ok, here's test # 4, with v1 of having extra lighting. probably too much but hey.
zoom at 12mm
gamma=60
exposure=1/60
exposure comp=55
advanced 3D NR=45 advanced 2D NR=25
no WDR/BLC/HLC
8192kbps CBR, 15fps, iframe=60
that IR spotlight is darn near too bright, OR I need more wider angle light in the foreground.
if you walk in my driveway in the dark, the IR spotlight is pretty obvious, while the various camera red LEDs are much harder to see until you get a lot closer to them.