License Plate Camara

[oldguy]

Need help on what kind of camera to purchase and where to install the camera for the best shot at the license plate. We have camera system installed in the automatic bay but neither one of our camera gives a good clear shot of the plate. Can anyone help?

 

[MEP001]

You need one with a good zoom lens - I mounted one right next to a light so the reflective properties of the plates would make them easier to see.

 

[mac]

A good plate camera will cost several times more than a regular one. One to two grand is not out of sight.

 

[MEP001]

A good plate camera will cost several times more than a regular one. One to two grand is not out of sight.

I paid only $600 for a high-end Sony with zoom lens and weatherproof housing which gives video that far exceeds the DVR's record ability.

 

[galen]

Where did you mount the camera Mep? Down low or up on the building? Entering the wash?

 

[MEP001]

One on each entrance, 14 ft. up and as close to a light as I could get it. The only real issue is about 7-10 am when the sun shines right into the front camera.

 

[mac]

One of the neatest benefits of this site is that those of us that know it all can come and learn some more. Thanks for the update Mep. I hadn't priced one in a while, and the prices are coming down fast on these. I even heard of a four camera system advertised on the radio at Office Max for about 400. The last time I got a quote on a good plate camera, it was over 2K.

 

[MEP001]

I even heard of a four camera system advertised on the radio at Office Max for about 400.

At that price, it's probably a "monitor only" system with no recording ability.

galen will disagree, but I like PC-based recording. I've had one running for a year that's only crashed once during that time (and that was my fault), gives a better recorded image than a $3,000 DVR at another location, and cost under $100 since I put it together with old parts from upgrades to my home PC. I can also export the video to any format, including burning to a standard DVD, right from the site.

 

[galen]

Not so fast Miles

Miles, it's OK to buy or own a capture card system. They are priced right for the smaller budget. They operate on windows software, so it's familiar clicking. It's for good reason that I shy away from them. They are inherently unstable. Stand-alone DVR's are Linux based and are designed to run 24/7. As is the hard drive. They are more carefree. Reliable. I don't want someone calling me every day, and spending hours on the phone trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with the CPU, hard drive, software. I really don't have time for those headaches. But Miles your right about picture quality, and ease of use. Someone like yourself, it's easy. And your saving money doing so. Nothing wrong with that. I'd do the same. But I'm not computer savvy. I do know how to make a great margarita though. My 16 channel top of the line DVR is not 3 grand. It's just over 2 grand with all the whistles and bells. These units now come with IE base viewing software which is better than what was used in the past.

 

[MEP001]

A computer should be reliable enough to run for years, 24/7, but you're right, they just don't build the components very well, especially the makers of Dell, HP, Compaq and the like. None of the ones I've built have had a real issue, but I choose the components from what I know is good quality. I actually find PCs in the garbage at the wash, often with repair tags from places like Best Buy. I'm sure these people decided it's cheaper to buy another POS for $300 than to fix their old POS.