Do This To Remove Dash Cam Reflections Without Reducing Image Quality!!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2020
- I didn't realise until I bought a dash cam how much of a problem reflections can be. After doing some research I didn't agree with the popular solution of putting a CPL filter on the lens (I explain why in the video).
After analysing the problem I came up with my own solution and posted a video to RUclips. However, although it worked successfully, I wasn't completely happy with my original solution. This is the Mark 2 version, which is an improvement on the first one, but I may yet make another version.
The intention of this video is not for people to copy exactly what I did, but to give out some ideas and food for thought so that anyone with dash cam reflection problems can find ways to fix the problem without adding a filter and degrading their low light image quality.
Buy 70mai A800 from Amazon: amzn.to/36eOHxI
Buy 70mai A800 from ALI Express: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dW3...
Buy 70mai rear camera for A800 from ALI Express: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9AmN7M
Buy 70mai Pro from Amazon: amzn.to/3pV3F3v
Buy 70mai Pro from ALI Express: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d8H...
Buy 70mai Pro GPS Module from Amazon: amzn.to/30sqYGM
Buy 70mai Pro GPS Module from ALI Express: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A34ZNY
Buy 70mai Smart Dash Cam Pro Plus A500 from ALI Express: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Aarifu
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." Amazon requires me to make this statement, but I only recommend products that I own, use and/or endorse. I receive a small commission if you use my affiliate link, but your purchase price remains the same. 
Наука
It's amazing that no cam makers have yet to make a version of this screen they could sell as an accessory.
@@bgregg55 LOL! It seems to be more of a problem with my 70mai Pro because the GPS module moves the lens away from the windscreen. If the lens is right up against the glass, it is better. But I agree with you. Camera manufacturers don't seem very interested in the problem with reflections. A CPL filter is a lazy fix and cuts out a lot of light. There are better solutions.
Thanks for posting this. With the camera actually mounted on the dashboard and front, there’s little glare but either too much car or you have to point up and the horizon is low. So mount higher on the windshield, horizon is midpoint, but too much glare. I’ll try to rig up something like this myself! Thanks!
A higher mounting point is better but, as you say, reflections then become a problem. There are various solutions. I chose not to use a CPL filter because of the loss of light and poor night time performance. This solution works for me, but it won't suit everyone. I think the best solution is a very small light blocker just underneath the camera lens, which would be totally inconspicuous. My one is still quite conspicuous, but better than my first version. The problem is getting the size and positioning right so that it blocks reflections, but isn't in the field of view.
Great video. I didn't want to use a filter for exactly your reasons, and this has given me an idea of how I can get rid of the reflections in my Audi TT. Will probably try a few different designs of the 'cut tube' as I think it will look neater and less of an "add on". (no offence 🙂).Will probably spray it in a matt black to help it blend in and reduce reflections. Thanks for the idea.
Thanks. The video has received a very mixed response! There are lots of ways to do it and it depends on your own personal preference. My first version was too large and obtrusive, so I made a second version that is attached to the side of the camera and is a lot smaller. The 'cut tube' is probably the best way if you can figure out a way of attaching it to the camera so that it can be adjusted and it doesn't fall off. You also need to get it exactly the right size and shape so that it cuts out reflections, but doesn't obstruct the field of vision. Good luck!
This is a clever, useful and very inexpensive solution. Thank you very much, I will do in my Viofo camera.
Thanks. Don't take my solution literally. The point I was trying to make is that you need to fix the source of the problem, which is stray light entering the lens. A CPL filter simply masks the problem. It doesn't fix the problem and it causes a big light drop off, which degrades low light performance. You need to think of the best way to prevent stray light entering the lens, preferably using something small and inconspicuous. Good luck!
The issue with using the tube to stop reflections; use a cardboard toilet paper tube as it can be modified easily to fit the diameter of the camera lens, using a black marker pen to stop other reflections and cut to shape for your windscreen. How you would attach it to your camera I have no idea... or maybe some tape, would that keep it in place? So many variables, outside temperature, inside temp, time of year, camera mount falls from screen... Got me thinking though. Cheers mate.
Good ideas, Bob! When I was thinking about this approach I had exactly the same questions as you. You could glue it, but then it would be difficult to make small adjustments. With Blu-tac it would probably keep falling off.
Hey, this is VERY useful. Ill see what I can do with this for my GoPro footage!
Thanks!
Hi @
Phil UK Net, i am gonna try this. I live in a massive sunny country & my problem is compounded by the fact that i got UV-Sun blocking film (on the front windshield).I believe this a better version compared to ur other video, right?
I also live in a very hot, sunny country (although probably not as massive as your one) and I also have a tinted film on the front windshield, but reflections are still a big problem. The solution I decided to use eliminates most (but not all) of the reflections and by not using a CPL filter the camera still works well in low light. There are different ways to fix the problem. It's up to you how you do it. In my video I simply suggested something that doesn't seem to be very common.
Hi, i too have the same dash cam. Is there any way we can increase the time of recording of the videos. Currently it is one minute per video and i would like to extend it to 5 or 10 minutes.
Thanks.
You can change it, but you only have the option of 1, 2 or 3 minutes. Just go into the menu system and you will see the option.
We just got a dashcam so your idea is great. We just looked at our videos and see the stereo and gearshift etc. So thanks for the ideas.👍👍😁😁
We live in Thailand also.👍
Thanks. The first version I made worked, but didn't look good. The second version, which I'm still using, is smaller and works a lot better. There are various ways to reduce reflections, but this method works best for me. Hope it works for you!
@@PhilUKNet Phil, I ordered 2 polorized filters yest, i will see how they fit and use my dremil to cut the edges down see if i can get 1 of them to fit. It was $15 bucks for 2 of them to try, and i will put a towel on the dash and maybe it will help also. If it does they have the black dash cover made for my truck 250bht online.
And i will try your way also maybe tape something under the camera. 👍😁😁
@@brentthailand5742 The other methods may work for you. I didn't want to mess around with filters and they cause a loss of light, which can affect nighttime performance. My car is old and I couldn't find a dash mat, also the reflections I saw were also coming from the footwell. Your idea about taping something under the camera is good. It only needs to be small, but it needs to be in the right place and if you only use tape it may not stay in place. Good luck!
@@PhilUKNet Phil, I ordered 2 of them and I will use my Demil to cut them to size. I also read to turn them to get rid of the rainbow so I will try that also and when I get it right maybe use some velcro to hold it on. I will start with a towel on the dash and see what happens if the 2 things work then get the dash cover for the $8.00. We live in surin so I want to start driving around getting videos of what goes on since I have lots of time and fun I think . Not like a drone now you need so much with dashcam all I need is the Camera. I have to learn how to edit also for youtube since I am retired I might as well show others whats going on . LOL
@@brentthailand5742 Ah, elephant country! You're lucky having lots of free time. That's something I never have these days with two young kids. Yes, a CPL only allows light in from one direction and you have to turn it to get the result you want. I'd like to have a drone, but the registration process and all the regulations in Thailand put me off. Video editing is quite a steep learning curve at first. It can be very complex, but there are lots of programs that make it simple if you have no experience. All the best!
Thank you very much!
Welcome! However, I didn't really like my first attempt. My second attempt was better and there is still a lot of room for improvement.
I found the polarizing filters made some difference in the reflections but not near enough. Since it is my rear-facing cam that is more of an issue, I want to try covering the rear deck area with a jet black fabric. Felt is probably a good choice.
Felt is good because it absorbs rather than reflects light. It's not an easy problem to fix. CPL filters cut out a lot of light and, as you say, they're not always effective. Good luck!
You can 3D print the glare shield according to the angle of your windshield and camera's field-of-view with tabs for double-sided tape. Start with a cardboard model then use the dimensions to create a 3D file that can be fed into the 3D printer. After some polishing, it will look so much better. :)
I agree. I have no experience with 3D printing, but it's an interesting technology. The first version I made was too big and ugly. Subsequently, I made a smaller version that looks a lot better and isn't so intrusive. The best option would be a tiny shield, just big enough to stop stray light entering the lens. The main purpose of the video was to show that it's better to eliminate the root cause rather than to try to mask the problem with a CPL. A CPL will cut out a lit of useful light and thus degrade performance in low light conditions.
If u cover the dashboard with a material which does not reflect light(black dashboard mat) It would be a good solution. Try it.
I considered this, but decided against it. My car is old and a fitted dash mat isn't available. If I made one myself it would be a lot of work and it wouldn't look good. Reflections also come from the foot well and a dash mat wouldn't help with these reflections. The problem can be fixed by blocking light with something small near the camera instead of using something large to cover the entire dash. This was a better solution for me. Thanks for your suggestion, but personally I won't be trying it. There are a number of ways to fix the problem and it's an individual choice how to do it. I'm glad the dash mat works for you!
You can easily remove the magnetic the cpl filter when night driving. But your solution is ideal.
A magnetic filter would be a lot easier to remove than one with a screw thread. My camera has neither so I would have to construct something on the front of the camera to which a magnetic filter could attach. What I've got works well and since I made the second version I haven't had a single problem. One of the problems with the 70mai Pro is that when you attach the separate GPS module it moves the camera further from the windscreen and this causes reflections. I bought my wife the 70mai A800. This has a built-in GPS module and as the front of the lens is very close to the windshield it doesn't have the same problem with reflections.
Please provide link to purchase flash bracket
I don't know what's happened here, but RUclips have just notified me of the comment that you wrote 9 months ago! I apologise, but if they don't notify me of comments I can't reply to them. I hope you managed to find one!
A cone that goes around the lense and fits flush to the windscreen just outside of the viewing angle would be perfect.
It would, I agree with you entirely. Quite tricky though getting the size and shape exactly right with the rake of the windscreen and not having anything interfere with the field of view.
@@PhilUKNet Plus, then you may block more of your windscreen and not see something coming. I used to have a dash mat on my 2015 Ford Fiesta. I had it made from a company called Covercraft in the US. They made one for the US Fiesta, and I asked if it was possible to make one for a left hand drive car. It was not cheap, especially the postage, but the risk of an accident because I couldn't see what was ahead clearly due to reflections was reduced by at least 90%. A potential life saver.
Dear Phil, what about trying with some small and cheap plastic …funnels ?
Once you measured (with a caliper) the outer diameter of the dashcam lens and the relevant distance from the windshield, it should be possible to find where to make the two cuts on the funnel, so that the resulting cone can be properly fixed on the lens and in good contact with the windshield …
If it does not interfere with the field of view and once some tests are completed, I suggest to spray some matt black paint on the inner and outer surfaces of the resulting cone … As I also have such dashcam and I appreciate your videos, I would be curious to know if my idea … works 😃
Best regards from Rome, Italy
Giorgio🙂
Dear Giorgio, I agree with you entirely! The shield needs to conical in shape, and black paint would keep down reflections. The front would also need to be angled to take the rake of the windscreen into account. Something like you have suggested would be the smallest, least intrusive way to do this. My life these days is very busy, but if I can find some spare time I will experiment. Thanks for your suggestion!
It’s best to use a camcorder, they have lens that cut out side reflect light. I never get reflected light cleans and sharp and image stabilizer and not a wide angle , and camcorder join the clips automatically as a whole clip that keep playing even a different day. It’s more watchable than seeing hundred of short clip that get tireing clicking and waiting for that clip over Andover .
Interesting. I saw a video previously about someone who was using a GoPro as a dash cam.
@@PhilUKNet Thing is motive, I realized way back in 1983 when camcorder started, I wanted to save clip for a hobbies to see what that pass that has change. I’ve look at them by month and yr, way back is all on transfer to hdd. And I’ve got a hdd reader to usb. But later they are on sd card iv put in a book album. And view with a w.d media player .It fun looking at clips and seen what I did in a day. It funny but it’s bring back your pass history as you recall where was your favorite place like at the humane society in the cathouse or even at what beach it like you are there again. That why a camcorder best. And my mistake ea day is another clip.
You have to find a camcorder that keep the day clip together on a camcorder hdd then you can in camera transfer it to a sd card. Iv got action camera but as I said I don’t watch it as much or not very long as it’s tiring to keep opening hundred of short clips and sting . A camcorder day of clip are instant new clip of many different places so you can really mind driff way back there as on the radio you have the 80& hits on the radio playing too. And it’s like your back there as it a forgotten hit song lol . I lately been too busy to recirculate I used to do it everyday day. Remember memory card are just as your brain but you have recorded or stored a place and time that you have.
Yes iv got clip of many store that are long gone. And me sitting on a crouch filing around. And walking around many store that are gone. It pretty amazing
@@thomas4315A ll good points! Thanks for you comments!
I think I will try the half tube sprayed matt black then blue tacked until its right.
Good idea! The simplest, smallest, least conspicuous solution is always the best. I may try this in future, but I thought it would be quite fiddly getting something made that is exactly the right size and shape. If you have time, let me know how it works out!
Did you ever try this? My A800 will be coming in the mail the coming week. Thinking of maybe 3d printing something that clips on the lens
@@Naesstrom yes but found cardboard was better.
@@MG-cp8xk And cheaper/easier to replace if something goes wrong.
Is it better to use a cpl filter than doing nothing
A CPL filter will reduce glare, but it cuts out a lot of light, and this will degrade low light performance. The point I was trying to make is that it's better to try to identify and eliminate the source of the glare rather than use a filter. In bright light, it's probably better to use a CPL filter than do nothing, but your images will be noisier in low light.
@@PhilUKNet the Problem is, that I am very lazy
Me too, at times. If the filter is easy to remove, just take it off at night. Or just try taping a small piece of card near the front of the camera to prevent stray light entering the lens. The first device I made was far too big and ugly, but the second one is smaller and better.
Turn on the dash cam with live view, then mark on the windscreen where just disappear from the view, and now you know how the anti glare guard look like.
Thank you!
clever
Thanks! My idea was to try to fix the source of the problem, rather than applying the standard solution (CPL filter), which adversely affects image quality in low light.