IR "Bounceback" from Dahua Turret?

Just to eliminate any confusion up front, I am not experiencing IR reflection issues right now because I have not installed any Dahua turrets yet! I just want to make sure I do it right when I do.

Question is, as long as an object which could cause IR reflection issues is not within the camera picture, will it still cause IR problems at night? Another words, I plan on installing some Dahua turrets under my outside soffit (I know this may be too high for optimal view, but they either go there or nowhere according to the wife). The soffit is a Hardie soffit and the outside lip sticks down a bit further than some soffits, maybe about 1.5". I'm pretty sure I can mount the camera directly there (without J-box) without the lip getting in the picture at all, but will that still cause IR issues? If so, would it help to paint the inside of the lip right there matte black, or apply matte black vinyl to it? I suppose I could run some testing first with a mock up, but thought someone might have some experience.

Thanks for the input!

Assuming that the camera is pointed downward, there shouldn't be much, if any, IR hitting the soffet to begin with. Generally, the IRs are below the lens or along side it, spaced away. I'd say go for it and see what happens.

Thanks for the input! I think that's what I'll do.

My other issue is the positioning of that torx set screw that Dahua uses to lock it down. Would've been nice if they somehow installed it in the mounted part of the base so you could clock it however you wanted to. You need a couple inches of clearance for the wrench that comes with it, and I don't have a shorty security torx wrench. On second thought, I may have a bit that fits and I could put a small wrench on the hex of that if needed. Would get me down to about an inch of clearance needed I suppose.

Order matching junction boxes and test with and without. It will probably be better with the junction box.

He has a WAF factor to deal with so J boxes might be a problem.

Depending on how your soffet is installed, traditional plywood or perforated vinyl/aluminum, you may be able to mount without making any holes. If you have the perf stuff, cut a piece of flat aluminum stock to fit across the soffet and tucked into the flanges on both end. Mount the camera to the flat stok and make a little cut out in the soffet for wire clearance.

awsum140 said:

He has a WAF factor to deal with so J boxes might be a problem.

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You could always use the factual argument that using a junction box allows for a smaller hole into the soffit.

OP said Hardie soffit

Oh well, looks like at least a 3/8" hole then.

Thanks for all the replies on this. I've actually ordered a few of the Dahua J-Boxes and will use those for the under soffit installs.

If the edge of the soffit is just barely outside the view of the camera it is still possible to have IR bounce back into the lens and washout the picture. But given the cameras are going to be up high I would think the more likely source of IR bounce would be the walls of the home as the cameras would likely be pointing quite steeply downward. When aiming the cameras try to get as little uselessness into the frame, for example the sky or the blank walls of the home etc. The point you want the coverage on, for example a door or window, does not have to be dead center in the field of view.

Another option to consider is having independent IR lights away from the cameras and leaving the internal IR disabled. Not sure how that would fly with the wife but worth looking into it.

I know this is an old thread, but thought I'd chime back in now that I have my camera installed. Was thinking up ways to use commonly available J-boxes, but for the minimal amount of money saved it just wasn't worth it. Bought several of the Dahua J-boxes for less than $10 each and they were well worth the price - fit and quality are excellent, although I did drill some additional holes in the aluminum bottom so that I could mount it offset on the 1.5" wide board that the soffit is attached to. Finally got the camera installed, and no IR issues from what I can tell!