A frosted image does not yet indicate where the moisture is located. Droplets outside on a dome, a haze inside the canopy, and a reflection in night vision can look similar to each other. Therefore, first view the enclosure from a safe, accessible location and note when the haze appears.
Take a photo of the outside and keep the corresponding camera image. Check if separate droplets are visible and if the problem disappears when the weather conditions change. Clean only the accessible outdoor surface according to the model instructions. A permanent haze behind the glass requires a different approach than water on the outside.
Has the hood recently been opened, has a cable been replaced, or has the camera been reinstalled? Note those repairs. Then the inspection can be directed at the position of seals, cable routing, and the prescribed mounting. Drying only the exterior does not prove that the protection of the housing has been properly restored.
Compare the camera's usage conditions and any housing with the actual location. Moisture may still be present under a shelter. Moisture can affect image quality and components; therefore, have recurring internal condensation examined. Do not assume that every device with a dome is suitable for the same outdoor situation.
Do not use an improvised heat source and do not drill ventilation holes in a closed enclosure. Such modifications will alter the device's protection. Request inspection according to the maintenance instructions, including whether parts or seals need to be replaced. A temporary clear cover does not prove that the original moisture path has been repaired.
Save a new day and night recording and check the result again under the circumstances in which it previously failed. Also note the connections around the camera. When requesting maintenance, indicate whether there is only optical blur or that loss of signal also occurs. That second complaint must be taken separately into account in the investigation.
Do not use your own drying method without a manufacturer's recommendation. Let the cause, sealing, and appropriate recovery procedure be evaluated.
No. Infrared reflection can also look like that. Compare the daytime image and the visible condition of the glass.
