Why Is My Camera Feed Turning Pink or Purple (Discolouration)

Video discoloration is a common issue that can disrupt the clarity of footage, and it’s often caused by modified settings related to picture quality, extended exposure to direct sunlight, or malfunctioning (even faulty) IR-cut filter within the camera.

When discoloration occurs, below are some distinct visual indicators:

• Pink tint or overlay across the image or video edges.
• Purple hue affecting elements like grass or other scene features.
• Random pink or purple splotches in the camera's view.
• Multi-colored line bands disrupting image quality.

Understanding the root causes of these discoloration effects and how to address them can help you maintain clear and accurate video footage.

Check the Camera Settings

Some cameras have On-screen Display (OSD) or Image Control that has a lot of settings which can affect picture quality, including IR-cut filter. You can check on this article to learn more: General Idea: On-screen Display (OSD) or Image Control

You can check each settings to find out what is causing the issue; but since there can be multiple setting affecting the image, below are the instructions on how to reset all settings instead.

NOTE: The instructions are for Swann Security devices. Please check your device's manual on how to get to their OSD or Image Control.

Choose your system

DVR cameras with OSD control DVR cameras without OSD control NVR and NVW cameras Stand-alone Cameras

1. Using your mouse and a TV / monitor connected to your recorder, right-click on the affected camera.
2. Select the PTZ icon as shown below. Login if the recorder asks for username and password.
   
   
   
   
3. Go to Main Menu using the arrow controls on the left 
   
   
   
   
4. Reset the settings
   
   
   
   • If you see Reset, go to that option then click on the Circle button between the arrows to select it.
   • If you see Exit, go to that, change the option to RESET, then click on the Circle button between the arrows to select it.

1. Login to Setup (Main Menu)
2. Go to Display > Live
3. Click on the gear icon of the affected camera (e.g. ch1)

4. Click Default to restore the settings to default
5. Click on Apply to save

1. Login to Setup (Main Menu)
2. Go to Advanced> Maintain
3. Click on the IP Cam Load Default

4. Select the discolored camera (checked)
5. Click OK to restore to default

Stand-alone cameras don't have much granularity in settings that will affect video quality. This means the problem is more about the hardware. Proceed to the next step instead.

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Reboot the Camera

A simple troubleshooting that applies to most electronics is rebooting. Specially if the cameras were working fine before and you didn't change anything, as if it just happens, rebooting the cameras can sometimes fix this issue easily.

• For add-on cameras using power adapter (mostly for DVRs), you can unplug the adapter for for 20 seconds, then plug it back in.
• For NVR and NVW add-on cameras, you can access the Menu then go to Advanced > Maintain, then click Reboot IP Cam.
• For stand-alone cameras in Swann Security app, you can reboot them by going to their settings and select Advanced Settings then choose Reboot.

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Leading Cause: Stuck IR-cut Filter

A security camera has an IR-cut filter that helps a camera capture true-to-life colors during the day and switch to effective night vision when it’s dark. This is also a moving component inside the camera, which means it can get stuck at one point. Learn more about IR-cut filter here

Conclusion

A well-maintained IR-cut filter plays an essential role in the smooth operation of your security camera, ensuring it delivers clear images during both day and night. By understanding the causes behind filter malfunctions and following preventative measures, you can keep your system running efficiently for longer. If none of the troubleshooting steps resolved the issue, then the camera is having a hardware issue and needs replacement.