Security Camera Resolutions Explained
Different Security Camera Resolutions and Which is Right for You
Welcome to the 2020s—it’s finally time to pull the trigger and get a home security camera.
Now what?
There are a baffling number of cameras and resolutions available on the consumer market, but the math behind figuring out what you want in a security camera is surprisingly easy.
There are two basic categories of security cameras—IP and analog. The term IP is short for internet protocol. And IP security cameras measure resolution by the number of pixels in an image. The higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution.
IP security cameras typically come in one of four standard resolutions: 2MP, 4MP, 5MP, and 4K (sometimes called 8MP). To calculate the number of pixels, simply multiply the width of the image by the height of the image.
A 2MP camera produces images that are 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels tall, equaling 2,073,600 pixels per image.
The move up from one standard size to the next roughly doubles the resolution compared to the previous size:
- 4MP: 2560×1440 = 3,686,400 pixels
- 5MP: 2560×1920 = 5,017,600 pixels
- 4K: 3840×2160 = 8,294,400 pixels
Analog cameras measure a little bit differently, using the number of horizontal and vertical television lines (TVL) displayed in an image as compared to pixels. Analog video technology derived from the television industry, where the standard resolution for a traditional security camera is known as D1 and equates to an image of 704 x 480 pixels.
Technology eventually advanced to the point where analog high definition (AHD) applied to these cameras, allowing them to produce 720- and 1080-pixel high-resolution videos.
Like their IP brothers, analog security cameras also typically come in four standard sizes. In addition to D1, the other analog sizes include:
- 960: 960×480
- 720p AHD: 1280×720
- 1080p AHD: 1920×1080
Which is the complicated way to say: The highest resolution analog camera is equal to the lower end of the IP spectrum.
Eventually, the question each consumer needs to ask is how much video picture detail is necessary? The more you want to see, the higher the resolution you want your camera to be.
For example, if the camera is used by a parent simply trying to keep an eye on the kids playing in the back yard, a D1, 960, or 720p AHD analog camera will probably do the trick.
If the user wants to read the name tag on the delivery guy standing on their front porch, a 1080p AHD analog or 2MP IP camera ought to handle the job nicely.
If the owner hopes the camera will catch the license plate of the sketchy looking van down the street that just dropped off four guys in ski masks, he’ll want something in the 5MP or 4K range.
Explore Our Other Blogs
How Commercial Security Monitoring Benefits Your Business During Quarantine
Instating work from home policies to protect your employees and help to stop the potential spread of COVID-19 is one step that organizations are taking to keep their company safe. But, with all your employees at home, how can you protect the other assets that make up your business? Regardless of the type of company…
What are the Best Outdoor Security Cameras?
When it comes to protecting your home, you need to think about both the indoor and outdoor components of your security system. Security cameras can allow you to see and monitor what is going on, even if you aren’t there in person. Placing cameras outside to protect your home or business requires a bit more…
Big Name Home Security Gimmicks
We talk about choosing between a national home security company and a local company, DIY Security systems’ weaknesses, and video doorbells. Choosing a security system can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when you and your family’s security is at stake. So how do you choose a home security system? Do Your Homework It’s critical to do…
Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms
The International Code Council The purpose of commercial property is for business or retail use, and the International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit association that develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable, and resilient structures. The fire codes vary depending on the type of business you run. For example,…
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security
If you are like the rest of Americans, you have noticed that the Ring Security company has been in the news lately— and not for anything useful. Between security hacks and lawsuits, the company has landed itself in hot water. Surveillance Camera Hacks Homeowners have security cameras installed in their homes to give them peace…
5 Reasons Why You Need a Home Security System
A home security system protects your home and the ones you love. While there are many reasons you may need to invest in a home security system, we have highlighted some key ones: 1. Peace of Mind Have you heard a noise in the night and ever wondered what made the noise? A home security…
Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?
While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, fire alarm pull stations are an integral part of a business or large residential building’s commercial fire system. What is a fire alarm pull station? As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates a manual pull station and is the catalyst for setting…
How Much Data Does a Wifi Security Camera Use?
Internet Speed Bandwidth Internet bandwidth is a significant issue nowadays. Everything is tapping into the internet— from our phones to our refrigerators. If you’re installing internet protocol (IP) security cameras, they will inevitably use some of the bandwidth from your network. The question is, how much? When you purchase home internet service, you typically get…
How Does Fire Alarm Monitoring Work?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there is a fire reported in the United States every 23 seconds. If a fire occurs in your home or business, you want to be notified right away. You might be asking yourself, so how does this work? How can I ensure I am protected at all…
Can Motion Sensors be Triggered by Light?
Motion sensors are a common part of our world today. Wave your hand under the faucet and the water runs. Pull open the closet door and the light turns on. Walk near the doors of the grocery store and they automatically slide open. Motion sensors are devices that detect movement. They are common features in…