Troubleshooting Distorted or Blurry Camera Image Quality

Camera image issues such as blurriness, ghosting (double vision or shadow effects), wavy lines, or static can stem from a variety of causes. This guide will help you resolve these problems through a series of simple but effective troubleshooting steps.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Common Symptoms
• Quick Fixes: Start Here
• Power-Related Issues (Especially for Analog Cameras)
• Check the Cable Quality and Installation
• For Varifocal Cameras
• Color Night Vision Appears Blurry
  • For Recorder-Based Systems (DVR/NVR)
  • For Wi-Fi Cameras
• Final Tip: Grounding and Electrical Isolation
• Still Having Issues?

Common Symptoms

• Blurry or out-of-focus video 
• Double or “ghost” images moving across the screen 
• Wavy lines, static, or scrolling distortion 
• Intermittent image distortion (random, not constant)

Quick Fixes: Start Here

1. Check Camera and Recorder Resolution Settings
   Resolution mismatches between cameras, recorders, and monitors can result in blurry or no image at all. 
   • Verify DVR/NVR recording resolution: 
     • Go to Recording Settings and ensure it’s set to the maximum supported resolution for each camera.
       
   • Match recorder output to your TV/display monitor: 
     • Use a 4K monitor for 4K cameras to view full image detail. 
     • If you’re using a 1080p monitor, a 4K camera will still function but won’t display its full clarity.
       Caution: If you connect a 1080p TV to a recorder that’s outputting 4K, it may result in no display or flickering.
     • If the issue persists, click the Default button to reset the recording settings.
2. Check the camera lens:
   • Remove the protective film from the lens (new installations only). 
   • Clean the lens using a soft, dry microfiber cloth. 
   • Ensure the lens is completely dry. Condensation or water droplets can affect clarity.
3. Secure the mounting:
   • For bullet cameras, make sure mounting screws are tight.
   • A loose lens module can shift, leading to blur or vibration-based distortion.

Power-Related Issues (Especially for Analog Cameras)

Power instability can cause various video distortions, especially with analog systems. 

• Try a different power outlet to rule out inconsistent power delivery. 
• Use a grounded power adapter if available. 
• Avoid shared adapters: If using an 8-in-1 or 4-in-1 adapter, test the camera alone with its own adapter. 
• Replace weak or failing adapters, which can introduce ghosting or rolling artifacts. 
• Avoid overloaded extension cords or power strips that may introduce noise.

Check the Cable Quality and Installation

Poor-quality or damaged cables are a common cause of image issues.

• Inspect for kinks, tight bends, or staples that may have damaged the cable. 
• Avoid coiled or bundled cables, especially power and video cables twisted together. This can cause electromagnetic interference. 
• Ensure secure connections at both the DVR/NVR and the camera. 
• Try a different cable to test whether the issue is with the cable itself. 
• Stay within maximum cable length limits to avoid signal degradation (check specs for your model).

For Varifocal Cameras

If your camera is varifocal and the image is blurry: 

• Right-click on the live view screen and select Auto Focus. Use the Focus slider to fine-tune sharpness manually.
  
• Use the recorder interface or in-app settings to adjust sharpness, brightness, and clarity.
• Ensure the camera is properly mounted and not vibrating.

Color Night Vision Appears Blurry

Blurry images during nighttime color mode are often caused by insufficient ambient lighting or incorrect night vision settings. 

For Recorder-Based Systems (DVR/NVR)

1. Use the recorder's interface (connected using monitor/mouse).
2. Go to the camera's Display Settings.
3. Look for Day/Night Mode.
   
4. If it’s set to Color mode and ambient lighting is low, the camera may stay locked in blurry color night vision. 
5. Change the mode to Auto to allow the camera to switch to black-and-white IR mode in low light conditions.
6. If the issue persists, tap the Default button to reset the picture settings.

For Wi-Fi Cameras

• Open the Lorex App.
• Go to your camera's Device Settings .
  
• Enable  Auto Night Vision.

Final Tip: Grounding and Electrical Isolation

If you're using analog cameras with coaxial (BNC) connections: 

• Electrical noise from poor grounding can cause: 
  • Rolling “ghost” lines 
  • Shadow or double vision 
  • Flickering or erratic image behavior 
• Solution: 
  • Use Lorex grounded power adapters 
  • Isolate power circuits if sharing with other heavy-duty electronics 
  • Avoid mixing cameras and high-power appliances on the same power strip

Still Having Issues?

Try an isolation test: 

1. Disconnect all other cameras. 
2. Power only the affected camera using a separate power adapter on a different outlet. 
3. Check for image improvement. 
   • If image quality improves: power interference or shared cabling is the issue. 
   • If still blurry: inspect the lens and cabling again, or try a different port on your DVR/NVR.