IPC-4K-X Number plate at 20-25m

[JayUK]

Hi all,

I'm considering a IPC-4K-X bullet camera (or turret) to be used to film cars/people.

There is some background ambient light (from a street light) so a colour cam should be ok.

The question is whether this camera is suitable for recording the number plate at about 20-25m range. The camera will probably be at a 30-45degree angle to the car. I'm assuming I'd need the 6mm lens?

If it's not suitable, would something like the IPC-B54IR-Z4E-S3 camera be better (I know it's not colour)

Thanks,

J.

 

[wittaj]

Not even close.

You do have bigger plates than those in the USA, but 25 meters (82 feet), needs more optical zoom.

The Z4E would be on the limits of that distance and the Z12E would be a better fit.

Keep in mind, you would have to set the camera up specifically to read plates. You need the proper camera with OPTICAL zoom for the distance you are covering and the angle to get plates.

Regarding plates, keep in mind that this is a camera dedicated to plates and not an overview camera also. It is as much an art as it is a science. You will need two cameras. For LPR we need to OPTICALLY zoom in tight to make the plate as large as possible. For most of us, all you see is the not much more than a vehicle in the entire frame. Now maybe in the right location during the day it might be able to see some other things, but not at night.

At night, we have to run a very fast shutter speed (1/2,000) and in B/W with IR and the image will be black. All you will see are head/tail lights and the plate.

Some people can get away with color if they have enough street lights, but most of us cannot. Here is a representative sample of plates I get at night of vehicles traveling about 45MPH at 175 feet from my 2MP 5241-Z12E camera (that is all that is needed for plates):

See the LPR subforum for more details.

 

[Ri22o]

See my images below, for reference.

This is my 4K-X 3.6mm bullet. Distance to the license plate is approximately 20m.


This is my 5442 varifocal at full 12mm zoom. Distance to the license plate is approximately 23m.


This is my Z4E non S-3 at full 32mm zoom. Distance to the back fence is approximately 19m.


This is my Z12E non S-2 at a lot of zoom with distance to the license plate approximately 45m.

 

[JayUK]

Thanks for the images Ri22o

The 4K-X is a definite no. I could possibly get away with a 4x zoom, as UK plates are definitely more legible than US ones. The 12x would definitely work.

What's the downside of the 12x over the 4x?

I assume there isn't a full colour low light 12x camera (1/1.2")? (which doesn't cost the earth!)

 

[steve1225]

What's the downside of the 12x over the 4x?

I assume there isn't a full colour low light 12x camera (1/1.2")? (which doesn't cost the earth!)

EmpireTech IPC-B52IR-Z12E-S2 1/2.8" CMOS 2MP 5mm–60mm Ultra Low Light

2-MP 1/2.8" CMOS image sensor, low luminance, and high definition image. Outputs max. 2MP (1920×1080) @25/30 fps. Built-in IR LED, and the max. illumination distance is 150 m. ROI, SVC, SMART H.264+/H.265+, AI H.264/H.265, encoding after filter, flexible coding, applicable to various bandwidth...

empiretech01.com

It is Dahua 2MP 5241-Z12E-S2 - it have 12x zoom range (5-60mm, horizontal angle of view: 5-59 degree).

It is full color low light camera from latest WizMind-S series (the same as 5442-S3).

Main weakness: only 2mpx, You can use very wide angle (max 59 degree).

Discussion/Review:

Mini-Review - 5241-Z12E-S2 - Replacement for the 5241-Z12E

Because we have had so many incidents over the years, I had finally convinced the neighbor at the beginning of the subdivision to allow me to put my LPR camera on their house so we could get everything coming in and out as they have a better angle and shorter distance than I do. I think many of...

ipcamtalk.com

B5442E-Z4E - First Thoughts After Test

So this evening I finally got around to setting up a test rig with my new B5442E-Z4E that I bought from @EMPIRETECANDY and received in less than two days shipped from Hong Kong. Thank you Andy. I am impressed with this cam. A little background on the job this cam is to do. I live on a...

ipcamtalk.com

If you need more zoom range & Mpx - then PTZ cameras with 25x zoom range:

EmpireTech PTZ5A4M-25X 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 5.4mm–135mm Va

1/1.8" 4Megapixel CMOS | Powerful 25x optical zoom | Starlight+ Technology | Max. 25/30fps@4MP | IR distance up to 150 m | Deep-learning-based perimeter protection | Auto-tracking and IVS | PoE+ | IP67, IK10

empiretech01.com

And even higher model (60x, 2mp, 1/1.8")

EmpireTech 1/1.8" CMOS SD8C260PA-HNF 2M 60x Starlight IR Ultra Smart P

EmpireTech's 1/1.8" CMOS SD8C260PA-HNF 2M 60x Starlight IR Ultra Smart PTZ Camera offers superior image clarity and security in low light with a 250m IR range, 60x optical zoom, three night view modes, face recognition, and auto-tracking/perimeter protection. Plus, it's IP67-rated.

empiretech01.com