Reducing 70mai Pro Dash Cam Reflections Without Using A CPL Filter
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- Опубликовано: 16 май 2019
- Update November 2020: Although this solution worked, I was never completely happy with it. It doesn't look good and it obstructs vision from the passenger seat. If you want to see my revised, Mark 2 version click here! • Do This To Remove Dash...
This video will show you how to eliminate dash cam reflections and explain why you should avoid using a Circular Polarising (CPL) filter.
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I've had to make another slight modification since uploading this video. The black suction cups that I got with my fishpond pump weren't very good and kept falling off the windscreen. I bought some suction hooks that are normally sold for bathrooms and kitchens. A pack of 6 was just 30 cents. I cut off the hooks and used the suction cups to replace my original suction cups. The rubber is softer and more flexible and these ones stay in place a lot better.
This post is a clear example of just how useful RUclips can be. Someone with specialist knowledge and experience looks at the accepted way of doing things, thinks 'there has to be a better way', tests it and then shares that better way with the viewers. I watched this as I am researching dash cams at the moment before selecting and installing one. Now I'll not be using the CPL filter I had been considering. Instead, I'll prevail upon my nephew to 3D print an attachment equivalent to yours to fit the camera itself. Very well done and many thanks for posting.
I was reluctant to go the CPL route because of the significant light loss at night. It seemed such a shame to handicap a relatively fast lens by covering it with a light-sapping filter. My solution still works well. It doesn't look fantastic - and every passenger asks what it is - but it does exactly what I want it to do. I have no experience with 3D printing, but it is great technology. Ideally, a small cone that cuts out stray light but doesn't obstruct the field of view would be perfect, but making one just the right size and shape is tricky. I went for the easiest solution. Thank you for your comment!
You're very welcome. I've done a fair amount of inventing myself and my place is full of prototypes that have been successful to some degree or the other (if only for showing I need to try some other approach). I'll probably accumulate a few more while I refine the cone idea but each attempt will only take time and a few pence - with 3D printers development is so easy; its the inspiration that's hard to come by :).
That's a great piece of advice. I had attached a CPL filter and wasn't happy with the results. This made me search the RUclips and i came across your review. Thank you. I'll need to work out something to cutout the light.
Hi Rakesh and thanks for your comment! The idea of the video was just to try to get people thinking about how they could cut out light, not to copy me exactly. I didn't like my first attempt because it was too big and ugly, but the second version was smaller, less obtrusive and a big improvement. I may even make a third - and a fourth - version! Good luck!
you are an amazing person sir :) as a science scholar, I have huge respect for intelligent and curious people like you. I love people who like to work themselves on things and fix things themselves. Amazing work. A true inspiration. :D
Your kindness is extraordinary Mr Raj Aryan! To be honest, the first version was too big and obstructed too much of the windscreen, but I made a second version soon afterwards that is a lot smaller ... and better. This second version can be improved upon too and ideally what you want is something very small, very close to the lens that will prevent light from entering lens.
I am in total agreement with what you say. Be curious, try to understand what is causing a problem, and try to figure out ways to solve the problem. It just seemed to me that many people simply slap on a CPL filter, but that actually cuts out a LOT of light and degrades the performance of your camera. I was looking for a way to fix the flare problem without reducing the amount of light that enters the camera. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks so much! I just went up to photograph the turning leaves in the Rockies. Spectacular! I get home and... glare... reflection... occasional 2-3 seconds of nice footage... I wish I had seen your video first! But I was so inexperienced I didn't know what questions to ask. Oh well - next year!
Hello Lisa, it's a beautiful time of year in many parts of the States at the moment. September was always my favourite time of the year in Colorado. Many years ago I visited upstate New York in the leaf season and the palette of colours was extraordinary. Occasionally, the sun will be blocked enough to get that nice footage but the glare can really ruin beautiful scenes. In this case with bright sunlight during the daytime a polarising filter would actually have helped, but they reduce the low light camera of the camera at night. This is why I looked at an alternative solution to a polarising filter. Thanks for your comment!
Was looking at purchasing a CPL and doing some research when I found this. Had the same thoughts myself that a filter would degrade night footage. This is a great idea, I'm going to give it a go.
It's only my opinion and everyone should do what they feel most comfortable with. A CPL is a quick fix and will help reduce glare, but when manufacturers do their best to make cameras with fast lenses it seems a shame to cripple the low light performance by putting a light reducing filter on the front. Removing the filter at night is an option, but fiddly.
You don't need to do exactly the same as I did. Just use anything that blocks unwanted light from getting into the camera.
Incidentally, my original device is still working very well. The original suction cups were no good and kept falling off, but the ones I replaced them with haven't fallen off once.
Thanks for commenting and good luck with making your own one!
Thanks for the advice this is the perfect solution to the problem I am facing too with the same Dashcam.
Thanks for your comment! I currently have plans to make a new version. When I sit in the passenger seat of my car the one I have now is quite big and obstructs the view through the windshield. I plan to do a smaller version and actually attach it to the side of the dash cam so that it will be directly underneath the camera. As it will be nearer the camera it will also be smaller. If you're going to make one yourself, this is what I would suggest doing. Get it as close to the camera as possible and make it as small as possible. Good luck!
Thanks for educating people on CPL and reflections
Thanks 😊
Thanka man, helpful explanation .! !
Thanks for your comment!
My dash cam is on my way and I was think ing about putting a big cylinder around the lens.
But this is definitely much more elegant. Great idea!!
Thanks for your comment. When my wife sits in the passenger seat she doesn't think it's elegant, but it does the job and my images now are a LOT better than they were at first. Also, whenever I get my car serviced the mechanics want to know what it is and I have to explain. Someone else suggested making a cone (like your big cylinder idea) but it would be quite difficult making one the right size and shape. The angle would need to be right so that it didn't obscure the lens and you'd also need to take into consideration the rake of the windscreen. I chose the simplest solution and although it works well it does obscure the passenger's view a little. I explained in the video why I opted not to use a polarising filter or a dash mat. I'm still quite happy with it and since I changed the suction cups it no longer falls off all the time as it did with the first suction cups I used. Good luck with making your own version!
@@PhilUKNet And for being a wonderful person, you have a new subscriber! :)
@@TheMuser Thank you shaggyrock5, much appreciated and, just for the record, I think you're a wonderful person too 🙂
Awesome Sir. This definitely helps. Will give a try
Thanks! It won't be a solution for everyone, but it works for me. The first version (in this video) was too big, too ugly and blocked too much of the windscreen. I made a second version later that is much smaller and much better. Basically, just use something to try to block any stray light getting inside your camera. Anything close to the camera can be smaller, which is better. If you can do this, you can stop reflections without using a CPL and by not using a CPL you won't degrade the nighttime performance of your camera. Good luck!
Awesome 👍🏽
I spend lots of time covering my cars dash.
You almost nailed it 😊
Thanks. A few days ago someone said it didn't work for them, but it works very well for me. And by not using a light-sucking CPL the night time performance is still very good. The only modification I've made since making this video is changing the suction cups because the original ones didn't stay stuck. The ones I have now are pretty much permanent. Thanks for your comment!
I just installed the 2nd car DVR with CPL filter for day time and the other DVR for night time.
@@hochutiem2678 That would work! Maybe it's an expensive solution for most people, but it solves the problem of the filter reducing light at night.
Thanks Phil, that seems to be a great idea. Will try this solution 🙏🏻
I didn't intend my video to be the absolute solution. Just think about what is causing the problem (stray light) and try to think of a way to keep stray light from entering the lens. The ideal solution will be as small as possible, as close to the lens as possible and as inconspicuous as possible. My first solution was too big and too ugly. I made another, improved, version and I suspect I will make another. Thanks for your comment!
Great idea, but does not work for me. I guess it has something to do with the angle of the cam and the windshield. I would have to place my black "box" way lower on my windshield and than it will disturb me while driving.
I'm sorry to hear that. Mine is still working great. It doesn't look very good (my wife teases me about its appearance) and I had to make a slight change. The original suction cups kept falling off so I bought new ones. The new ones have stayed there permanently. It cuts out all the reflections I had previously and I have avoided placing a light-absorbing filter over the lens so nighttime performance is still good. What exactly doesn't work for you? Do you still get reflections? If you can see reflections and know where they are coming from, perhaps you could modify the shape to cut them out.
Thank You so much for sharing !
Pleasure!
Hi @Phil UK Net, Can u tell in brief as to what u have done to reduce the reflection ? I am having audio issues, so i can barely hear anything on the audio mate. I live in a sunny country, so this is an absolute must
Basically, I have put a piece of plastic card underneath the camera to block reflections getting into the camera lens. This video was about my first version, which I didn't like too much, so I made a second version ( ruclips.net/video/3zFmSF-jX54/видео.html ) which is smaller and attaches directly to the camera. There isn't a single way of doing it. Just try to think of some way to block stray reflections getting into your camera lens.
thank you! Liked and subscribed!
Thank you!
Great video mate. Detailed and in-depth. Thanks. Appreciate it. Saved me few quids from buying a CPL filter.
Thanks. As I've said before in comments, don't take my fix too literally. Try to fix the source of the problem, which is stray light entering the lens, rather than masking the problem with a CPL filter. The filter will cut out a lot of light, which will degrade the low light performance of the camera. Use something to block the stray light that is as small and as close to the lens as possible. My initial version was too big and conspicuous. The second was an improvement, but there is still a lot of room for further improvement.
@@PhilUKNet couldn’t agree more sir. Thanks for the tip. Thailand 🇹🇭 is an amazing place. Enjoy your stay
@Sonam Tenzin Afterl living in Thailand for 20 years, it looks different to how it did as a tourist, but still pretty good. There are far worse places to be!
@@PhilUKNet thought you were still living in Thailand.
@@kotasonamtenzin I am!
Hi just hoping you can help me i have the nextbase 522gw dash cam it as a built in polarizer car sat on my drive facing back gate without headlights on screen just black cannot see anything I also have a 222 cheaper model no polariseing lens but put them side by side the cheaper model without a lens I can see stuff but cannot see a thing with the filter on the 522 will the filter on the 522 be my issue as I even turned up exposure but still pitch black
I'm not sure what's going on exactly, but a CPL filter will prevent a LOT of light getting into the lens - up to two f stops, which is the reason why I don't use one.
Digital cameras can change the ISO automatically, so what would happen normally if you cut out a lot of light with a CPL in dark conditions is that the camera will use a higher ISO. As a result, you will get grainier images but you will still see an image.
It could possibly be that the situation you are in is too dark and even using the highest ISO the camera still cannot get the correct exposure with the CPL because it is blocking out too much light.
It does sound as if in very dark conditions the camera can't function with the built-in CPL, especially as the other camera is OK. Can you somehow remove this built-in CPL and see if things improve? How is it in light conditions? If it's OK when it is light this would indicate that the camera is functioning properly.
Thanks for the great idea. I have a 70mai en route right now and looking for filter, this definitely sounds like a better alternative. Although here in US, don't think you can put a foot long black cardboard on windshield without getting into trouble some day. I would imagine a small half tube right up against the lens would accomplish the same? Will give it a try.
You're right. I forgot to mention the legal implications! It doesn't obstruct my vision when driving, but it's a bit annoying in the passenger seat.
I think the best solution would be a small cone around the lens, but getting the right angle and taking into account the angle of the windscreen is tricky.
I just ordered some parts to make a revised version. It will attach to the side of the camera and be a lo smaller.
Your idea of a half tube sounds good. I'd be interested to hear how it works out. I still think that doing something to prevent stray light getting into the camera is better than just sticking on a CPL filter.
I stumbled on this and made sure to leave a like, but if you tried it, how did it go?
That CPL filter you used, was it made for dash cams? Also, is sliding off (depending on the mechanism) a CPL when it gets dark really that difficult? Your solution doesn’t seem a whole lot easier or aesthetically pleasing. How bad is the night time footage anyway?
Yes, putting on a filter every time it gets dark and removing it when it gets light is a hassle that I simply don't want. My camera doesn't have a thread or a sliding mechanism for a filter. The one I bought (but didn't fit) is for a regular camera. Regarding aesthetics, I agree, which is why I made a second version that is smaller and less obtrusive. As I said in the video, every stop of light you lose is actually a halving of light. If you lose a stop and a half of light because of a CPL filter this will increase the ISO value significantly, which will introduce a lot of noise into the footage. It's entirely up to you how you fix the problem. You do it your way. This method works very well for me.
Superb results.
How about placing a cone around the lens?
Alex Good idea! I guess I was just looking for the easiest solution. A cone would have to be just the right shape. Also I didn't want anything attached to the camera. But yes, that would work.
My God ,man.Does anybody needs to go that far.
Of course they do 🤪
Best video👍👍
Thank you!
Thanks Phil. I have Fitcamx, a dashcam that replaces the mirror base to make the camera look like it is part of the car. I am thinking of wrapping some construction paper around the housing in the form of a more traditional lens hood. If that works well, I will look for a plastic sheet to replace the paper. Until I saw your video, I was thinking of getting a dash cover mat, but that would look ugly.
Well, my first attempt looked ugly, too! I improved on the first version, but it could be improved further. I have an old car and couldn't find a fitted dash cover. I figured that anything I made myself would look ugly. Your idea is exactly what I was thinking. The basic problem is stray light getting into the lens, so just try to construct something (as inconspicuous as possible) near to the front of the lens that will block stray light. As you say, the same as a traditional lens hood. Good luck!
The situation is purely light based. To use a polarizer during bright daylight could work. However, as you suggested Dash Cams are meant for ALL light and weather conditions. In addition, a circular polarizer will need to be adjusted constantly for many specific lighting and reflecting conditions that is quite tedious. For me, this renders the polarizer useless unless I am shooting in direct or semi-direct sunlight. One left or right turn changes the whole picture, if you will. I can see the usage on my drone way up I'm the sky being battered with sunlight. But in my car, not nearly as much. In fact raining conditions produces some amazing results as does night driving. On my DSLR yes, I can remove it or spin it for optimal results. On my Garmin Dash Cam no, there are far too many driving conditions to warrant the use of a circ polarizer.
Thanks for the great informative video!
Cheers!
Hi David and thanks for your thoughtful, considered comment. Some comments I've received indicate that not everyone agrees with me, but hey, it's a free world and we can all do what we want. My thinking was along the same lines as yours. CPLs are fine in certain conditions, but not all conditions, and they need to be adjusted. People with web cams won't want to adjust a CPL continually, and leaving it in position all the time seriously reduces the low light capability of the camera. My idea was to fix the problem at source and not have a solution that compromises the camera's low light capability. It works for me. If it works for other people fine, if not they can try something else.
@@PhilUKNet Thanks Phil,
I just might try something based on your 'real world' life experience. I am also a firm believer that less on or near the front windshield is better. Garmin makes and sells a $20 polarizer filter designed for my exact model and others too. I have The Garmin Dash Cam 56. I like it very much recording using by also voice commands in example, saying "Hey Garmin, Start or Stop Audio" amongst many other commands! 1440p on a 256gb micro SD Card. There is also the benefit of having a tiny real time viewing screen. Its small but it is indeed there anyway allowing digital to do its thing! It can also be deactivated for example color night driving. Thats important to me as well. I dont know, everyone sees it differently, especially if a tragic event accidentally should occur. Even a minor tap. Please keep us posted of any other ideas you have regarding Dash Cam recording & viewing. I see it kinda like having real, tangible piece of insurance. In addition, I do agree with you on the idea of getting some really great videos too! Seeing some Beautiful Foialige, Mountains, Lakes and Oceans and of course Animals that our beautiful planet has to offer! As seasons change I find I tend to take it inside with me at home just because its only attached with a very strong magnet. Do you leave your device attached all the time? Garmin also makes a 'Parking Cable' for when the car is powered off, keeping my virtual eyes aware of anything or anybody that occurs to be near as it triggers motion recording, on and off, on anything again even while the car is parked and off. It's only about $25 dollars too. I am thinking if buying that and installing it myself.
All My Best Wishes Phil to you and your loved ones,
Thanks very much,
Dave, from Deal, New Jersey Shore USA . I am literally only 1 block from the Atlantic Ocean!
Cheers!
@@dcime1 Hi Dave and thanks for another great comment. You live in a beautiful place. Originally I was looking at Garmin, but the cams were a little too expensive. At the other end of the scale were the cheap Chinese models, but I had very little confidence in them. When the 70mai Pro appeared it seemed to be a good compromise between price and quality. When this one expires I will likely buy Garmin. They look like nice little cameras.
CPLs are an easy solution but, as we discussed, there are compromises. I like to think about problems and come up with my own solutions.
Dash cams are essential in Thailand because driving standards are so bad and because people lie so much. My wife showed me some dash cam footage on social media a few days ago in the town where we live. A young lad ran in front of a car deliberately to get knocked down and I guess he planned to claim insurance against the driver. The car he chose had a cam and it was obvious what had happened, but without a cam the driver could have had problems. The cam gives me a lot of peace of mind.
Yes, I leave it attached all the time. There's also a 70mai parking cable, but mine is connected to an outlet that is live all the time anyway. Some of these parking cables have built in electronics and will turn off the cam if the battery gets low so that it won't drain completely. Best wishes!
Wonderful 👍👍👍
🙏
This is genius!
Well, I wouldn't go quite that far but there is more than one way to crack a nut!
My rear camera is good during the day but at night its pretty mutch useless, it just looks like you're staring into a beam of light. The front cam is good at night. I don't want to buy another cam kit, I was thinking about a cheapish drone camera as a last resort. I just need to figure out how to dim the light at night, so far no solution. Any suggestions?
I can't think of any suggestions at the moment. The cameras should automatically adjust the aperture and ISO depending on light level to get the right exposure. My wife's car has an A800 with rear camera and it works OK. As far as I know, there are no adjustments for the exposure. It sounds like something is broken. As a workaround I guess you could add a neutral density filter at night to cut down the light, but this is a lot of messing around and not a fix. Even though you are against it buying a new kit may be the only solution.
Great!!!! man Thanks.
Thanks, but not as great as it could be! I'm currently working on a revised version that will be nearer to the camera and smaller. The current one is a bit big and obstructs the view from the passenger seat. The new one, being closer to the camera, should do a better job at cutting out reflections and being smaller it will be less conspicuous. Thanks for your comment!
Very Good.
I made a second version that is smaller and looks better. The objective is just to make something that will prevent stray light entering the lens. The smaller and less conspicuous, the better.
I have the 70mai pro and a CPL 24mm so pleeease wich ring step up I need :(?
There's no thread on the 70mai Pro so it doesn't matter. Just get any step-up ring that will accept a 24mm filter and then attach it to the camera somehow.
@@PhilUKNet 24mm to 37mm like this www.aliexpress.com/item/32810716425.html?algo_pvid=b7a014f6-0893-4f98-8721-4a47ad45ab72&algo_expid=b7a014f6-0893-4f98-8721-4a47ad45ab72-0&btsid=0be3764315902091153874494ec378&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_ ???
Have you ever using nd8 filter lens? Thanks
No, I haven't. I wanted to avoid using any filter that reduces the amount of light entering the lens and that is exactly what a Neutral Density filter is designed to do. The solution I devised works really well for me and doesn't require the use of any filter. Thanks for your comment!
Great video. Very useful information. Thank you.
I use a Yi Smart Dash Cam, and I have installed a CPL filter on it to reduce reflection, almost a couple of years ago. At night the image is very dark, but I very rarely drive at night, so for me it is not much of a problem.
Your solution gave me an idea of a better solution (I have not tried it). Instead of making a wide shield and attaching it to the windscreen, why not make a small U-shaped shield and attach it directlly on the bottom of the small lens part of the dash cam (not the whole rotating part, but smaller diameter part), if you understand what I mean?
Something like this? i.postimg.cc/YSYpd59M/Dash-cam-reflection-shield.png
That sounds like an excellent idea. The closer it is to the camera, the smaller it can be. The reason I chose not to use a CPL filter was because of poor night time performance. I like your suggestion, but it will need to be made and installed very accurately. Thanks for your comment!
Where can I get a vantrue n2 pro filter
I'm sorry, I don't know.
I wonder if some toilet paper tube or simple tape which isolates side reflections would not be better, cheaper and faster to make?
I'm always in favour of choosing the simplest, cheapest method of doing something. The method I chose was easy, but if you can find a simpler way go for it!
Did you combined all the 1min videos or any other option to make longer videos?
All I've done so far is use short clips from individual videos. I haven't combined individual videos to make a longer video, but I don't think it would be a problem.
@@PhilUKNet but is there a way to increase video duration, say 5min?
Further, I have hardwired using hardwire kit to the reading lamp assembly, instead of fuse box.
It's working fine but I'm worried if it will keep continuously ON and battery will get discharged. What's your opinion?
@@srinivasbharat Short answer: no. Longer answer follows. 70mai sent me an e-mail saying that they have optimised some features on new products. I assume this to mean new firmware. One of the new features is to be able to select a recording duration of 1 minute, 2 minutes or 3 minutes (currently it is fixed at 1 minute). However, this only works on 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S, 70mai Mini Dash Cam and 70mai Dash Cam Lite. It doesn't work on my 70mai Pro Dash Cam.
My 70mai Pro Dash Cam is on firmware version 1.0.5na. My phone app is on version 1.3.2, but whenever I try to do a firmware upgrade it says that I have the latest version. It would appear that they have stopped development on the 70mai Dash Cam Pro, which is sad.
Regarding your other question, my dash cam is also hardwired in and has power all the time even when the ignition is off. I have accidentally left the dash cam switched on in excess of 48 hours and it hasn't drained the battery. If you leave it on for a week or two it probably will drain the battery, but in my experience the car battery can power it for a couple of days without any problems. Of course, this will depend on the capacity and condition of your battery.
@@PhilUKNet The new update came to the Pro Dash Cam. It has now max 3 minutes duration and the option to remove the 70mai watermark.
@@jnsaoo Thanks - ruclips.net/video/nJys2R5IeBw/видео.html
Would it not be better and tidier to get a cpl Filter
Tidier? Yes, definitely. Better? As I explained in the video a CPL filter sucks up a lot of light and this will degrade the low-light image quality. One option is to remove the filter every time it gets dark, but this would be a pain. This is why I don't want to put a CPL filter on my dash cam. The solution I have works, but it isn't ideal. I think that a much smaller version attached to the camera very near the lens would be a lot better. This is something I plan to work on when I have time.
You can use very small polarized making for drones, like Mavic Air. They are very small..
I don't have a drone, but presumably they are normally only used during daytime most of the time? In that case there will be lots of light available and it won't be a problem. Car dash cams are used at nighttime and a polarising filter will cut out lots of light. This is why I wanted to avoid using a CPL on my dash cam. They are fine for other applications. I use CPLs in regular photography and if you use one on a drone during daytime when there is lots of light it won't be a problem.
Thanks Phil , it was nice to not spent money on useless filters , someone should come up with a better design imo :)
It wasn't so much the money that bothered me. I was more concerned about a CPL cutting out lots of light and degrading nighttime performance. I think it's better to identify the source of the problem (stray light entering the lens) rather than to apply a blanket fix that causes other problems.
My first attempt was too big and ugly. I have since made a smaller version, which looks better but does the same thing. Thanks for your comment!
You could 3D Print a custom part and attach it to the lens... I'd do that. I'll try when I get my camera (just ordered one). Thanks for all your videos!
I hear a lot about 3D printing, but I have no experience. The technology seems perfect for things like this. Great idea!
Have you found a solution with 3D printing?
I have just had a Thinkware dash cam installed i was thinking of getting a lens filter but just found this video very helpful , so i have decided not to. Thanks 👍
Thanks for your comment. This video has been a bit controversial, but that's good! The point is, if you have a problem, it is better to mask the problem and cause other problems, or is it better to fix the root problem? I think the latter!
Any update on this? If you 3d printed this we would definitely buy!!
I'm afraid not. The first attempt (this video) was too big and ugly, so I made a smaller version. I was going to do a third version, but haven't had time.
Some comments I received suggested using a 3D printer, but I have no experience and don't have a 3D printer. Sorry 😒
@@PhilUKNet ok. I thought to find your video again as i was browsing to my recent videos and couldt help but notice the glare again. I placed the shopee cpl this morning, will try to remember to take it off at night. Your post on the glare issue is really helpful and practical
@doggodriver I thought it would be a pain to keep taking a CPL off and putting it on again, so I tried to think of a way of fixing the problem at source. The first attempt wasn't perfect, and there's a lot of room for improvement!
Hi Phil, could you give me the measurements of the device you produced. In the video you talk about 12 inches. I guess this is it's length? What is it's breadth? And what is the breadth of the piece that is stuck to the windscreen? Thanks in advance!
In metric it's roughly 30cm x 9cm. This will vary from installation to installation depending on the rake of the windscreen and distance from the camera, etc. The dimensions of the piece that attaches to the windscreen aren't really important, but I just made it the same width. It's roughly 30cm x 4cm. Good luck making your own and thanks for your comment!
That’s actually great but here in Switzerland you would have to pay a certain amount of money because of a limited view.
My first version was way too big. This one didn't last long and the second version is much smaller, but it could be smaller still. You want something very small, very close to the camera that blocks stray light but doesn't interfere with the field of view.
I have much worse reflection in my rear facing cam. Even with the official cpl filter.
Try to get the front of the camera lens as close to the glass as possible. You could try to do what I did and put small pieces of card close to the camera, the idea being to stop stray light entering the lens.
Where is this place? I like it. Lots of green stuff. :)
Thailand!
@@PhilUKNet ❤
Have you tried placing a dark colored light absorbing mat or cloth material to cover the entire dashboard?
I’m thinking the issue with reflection is that the sun light bounces off the dashboard due to the color of the dashboard not absorbing the light. If you could find a cloth like material to cover the entire dashboard that would then absorb the sun light and not reflect back on to the windshield.
I have an old car and pre-fitted dash mats aren't available. If I tried to make my own it would be very fiddly and it would look awful. That's why I decided against this idea. If I had a new car and could buy a properly made dash mat to reduce reflections I think it would be a good idea.
It's a compromise. I don't really like having a 12" long cardboard on my dash for aesthetic reason, but it is indeed a very clever solution to those won't don't mind the cardboard being visible.
The first version was too big, too ugly. It didn't last long. The second version is a lot smaller. I need to do a third version and reduce the size more.
@@PhilUKNet Did you just not like the CPL performance at night? I just purchased a generic filter and glue gunned it to the cam. I will test it out when the sun comes out.
@ruthlessluder Yep, that was the problem. CPL filters cut out a huge amount of light, and this degrades nighttime performance. I deemed it too much hassle to keep taking the filter on and off depending on the time of day. Instead, I thought about trying to fix the problem at source, that is, preventing stray light from entering the lens. I have a separate GPS module on my camera, which increases the distance between the lens and the windscreen. This exacerbates the problem. My first attempt was clumsy and way too big. Ideally, you want something as small as possible, as close to the lens as possible, that stops stray light but doesn't obstruct the field of view.
@@PhilUKNet Makes sense. I tested my filter today. While it does a good job with general reflection, it still doesn't get rid of all the reflection, especially if the camera is facing the sun. I'd be curious what you come up with next.
@ruthlessluder Unfortunately, time is always my enemy with regard to this kind of stuff! As I said, just trying to get the smallest thing possible to block stray light. One comment suggested using a 3D printer, which sounds like a good idea, but I have no experience of this technology.
I've used CPLs on regular cameras and they need to be rotated to get the desired effect depending on the position of the sun. As you say, the position of the sun makes a big difference. Of course, this isn't really feasible with a dashcam CPL filter, which is another issue in addition to the loss of light.
Where can I buy this
I made it, I didn't buy it.
@@PhilUKNet I have found a cpl filter on Amazon a generic one that will fit the vantrue n2 pro.
@@PhilUKNet you should make them and sell them on Amazon and eBay , a good business !
@@tahirahmed33 I've seen quite a lot for sale on-line, but I opted not to use one for reasons I gave in the video.
@@tahirahmed33 The first version was quite ugly. My second version was better, but there is still room for improvement. Thanks for the suggestion!
Cpl makes my dash cam blurry
That's an interesting comment. Perhaps the filter is low quality glass or perhaps it blocks so much light that the camera settings change and produce blurry images? Very high ISO values will add a lot of grain and remove detail from the images.
As I said in the video, although CPL filters might reduce glare you don't get anything for nothing and by blocking a lot of light there will be a degradation in the image quality, especially in low light.
Anyway, thanks for this feedback.
@@PhilUKNet thanks you for the response, I did end up returning my dash cam I think that was the issue
inscrito no canal
Thank you.
dolmuş gibi duruyo be
"it stays like it's full" in Turkish. ไม่เข้าใจ
We shouldn't have to do these ridiculously stupid things that only makes your car look uglier. You spend so much for your equipment only to be still thrown into a spin trying to improve it. That should be up to the manufacturer that's taking your money for these devices. I'm not paying for more stress to think about these sort of things. I would buy these know I would have piece of mind and no less.
You're right, we shouldn't have to but consumer goods are made and sold as cheaply as possible so that they sell. Unfortunately, they are often compromised. With this particularly model, the addition of the GPS module moves the camera further away from the windscreen and this allows stray light to enter which causes reflections.
The idea was just to make something to block some of the stray light, but to avoid using a polarising filter because such a filter blocks a lot of light all of the time and degrades the low light performance of the camera.
My first attempt was pretty ugly and far too big. Subsequently I made a smaller version that is less obtrusive. Ideally, such a device would be tiny and located very close to the lens so that it does the same job without being noticed.
I bought an A800 model for my wife's car, which has a built-in GPS module. The camera lens is much closer to the windscreen and doesn't have the same problem with reflections that my camera suffers from.
Thanks for your thoughts!
🤣🤣🤣😂😂, what you are doing ? Use a 3d glass lens or cheap polarized sunglasses and a cap from plastic bottles depending on the size you need, make a ring from it, cut the plastic lens to mach the ring and problems solved, suny days you mount the cap , night time remove the cap if necessary 😉
I considered something like this, but didn't want the hassle of adding and removing the filter all the time.