Top 10 License Plate Recognition (LPR) Security Cameras

License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras are important pieces of hardware for businesses that own and operate car parks or those looking to monitor who drives onto their property.

These high-end specialist cameras operate effectively in challenging lighting conditions, tracking and recording license plates as they pass the camera’s field of view.

In our list, we have gathered ten of the best LPR cameras. These device’s specs are tailored for the task of detecting and logging license plate numbers but their supporting specs vary, such as camera resolution, interoperability support, vandal resistance, etc.

Top 10 License Plate Recognition (LPR) Security Cameras

The Hikvision DS-2CD7A26G0/P-IZHS8 LPR is our top contender on this lineup. It is an IP-based camera and needs to draw power from either PoE or a DC adapter.

There are several storage options: NVR, NAS, and MicroSD. Alongside that, it includes ONVIF and RTSP as compatible interoperability protocols.

In addition to LPR, this camera can also detect and recognize faces. It includes multiple customizable perimeter protection features such as intrusion detection, line crossing, and region entrance/exit detection.

The 2MP camera records 1080p footage at 30fps. For improving the footage, the camera can perform multiple post-processing functions. (A few of these include: True WDR, White Balance Control, and Defogging.)

Our runner-up for this lineup is the Digital Watchdog DWC-MB44iALPR Security Camera. This LPR camera includes a 4MP camera recording 2688x1520 footage at 30 fps.

This Digital Watchdog LPR camera does not include a siren or other audio-based features. However, it does offer the interface for setting them up separately.

Since this camera has a bullet-style chassis with a motorized lens, it can perform optical zoom for 8.3x magnification. Unfortunately, it does not support motorized tilting or panning.

For storage, there's the option between NVR and MicroSD. For interoperability protocols, the device supports ONVIF and RTSP.

The Speco HLPR1G Security Camera is an analog-based LPR camera with a motorized lens that can perform 10x optical zooming. The camera resolution is 1920x1080 HD using a 2MP sensor.

The camera does not include audio-based features and can only store footage onto a compatible DVR. It has an IP66 rating and readily supports outdoor installations. (Although you will have to drag a wired DC/AC power alongside the Coax cable.)

However, when configured with a supported DVR, the Speco Player Mobile App allows remote viewing, zoom control, and real-time notifications.

The GeoVision GV-LPR2811-DL Security Camera is one of the top dogs regarding vehicle detection. It has built-in processors to perform LPR. It can detect vehicles moving at high speeds (more than 62 miles per hour) and differentiate between two lanes.

A specific use case for this LPR camera involves the access control system, where the camera can manage a gate or barrier to allow vehicles to pass through. (Performing LPR and comparing them to a database before allowing vehicles to pass)

The camera used on this device is a 2MP 1080p camera. It has a motorized lens with 2.5x optical magnification.

The Dahua ITC237-PW6M-IRLZF1050-B LPR camera can record 30fps footage on a 1080p resolution and comprises a 10mm-50 mm Vari-focal Lens.

The camera can process footage using True WDR (thanks to advanced sensors) and includes other post-processing features such as noise reduction, white-balance control, and gain control.

The camera can record audio to its streams but cannot perform two-way communication. However, it offers an alarm interface for connecting a separate siren.

The camera has 64GB onboard storage and includes options for MicroSD and NVR. Alongside that, it goes together with ONVIF and CGI-compatible devices.

The Samsung Hanwha XNO-6120R/LPR Security Camera is another great option for tracking vehicles and license plates. Right out of the gate, this camera will be able to perform vehicle detection and number plate recognition. (without the need for a dedicated server for image processing)

The device uses a 2MP camera with a 1080p (1920x1080) resolution. It has a motorized lens that can carry out 12x optical zoom and 24x digital magnification.

This Hanwha LPR camera switches over to infrared when the ambient light level is less than 0.03lux. The device also performs wonders with infrared as it can perform LPR from a vehicle as far as 65ft away in pitch-black darkness.

The HDView 8595702021 LPR Security is an affordable LPR camera with a manual varifocal lens.

Unfortunately, this camera lacks several noteworthy specs such as an official IP rating, audio-based features, storage, and interoperability features since this is an analog camera device.

Since it is analog-based, you will have to provide draw wired coaxial cables from the camera to a compatible DVR. Also, you will have to provide wired DC/AC power.

Despite having the same 2MP 1080p camera, the LPR performance on this device will not perform as well as other high-end alternatives. Therefore, license plates from vehicles that are moving too fast and from too far away will not be very accurate.

The Axis Q6055-C LPR Security Camera is a premium-priced IP camera that incorporates a 2MP CMOS image sensor with a 1/2.8" size. It can process footage using True WDR and produce footage at 60fps.

A somewhat unique aspect of this LPR camera is the complete PTZ functionality. The device can accomplish 360-degree panning and 220-degrees tilting. On top of that, it can carry out 32x optical magnification and 12x digital zoom.

Therefore, if vehicle tracking and preconfigured PTZ presets are something you want to set up in your LPR camera, this is your best bet.

The Uniview HC121@TS8CR-Z LPR Security is an LPR camera with high-end support for vehicle detection. The camera has in-built support for LPR and can easily recognize license plates of various countries. It also supports vehicle access control to allow vehicles to pass through when set up with a barrier.

The camera has an IP67 rating and can record audio while also having the means to carry out two-way communication. It records 1080p 60fps footage using a 2MP camera with a 1/2.8 inch CMOS sensor.

The Uniview LPR camera has an integrated microphone and speaker setup for recording audio and conducting two-way communication. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include an integrated siren, nor does it offer the interface for connecting one externally.

The Vivotek IB9365-LPR Security Camera uses a 1/2 inch CMOS image sensor with a maximum 1080p resolution. It also uses a motorized lens that cannot perform any PTZ functions. Nonetheless, it can carry out 48x digital zoom.

This camera has an IP66 rating along with an IK10 impact rating. The camera has multiple options such as NVR, NAS, FTP, and MicroSD. for storage. Along with that, the device is compatible with ONVIF and RTSP.

The camera lacks even the most basic audio-based features. It doesn’t include microphones or speakers for two-way communication or recording audio. However, it has the interfaces for a microphone and speaker setup. (for two-way communication)

Decision Factors when Choosing an LPR Security Camera

IP and IK Ratings

For most security cameras, the IP rating is the primary decision factor to decide if the camera is outdoor-ready. Even though this is also the case for LPR cameras, the IK rating is also an important aspect, especially if you need to vandal-proof the camera. We recommend going for IP66 or higher for weather-proofing and, if possible, an impact rating of IK10. Also, you might need to consider the temperature tolerances of the camera, especially for colder climates. (some cameras have in-built heaters to aid with a cold-start.)

Price

Despite recording at 1080p, these cameras are more expensive than regular security cameras – most LPR cameras cost more than $1000. So even if you find the ideal LPR camera with all your desired specs, the price might be too high for your budget. We recommend setting aside at least $1200 for a feature-packed LPR camera for your business or organization.

LPR capabilities

License plate recognition might seem like an easy process. However, there are several variables involved on the camera’s side. A few features (you need to keep an eye out for) are double lane recognition, vehicle speed recognition, maximum recording fps, and standalone LPR functions with in-built access control. For the entire system, you may need to consider a compatible NVR, LPR software, and workflow of the LPR process. (opening gates/barriers, sending out notifications, exporting data, etc.)

Ambient Lighting

Almost every LPR camera has infrared as a backup for recording when the color sensor can no longer record readable footage. You need to take into account features such as the maximum infrared distance, minimum illumination level, (before switching over to infrared,) defogging capabilities, and WDR post-processing. The LPR camera should be able to read the license plates even when the scene is overexposed with bright headlights or underexposed due to the lack of any ambient lighting.

Installation Location

Where you choose to set up the camera can impact the accuracy of the LPR process. Ideally, the camera should be parallel and head-to-head with the vehicle’s number plate. For optimal LPR performance, we recommend installing the camera such that the horizontal angle does not exceed 15 degrees and the vertical angle also does not overshoot 30 degrees. (From where the license plate is supposed to be recorded)

Conclusion

So this has been our list of the top ten LPR cameras that are available on the market right now. All of these devices have a wide range of specs but mostly differ on the decision factors that relate to LPR. Therefore, any of these devices can cater to your LPR needs, whether that includes monitoring hundreds of vehicles coming to your business or just noting down the number plate of the car doing a U-turn on your driveway.

Out of these, which LPR camera was your favorite? Did we miss any that was important? Let us know in the comments.