The infrared on my outdoor camera washes out the image at night
Home Nura guide — category: Outdoor Security Cameras
Diagnosis
This symptom is common and usually harmless. In most cases, a targeted clean or a small change in how you use the device fixes it in under 10 minutes.
Recommended steps
Unplug the device and let it cool down, then clean the affected part with warm water and mild dish soap (never use an abrasive sponge on a non-stick coating). Put it back together, plug it in and run a short empty cycle to make sure it works.
Repair or replace?
If the problem persists after these checks and the appliance is no longer under warranty, compare the repair estimate with the cost of a new model.
If you decide to replace it
Outdoor Security Cameras: the shortlist from our buying guide
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Best overall
eufyCam S3 Pro
4K video, colour night vision, built-in solar and local storage on the HomeBase S380, expandable to 16 TB, with no monthly fees.
Photo: © eufy
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Best value
TP-Link Tapo C520WS
A motorized 2K camera that covers a whole yard from one spot, with motion tracking and microSD up to 512 GB.
Photo: © TP-Link
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Best wired PoE option
Reolink RLC-833A
4K with 3x optical zoom, power and data over a single Ethernet cable, and continuous recording on a Reolink NVR.
Photo: © Reolink
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Other common problems in this category
These issues affect the same type of appliance — each one comes with a diagnosis and the recommended steps.
- Outdoor Security CamerasMy outdoor camera got water inside and no longer powers on
- Outdoor Security CamerasMy outdoor camera misses the important events
- Outdoor Security CamerasThe lens on my outdoor camera fogs up in the morning leaving a blurry image
- Outdoor Security CamerasMy outdoor camera sends the motion alert thirty seconds late
Frequently asked questions
Usually, yes, if the failure shows up during the warranty period and isn't caused by misuse. A product in the Outdoor Security Cameras category bought new from an authorized retailer normally comes with a manufacturer's warranty: check its length in the manual or on the brand's website. Consumer protection rules also vary by province and territory, so keep your proof of purchase.
If you're still within the store's return window, a return or exchange is usually the fastest fix. After that, the manufacturer's warranty takes over: its customer support can arrange a repair or a replacement. Even outside the warranty, the manufacturer can often repair the device for a fee. Either way, keep your proof of purchase.
Our public methodology lowers the Nura Score /10 of any model in the Outdoor Security Cameras category whose recurring failures are documented in owner reviews. A model that breaks down too often never tops our rankings, whatever the brand.
Generally, yes. Routine maintenance, such as cleaning, replacing a gasket or recalibrating, is part of normal use and doesn't usually affect your warranty. Irreversible changes to the hardware are what can cause problems. For a product in the Outdoor Security Cameras category, stick to the steps described in the manufacturer's manual and read the warranty terms before going any further.
When a product fails in its first few months of normal use, the cause is usually a manufacturing defect. Contact the seller or the manufacturer with your proof of purchase and a description of the symptom: for a model in the Outdoor Security Cameras category that is still under warranty, this is the typical case for a free repair or replacement. Warranty terms vary by brand, so read yours.