Cold Weather Dome Test

Published Jan 25, 2018 17:33 PM

Cameras frequently cite super low-temperature specs, with -30° or even -40° common. But to see how popular dome models actually handle real world winter conditions, we tested six common models from Axis and Hikvision during two weeks of January weather, as low as 0° F, with snow, sleet, and rain.

Weather During Testing

During a week of testing, daytime highs averaged below 20° F, with nighttime lows as low as 1°F/-18°C, and in single digits for 4 of 7 days:

During testing we also received several inches of snow, as well as sleet and ice, which collected on top of the cameras.

Summary

During our tests, only one model failed completely in low temperatures, the Hikvision DS-2CD2355FWD-I. This camera frequently went offline, rebooted, and failed to stream or even respond to pings. However, no other Hikvision turret models in this (or in IPVM's past testing in winter conditions) had these issues, so these results may not be indicative of an issue with these cameras in general, only this specific model.

Two other cameras locked up and subsequently rebooted during testing, the Axis M3106-LVE Mk II and the Hikvision 2125, a standard IR dome. This occurred twice on the Hikvision 2125 and once in the Axis model.

No other cameras exhibited issues during testing, with no gaps in recorded video or visible issues.

Windchill Not A Factor

Note that windchill does not affect inanimate objects such as cameras the same as it does humans and animals. Windchill only increases how fast objects cool, but cannot reduce temperature below ambient. So if the windchill is -10, but the air temperature without wind is +5, a camera will never drop below +5°. However, it may increase the amount of time heaters must run, which could have a longterm effect on component longevity.

All temperatures in this report are ambient, not including the windchill.

Camera Failure

After about 10 minutes outside in temperatures of ~30° and below, the Hikvision 2355 failed, first dropping its video stream, then failing to respond to pings. No video issues were seen prior to this occurring, with video simply dropping at one point, shown here in Exacq:

After bringing the 2355 inside and up to room temperature, it again worked without issue. 

Aside from this failure, the Axis M3106-LVE Mk II rebooted once during our testing and the Hikvision 2125 rebooted on two separate days when temperatures were especially low, again with no issues seen prior to failure. 

No Signs Of Moisture Intrusion

All cameras were inspected after testing to check for signs of moisture inside domes/housings, but none was found. Note that all cameras were IP66/67 rated, but freezing/thawing may cause seals to loosen, especially with snow collecting on top of the cameras.

What Can Be Done?

If severe cold is expected, users should select cameras with built-in heaters, which may be indicated by the cameras part number (e.g., a -H in the suffix of a Hikvision camera) but may only be listed on camera specs/web pages (below). If in doubt, users should confirm whether their selected camera includes a heater with the manufacturer.

If extreme low temperatures (below 0° F/-18° C) are expected, third party housings (see our report) may be used which contain more robust heating elements than cameras' on-board electronics, but these will add significant cost, ~$500+, which exceeds the price of many cameras. 

Mounting cameras to walls/soffits may help somewhat, as well, as some heat may transfer from the building interior. However, this should not be relied upon if temperatures are regularly below freezing.

Future Testing Planned

Note that this test was performed as an initial cold weather test, based on issues seen in our own tests, as well as reports from others about Hikvision turrets and other cameras

We plan to test more in the future, including different camera styles, mounts, and more manufacturers. Leave us your suggestions in the comments below.

Poll: Issues With Cameras In Cold?

Have you seen issues with cameras failing, restarting, or otherwise acting oddly during very cold weather? Vote in our poll and tell us your experience in the comments below:

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