is reflecting off the interior. This is typically caused by the rubber lens gasket being removed during the camera install. To fix this, make sure the gasket is well seated when putting the dome cover back on. It may be required to take off the gasket and only lightly put it back on the lens. Allow the gasket to compress against the dome when it is closed up.

The following image shows an MV21 with the gasket seated correctly.

The image is shown because it illustrates an MV21 camera with the gasket seated correctly.

The following image shows an MV21 with an improper gasket placement.

The image is shown because it illustrates an MV21 camera with an improper gasket placement.

The following image shows an MV21 with no gasket on.

The image is shown because it illustrates an MV21 camera with no gasket installed.

  1. Back to top
  • Was this article helpful?

Recommended articles

  1. Article type
    Topic
    Stage
    Final
  2. Tags
    1. ir
    2. night
    3. reflection