What is the Best Resolution For A Security Camera?

 

There is always something bothers you when buying a security camera for your residential or commercial space right?

Yes, It’s about the amount of resolution you want your camera to have to ensure ideal image quality. This Article, we are discussing about the numerous benefits of security camera with the amount of resolution your security camera has. So, what is the best resolution for a security camera? Let’s begin by getting familiar with image resolution first.

 

What is a security camera Resolution?

Security camera resolution is the way to measure the size of an image or video being produced by the total number of pixels that make up the image or video measured by its width and height. Smaller images produce low-resolution video, while larger images produce high-definition (HD) videos. Ideally, you want your camera resolution to offer stable image quality both day and night, without the quality disintegrating as you zoom in to view more details such as license plates or an intruder’s face.

How many megapixels is good for a security camera?

The most common resolution for home security cameras includes 2MP (1080p), 4MP (1440p), 5MP (1920p), and 8MP (4K/2160p). But what’s the difference between each of them? 

2MP (1080P) SECURITY CAMERAS:

These cameras produce images with a resolution of 1,920 x 2,160 pixels per unit. They serve as appropriate general-purpose video surveillance, but they typically fail to figure out small details depending on the quality and distance. 

It is recommended to choose a 1080p security camera when:

1. You’re on a tight budget
2. You only want general-purpose surveillance
3. You are in search of a battery-powered security camera
4. A 1080p security camera can typically be used in the following scenarios:

• Barns and farms
• Vacation homes
• Construction
• RVs
• Boats

4MP (1440P) SECURITY CAMERAS:

These cameras are also known as 4MP/2K security cameras with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels per unit. They are one of the more common resolutions for home and business security, and they deliver much clearer images than 1080p resolution. 

It is recommended to choose a 1440p security camera when:

1. You want to have high-quality images with vivid details from a distance
2. You have the budget for it
3. A 1440p security camera can typically be used in the following scenarios:

• Any entrances to your home, such as front and back doors
• Garages
• Driveways
• Small businesses

5MP (1920P) SECURITY CAMERAS:

5MP cameras produce a resolution of 2,560 x 1,920 pixels per unit. They are also one of the more mainstream resolutions for surveillance cameras that deliver clear images. This resolution is very similar to 4MP. 

It is recommended to choose a 1920p security camera when:

1. You want to have high-quality images with vivid details from a distance
2. You have the budget for it
3. A 1920p security camera can typically be used in the following scenarios:

• Any entrances to your home, such as front and back doors
• Garages
• Driveways
• Small businesses

4K(2160P) HD SECURITY CAMERAS:

4K security cameras produce a high resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, that’s over 8 million pixels. Although these camera resolutions are typically not budget-accessible, they greatly enhance the video quality and streaming experience like no other. 

It is recommended to choose a 4K security camera when:

1. You have a large budget
2. You require the highest resolution of video quality 
3. You need to monitor large areas with a single surveillance camera
4. You need a future-proof video surveillance camera
5. A 4K security camera can typically be used in the following scenarios:

• Commercial spaces, such as shops, bars, restaurants, etc.
• Warehouses
• Parking lots
• Driveways
• Multi-tenant buildings

 

What to consider when choosing a camera resolution?

You may want to purchase security cameras with the highest definition.

But what is the best resolution for home security cameras? Which security camera resolution do you really need?

What to consider will depend on how much detail you want the surveillance footage to capture. Some things to take into consideration when deciding on the amount of resolution you want your surveillance camera to carry include the following:

1. High-Resolution Security Cameras Will Not Cost More

Top security brands are often targeted for their high-definition CCTV cameras, making the price of the surveillance cameras more affordable than before. Besides having quality image resolution, these security cameras also offer night vision, motion detection alerts, and smart home integration. 

2. Use Multiple High-Resolution Cameras to Cover Large Areas of a Property

Considering how much area you want to cover is another way to determine which security camera resolution is your best fit. HD cameras can capture images with great detail, but they may not be able to cover large areas completely as their field of view is limited. If you want to monitor a large area, such as a parking lot or the front of your house, installing multiple security systems in various spots might be the best option.

3. Install High-Resolution Security Cameras with a Stable Network

Your network status will determine how many megapixels your security camera can carry. Since higher resolution cameras require more bandwidth to transmit high-quality images and videos, it is crucial to have a stable and fast network. A slow network can result in your security system delivering images and videos in lower resolution.

4. Watch Security Camera Resolution Reviews

Another way to examine the best resolution for outdoor security cameras is to look into the reviews from top tech media or true users and of course, the video samples that they attach as well in Qsee social media. Since others may set up surveillance cameras in various places, you are able to check the performance of security cameras with different resolution under multiple scenes and conditions, like rain or shine, indoors and outdoors, etc. before making a purchase.

5. Prepare Enough Storage Space for IP Security Cameras with High Resolution

Higher security camera resolution brings you better image quality, which on the other hand, require greater storage capacity as well.

So, to run high resolution CCTV cameras around your home, you’d better use multiple storage options to save video footage and back them up regularly.

Factors that may affect the quality of image or video recorded.

Security camera resolution is not the only factor that affects the videos that you finally see on a screen.

And here are some of the other factors that will make a difference to the image quality:

• Focal Length

The focal length of the lens determines how wide the viewing angle of a high resolution security camera will be. The longer focal length that your security camera has, the wider field of view you will get. However, that may end up with lesser details you will get in the longer distance.

• Sensor Size

You will get more details in the images by using CCTV cameras with a smaller image sensor. For example, a security camera with a 1/3’’ image sensor produces a narrower field of view and images with greater details than one with a 2/3’’ image sensor.

• Frame Rates

By recording your security camera footage at a higher frame rate, you will get a smoother video without any blurry images. So, chances are higher that you can recognize the license plate or intruder’s face (and it may slow down your network as well).

• Monitors

The security camera resolution can be affected by the screen that you are looking at as well. In fact, most security cameras with high resolution will resize their stream display automatically to fit on a screen that doesn't support a higher resolution.

• Installation Spots

If you face high resolutions security cameras to the sun or any light sources directly, you will only get washed-out images without any details.

In addition, it is not a wise choice to install high resolution behind glass windows since the IR reflection may result in overexposed images, making it impossible to identify any details.

 

 

Conclusion

Image quality isn’t everything when it comes to security cameras. Budget, audio, zoom capability, lighting, and other factors (not least of all the purpose of the camera) need to be considered when deciding on what’s right for you. 

A resolution upward of 720p and a frame rate upward of 15 fps will be more than adequate for most users, and is a higher standard for those looking to build a robust security system without doing too much damage to the wallet. 

A higher resolution means greater detail, and therefore more clarity when digitally zooming, while a higher frame rate will allow you to monitor the movements of your object more accurately.