Painting PTZ Security Cameras in Dark Colour

DoctorCalculon on 22/03/2024 - 18:13

I have got a bunch of PoE PTZ cameras from different brands, with Reolink being one of them.

They will mostly be mounted using a corner mount bracket, which will be spray painted in black to match the roof / house trim, along with the junction boxes.

As for painting the white camera dome, I am a bit hesitant.

Reolink seems to think it may be a good idea to camouflage the camera at night along with other benefits.
Article: https://reolink.com/blog/how-to-paint-white-security-cameras…

However, when I google this question, the very first article that comes up is this one:
No, Do NOT Paint your Security Camera

Because the color black absorbs more heat than the color white, a black camera will always fail before a white camera will. In the same way that black cars heat up more than white cars, a black camera will cause the internal camera temperature to get hotter inside than it is outside. White cameras reflect light and heat, so they don't reach the same internal temperatures. Black cameras will heat up causing their internal space to become hotter than it is outside.

This increase in temperature is between ten to forty degrees depending on climate, sunlight exposure, season, and location.

I have decided to play it safe, and not paint the white camera domes.
However, I thought I would get people's thoughts and opinions on how they have modded their security cameras for the purpose of camouflaging.

Poll Options expired

  • 10
    I won't hesitate to paint my security cameras in black
  • 6
    No, you silly fool. Don't paint your cameras
  • 1
    Don't paint your cameras fully just obscure out the brand name
  • 1
    Installing security cameras will make you an easy target
Electrical & Electronics Security Camera

Comments

  • jv on 22/03/2024 - 18:16
    +5

    No, Do NOT Paint your Security Camera.

    Cameras are white specifically to keep the cameras cool in the sunlight. Darker colours of paint will absorb more heat and cause extra stress on the components inside the camera.
    Paint in general may also limit the mobility and aiming capability of the camera at its rotation points.
    Painting your security camera will void the warranty.

    • Clear on 22/03/2024 - 18:37
      +10

      Look at you being informative jv. I'm so proud of you.

  • eug on 22/03/2024 - 18:52
    +2

    It really depends on whether or not the cameras will be exposed to direct sunlight.

    Also note that the Reolink page also says this:

    Also mind that after the painting, you'd better choose proper installation spots with shelters for security cameras with dark colors. As noted above, if such CCTV cameras are exposed to the direct sunlight, they will possibly absorb extra heat and damage the unit.

  • joka on 22/03/2024 - 19:19

    Camouflaging the camera just means you will record the thief/ killer in action which still does nothing to help catch them but leaving it white means they will think twice and hopefully not come to kill you and the family.

    • eug on 22/03/2024 - 19:22

      but leaving it white means they will think twice and hopefully not come to kill you and the family.

      If they're coming to kill you and the family, a white camera isn't going to stop them. They'll just pull up their hoodie or look down.

      If they don't realise a camera is there, at least there's a chance their face will be captured.

      • mskeggs on 22/03/2024 - 19:37
        +4

        Have you killed before to know this info!?!

        • Gnostikos on 22/03/2024 - 21:17
          +3

          Murderers are well-known for their strong preferences in interior/exterior design and aesthetics, which often influences their choice of targets.

          Ted Bundy famously said, "If you're committing fashion crimes, your body is mine. If you're dressed to the nines, you'll be fine."

        • eug on 25/03/2024 - 22:48
          +1

          If I told you, you might as well leave your camera black.

  • Benoffie on 22/03/2024 - 20:57

    Ive had black, metal cased cameras before. They only degraded in the normal life cycle that was anticipated

  • AustriaBargain on 22/03/2024 - 21:41

    Yeah what joka said, you want them to be visible. Deterring a break in is better than having a perfect looking house.

  • FoxJump on 22/03/2024 - 22:05

    Paint them high vis pink!

  • 7ekn00 on 22/03/2024 - 22:29
    +4

    Don't paint, that clear bit on the front is important !

    • DoctorCalculon on 25/03/2024 - 21:23

      As mentioned in my thread description, I am not going to paint the cameras.
      I will probably just use a small tape to cover up the brand name.

      that clear bit on the front is important

      The entire camera dome is white coloured.
      I am not sure what you mean by the clear bit on the front.
      Here is an example of what one of the cameras look like.

      • 7ekn00 on 25/03/2024 - 21:34
        +1

        I am not sure what you mean by the clear bit on the front.

        Haha, was worried that would woosh :P

        Don't paint the lens (the clear bit on the front of the camera), it's important for camera function …

        • DoctorCalculon on 25/03/2024 - 21:54

          Don't paint the lens (the clear bit on the front of the camera), it's important for camera function

          If I ever do any DIY painting, the very first thing I would do is mask up the areas that I do not want to see painted. ;-)

  • hasher22 on 23/03/2024 - 02:14

    Paint them if they're in the shade during the day and have a sign that cameras are recording 24/7.

    If you paint them black and one or some dies, not like you can claim warranty anyways.

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