> 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/scout/camera-configuration/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 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 that you can try to improve accuracy in varying lighting conditions. * **Resolution/Frame Rate** = 720p (1280x720) and 20 frames per second are a good starting point depending on how far away the camera is to the plate. Remember your pixels on target equation above to determine maximum distance of the camera. The more you increase the resolution the more CPU processing power is required unless you use the Detection Zones masking feature to tell the software where to look for plates. * **Compression** = 20. A lower setting will produce better image quality at the tradeoff of more bandwidth consumption. * **Smart Codecs** = off. If your camera manufacturer uses technology to compress the image based on a region of interest or motion detection disable it. * **Camera Capture Mode** * Wide Dynamic Range = Off. This feature adds noise to the image which affects accuracy in low light conditions. * **Image Appearance** * Color level = default setting * Brightness = default setting * Sharpness = 60% - 65% * Contrast = 60 - 75% * **White Balance** * White balance = Automatic * White balance window = Automatic * **Wide Dynamic Range** * 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; 1/4000 + for highway speed. * Gain = Auto * Max Gain = +12 (day) +24 db (night). Avoid excessive gain settings which will add noise to the image. * **Image Settings** * Enable automatic iris adjustment = yes * **Day/Night** * IR cut filter = On (during Day), Off (Night) * **IR Illumination** (if required) * Enable IR illumination = yes --- # 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 by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.rekor.ai/scout/camera-configuration/camera-image-settings.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. 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.