If you need reliable evidence after trespassing or theft, a good
license plate capture camera is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to a security system. License plate video gives law enforcement a concrete lead, helps with insurance claims, and lets you track repeat offenders coming in and out of your property. The challenge is choosing the right tool. There is a real difference between a purpose-built ANPR/LPR plate camera, a long-range 4K bullet used for general surveillance, and a standard zoom camera that’s great for scene coverage but inconsistent for plates in motion.
In the video below, we show a side-by-side comparison of three cameras we carry and explain what each can and cannot do for capturing readable license plates in real-world conditions. You will see how vehicle speed, mounting angle, distance, and lighting affect results. We also demonstrate how an NVR surfaces plate snapshots and events to speed up investigations, and why placement and lane control matter more than megapixels when plate evidence is the goal.
Professional License Plate Cameras
Get a reliable plate reader camera for day or night capture.
Combine professional license plate reader cameras with a professional NVR to get ANPR data.
What We Tested - ANPR LPR vs 4K LPC Bullet vs 4MP Zoom
We set up three cameras watching the same ingress and egress area and reviewed the footage on an NVR capable of ANPR data and on a PC using the camera monitoring software.
- Dedicated LPR/ANPR License Plate Camera
A purpose-built camera that performs automatic number plate recognition. It detects plates, grabs the characters from video, and stores high-contrast still shots of the plate.
License Plate Camera with ANPR – Capture Plates Day & Night
4MP Resolution with Active Deterrence
This 4MP ANPR license plate camera is purpose-built to capture plates day or night, even from vehicles moving up to 75mph, with smart IR and shutter controls that eliminate nighttime glare. Its motorized 8–32mm zoom lens allows precise long-range plate capture up to 100ft, while built-in AI can recognize vehicle types, colors, and logos for added detail. Designed for reliability, it offers PoE connectivity, two-way audio, strobe alerts, and a rugged IP67/IK10 weather- and vandal-resistant housing for outdoor installations.
- 4K Long-Range Bullet Camera
A general surveillance camera with long-range zoom. It is not an LPR camera, but in the right conditions it can capture plates on slower moving vehicles that are less than 80ft away while also covering broader scene detail.
4K Long Range Zoom Camera for License Plate Capture During The Day
4K Resolution PoE Camera with 7-32mm Zoom
This 4K long range PoE IP camera delivers crisp Ultra HD video with a 7–35mm motorized zoom lens that can capture plates up to 70ft. While powerful for general surveillance, it is only suitable for capturing license plates during the day on slow-moving or parked vehicles when you have a direct, head-on angle of view. Designed for versatility, it features PoE installation, advanced video analytics, and durable IP67 weatherproof construction for outdoor use.
- Standard 4MP Long-Range Zoom Camera
A general observation 4MP 2K surveillance camera with 7-32mm zoom. It is not designed for license plates. It can sometimes catch a readable plate when a vehicle is stopped, but it is not reliable evidence for plates in motion.
What The Footage Showed
- LPR/ANPR Camera
This camera is built for the job. It optimizes exposure and IR to make plates pop with high contrast. On playback, the Avalonix NVR with ANPR capability shows thumbnails of detected vehicles, plate snapshots, and the plate numbers it extracted. Accuracy depends on mounting and scene conditions. Expect something like 80 to 90 percent recognition when the camera is aimed correctly and vehicles slow or stop in the capture zone. Use the snapshots for quick search, then confirm with the video clip for context. - 4K Long-Range Bullet
The 4K detail is excellent for general coverage. It can capture plates when vehicles slow or stop, and it can give you readable frames on steady motion at the right angle. It struggles with faster vehicles exiting at an angle. If you need one camera to cover a lot of area and occasionally catch plates, this is the compromise. - 4MP Zoom Camera
Good for seeing what is happening, not good for reading plates in motion. You may get lucky at a complete stop. For forensic plate evidence, this is not the right tool.
How We Reviewed the Clips
We replayed footage directly from the NVR. For the LPR camera, we also used the camera’s web interface to review plate hits and download still images to verify results. Note that a microSD card is required for the ANPR function to work. The camera writes ANPR data to the microSD and then syncs it with the NVR.
Mounting and Setup Tips That Matter
If you want consistent plate captures, the setup matters as much as the camera.
- Speed
Slower vehicles are easier to capture. Vehicles at 30-35 mph exiting at an angle are tough for any camera due to the way image sensors work. If you want to capture plates on fast 35mph moving vehicles, make sure the camera is positioned head-on, and not at an angle. - Angle and Lane Control
Aim the LPR camera so vehicles pass straight through the capture zone. The more head-on you are, the better. Put the capture box where drivers naturally slow or stop. - Lighting and IR
Dedicated LPR cameras control shutter and IR to reduce headlight glare and pull the plate out of the scene. General security cameras or PoE cameras do not manage this nearly as well. - Analytics and Search
Use the NVR’s AI search or the camera’s plate list to jump to events quickly. Treat the OCR as a smart filter, then verify in video. - Recording Target
We recommend recording to the NVR for centralized search and export.
Which Camera Should You Use?
- Choose a Dedicated LPR/ANPR Camera if your primary need is evidence-grade license plate capture. You will get the most consistent results, fast search, and snapshots tied to events.
- Choose a 4K Long-Range Bullet if you want broad coverage of an area and are okay with occasional readable plates when vehicles slow down or stop.
- Do not rely on a Standard 4MP Zoom for plates in motion. It remains a solid general surveillance camera for people, vehicles, and activity in the scene.
What To Expect From Plate Recognition
No LPR system is perfect in every scene. Think in terms of probability and placement. When mounted correctly and aimed at a slow point with controlled angles, the dedicated LPR camera can deliver reliable plate snapshots with roughly 80 to 90 percent accuracy. Weather, reflective plates, aftermarket frames, and driver behavior all influence results. Always confirm important reads with the associated clip.
Common Questions
Will a 4K camera read plates at night?
Sometimes, with good lighting and a slow vehicle. If you need consistent night performance against headlights and glare, use a dedicated LPR camera.
Can I point one LPR camera at a busy multi-lane road?
You can, but you will get the best results focusing on one lane where vehicles slow or stop. If you must cover multiple lanes, plan on one LPR camera per lane.
Do I need an NVR?
On some camera models, you can review hits from the camera’s web interface and microSD. For fast investigations and long retention, an NVR is strongly recommended.
Can I capture plates and faces with the same camera?
Not reliably. The exposure settings for plates and faces conflict. Use one dedicated LPR camera for plates and a separate overview camera for people and scene context.
Next Steps
If you need help picking the right lens, angle, and mounting height for your driveway, gate, or parking lot, we can help you design it so the camera does what you expect.
- Browse our license plate cameras
- Choose compatible NVR recorders depending on which brand of cameras you are using
- Explore complete security camera systems
