I think that the tech guy didn't define the situation very well.
It's been awhile since I took physics, but I think that the light needed to illuminate an object increases greatly as you move further way.
So for instance, if you move from 1 to 11 meters from your plate, the flash needs to be 100 times greater to ensure a similar illumination.
Not sure of the ratios --- but I'm positive of the principle.
If you shoot a flash from 10 feet away with your digital, the amount of lumens from the flash on the intersection's camera to equal your flash would have to be extraordinary.
MatBo
>
>Does anyone have any feedback on the products found at:
>
>
formatting link
>I purchased their spray and the plate shield (Photoshield). I am not
>entirely convinced that the spray works. I took some digital flash
>photos of my car at night in the driveway. I found that at an angle,
>the spray worked and obscured my plate. Straight on, it was not so
>good... it gave only a partial or little reflection leaving my plate >readable.
>
>I asked the company tech guy about it (and sent him the photos), and his
>reply was that a flash on a home digital camera is only intended for
>10-15 feet, and that the flash used in photo radar is 10X stronger and
>brighter...therefore it would reflect using that type of flash.
>
>I am not sure if I believe this or not...while it may make sense in
>theory,I don't really want to test it in the real world. How about
>daytime traffic light or photoradar...wouldn't that need a lower flash
>level? Does the equipment adjust for ambient light?
>
>I am tempted to respray and add more product, but don't know if this
>helps or hurts the performance. It does dull the plate, and it looks
>like it is starting to build up. I put 5 or 6 coats on the plate (two
>separate plates 6 each).
>
>The Photoshield cover works as advertised... the only negative comment I
>would have is that it is not as "undetectable" as stated. You can see
>that there is something "distorting" the plate if you got out of your
>car beheind me, and were walking up to my car (as a cop would do at a >traffic stop).
>
>I am unsure if it is truly legal (the plate cover)... while it may be
>technically legal, it might get you hassled for using it.
>
>I welcome any comments or advice from people who have used it or know
>more about traffic light or stationary photo radar.
>
>thanks,
>
>Rich