Ky Bob: The picture color could be changing from night to sun up or daylight to darkness or facing into the rising or setting sun. Check and see what time it shows on your picture or video. As for lighter and darker pictures or video, I could see this using "C" batteries, because if taking a lot they would need time to recover. As for using the 12 volt external and the voltage you are showing, there shouldn't be a problem unless the camera is acting up. Spy Point has a one year warranty, but even if your warranty has expired, send them an email. They maybe able to tell you what the problem is. They offer good customer service. Try a different SD card and format it before putting it in the camera. I am using two Spy Point IRB and the following cards are compatible: SanDisk and Lexar. I just use the 2GB as some of my other cameras are limited to this. The only cameras Spy Point has that accept the SDHC are the IR-6 and IR-8 as per a recent inquiry. If your camera is still under warranty and the above suggestions don't work, contact Spy Point for an return authorization number. You also need a copy of your purchase receipt. Good luck.