I’ve got a PTZ dome camera mounted under the eaves of my house, facing north/east. In the mornings, I’m getting a lot of hazy and washed-out footage due to the sun hitting it from the side (not direct sunlight). It’s already under the eaves, so installing a hood isn’t really an option. I’ve seen suggestions for lens covers, but those seem to be more for DSLR cameras.
Is there a way to reduce this haze? Maybe a DIY solution? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Are you sure it’s a dome camera? Dome cameras have an extra covering for vandal protection. If you don’t have any vandalism risks, a turret camera might be a better choice—it’s less prone to sun glare. If your camera is high up under the soffit, switching to a turret camera could help significantly.
Yes, it’s definitely a dome camera. I don’t really need the extra protection, though. Is removing the dome something I can do myself? I don’t have the budget for a new camera right now, so I’m thinking about DIY options like making a shade out of one of those pet cones. Thanks for the tip—good to know the dome is likely the main issue!
Dome cameras tend to have issues when used outdoors. They’re better suited for indoor use.
What kind of issues? Mine is labeled for outdoor use. Is it just that domes have trouble outdoors in general, or is it specific to cheaper models?
Outdoor dome cameras often face issues like dust, dirt, and water blurring the lens. UV exposure can degrade the dome, condensation can form inside, and of course, there’s the glare problem you’re dealing with. These issues are less common indoors, which is why domes are usually better for indoor setups.
You might be able to remove the dome yourself, but be cautious. Look in the manual for details; there’s often a set screw or a quarter-turn release to remove it. Keep in mind that the internal components—like the IR filter—are very exposed without the dome, so it’s not weather-safe if you remove it.
If you’re looking for a replacement, consider something like the Reolink RLC-820A or CX410. They’re affordable and good quality. Just avoid WiFi subscription-based cameras—they’re not secure and can end up being more expensive with the ongoing costs.
Thanks for the advice! I’ll check the manual and see if removing the dome is doable. If not, I’ll look into turret cameras when I can afford to replace this one. I appreciate the recommendation and the heads-up about the downsides of subscription-based cameras.