Orbs on security camera footage are almost always harmless. They appear as round, blurry balls of light, usually white or yellowish, and are caused by dust, pollen, moisture droplets, or small insects floating close to the camera lens. The camera's infrared (IR) night-vision light reflects off these particles and creates the glowing, orb-like effect. In most cases, cleaning the lens or adjusting the camera angle often resolves the problem.
This guide delves into the nature of orbs on security camera footage, shedding light on their potential causes, and providing practical advice on how to address them effectively. Join us and learn to maintain clear, orb-free footage for effective surveillance.
What Are Orbs on Security Cameras?
Simply put, orbs on security cameras usually appear as spherical or circular balls of light in video footage. They are typically round, blurry, fuzzy, and often yellowish. The sizes vary from small dots to larger shapes. Although they may look supernatural or even like foreign objects on the lens, orbs are a common occurrence in surveillance systems.
To put your mind at rest, below are the common causes of orbs:
- Environmental Factors: The most common cause of orbs is dust particles, pollen, or moisture droplets that are very close to the camera's lens. When illuminated by the camera's infrared light used for night vision, these tiny particles reflect the light directly into the lens, creating bright, orb-like images.
- Insects: In other cases, spider webs or small flying insects can also appear as orbs, especially if they are moving and reflecting light as they fly past the camera.
- Lens Flare: When light sources, such as streetlights or car headlights, hit the camera lens at certain angles, it can create lens flare or glare, appearing as orbs in the footage. This happens when the light directly enters the lens and scatters, creating circles of light that show up on the recorded footage.
- Infrared Reflections: Infrared light reflecting off objects or surfaces close to the camera, such as walls or the ground, can also cause orbs.
Orbs that appear specifically at night are almost always caused by the backscatter effect.
Why Do Orbs Appear More at Night?
Night-vision cameras use built-in infrared LEDs to illuminate the scene. These invisible IR beams are powerful enough to make nearby dust, pollen, or insects appear as bright, glowing circles in the footage. You will rarely see orbs in daylight because the camera's IR LEDs are off, but once it gets dark and the IR kicks in, even a single floating dust particle can create a large, attention-grabbing orb.
This may apply to any camera with built-in IR night vision. The orb effect is a property of how IR works, not a specific brand issue.
How to Remove Orbs in Your Footage
Discovering moving orbs on a security camera can be a nuisance, especially if they get in the way of detecting intruders in your home or property. Here are several effective methods to minimize or completely remove these orbs, enhancing the quality and clarity of your video feed. Work through these steps in order.
Step 1 - Clean Your Camera Lens
Start with the simplest solution—cleaning your camera lens regularly. Dust, smudges, or other residues on the lens can magnify light sources and create orb-like appearances. Use a soft, clean microfiber cloth and a suitable lens cleaner to gently wipe the lens. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that might scratch the lens.
Step 2 - Check Environmental Conditions
Be aware of environmental factors such as fog, rain, or high pollen conditions that can contribute to the appearance of orbs. Consider installing a protective camera cover or housing to prevent water droplets from affecting the lens. Additionally, regularly check for spider webs, which are notorious for catching insects and dust that reflect IR light and appear as moving orbs.
Step 3 - Adjust Camera Placement
If external light sources are causing lens flares that appear as orbs, consider adjusting the angle or position of your camera. Ensure it is in a sheltered location and not pointed directly at bright lights like streetlamps or car headlights. Sometimes, even a slight adjustment can significantly reduce or eliminate orbs.
Step 4 - Reduce Infrared Reflections
If orbs appear due to infrared light reflecting off surfaces, reposition your camera or adjust the range and angle of the IR illuminator if possible. Alternatively, consider adding external IR illuminators placed away from the camera to reduce direct reflections.
Step 5 - Use High-Quality Filters
Consider using a camera with a high-quality filter or install one if possible. Some cameras come equipped with polarizing or UV filters that help minimize glare and reflections, which can reduce the likelihood of orbs caused by harsh lighting.
What to Do Next If the Orbs Still Exist?
If you've taken all the recommended steps to clean, adjust, and optimize your security camera setup but still notice orbs in your footage, it might be time to consider more specialized approaches. Here's what you can do next:
Consult with a Professional
Sometimes, the root cause of orbs might not be immediately obvious or may relate to deeper technical issues with your security system. Consulting with a professional security camera technician can provide insights specific to your setup. They can offer solutions tailored to your environment and equipment, ensuring that all potential causes are addressed.
Upgrade Your Camera
If orbs remain a persistent issue despite all efforts, it might be a sign to upgrade to a higher-quality security camera with better resolution and more advanced sensor technology. Orbs can sometimes be the result of digital artifacts in the camera's sensor. When the sensor is overloaded by bright spots or when there is a fault in the camera's processing, it may incorrectly render these as floating orbs. Modern outdoor security cameras with enhanced low-light performance and sophisticated processing software are less prone to such artifacts. If you are considering a full outdoor upgrade, the eufyCam S4 combines a 4K bullet lens with a 2K dual lens PTZ that zooms in to capture details up to 164 ft away and runs on solar power, with no monthly fees required.
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Conclusion
As we have seen, there's nothing to be worried about when you see orbs on security camera footage. They are usually caused by common environmental factors such as dust, water droplets, and infrared reflections. The effective way to remove these orbs is to clean your camera regularly with appropriate materials or try to adjust your camera's position. However, if you continue to see orbs even after taking the recommended actions, it might be time to consult with a professional.
FAQs
Can orbs on security cameras be a sign of paranormal activity?
Orbs seen on security camera footage are usually not a sign of paranormal activity. They are typically caused by reflections of light or dust particles close to the camera lens. Changes in light or environmental factors, like moisture, can also create orb-like images. In most cases, these can be explained by natural, non-supernatural causes.
How do you adjust camera angles to reduce the appearance of orbs?
The best way to adjust your camera angle to reduce the appearance of orbs is to avoid direct light sources such as streetlights or headlights. Also, try to tilt the camera slightly downward or sideways or take it to a less exposed spot. You can also use shields or covers to block direct light and harsh weather. Avoiding reflective surfaces like windows or mirrors also helps to reduce orbs on your camera.
Why am I seeing orbs on my security camera at night?
At night, your camera switches to IR mode. Dust, pollen, moisture, or small insects floating near the lens reflect this IR light directly back into the sensor, creating large, glowing circles. This is the backscatter effect, which is normal and harmless. Clean the lens and check for spider webs near the housing to reduce or eliminate it.
How do I get rid of orbs on other security cameras?
The five-step fix is the same for any IR night-vision camera. First, wipe the lens with a clean microfiber cloth to remove dust or smudges. Second, check for spider webs near the camera — they catch dust that reflects IR light. Third, reposition the camera so it is not pointing directly at a reflective surface or a bright external light source. Fourth, if the camera is mounted under an eave, move it slightly inward. Fifth, install a filter if possible. Some cameras are equipped with polarizing or UV filters, which can help reduce glare and orbs.
Are orbs on security camera footage dangerous or a security risk?
In most cases, no. Orbs are usually an optical effect caused by particles near the lens, not a sign of a hacked camera or an intruder. However, if orbs appear suddenly after previously clear footage and cleaning the lens does not help, and they are accompanied by streaks, blurring, or frequent false motion alerts, it may point to a damaged lens coating or a failing IR LED. In that case, contact eufy support for further diagnosis.
