Night Vision Cloudyness

Tyler C

Tyler C

n3wb
Oct 5, 2018
12
5
Indianapolis
All,

I recently went out to a maintenance complaint about several cameras outside that are cloudy during the night vision only. The cameras are 4MP LTS Dome (See link: Platinum Network Vandal Dome IP Camera 4MP). 2 out of the 3 of these pictured, are under soffit and out of direct contact with the elements. I took the dome covers off, buffed the inside and out and confirmed the lens were crystal clear before butting them back on. So tonight, I got sent a couple screen shots of the "cloudyness" that cleared up a little, but is still there. I also checked the actual lens of the camera and it was clear, hence while the day time picture is fine. I have heard of IR flash back but this does not seem like that. Any suggestions or things to look for?
 

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Tyler C said:
All,

I recently went out to a maintenance complaint about several cameras outside that are cloudy during the night vision only. The cameras are 4MP LTS Dome (See link: Platinum Network Vandal Dome IP Camera 4MP). 2 out of the 3 of these pictured, are under soffit and out of direct contact with the elements. I took the dome covers off, buffed the inside and out and confirmed the lens were crystal clear before butting them back on. So tonight, I got sent a couple screen shots of the "cloudyness" that cleared up a little, but is still there. I also checked the actual lens of the camera and it was clear, hence while the day time picture is fine. I have heard of IR flash back but this does not seem like that. Any suggestions or things to look for?
Click to expand...
This is ir reflection caused most likely by improper mounting. You can see the walls reflecting near the camera.
Another cause is improperly fitting the foam ring between the lens and the dome. There are many threads that discuss this.
 
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fenderman said:
This is ir reflection caused most likely by improper mounting. You can see the walls reflecting near the camera.
Another cause is improperly fitting the foam ring between the lens and the dome. There are many threads that discuss this.
Click to expand...
So it is fixable then? Remove the walls from the viewing angle and check the foam o ring?
 
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Here is Hikvision's official technical bulletin on the issue. It describes both the foam ring issue and the nearby obstacle issue, and in your case I believe those cameras are suffering from both. https://oversea-download.hikvision.... DS-2CD21x2-I Dome Camera IR Leakage v1.1.pdf

Turrets are a popular alternative to domes because they don't have internal IR reflection issues (no foam ring to worry about) and the IR being separate from the lens helps keep insects away from the lens. Consider these for future installs, especially outdoors.
 
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If fixing the foam ring's seal and re-aiming/repositioning the cameras doesn't solve the foggy issue, one option is to disable the internal IR and install external IR illumination near the camera but positioned where it won't hit any nearby surfaces and scatter.
 
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bp2008 said:
If fixing the foam ring's seal and re-aiming/repositioning the cameras doesn't solve the foggy issue, one option is to disable the internal IR and install external IR illumination near the camera but positioned where it won't hit any nearby surfaces and scatter.
Click to expand...
Is there a way to make the foam ring sit flush against the lens a bit better? I just took a brand new one out of the box and it doesn't even sit flush.
 
Tyler C said:
Is there a way to make the foam ring sit flush against the lens a bit better? I just took a brand new one out of the box and it doesn't even sit flush.
Click to expand...

Hi @Tyler C

I just took a brand new one out of the box and it doesn't even sit flush.

Return the product if it is defective.

Note to those following: This is why we highly discourage using Dome style cameras outdoors. They have some significant issues which require more care than most of us wish to do. It is fine if you're a business and want domes for a particular reason and understand that there's maintenance and degradation issues that you have to account for ( and pay for ).
 
mat200 said:
Hi @Tyler C

I just took a brand new one out of the box and it doesn't even sit flush.

Return the product if it is defective.

Note to those following: This is why we highly discourage using Dome style cameras outdoors. They have some significant issues which require more care than most of us wish to do. It is fine if you're a business and want domes for a particular reason and understand that there's maintenance and degradation issues that you have to account for ( and pay for ).
Click to expand...
I have since switched to turrets and bullets for outdoor applications. I'm aware it needs to push up against the dome lens not the camera lens. My apologies should of clarified that. I was just simply asking if that foam ring is adjustable if it does not push up against the dome lens.
 
Tyler C said:
I have since switched to turrets and bullets for outdoor applications. I'm aware it needs to push up against the dome lens not the camera lens. My apologies should of clarified that. I was just simply asking if that foam ring is adjustable if it does not push up against the dome lens.
Click to expand...

Hi @Tyler C

Some will replace the foam with a new DIY piece.. if it came that way new, you want to return it imho. ( check that you've got the dome properly mounted on the camera.. )
 
Tyler C said:
It seems I might be better off to just replace them with turrets and make it a lesson learned.
Click to expand...
The model there now has an older front-illuminated 1/3" sensor.

If you have the ability to swap these out for turrets that use the newer, bigger front-illuminated sensors (1/2.8", 1/2", 1/1.8"), the larger pixel size allows them to capture more light per pixel, which makes for better image quality during low light. Dahua Starlight/Hikvision Dark Fighter models.
 
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