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LPR · DahuaDahua camera settings for plate recognition.
The settings that make a Dahua camera read plates reliably, day and night, and where to find them.
Free LPR software · one camera free for life · plate recognition included · about 100 MB
The six settings that matter.
On most current Dahua cameras these live under Setting › Camera › Conditions (called Camera › Properties on some firmware).
| Setting | Where (typical) | For plate reading |
|---|---|---|
| Shutter | Conditions › Exposure | Set a custom shutter: 1/500 s for gates, 1/1000 s or faster for traffic. |
| Exposure mode | Conditions › Exposure | Manual or shutter priority; avoid full auto. |
| Profile management | Conditions › Profile Management | Use day/night profiles so the night shutter stays fast too. |
| WDR / BLC | Conditions › Backlight | WDR for bright backgrounds; test night reads with it off. |
| Video encoding | Camera › Video | Standard H.264/H.265; turn off Smart Codec. |
| ONVIF | Network › Access Platform, and System › Account › ONVIF User | Enable ONVIF and create an ONVIF user. |
Then aim it at one lane.
- Zoom until the plate is about 130–150 pixels wide.
- Mount at 1–2 m, within ~30° of the car's path.
- Use infrared at night and read rear plates where you can.
Placement rules: LPR camera setup. Connecting to software: Dahua ONVIF setup.
Quick answers.
Can a normal Dahua camera read number plates?
Yes, with LPR software, zoomed onto the lane with a fast fixed shutter. Dedicated Dahua ANPR cameras help at high speed.
Why does my Dahua camera blur plates at night?
The night profile often uses a slow automatic shutter. Set a fast shutter in the night profile too, and use infrared.
Is there free LPR software for Dahua cameras?
Yes. VISEC connects to Dahua cameras over ONVIF and includes plate recognition in its free one camera license.