Adjusting Your Vivotek Camera: Tips For Optimal Focus

VIVOTEK megapixel cameras are designed for users who require a high level of detail in their surveillance videos. To adjust the focus of a VIVOTEK camera, you can attach a mobile monitor or a notebook to the camera. The focus can then be adjusted using the Focus Assist function. This function is designed to ensure that the focus can be adjusted easily and correctly during installation. To use the Focus Assist function, the camera's position and view angle must be fixed, and the Iris mode must be set to Manual or Fixed. Once the Focus Assist function is enabled, the focus controller can be adjusted to set the optimum focus value.

How to Focus a VIVOTEK Camera

Adjusting the lens focus of the Vivotek FD8134 dome IP camera

The Vivotek FD8134 H.264 1MP Day/Night IR Dome IP Security Camera is a cost-effective solution for 24-hour surveillance, ideal for security applications in offices, banks, ATMs, and retail stores. The camera features a 1/4" 1MP CMOS Sensor that captures high-quality videos with resolutions of up to 1280 x 800 at 30 fps.

To adjust the lens focus of the Vivotek FD8134 dome IP camera, follow these steps:

• Set the Iris mode: Before installing the camera, connect it via IE and set the Iris mode to ensure precise focus adjustment. Go to Audio and video > Video Settings > Iris mode and set it to Fixed to fully open the iris. Then, set the Iris mode to Manual and set the Iris adjustment value to 1 to ensure the iris is fully open.
• Enable the Focus Assist Function: Use a bracket to fix the camera in the desired installation location to ensure a stable view. If you're using a mobile monitor connected via the camera's BNC connector, press the Focus Assist button on the back panel of the camera. If you're using a Notebook connected via the Ethernet connector, click the Focus Assist button on the camera's homepage by IE.
• Adjust the focus: After enabling the Focus Assist function, use the focus controller to adjust the focus from minimum to maximum. The camera will determine the optimum focus value.
• Fine-tune the focus: Adjust the focus controller until the values of the two parameters (current and optimum) are identical. The screen will display the message "BEST FOCUS."
• Complete the task: Press the Focus Assist button once more, or click the Focus Assist button "Off" on the web page to remove the OSD text and finish adjusting the focus.

Note: Before enabling the Focus Assist feature, ensure that the camera's position and view angle are fixed to maintain a stable view. If you adjust the view, you will need to restart the Focus Assist feature to determine the optimum value again.

Using a mobile monitor to adjust the focus

To adjust the focus of a VIVOTEK camera using a mobile monitor, you will need to attach the mobile monitor to the camera's BNC connector. Before you begin, make sure to set the Iris mode by connecting the camera to IE and setting its iris to fully open. To do this, go to "Audio and video" > "Video Settings" > "Iris mode", and set the mode to "Fixed". Then, go back to "Audio and video" > "Video Settings" > "Iris mode", and set the mode to "Manual". Finally, set the "Iris adjustment value" to 1, which will also open the iris fully.

Once the Iris mode is set, you can enable the Focus Assist Function. First, use the bracket on the camera to fix it in the location where it is to be installed. Then, adjust the zoom controller to fix the camera's view angle.

Now you are ready to attach the mobile monitor. Press the "Focus Assist" button on the back panel of the camera, and the mobile monitor will show the setting text on the screen from the BNC video output. The camera will then activate the Focus Assist function, and the image will show two parameters: the first is the current value, and the second is the optimum value.

Use the focus controller to adjust the focus so that the values of the two parameters are identical. The screen will display the message "BEST FOCUS" when the values match. Finally, press the "Focus Assist" button once more to remove the OSD text and complete the task of adjusting the focus.

Using a Notebook to adjust the focus

To adjust the focus of a VIVOTEK camera using a Notebook, follow these steps:

• Ensure that the camera is connected to the Notebook via the camera's Ethernet connector.
• Before installing the camera, set the Iris mode by connecting the camera to IE. Go to "Audio and video > Video Settings > Iris mode" and set the mode to "Fixed" to fully open the iris. Then, set the mode to "Manual" and set the iris adjustment value to 1 to ensure the iris is fully open.
• Mount the camera in the desired location using the bracket to ensure a stable view.
• Adjust the zoom controller to fix the camera's view angle.
• Click the "Focus Assist" button on the homepage of the camera by IE. The Notebook will then display the setting text on the screen.
• The camera will activate the Focus Assist function, and the image will show two parameters: the current value and the optimum value.
• Use the focus controller to adjust the focus, allowing the camera to determine the optimum focus value. Both parameters on the screen should now display numerical values.
• Continue adjusting the focus until the values of the two parameters are the same. The screen will display the message "BEST FOCUS".
• Once the desired focus is achieved, press the "Focus Assist" button once more or click the "Focus Assist" button "Off" on the web page to remove the OSD text.

It is important to note that the camera's position and view angle must be fixed before enabling the Focus Assist feature. If the view is altered, the Focus Assist process may need to be restarted to determine the optimum value again.

Setting the Iris mode before installing the camera

Setting the Iris mode before installing the VIVOTEK camera is a crucial step to ensure precise focus adjustment. The iris, similar to the human eye, is an adjustable aperture that controls the amount of light entering the camera. By setting the iris to its fully open state, you can achieve the shortest depth of field, which is ideal for initial focus setup. Here's a detailed guide on how to set the Iris mode before installing your VIVOTEK camera:

Connect the Camera via IE:

Before adjusting the Iris mode, ensure your VIVOTEK camera is connected to a display or a device via the IE browser. This will allow you to access the camera's settings and make the necessary adjustments.

Access Video Settings:

Once your camera is connected, navigate to the "Audio and video" settings in your VIVOTEK camera's menu. From there, select "Video Settings." This is where you will find the controls for the Iris mode and other related settings.

Set Iris Mode to Fixed:

To set the iris to its fully open state, you need to change the Iris mode to "Fixed." This setting will cause the iris to open completely, allowing the maximum amount of light to enter the camera. This step is crucial for initial focus adjustment.

Switch to Manual Iris Mode:

After setting the iris to "Fixed," go back to the "Audio and video" menu and select "Video Settings" again. This time, change the Iris mode to "Manual." This setting will give you manual control over the iris, allowing you to fine-tune the aperture and adjust the amount of light entering the camera.

Set Iris Adjustment Value to 1:

In Manual Iris Mode, set the Iris adjustment value to 1. This setting will ensure that the iris remains fully open, maintaining the ideal conditions for initial focus setup.

By following these steps, you will have successfully set the Iris mode on your VIVOTEK camera before installation. Remember that precise focus adjustment requires a stable view, so make sure to fix the camera's position and view angle before proceeding with further focus adjustments.

Checking if the camera supports ONVIF Focus control

To check if your VIVOTEK camera supports ONVIF Focus control, you need to verify if the ONVIF version in the camera supports focus control. To do this, check the value capabilities of the camera.

Note that the ONVIF Focus control function has been supported since ONVIF version 18.06 or above. To check this, go to Configuration > System > Parameters and check the following two capability values:

• Capability_image_cX_remotefocus
• Capability_camctrl_cX_zoommodule

If one of the parameters is greater than 0, the camera will support the ONVIF Focus control. For example, while Firmware version 0113b supports ONVIF version 18.06, the capability_image_cX_remotefocus and capability_camctrl_cX_zoommodule are 0, meaning that the camera does not support the ONVIF Focus control.

Frequently asked questions