Security Camera Resolution Guide Leave a comment

Typically when you’re looking to buy a new security camera, there can be a whole list of specifications to help you choose the best camera. However, if you’re just starting out with security cameras, these specifications can be difficult to decipher. One main specification that can be used as a deciding factor is resolution. In this guide, we will go over what this is and how you can choose which one that is best for you.

What is Resolution?

Resolution refers to the total number of pixels that an image is made of. Higher resolution means that the image is made up of more pixels. More pixels create images that are crisp and high-quality. Lower resolution images are made up of less pixels and these pixels can be quite large and noticeable to the naked eye. This would result in images that are “pixelated” and low-definition.

Measurement

To calculate the number of pixels an image has, you would multiply the width and height of the image. For example, a 2MP image would have a width of 1920 and a height of 1080. Multiplying these numbers would give you a total of 2,073,600 pixels.

Resolution can be referred to as their image size or how many pixels they have. Using 2MP as an example again, 2MP can also be referred to as 1080p because their height is 1080. The 2MP means that the picture is made up of roughly 2,000,000 pixels, or 2 megapixels (MP). Below is a comparison chart of the most common resolutions for security cameras.

Resolution	Image Size	Number of Pixels
2MP/1080p	1920×1080	2,073,600
4MP/1440p	2560×1440	3,686,400
5MP/1920p	2560×1920	5,017,600
8MP/4K	3840×2160	8,294,400

Which One is the Best?

Some people might think that they should automatically buy high resolution cameras, but these are not always the ideal solution for everyone. Even though high and low resolution cameras have about the same cost, there are a few key differences to think about:

• Field of Coverage: Higher resolution cameras capture clearer images, but their range of view can be limited. The wider the view, the less clear the image will be.
• Bandwidth: Higher resolution IP cameras take up more bandwidth to transmit high-definition footage and images. If you have a slow network, your footage could appear in low-definition.
• Storage Space: The higher the resolution, the more storage space it will require. Even though the camera itself can be cheap, you may end up spending a lot on storage devices like NVRs and DVRs. If you choose these cameras, make sure that you will be able to handle the large storage space they require.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions. You can call us at 877-926-2288 or connect with us on social media
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