@StratRider - yes you can have same night setting for day and run black and white 24/7, I have done that for a long time.
You would be surprised how small a 4x zoom really is for something like LPR, but if you have the angle maybe, but I think it would be tough.
Okay, I have placed a
IPC-T3241T-ZAS at 17 ft back from the curb and so far almost all moving targets are at 80 feet and this gives an angle of about 28 degrees (using google maps for measurements)
the 3241 cam has a 13.5 mm varifocal so it is a solid 4x zoom and you are right, I am disappointed in how wide the FOV still is.
Using both day and night settings between 3-4pm on a slightly cloudy day, I can make out every plate so far but have to use a little digital zoom most of the time - not good.
I would bet though that a 4 mp camera would produce a better and likely just barely acceptable picture for days.
I will run my own vehicle out there tonight and make adjustments for some night settings, but unless those are really nice - I will likely start looking into cams with higher zoom levels.
also, I am making an assumption that the low angle is needed in order to get the best reflection from IR at night and it likely allows for lower frame rates.
I have just located another spot where the cam will be at 55 ft to target but at a 40 degree angle - which is fine for daytime, but will check on that tonight also.
Did a test shot while typing and there isn't much difference in 55 ft or 80 feet when it comes to this cams daytime clarity.
