I have one outdoor camera set up with no cover directly exposed to sun and rain. As I have experimented the camera can get pretty hot under direct sunlight. I understand the plastic cover on top of the camera acts as a heat shield, but for a $300+ camera I am not going to let my baby get sun burned. The sun cover GREATLY reduces camera tempture (tested by touch).
Here is my DIY solution, instructions to come:
1) Weather cover
2) Hose clamp mounting
http://i49.tinypic.com/vd2wd4.jpg
First, the weather cover.
I purchased a VideoSecu camera mount on Amazon for $8. The design is similar to Logitech, it just give you more tools.
http://i49.tinypic.com/nygozq.jpg
Black:
White:
Comparing Logitech and VideoSecu, I say Logitech has better quality.
http://i49.tinypic.com/wswoxd.jpg
Next, I purchased an aluminum chimney material at Home Depot for $4. Also a bolt for 25 cents. Total Cost: $12.25
I use aluminum chimney material because:
1) It is light weight.
2) Rust free as it is already built for outdoor use.
3) Round means aerodynamic.
http://i47.tinypic.com/jj2rzn.jpg
Next, put the short VideoSecu extension on top of the camera like so:
http://i50.tinypic.com/21br6fs.jpg
Cut the aluminum chimney material short, drill a hole on top. Please some rubber or leather in between for sound proof (wind will knock it and you'll record a lot of Ding Ding Ding sound). Put the screw on top and you are set.
http://i49.tinypic.com/10hiqg4.jpg
Hose Clamp Mounts -
I am not a fan of drilling holes in front of the building. So I came up with an even better idea, Hose Clamps!! Anyone that worked on cars know these are so strong it would take a storm to blow them off.
http://i47.tinypic.com/bis51x.jpg
From the VideoSecu package is a T-Bar Clip, use that instead of the screw plate.
http://i47.tinypic.com/ejt0jt.jpg
This is how it looks top or bottom, with a short extension arm instead of the long arms (for your application if needed).
http://i50.tinypic.com/2yu153a.jpg
This picture shows you how I put a hose clamp around the t-bar clip that is placed on a ruler.
http://i47.tinypic.com/126bdw0.jpg
And there you have it, securely mounted on a bar outside the building.
You can also apply this on a front gate, tree branch, or basically anything that a hose clamp can go around.
http://i48.tinypic.com/vymclj.jpg
You can also put aluminum sheets on top of the camera, but I found:
1) Thin sheets are too soft.
2) Thick sheets are too heavy.
3) They are not aerodynamic!
4) Looks like graduation hat.
Just ideas to consider.
http://i49.tinypic.com/63wp5l.jpg
