Did I just buy the wrong camera for the job? Newbie again.

O

oldspyguy

Young grasshopper
Jan 8, 2026
39
15
Cold North
I received my IPC-T54PRO-A5 and am impressed with the night vision and on board intelligence. This camera was chosen to provide an escalation response to the approach to my shop by using three IVS tripwires as shown in the picture.
From my initial testing the IVS and camera outputs work fine for that task.
1774450183844.png
But L
I was hoping to have a bit better detail at 50’ to recognize a person or somewhat catch a licence plate just enough to read it not capture it but the image was not what I expected. I got the 3.6 lens but probably should have used the lens calculator to get the DORI information . Duh.
1774450183859.png

I will keep this camera just for the triggers and eventually into home automation.
The night vision is great.

Still learning.....
 
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You
oldspyguy said:
I received my IPC-T54PRO-A5 and am impressed with the night vision and on board intelligence. This camera was chosen to provide an escalation response to the approach to my shop by using three IVS tripwires as shown in the picture.
From my initial testing the IVS and camera outputs work fine for that task.
View attachment 240592
But L
I was hoping to have a bit better detail at 50’ to recognize a person or somewhat catch a licence plate just enough to read it not capture it but the image was not what I expected. I got the 3.6 lens but probably should have used the lens calculator to get the DORI information . Duh.
View attachment 240591

I will keep this camera just for the triggers and eventually into home automation.
The night vision is great.

Still learning.....
Click to expand...
You need a Z4E for id at 50feet.
 
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oldspyguy said:
I received my IPC-T54PRO-A5 and am impressed with the night vision and on board intelligence. This camera was chosen to provide an escalation response to the approach to my shop by using three IVS tripwires as shown in the picture.
From my initial testing the IVS and camera outputs work fine for that task.
View attachment 240592
But L
I was hoping to have a bit better detail at 50’ to recognize a person or somewhat catch a licence plate just enough to read it not capture it but the image was not what I expected. I got the 3.6 lens but probably should have used the lens calculator to get the DORI information . Duh.
View attachment 240591

I will keep this camera just for the triggers and eventually into home automation.
The night vision is great.

Still learning.....
Click to expand...

yup ..

I was hoping to have a bit better detail at 50’ to recognize a person or somewhat catch a licence plate just enough to read it not capture it but the image was not what I expected. I got the 3.6 lens but probably should have used the lens calculator to get the DORI information . Duh.


Use the DORI equation Luke ..

The equation to calculate the Radius (the distance in feet) for identification for 100 ppf as discussed above: Radius = (( Horizontal Res / 100 ppf ) * ( 360 / H FOV Angle ))/2*Pi
50' = (( Horizontal Res / 100 ppf ) * ( 360 / H FOV Angle ))/2*Pi

using Max outputs 4MP (2688×1520)


50 = (( 2688/100 ) * ( 360/H FOV ))/2*Pi

50*2*Pi = (( 2688/100 ) * ( 360/H FOV )) = ( 26.88 * (360/ HFOV))
50*2*Pi / 26.88 = (360/H FOV)

314 / 26.88 = 11.68 = (360/ H FOV)

H FOV = 360 / 11.68 = 30.8 ..

so you need about 30 degree FOV for this sensor to get enough pixels on target at 50' for a possible ID image

in the daytime with a good 8MP sensor camera you'll have a bit more range at that FOV .. or wider FOV at 50'

a 2MP camera is about 1/2 the FOV of a 8MP camera ( same aspect ratio ), the 4MP camera is in between those 2
 
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oldspyguy said:
Yes master :facepalm: , did that after I seen the image. Wont be doing that again.
I bought that camera for the IVS and inputs/outputs as its primary task. There are other cameras closer to that end of the shop that I can get the detail needed.
Lot to learn.....
Thanks
Click to expand...

You've got a good camera, just need another one to help get what you are looking for.

I would look to get good coverage on the driveway to pavement pad / parking area as it seems most would go through that route
 
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I have a 4K Hikvision clone with varifocal lens 12mm on the far end to deal with that. There are three more cameras they drive by to get into the shop. 1200' to the road. Even have 433mhz triple pir beam sensors that trigger back to the rack.
My neigbors call me "A security Enthusiast" lol
Thanks, This next step I am taking is a big one. Coming from old school to IVS and BI at the same time.
 
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I am sure you have seen it, but if not, here is a thread I put together with the most commonly recommended camera to IDENTIFY based on DISTANCE.

As you are learning, one camera cannot be the be all, see all.

wittaj

Thread 'The Importance of Focal Length over MP in camera selection'

At the urging of several folks here, I created a thread to show the importance of focal length and how focal length can be more important than megapixels (MP).

I mentioned some of this in the post regarding The Hookup’s latest video demonstrating different cameras, including one sold from a forum favorite here @EMPIRETECANDY , but this post will put it all in one place where we can point a NOOB to. The cameras I am highlighting were purchased from @EMPIRETECANDY

Almost every big box store, consumer grade cameras and all-in-one-box kits come with either 2.8mm or 3.6mm...
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Please consider the 5442 series (Andy's 54IR) vs the 54PRO

Its a better camera all around. The only advantage of the 54PRO is the white lights and mic/speaker

From and image quality standpoint it is vastly inferior to the 54IR series
 
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