Direct answer: Also known in the field as an ANPR camera, LPR camera or plate reading camera — The right license plate recognition camera is chosen based on a resolution, lens and IR illumination combination determined by the number of entry lanes, reading distance, vehicle speed and day/night conditions. The wrong camera choice is the most common cause of reading errors in low light or at high speed.
Choosing resolution and lens
Resolution determines both how clearly plate characters are seen and the field of view. 2-5 megapixels is generally enough for single-lane entrances; higher resolution or a separate camera per lane is preferred for entrances needing a wide angle or multiple lanes. Lens focal length should be chosen based on reading distance.
IR illumination and night performance
In night and low-light conditions, IR illumination must match the camera's sensitivity. A synchronized IR flash reduces headlight glare and increases contrast compared to continuous illumination — significantly improving night plate-reading accuracy.
Mounting angle and distance
The camera should be mounted to view the plate as close to a straight-on angle as possible; angles that are too far to the side or from above increase reading errors. Typical entrance applications use a 3-15 meter reading distance; if vehicle speed is high, shutter time should be adjusted accordingly.
Quick technical facts
| Typical resolution | 2-5 MP (single lane), higher for multiple lanes |
|---|---|
| Reading distance | 3-15 meters (depending on application) |
| Illumination | Synchronized IR flash recommended |
| Mounting angle | As close to straight-on to the plate as possible |
| High-speed support | Short shutter time + sufficient IR power |
The difference between an LPR camera and a security camera
Although they look similar, an LPR camera and a general-purpose security camera are designed for different jobs. A security camera monitors a wide area with balanced exposure; an LPR camera uses short exposure, a narrow field of view, strong IR illumination and plate-specific image processing to capture the small, reflective plate of a moving vehicle sharply. That is why even if a security camera can read a plate by day, its success drops noticeably at night, against headlight glare or when the vehicle speeds up. To assess your existing cameras see existing camera LPR integration.
The camera we use in our projects: SOLEsys Dahua PRO
Below are the manufacturer specifications of the LPR camera we use in standard projects. Accuracy of 98% and above for European plates applies with a suitable camera angle and site conditions.
| Sensor | 1/1.8" CMOS, 4 MP |
|---|---|
| Lens | 2.7–12 mm (up to 80 km/h) or 8–32 mm (up to 120 km/h) |
| Illumination | 850 nm IR or dual light |
| Recognition | Plate + vehicle type, make and colour |
| On-camera list | 110,000 whitelist + 110,000 blacklist |
| Durability | IP67, IK10, -30 °C / +65 °C |
| Connectivity | PoE (802.3at), 2 relay outputs, 2 alarm inputs, 2× RS-485, Wiegand |
| Storage | ANR, TF card up to 256 GB |
Because the camera can hold lists in its own memory, small entries can run software-free without a separate computer, and in large projects it provides a backup decision mechanism against internet outages.
Choosing camera and lens for the site
| Site | Recommended setup | Point to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Residential / apartment entry | 1 camera per lane, 2.7–12 mm lens | Focus where the vehicle slows before the barrier |
| Paid parking entry and exit | Separate cameras at entry and exit | Reliable reads in both directions for fee calculation |
| Factory, trucks, heavy vehicles | High mounting, 8–32 mm lens if needed | Truck plate height and dirt |
| Fast passage, main road | 8–32 mm lens, short exposure | Vehicle speed and read distance |
| Remote or wireless point | Field cabinet with PoE switch + wireless bridge | Wireless LPR architecture |
Camera selection checklist
- How many lanes will be read? Plan a separate camera per lane at critical entries (how many lanes per camera?).
- At what speed does the vehicle approach the gate and from how many metres must the plate be read?
- Is there night lighting, and backlight such as oncoming headlights or sunset?
- Does the camera have an IP67 housing suited to the local temperature range?
- Can the camera trigger the barrier directly via relay, or is software or a PLC needed?
- Can the camera decide with its own list when the internet drops?
- How will records be stored: on the camera, on the site computer or in the cloud?
The camera is only one part of the system. We compare all system types together with software, barrier, network and installation options in the license plate recognition system guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many megapixels should a license plate recognition camera have?
2-5 megapixels is enough for most single-lane entrances; higher resolution or a separate camera per lane is preferred for wide-angle or multi-lane entrances.
At what angle should a license plate recognition camera be mounted?
The camera should be positioned to view the plate as close to a straight-on angle as possible; excessively side-on or overhead angles reduce reading accuracy.
What should the plate-reading distance be?
Typical entrance applications use a 3-15 meter range; as distance increases, choosing the right lens and resolution becomes more critical.
Which camera is needed for reading plates at high speed?
For high-speed crossings, ANPR cameras built for speed with short shutter times and sufficient IR power are preferred.
Can one camera read two lanes?
This depends on lane width, vehicle angle and camera resolution; for critical entrances, a separate camera per lane gives more consistent results.
How can accuracy be improved in a license plate recognition system?
The right resolution, proper mounting angle, synchronized IR illumination and regular lens/camera maintenance all directly affect accuracy.
Can existing security cameras be used for license plate recognition?
Existing cameras can be evaluated if resolution, angle and position are suitable; suitability is assessed technically during the site survey.
Does an LPR camera also recognize vehicle make and colour?
The SOLEsys Dahua PRO camera we use can also distinguish vehicle type (10 classes), make (147 logos) and colour (12 colours) alongside the plate.
Is IP67 required for an LPR camera?
IP67 protection is recommended for cameras exposed outdoors to rain, dust and temperature changes; the camera we use is IP67 and IK10.
Can the camera decide without internet?
Yes. The camera we use holds 110,000 whitelist and 110,000 blacklist entries in its own memory and can open the barrier via relay without internet.
To see all license plate recognition system types, camera specifications, accuracy conditions and cost logic on one page, read our license plate recognition system guide.
Last updated: September 27, 2026 · Technical content: Gray Teknoloji project team
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