# 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.