Security Camera Condensation: 10 Tried-and-Tested Solutions to Get Rid of Foggy Images

Security camera condensation causes many problems: blurry images, lenses covered in a mist, and recordings that capture nothing but fog. Also, it may even corrode your outdoor CCTV cameras and lead to permanent failure, if you don’t take effective solutions in time. To stop security cameras from fogging up, we have collected 10 most practical solutions for you to remove condensation from outdoor IP security cameras.

To deal with security camera condensation, the important information is as follows:

How Is Security Camera Condensation Formed

“My outdoor IP camera goes all blurry at night but it comes right after sunrise. Is this condensation in a security camera?”

Security camera condensation is quite like a ghost – that only comes out at night and disappears during the daytime.

So, how does a security camera condensation problem occur?

Factor 1. Security Cameras Are Not Perfectly Sealed

A major cause of condensation in security cameras is that the device is not well-sealed or even unqualified. For example, some outdoor CCTV cameras don’t meet the water-resistance standard that they claim.

With inferior security cameras installed outdoors, you are more prone to CCTV camera condensation problems than using the qualified ones from trusted security camera brands.

Factor 2. There Are Large Daily Temperature Swings

Condensation inside a security camera occurs when warm moist air meets with the cold surfaces of the security camera, especially if there is a large temperature swing within a day.

Generally speaking, both late summer and autumn are peak times among a year for security camera condensation with relatively obvious temperature changes from day to night.

Factor 3. CCTV Cameras Are Constantly Exposed to Severe Weather Conditions

Unsuitable installation spots are also responsible for CCTV camera condensation problems, even for qualified waterproof security cameras.

For example, if your CCTV cameras are constantly exposed to heavy rains, storms and other harsh weather conditions without any shelters, they may not resist the penetration of water over time and finally result in foggy images.
Further Reading: Check here to see how to protect outdoor security cameras from extreme weather.

Factor 4. IP Cameras for Indoor Use Only Are Installed Outdoors

Another possible reason why security cameras fog up is that you may mistakenly put up an indoor CCTV camera for outdoor use.

So, to avoid security camera condensation, it is best to use IP65+ IP cameras if you are planning to install one in the open air.

How to Remove Condensation from Security Cameras: Top 7 Solutions

With condensation inside security camera, you won’t get any useful recordings over a long night.

To get rid of the fog on outdoor security cameras, here are some practical solutions for your reference:

Solution 1. Wipe Off Condensation in Security Cameras with a Micro-fiber Cloth

To remove security camera condensation, you may simply wipe the outer lens covers (not the lenses) with a micro-fiber cloth, which will not leave any water spots.

Another feasible way to get condensation out of security camera is using a hair dryer to heat up slightly and the fog on security camera will disappear soon.

Solution 2. Apply Anti-fog Spray on Security Camera Covers

In case that security camera condensation problems occur frequently, it is best to apply a layer of anti-fog spray on the outer lens cover as well.

By using such spray regularly, you are able to protect outdoor security cameras from condensation issues.

Solution 3. Seal Security Cameras into Waterproof Boxes

Waterproof boxes are workable solutions to deal with condensation in IP security cameras, especially if heavy rains and fierce storms hit your areas from time to time.

And don’t forget the ventilation:

Drill a hole in the boxes and cover the hole with water-resistant materials.

Solution 4. Remove the Covers of Dome Security Cameras & Wipe Off Condensation

If there is condensation inside dome security cameras, it is best to take the outdoor CCTV cameras from the installation positions and bring them indoors before removing their outer lens covers.

Then, you may use a micro-fiber cloth or hair dryer to wipe off condensation carefully. After using such tools, no water spots will be left on the surface of the lens covers so that the dome security cameras’ image quality will not be affected as well.

After the cleaning, it is best to re-seal the security cameras by pressing the foam ring against the glass firm and adding waterproof gel on all the seals and gaskets.

By doing so, you are able to avoid further dome security camera condensation problems.
Editor's Note: This may invalidate the security camera warranty. Before you remove the dome camera cover to wipe off condensation, you'd better contact the support team or professional from the security camera brand and confirm if it is okay to do so.

Solution 5. Add Silica Gel/Desiccants to Outdoor IP Security Cameras

To prevent security cameras from becoming foggy at night, another good solution is to put a small packet of silica gel inside the outdoor CCTV cameras.

Such desiccant materials are capable of removing moisture and drying out the air and thus, avoiding CCTV camera condensation problems.
Editor's Note: This may invalidate the security camera warranty. Before putting silica gel into the camera, you'd better contact the support team or professional from the security camera brand and confirm if it is okay to do so.

Solution 6. Install Heaters/Blowers in Outdoor CCTV Cameras

In addition to the silica gel, you may also add heaters or blowers to outdoor security cameras so as to avoid condensation.

However, professional knowledge and skills are required to finish this job. So, you’d better add heaters to IP security cameras only if you have good understandings on electronic appliances.

Solution 7. Contact Customer Support for Further Assistance

Aside from dealing with condensation in dome security cameras on your own, you may also contact customer support for help as well.

Professional support teams from trusted security camera brands will help you find out the causes and guide you on how to get condensation out of security cameras in effective ways.

3 Useful Tips to Prevent Security Camera Condensation Problems

No one would like to see condensation in security cameras after paying the bills only weeks later.

To prevent your outdoor CCTV cameras from fogging up, it is best to check the following tips:

Tip 1. Choose Security Cameras from Top-Rated Brands

When buying security cameras online or from local distributors, it is best for you to consider the top security camera brands.

These brands usually enjoy high reputation for their qualified products and outstanding customer service, such as a responsive support team, long warranty period and so on.

So, when you encounter security camera condensation problems, you will get the issues solved with the assistance of professional support teams, which won’t cost a dime.

Here, we recommend Reolink CX410. CX 410 is a 2K full color night vision PoE camera. With the latest ColorX technology, it brings True Full-Color Night Vision even in the dimmest light, ensuring clear images at all times. Thanks to its F1.0 Super Aperture, it captures vivid details with precision. The added bonus of a 3000K Adjustable Warm Light allows customization to suit your environment perfectly.

Additionally, Reolink will release 4K ColorX security camera - CX810 in 2024. This security camera not only has full-color night vision but also a higher resolution, making nighttime images more explicit. Fortunately, CX 810 will be displayed in 2024 Reolink CES. If you want to know more about this camera, please follow Reolink CES.

Tip 2. Take a Closer Look at Security Cameras’ Working Temperature & Humidity

Before checking out, you may take a look at the security cameras’ working temperature and humidity, especially if you live in high latitude and cold regions.

Besides, you’d better confirm whether the security cameras are able to work in both indoors and outdoors. Mind that qualified outdoor CCTV cameras shall sustain weather-proof ratings of IP65 or even higher.

Tip 3. Be Cautious When Choosing Installation Spots

Even if you have purchased water-resistant security cameras, you still have to be careful when choosing suitable installation spots.

When the outdoor CCTV cameras are exposed to direct sunlight or all sorts of weather conditions without any shelters, the chance that security camera condensation problems emerge will increase to a large extent.

Ideal security camera installation positions include:

• Under the soffit/eave

• Front door

• Porch

• Garage

• Back door

• Off-street window
It’s your turn now! Do you have any unique solutions to deal with security camera condensation problems? Please share your ideas in the comment below and we would like to add them to the list above.

Resources:
① A Redditor: Has anyone experience condensation in Ring security cameras? I can’t record!
② A Geekzone’s User: How can I stop security camera condensation problems from happening?
③ A Use-IP’s OP: Does anyone have any ideas on how I might get condensation out of Hikvision dome security cameras?
④ A CCTV Forum’s User: I have a bullet camera which appears to get a buildup of condensation on the inner side of the glass in front of the lens. Does anybody know if there is anything that I can do to deal with the security camera condensation?