Condensation inside a camera, on the inner surface of the lens, causes a whole range of problems — from a distorted image to complete camera failure. As a result, the level of protection for the monitored site gradually approaches zero. What should you do? Let's figure it out together.

An Underestimated Threat

It's fair to say that moisture getting inside a surveillance camera and settling on the lens is a serious problem and an underestimated threat to the entire security system.

And you shouldn't assume this can only happen with low-quality cameras (Chinese-made equipment, cheap cameras, or no-name brands). While we don't recommend buying cameras on AliExpress, this kind of unpleasant situation can happen with any video equipment at any site.

What condensation affects:

  • •          Image quality (the picture becomes blurry)
  • •          The usability of recordings
  • •          Corrosion forming inside the camera
  • •          It contributes to component/equipment failure and to the camera failing altogether
  • •          A reduced level of protection and security for the site

5 Main Causes of Condensation

Condensation, as a physical phenomenon, means water vapor forming out of the surrounding air. For droplets of moisture to appear on the inner surface of the lens, the lens has to be colder than the rest of the camera's interior.

Cause #1 behind condensation, then, can be described as insufficient equipment sealing. Outdoor cameras need to be chosen with an eye to their moisture-resistance rating, IP65–66 or higher. This spec is listed in the equipment's technical documentation. The same problem occurs when indoor-rated IP cameras are installed outdoors.

Cause #2 can be the absence of silica gel (an absorbent substance in the form of round, white granules) inside the camera. It may not even be included in some camera models. If the absorbent is present but has turned yellow, that means one thing: it needs to be replaced.

Sharp temperature swings over the course of a day, or harsh weather conditions, are cause #3. It's fairly natural for condensation to appear on outdoor cameras during the late summer-to-autumn transition period, even in a temperate climate. But under conditions of constant temperature swings and heavy rain, moisture is constantly “attacking” every possible opening into the camera, which increases the likelihood of water droplets forming.

Cause #4 may be weak heating of the protective glass. Modern outdoor video monitoring equipment has a lens-heating feature. If the heating is weak or insufficient, condensation appears. The heating element needs to be replaced.

Cause #5: poor-quality equipment installation. This includes installation by non-professionals, installing during precipitation, choosing the wrong installation location, and moisture entering the camera through the cable. For more information, see the article “How to Ruin a Video Surveillance System During Installation? 6 Common Mistakes.”

Ways to Prevent It

First and foremost, take equipment selection seriously:

  • •          Don't spend money on outright Chinese-made knockoffs
  • •          Choose cameras with a warranty period and access to technical support from specialists
  • •          Consider the installation location (outdoor or indoor) and choose a camera with the appropriate moisture-resistance rating and temperature range
  • •          Don't skip the process of properly designing your video surveillance system
  • •          Check whether the camera includes absorbent materials
  • •          Inspect the camera for gaps around the SD card slot and the possibility of water seeping in through the cables
  • •          If you need to change the field of view, use cameras with a varifocal lens and remote control
  • •          Avoid installing a camera in windy, rainy weather or during snowfall

CONCLUSION: leave equipment selection and installation to the professionals.

Ways to Fight It. TOP 7 Best Solutions

How do you get rid of condensation? If you've already run into droplets of moisture on the inner surface of the lens, try the following tips and solutions:

1. Mechanically Removing the Moisture

Bring the camera into a dry, enclosed space. A microfiber cloth and a regular household hair dryer can quickly get rid of the moisture. However, this is only a situational fix and doesn't solve the root of the problem. With dome cameras, it's common to disassemble the housing, remove the moisture, reassemble it, and add extra sealing.

2. Anti-Fog Spray for Glass, Mirrors, and Lenses

Condensation — what should you do about it? Special-purpose aerosol sprays help protect camera lenses from fogging up. Use them on a regular basis.

3. Contacting Technical Support

Even if your camera's warranty has expired, you can reach out to technical support through the seller or a dealer service center. Specialists will identify the source of the moisture and fix it.

4. Using Additional Waterproof/Moisture-Proof Housings

This solution works well if the cameras are installed in a climate zone with elevated humidity. It's important to add a small ventilation hole (drill a hole and cover it with moisture-resistant material).

5. Using an Absorbent

Use desiccants, silica gel, or special moisture-absorbing pads. To do this, you'll need to disassemble the camera and place the substance inside.

6. Installing or Replacing Heating Elements

This way of dealing with moisture should only be attempted if you have the relevant professional skills and technical capability.

7. Repositioning the Camera

If the junction box with the connectors is mounted higher than the camera, or if the junction box isn't properly sealed, moisture can enter the camera through the cables.

What's recommended:

  • •          Reposition the camera above the junction box
  • •          Route the cable in through the bottom of the box
  • •          Add a drop of oil where the connectors are trimmed/spliced
  • •          Add extra sealing to the box

Summary

A lens that regularly accumulates condensation leads to a loss of image quality, faster equipment wear, and, as a result, a reduced level of protection for the monitored site. At the first signs of excess moisture on the inside of the lens, contact specialists to identify the cause and resolve it.

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