Can a polarizing filter reduce reflections when a security camera shoots through a window?
Asked 1/9/2012
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I need to place a home security camera indoors, aimed outside through a window to reduce the risk of vandalism. The camera will face a mild southern exposure, and I need the clearest possible image. Would adding a polarizing filter help reduce reflections and glare from the glass? I realize a polarizer would reduce light, and I may need to improvise a mount. Are there better ways to minimize reflections when shooting through a window?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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The one point to be wary of: any additional layer of glass can add flare or reflections.
What I would think would be better would be something along the lines of a long lens hood that fits flush with the glass, so that any light coming not from the scene itself does not reach the lens, reducing stray light and improving the quality of the recording. Also, if your "Lens hood" fits flush with the window, you will not have an issue with glare or reflection from it.
Some reasonably thick black cardboard should do the trick.
If you are using double glazing, a polarizer might still be required because you can only align your lens hood with the internal glass layer, and you'd want it at the "back" right in from of the camera lens.
Originally by user7736. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user7736
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—a polarizing filter can help reduce reflections from glass, so it may improve the view through a window. However, it also cuts light, which can hurt image quality, especially for security cameras in lower light.
A more reliable first step is to block stray indoor light from reaching the window. A long hood or shroud that fits flush against the glass is often better, because it reduces reflections and glare without costing light. Even a simple black cardboard tunnel can work. Placing the lens very close to, or directly against, the window can also reduce visible reflections.
One caution: any extra glass in front of the lens, including a filter, can introduce flare or additional reflections. If the window is double-glazed, a hood against the inside pane may not eliminate every reflection, and a polarizer might still help in that case.
So: start with a tight light-blocking hood and camera placement close to the glass; add a polarizer only if reflections remain and the light loss is acceptable.
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