Troubleshooting MV Image Quality

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Overview

To ensure you get the best possible image quality, please read through the following articles below:

For any MV camera deployment:
- To get the best field of view: Adjusting the Field of View of MV22 and MV72 Cameras
- To focus: Focusing MV22/72 and MV21/71 Cameras
If you are using an MV32: Understanding Image Quality on the MV32

If you have followed all the best practices above and are still seeing blurry or images with artifacts, you are likely running into the following 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.

The camera is deployed directly underneath a surface and at an angle with which the IR is reflected back onto the camera lens.
Dust or dirt on the dome.
- The following are an example of night mode images you could get with a dirty dome.
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- The following are an example of night mode images when the domes of the above cameras are cleaned.
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Camera is deployed behind a glass window.
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 following image shows an example of IR reflection due to condensation.
- The following is an example of how condensation affects images during the day (not using IR illumination).
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 following image shows 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 following image shows an MV21 with an improper gasket placement.

The following image shows an MV21 with no gasket on.