[bt101]

Hi - I'm looking for a recommendation for a suitable higher resolution security camera that can read a licence plate from 50 ft (either video or still).

I have several NTSC security cameras running into a PC. I am using various cheap cameras (lipstick, dome, CS) that cost about 50 bux each. I record at 640x480. This setup does not produce enough resoltion to read a licence plate though.

Would a more expensive NTSC camera do it? I wanted to ask before spending hundreds of dollars. I would not be able to record at a higher resolution than 640x480 so I am thinking that even the best NTSC camera would not do. I think NTSC cameras can do no better than 480 lines anyway.

I know that the cheapest Kodak 1.3MP snap camera will produce the results I want. It has the optics and resolution. I would prefer to not rip-one-apart. Is there an off-the-shelf solution? Something that:
-has decent optics equivalent to a cheap Kodak camera
-has decent resolution equivalent to a cheap Kodak camera - let's say 2-3MP
-connects to a computer approx 50 ft away
-can snap pictures when commanded by the computer
-has a form factor like a security camera (dome or lipstick)
-powered by 12V (not batteries).
-is cheap cheap cheap

I've looked at several net cams (dlink etc) that are several times the cost of a Kodak snap camera and they produce results that are no better than my blury NTSC cameras.

Thanks

[TTT]

Mobotix. Not cheap, but deigned for ANR. The only HD IP camera I have come across.