I currently have Arlo Ultra 2’s and I can’t stand the slow load time to view the cameras live and quite frankly the camera quality is disappointing at range. One camera is approximately 25’ from the street yet you can’t even make out a single digit on a licenses plate.
I am looking for a PoE camera, 4K, NVR. I’ve done research but would still like to gain this communities opinions from personal experience. I’d like the ability to set it up and access it remotely whether it be through a FTP or cloud-based service. I am not overly concerned with security of where it’s stored but want the option. More or less, I’m looking for excellent quality and the ability to read a licenses plate from 25’. I’m still doing research and understanding the capabilities but if I could also get 24-Hour recording, that would be best.
Open to all recommendations. I’d like to keep the cost at or below $2,000.
For a crystal clear footage, 4K resolution cameras like Lorex are great, but cost more. Reolink offers a good balance of features and affordability, and their systems even let you store video locally instead of paying a monthly subscription fee. Swann cameras integrate well with smart home platforms like Alexa, which is handy if you want everything connected. Do some research on these brands and their features to see which best suits your needs and budget.
Given your dissatisfaction with the Arlo Ultra 2 and your specific requirements for a PoE camera system with 4K resolution and NVR capability, there are several options that might suit your needs. One highly regarded option is the Hikvision DS-7608NI-I2/8P NVR with Hikvision’s 4K PoE cameras. Hikvision is known for its high-quality surveillance products, and their 4K cameras should provide the image clarity you’re looking for, even at a distance of 25 feet. The NVR supports 24-hour recording and remote access, either through FTP or cloud-based services, offering the flexibility you desire. Another option worth considering is the Reolink RLK8-800B4 4K PoE security camera system, which includes an NVR and four 4K PoE cameras. Reolink systems are known for their affordability and reliability, and this system should meet your requirements for image quality, remote access, and 24-hour recording. Both options are within your budget of $2,000 and offer excellent value for the features they provide. Ultimately, it’s essential to consider factors such as installation ease, customer support, and any additional features that may be important to you when making your decision.
License plate reading generally requires around 70 pixels per square foot for clear captures, and most cameras designed specifically for this purpose can cost over $1,200.
However, if security isn’t your main concern, you can opt for a more budget-friendly setup. You could get a cheap ONVIF-compatible Chinese camera (like those from Hikvision or Dahua), pair it with a decent entry-level NVR from Digital Watchdog, and use OpenALPR to read and store license plate data in the cloud.
I’ll second this. I have a Reolink 8K bullet camera mounted above my garage doors, and it can read license plates from cars at the end of my driveway or even passing by my mailbox (I live on a street corner). I was really impressed when I installed it, especially after upgrading from a poor-quality “HD” camera. The Reolink NVR comes with great features, a mobile app with no fees, and a 2TB hard drive that records several weeks of 24/7 footage from four bullet cameras, with room to add four more.
If you’re after clear license plate capture from 25 feet, the Reolink 4K PoE System or Amcrest 4K UltraHD System are solid picks. They both offer great image quality, 24/7 recording, and remote access, all within your $2,000 budget.