Adjusting Focus On Hikvision Cameras: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're having trouble adjusting the focus on your Hikvision camera, there are a few things you can try. First, check if your camera is still under warranty, as you may be able to get it repaired or replaced. If not, you can try adjusting the focus manually. This usually involves removing the camera cover and carefully loosening the glue around the lens, so that you can rotate it to adjust the focus. You may need to adjust the zoom level and the focal length as well. If your camera has a menu, you can also try adjusting the day/night settings or setting a region of interest (ROI) to change the focus.

Adjust the panning, tilting, and azimuth angle of the camera

To adjust the panning, tilting, and azimuth angle of your Hikvision camera, follow these steps:

• View the camera image on the monitor.
• Rotate the panning table to adjust the panning position of the camera. The panning angle can be adjusted from 0° to 360°.
• Rotate the tilting axes to adjust the tilting position. The tilt angle can be adjusted from 0° to 75°.
• Rotate the lens table to adjust the azimuth angle of the image.

Additionally, you can adjust the camera's angle manually by performing the following steps:

• Remove the ring at the bottom of the camera.
• Unscrew the screw.
• Pull out the metallic gasket.
• Pull out the bottom of the camera and manually adjust the camera's angle to your desired position.

You can also pan and tilt a camera's view using the Mobile Client by accessing the PTZ Control panel.

Loosen the zoom lever to obtain the appropriate angle of view

To loosen the zoom lever to obtain the appropriate angle of view when adjusting the focus on a Hikvision camera, follow these steps:

Firstly, it is important to understand what the zoom lever does. The zoom lever controls the zoom function, which moves your point of view closer to or further away from the subject. The zoom lever is usually labelled with "T" and "W", which stand for "Tele" and "Wide" respectively. By moving the lever between these two points, you can adjust the zoom.

Now, to loosen the zoom lever on your Hikvision camera, follow the instructions below:

• View the camera image on the monitor.
• Loosen the zoom lever by turning it in the appropriate direction (usually counter-clockwise).
• Move the lever between the "T" (Tele) and "W" (Wide) positions to achieve the desired angle of view. Find a view that captures the scene you want to monitor.
• Once you have found the right angle, tighten the zoom lever to lock it in place.

By loosening the zoom lever, you can adjust the camera's field of view to ensure you are monitoring the area you want. This step is crucial in ensuring you capture the desired image without cutting off important details or including unnecessary areas.

Remember, when adjusting the zoom, it is essential to view the image on the monitor to get a real-time view of the changes you are making. This allows you to fine-tune the zoom and angle of view to your exact specifications.

Set the focal length

To set the focal length of your Hikvision camera, you'll need to access the lens. This may involve removing a cover or dome, and in some cases, removing glue that fixes the lens in place. Here are the steps to follow:

• Remove any housing or cover that may be obstructing the lens. This could be a simple cover or a more complex dome structure.
• If your camera was manufactured in China, there may be glue holding the lens in place to prevent defocus during transport. Carefully remove this glue using a fine-tipped instrument, such as a thin, flat-ended screwdriver. Take your time and avoid applying too much force to the lens.
• Once the lens is accessible, you can adjust the focal length. Rotate the lens to focus on an object at the desired distance. It is recommended to place an object at least 20 meters away, preferably with letters or numbers, such as a car number plate.
• After adjusting the focal length, secure the lens in place. If your camera uses glue, you may need to apply a small amount to prevent the lens from moving.
• Reassemble any housing or cover that you removed. Ensure that the glass of the cover does not distort the image, and make fine adjustments to the lens rotation if needed.

By following these steps, you will be able to set the focal length of your Hikvision camera to achieve the desired focus at a specific distance.

Clean the camera lens

To adjust the focus on a Hikvision camera, you need to:

• View the camera image using the monitor.
• Rotate the panning table to adjust the panning position of the camera.
• Rotate the tilting axes to adjust the tilting position of the camera.
• Rotate the lens table to adjust the azimuth angle of the image.
• Zoom and focus adjustment:

• View the camera image using the monitor.
• Loosen the zoom lever and move the lever between T (Tele) and W (Wide) to obtain the appropriate angle of view.
• Tighten the zoom lever.
• Loosen the focus lever and move the lever between F (Far) and N (Near) to obtain the optimum view.
• Tighten the focus lever.

Now, onto cleaning the camera lens. It is important to keep the camera lens clean to ensure clear images and footage. Here are some steps to effectively clean the lens of your Hikvision camera:

Gather the necessary supplies:

• Distilled water: Using distilled water is recommended as it is pure and free of minerals and impurities that may be found in tap water.
• Microfiber cloth: A microfiber cloth is gentle and effective at removing dirt and dust without leaving scratches on the lens.

Prepare the cleaning solution:

Fill a small spray bottle with distilled water. Alternatively, you can dampen the microfiber cloth with distilled water. Do not use too much water to avoid getting the camera electronics wet.

Turn off the camera:

Before proceeding with cleaning, ensure that the camera is turned off. This will help you clearly see any dirt or smudges on the lens and prevent accidental recording while cleaning.

Gently wipe the lens:

Using the microfiber cloth, gently wipe the lens in a circular motion, starting from the centre and working your way outwards. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the lens.

Dry the lens:

After wiping the lens with the damp microfiber cloth, follow up with a dry part of the cloth to gently dry the lens. Ensure that no water streaks or spots are left behind.

Inspect the lens:

Once the lens is dry, inspect it closely for any remaining dirt or smudges. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process until the lens is completely clear.

Avoid harsh chemicals:

It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the camera lens, as they may damage the lens coating or leave streaks. Stay away from products containing ammonia, such as Windex.

Regular maintenance:

To maintain clear images and footage, establish a regular cleaning routine. Depending on the camera's environment, you may need to clean the lens more frequently if it is exposed to dust, moisture, or other contaminants.

Handle with care:

When cleaning the lens, be cautious of the sharp edges, especially if you are cleaning a dome camera. Always handle the camera with care to avoid injury or damage to the equipment.

Replace the dome lens if necessary:

In some cases, the dome lens may become damaged or deteriorated due to constant UV light exposure or other environmental factors. If the lens is severely scratched or foggy, consider replacing it with a new one. Contact Hikvision or an authorised distributor to source a replacement dome lens.

Set a region of interest (ROI) in the configuration menu

To set a region of interest (ROI) in the configuration menu of a Hikvision camera, follow these steps:

• Access the configuration menu: Go to "Configuration > Advanced Configuration > Video / Audio > ROI."
• Select a Region Number: Choose a specific region that you want to focus on.
• Enable the Fixed Region: Check the "Enable" box under "Fixed Region." This allows you to manually configure the area of interest.
• Adjust the ROI Level: Set the ROI level between 1 and 6. A higher value will result in better image quality within the selected region.
• Name the Region: Enter a name for the selected region and click "Save" to store your settings.
• Draw the Frame: In the live view image, use the interface to draw a red frame around the area you want to focus on.

By setting an ROI, you can enhance the quality of specified images in advance. This feature is particularly useful when you want to focus on a specific area within the camera's field of view, such as an entrance or a particular object. The remaining parts of the image outside the ROI are typically recorded at lower quality or not recorded at all, reducing bandwidth and storage requirements.

It's worth noting that the ROI configuration is usually found directly on the IP camera itself, and you can set up to four ROIs, depending on the camera model.

Frequently asked questions