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Resolve Issues with Night Mode

Common issues with IR and Night Mode with steps to resolve them

Each Verkada camera has night vision capabilities, using a sensor to detect low-light situations. When external lighting is low, the camera switches to night mode and records in black and white, using infrared (IR) LEDs to illuminate the environment. If the IR is emitted improperly through the dome or reflected into the lens, it negatively impacts image quality.

Common night mode issues

It is imperative that the dome remain free of debris and the camera is installed properly to achieve the best image quality. When viewing footage in night mode if the footage appears obscured it is most likely the result of one of the following scenarios:

  • External occlusion

  • Internal reflection

  • Dust or debris on the dome

  • Fingerprints on the dome

  • Condensation/moisture/foggy

If you run into any of these scenarios, the camera lens and dome will need to be cleaned. See Clean Your Verkada Dome Camera for more information.

Camera always in night mode

If your camera is always in night mode, even with sufficient light in the environment, the lux (light) value may need to be adjusted. If this is the case, reach out to Verkada Support for further assistance.

Environmental obstruction

If the camera is mounted too close to a wall, ledge, or light source, the image quality may be degraded due to IR reflection.

Ensure that cameras are mounted sufficiently far away from surfaces that may cause the IRs to reflect, such as light sources.

IR obstruction

If a first-generation dome camera (D30 or D50) operates in night mode when there is plenty of light, the IR sensor is likely obstructed by the camera housing.

To fix the obstructed light sensor, physically rotate the lens barrel assembly 180° so the sensor and IRs are visible through the camera case.

Example: Proper and improper orientation

After rotating the lens barrel, the camera orientation may need to be changed in Command.

Night mode range considerations

When the entire frame (or portions of it) appears dark, consider the maximum night mode range of each device model. For installations where the camera will view objects outside of its maximum night mode range, consider adding an 850nm infrared extender with a longer range.

Refer to the camera’s datasheet for more information on the model’s maximum night mode range.

Disable analytics

Disabling analytics can improve night mode results. Analytics features reduce exposure time, which results in darker images.

1

In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Cameras.

2

Select a camera that you want to disable analytics.

3

At the right of the live video feed, click Settings.

4

Scroll to Analytics and disable any enabled toggle switch.

Set WDR to DAY ONLY

WDR enhances contrast between light and dark areas, which can make night mode images appear darker. Set WDR to DAY ONLY to improve image quality at night.

1

In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Cameras.

2

Select a camera to edit.

3

At the bottom left of the camera feed, select the video quality menu.

4

Select WDR and choose DAY ONLY.

Disable night mode

If you would prefer to disable night mode entirely, you can change it to FORCE OFF.

1

In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Cameras.

2

Select a camera to edit.

3

At the bottom left of the video feed, select the dropdown and click Night mode > FORCE OFF.

Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.

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