The Z4E is an incredible camera. I would replace all of mine with it LOL.
Mini-Review - 5442-Z4E-S3 AKA B54IR-Z4E S3 - Replacement to the 5442-Z4E
- Thread starter wittaj
- Start date
The Z4E is an incredible camera. I would replace all of mine with it LOL.
It would be a good idea to buy one and use a test rig to see how it performs at each of your intended locations. This will give you experience on how the cam performs, enabling you to make better decisions in the future.
LPR cameras all need powerful lens, the turret too small, can't hold powerful len because of it's small size, currently bullet IPC-B54IR-Z4E, IPC-B52IR-Z12E are the best choice for the LPR.
Is this camera capable of reading license plates up to 65 feet away?
Parley
Known around here
I have the original Z12E (non-S2) currently but is one of these cameras you mentioned better than the other? Would it be worth me upgrading?
If you are capturing plates successfully now, no real reason to upgrade.
But if you do decide to upgrade, the camera selection should be based on the distance you are trying to cover.
I haven't finished setting things up yet so not sure how good it will be with what I have but the distance from the camera to the capture area is around 400ft.
Would one of these be better than the other?
At 400 feet neither one will work.
The most someone got out of the Z12E is about 250 feet under ideal conditions.
At 400 feet you need to dedicate a PTZ to LPR duty.
The most someone got out of the Z12E is about 250 feet under ideal conditions.
At 400 feet you need to dedicate a PTZ to LPR duty.
I used google maps to measure the distance so it may not be entirely accurate. It sounds like the Z12E gives me the best shot of what I want to do (appears to have the best optical zoom capabilities at 5 mm–60 mm) so I'll try that first and then look at alternatives if need be. Thanks again for your help.
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Z12E is fun.
See attached images from alert clips, approx. 310 and 330 feet from cam through window glass.
Cam is facing 150° SSE.
Angle of view and existing clear line of sight through trees and shrubs just worked out.
Was the easiest cam "install" – window is in the right spot, DSLR cam tripod repurposed, ethernet port was nearby, patched to cam PoE switch.
Z12E zoom is maxed out, or almost.
Cam still at defaults because my attempts at dialing in cams makes things worse, so far anyways.
See attached images from alert clips, approx. 310 and 330 feet from cam through window glass.
Cam is facing 150° SSE.
Angle of view and existing clear line of sight through trees and shrubs just worked out.
Was the easiest cam "install" – window is in the right spot, DSLR cam tripod repurposed, ethernet port was nearby, patched to cam PoE switch.
Z12E zoom is maxed out, or almost.
Cam still at defaults because my attempts at dialing in cams makes things worse, so far anyways.
Attachments
No good - it can't see anything and loses focus.
Plus, interior reflections on the glass further compound the situation.
Really have to properly install the cam outside.
I had a boobie-cam sitting on the window sill, similar problem at night.
Finally moved it to a temporary "stand" outside the front door, with a patch cable coming in under front door to nearby ethernet port.
Another to-do install.
Plus, interior reflections on the glass further compound the situation.
Really have to properly install the cam outside.
I had a boobie-cam sitting on the window sill, similar problem at night.
Finally moved it to a temporary "stand" outside the front door, with a patch cable coming in under front door to nearby ethernet port.
Another to-do install.
You could try turning off the onboard IR on the cam and install an IR blaster outside. Then put some black fabric behind the cam to mute the reflections from the room on the glass. I use the black fabric on three of my overview cams that are mounted in second story windows.
Thanks for great input, am learning new stuff.
Am hoping to build out some ethernet infrastructure outdoors (other thread) and then relocate the Z12E to a more suitable spot outdoors.
Perhaps the distance will shorten by at least 100 feet, or even more.
It was said in the world of still photography use a good prime lens and let your feet do the zooming.
Perhaps something like that is applicable to surveillance cams too.
By locating the Z12E at a better spot, the zoom performance will increase.
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Ditto what @samplenhold said that you can try putting the cam close to the glass and "cover the surrounding area" with black fabric to block interior light/reflections - I'm sure a lot easier with a bullet versus a dome.
As it sounds like you know/done, this is a common photography trick when shooting from inside - you can buy "rubber extensions" for your lens that do this for 'ya and will look better ... increasing your chances of having it "approved" by the WAF - Wife Acceptance Factor! ;-)
Similarly, if you are trying to taking pictures from inside a plane, try the same approach with a dark shirt to reduce reflections ... although LOL that airplane windows aren't exactly optical quality.
As it sounds like you know/done, this is a common photography trick when shooting from inside - you can buy "rubber extensions" for your lens that do this for 'ya and will look better ... increasing your chances of having it "approved" by the WAF - Wife Acceptance Factor! ;-)
Similarly, if you are trying to taking pictures from inside a plane, try the same approach with a dark shirt to reduce reflections ... although LOL that airplane windows aren't exactly optical quality.
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Good morning all,
I have the the Z4E and looking for some recommendations on tweaking the nighttime image of vehicles moving past my house at 20-30mph. Camera on most recent firmware. Zoomed in about half way with the following image settings. The lighter colored vehicles seem to get a better image because of the color but all vehicle headlights seem to have a decent "glare" and you can see the yard lamp at my neighbors has it to. Any settings that may reduce that. Any input appreciated.
Thanks!
Backlight-off
WB- outdoor
I have the the Z4E and looking for some recommendations on tweaking the nighttime image of vehicles moving past my house at 20-30mph. Camera on most recent firmware. Zoomed in about half way with the following image settings. The lighter colored vehicles seem to get a better image because of the color but all vehicle headlights seem to have a decent "glare" and you can see the yard lamp at my neighbors has it to. Any settings that may reduce that. Any input appreciated.
Thanks!
Backlight-off
WB- outdoor
Attachments
The camera installation need to adjust the angle, need some angle.
Here just some setting idea, need to adjust based on your using environment.
Here just some setting idea, need to adjust based on your using environment.