> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rekor.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rekor.ai/rekor-edge-max-tm/rekor-edge-max-tm-for-alpr/alpr-camera-placement/camera-image-settings.md).

# Camera Image Settings

Getting the correct image settings takes some trial and error because no two scenes are alike. If your goal is to capture plates 24/7 you’ll have to make some trade-offs. Settings that work best at night aren’t necessarily going to work best during the day and vice versa. Most modern IP cameras provide good image quality using the default/automatic settings. However, here are some suggestions you can try to improve accuracy in varying lighting conditions.

{% hint style="info" %}
These are starting recommendations — adjust based on your scene, distance to the plate, and camera capabilities. Use the pixels-on-target calculation to determine maximum camera distance, and consider Detection Zones to reduce processing load.
{% endhint %}

### Resolution / Frame Rate

* Recommended: 720p (1280x720) at 20 frames per second (adjust based on camera distance to the plate).
* Note: Increasing resolution increases CPU processing unless you limit analysis with Detection Zones.

### Compression

* Recommended value: 20
* Note: Lower compression values yield better image quality at the cost of more bandwidth.

### Smart Codecs

* Recommended: Off
* If the camera manufacturer compresses using region-of-interest or motion-based techniques, disable that behavior.

### Camera Capture Mode

* (No specific setting provided — configure according to your camera model and scene.)

### Wide Dynamic Range

* Wide Dynamic Range: Off
* Reason: This feature can add noise, adversely affecting low-light accuracy.

### Image Appearance

* Color level: Default
* Brightness: Default
* Sharpness: 60%–65%
* Contrast: 60–75%

### White Balance

* White balance: Automatic
* White balance window: Automatic

### Wide Dynamic Range (additional)

* Enable Dynamic Contrast: Off

### Exposure Settings

* Exposure value: 70%
* Exposure control: Automatic
* Maximum Exposure Time: 1/1000 second
* Backlight compensation: Off
* Exposure zone: Auto
* Shutter Speed:
  * Fixed @ 1/2000 for slow-speed scenes
  * 1/4000+ for highway-speed scenes
* Gain: Auto
* Max Gain:
  * Day: +12 dB
  * Night: +24 dB
* Note: Avoid excessive gain — it adds noise.

### Image Settings

* Enable automatic iris adjustment: Yes

### Day/Night

* IR cut filter:
  * On during Day
  * Off at Night

### IR Illumination (if required)

* Enable IR illumination: Yes

If you need the original reference for pixels on target or other camera guidance, consult your camera/vendor documentation.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.rekor.ai/rekor-edge-max-tm/rekor-edge-max-tm-for-alpr/alpr-camera-placement/camera-image-settings.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.