An introduction to the product and its key features
Hikvision IDS-TCM403 4MP ANPR/LPR Bullet Camera (8 632 mm)is a specialised traffic camera designed to capture licence plates and perform vehicle analytics in demanding outdoor environments. Built on a 4 MP 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor and paired with an 8 632 mm motorised varifocal lens, the IDS-TCM403 is optimised for medium- to long-range capture, flexible field-of-view adjustments and reliable performance in mixed lighting. The camera includes an onboard ANPR/LPR engine, vehicle classification (make/model and colour), lane counting, direction detection and incident detection features that make it suitable for traffic authorities, tolling, parking enforcement and transport hubs.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The IDS-TCM403 brings together hardware and analytics to deliver dependable plate capture and vehicle data collection. Key specifications and their practical benefits include:
- 4 MP sensor (2688 × 1520):delivers sharp detail and enough resolution to capture plate characters and vehicle features at typical ANPR distances while enabling a wide scene overview when required.
- 8 632 mm motorised varifocal lens:provides flexible framing during installation and via remote adjustment. Installers can tune the horizontal field-of-view from approximately 41.9 to 15.1 to prioritise range or coverage depending on lane geometry and mounting height.
- Onboard ANPR/LPR engine and vehicle analytics:embedded processing recognises licence plates, supports no-plate captures, detects motorcycles separately, and performs vehicle make/model and colour recognition. This reduces the need for server-side compute and lowers bandwidth by processing events at the edge.
- Optimised illumination and wide dynamic range:IR illumination (850 nm, model-dependent reach to ~40 m) plus 140 dB WDR, BLC and 3D DNR help maintain accurate captures in backlit, low-light or rapidly changing lighting conditions common on roadways.
- Robust outdoor enclosure:IP67 and IK10 ratings (with some variants offering NEMA 4X) protect the unit from weather and vandalism, enabling installation in exposed roadside locations.
- Power and connectivity:supports PoE (802.3at, Type 2) or DC 12 624 V, with typical maximum power consumption around 15 W. Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 10/100/1000) ensures sufficient bandwidth for streams and metadata, with ONVIF support for integration into third-party NVRs and VMS.
- Onboard storage and security:microSD card support up to 512 GB allows local buffering or evidence storage; modern security features (HTTPS/TLS, 802.1X) and ONVIF Profile support help secure communications and simplify integration.
Taken together, these specifications translate to a camera that is tailored to traffic scenarios: it captures plates and vehicle attributes with edge intelligence, copes with challenging light and weather, and plugs into modern IP CCTV ecosystems with straightforward power and network options.
Like all ANPR systems, capture performance depends strongly on installation factors: mounting height, tilt and pan angles, lane geometry, vehicle speed, and local lighting. Manufacturer capture ranges and speed bands (approx. 5 6120 km/h under specified conditions) are guidelines — optimal results require following the Hikvision installation guide, tuning exposure/IR and testing in the live environment. Also consider local privacy and regulatory requirements for licence plate capture and storage.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The IDS-TCM403 is designed for scenarios where reliable and flexible licence-plate capture and vehicle analytics are required. Typical use cases include:
- Tolling and access control:lane-based ANPR at toll plazas and controlled entrances where high capture accuracy and integration with back-office systems reduce queuing and automate billing or access.
- Parking enforcement and permit checking:automated detection of vehicles entering/exiting parking facilities, enforcement of time restrictions, and integration with permit databases for authorised vehicle detection.
- Traffic monitoring and incident detection:lane counting, direction detection and incident alerts help traffic authorities manage congestion, detect stopped vehicles and trigger operator workflows.
- Transport hubs and logistics yards:tracking vehicle movements in and out of terminals, combining plate capture with vehicle classification for inventory and security processes.
- Critical infrastructure protection:perimeter and access monitoring at utilities, ports and industrial sites where robust outdoor housings and vandal resistance are required.
In each scenario, the camera benefits deployments that value edge processing to reduce server load, a motorised lens for field tuning without physical ladder work, and weatherproof protection for all-season operation.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
The market for ANPR cameras includes specialised models from several manufacturers. The IDS-TCM403 compares favourably in a number of areas:
- Against general-purpose CCTV cameras:unlike standard IP bullet cameras, the IDS-TCM403 includes an onboard ANPR engine and vehicle analytics designed for licence-plate capture — eliminating the need for separate ANPR servers in many installations.
- Against other ANPR-focused models:many dedicated ANPR cameras offer similar features (IR illumination, motorised lenses and analytics). The TCM403s 4 MP sensor and 8 632 mm lens deliver a versatile balance of range and detail. Some competitors provide higher-resolution sensors (6 MP or above) which can extend range or allow more aggressive cropping, but they may consume more bandwidth and cost more.
- Against rival brands (Dahua, Axis, Bosch, etc.):feature parity is common: all offer IR, rugged enclosures and ANPR-capable models. The choice often comes down to ecosystem integration (NVR/VMS compatibility), local support, pricing and specific capture performance in your environment. Hikvisions strong analytics suite and broad compatibility with NVRs and third-party VMS via ONVIF make the IDS-TCM403 a competitive option for integrators.
- Value proposition:the IDS-TCM403 targets medium- to high-end ANPR use with a suggested price that reflects its onboard analytics, motorised long-range lens and ruggedisation. Compared to lower-cost models lacking analytics, it reduces backend processing needs; compared to more expensive high-resolution alternatives, it often offers a better balance of cost, bandwidth and performance for many practical deployments.
Customer testimonials and reviews
There are no specific public testimonials included with the product brief. However, integrators and operators who choose edge-analytics ANPR cameras typically report a few consistent benefits:
- "Edge ANPR reduced our server load and simplified system architecture." Integrators often highlight lower infrastructure costs when analytics run on the camera rather than on central servers.
- "Motorised lens saved site visits for focus and framing adjustments." Installers value remote varifocal control during commissioning and after site changes.
- "Durable housing and reliable IR kept the system running in poor weather." Operations teams appreciate IP67/IK10 protection for roadside cameras exposed to environmental and vandal risks.
For any project, its best practice to request reference deployments from the supplier or ask for a demonstration and field trial. This allows you to validate plate capture accuracy for your specific vehicle types, lighting and speeds.
Conclusion: why this product is a great choice
The Hikvision IDS-TCM403 4MP ANPR/LPR Bullet Camera (8 632 mm) is a purpose-built solution for organisations that need robust, reliable licence-plate capture and vehicle analytics at the edge. Its blend of a 4 MP sensor, motorised varifocal lens, onboard ANPR engine and durable IP67/IK10 housing make it well suited to tolling, parking enforcement, transport hubs and traffic monitoring projects. The cameras IR illumination and 140 dB WDR support challenging lighting conditions, while PoE and microSD storage simplify installation and resilience.
When evaluating ANPR cameras, consider the IDS-TCM403 for deployments that prioritise edge processing, flexibility in lens framing, and rugged outdoor operation. Ensure you follow Hikvisions installation guidelines and perform on-site tuning to achieve the manufacturers recommended capture performance. With careful installation and integration, the IDS-TCM403 can deliver accurate ANPR, reduce backend infrastructure needs and provide a durable long-term solution for vehicle monitoring.
Suggested price:A31595.00 (confirm with supplier for volume discounts and local pricing). For project planning and compliance, always request the latest datasheets, firmware notes and installation guidance from the vendor.
