Camera captures moving people out of focus

Let someone walk by the entrance or gate at normal speed and watch the recorded footage. Repeat this during the day and in the evening. Always choose the same route and distance. Look at a loose view of the movement, not just at the smooth video; it can be revealed when looking back that details are missing.

If someone is standing still but clearly in the frame, while the same person spreads out during walking? Then the lighting deserves attention. With longer lighting, the subject moves during the capture of a single image. A shorter lighting can capture movement more sharply, but requires an appropriate amount of light. Increasing only the number of megapixels does not solve that trade-off.

Discuss which area should really be recognizable. A large overview of the area has a different function than a detailed view at the gate. Let the reviewer assess whether the perspective, lens, or lighting can better suit that task. A person who is very small in the frame also provides few usable details when stationary.

A forwarded video may display differently from the original. Therefore, also save the export file from the recorder and note the time and camera number. Ask the technician to compare that file with the live image and settings. This will prevent any display differences, as there may be an error during recording.

After adjusting, use the walking route from the first check again. Note which lighting and distance the result was viewed at. If the target recognition is at a door, the check should take place there. A sharper image of the facade does not prove that that recognition has also improved.