Blue Iris

You're right, the responses could be all over the place on this one.

I can't specifically respond on 8MP cameras as I don't have any but the overall build quality and support for the SV3C cameras has been pretty good in my opinion. I quite like my 5MP models. This particular 8MP they have, if you have a narrow area you're looking for license plates in, seem to be really purpose built just for that:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X34DDH5

I have been using the Panoeagle 8MP Full Color Night Vision Cameras and had no problems. These are a rebranded Hikvision ColorVu camera and are configured in Blue Iris as Hikvision Cameras (be wary that you may need to confirm/change the RTSP port number in the camera setup). The hardware does appear identical to branded Hikvision but I can't speak to whether the firmware is identical or not. I do not use any motion detection on the Cameras, I leave all that to Blue Iris, so unfortunately, I can't speak to that. I like that these cameras have an adjustable White Light. The White light allows better resolution and color detail at night.

https://www.amazon.com/Colorfull-Compat ... 9hdGY&th=1