Blog

Security Camera Resolutions Explained

January 24, 2020|fsstechnologies

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

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

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

home-security-cameras-used-in-court-Hero

Can Video Surveillance Be Used In Court?

You should talk to a law enforcement professional in your area to know for sure what is admissible in your local court, but here are some general guidelines about criteria that law enforcement will take into consideration regarding your security camera video. Authenticity  A digital watermark is undetectable to the human eye, but it can…

Continue reading
what-to-do-after-burglary-hero-min

What to Do if Someone Breaks into Your House

Arriving home to find that your home has been burglarized is one of the worst feelings someone can have. You’re left feeling raw, vulnerable, and angry. In this time of high stress, it may be hard to put your thoughts together to remember everything that now needs to be done. We have put together a list…

Continue reading
2020-02_FSSTechnologies_blogs_chicago-cctv-system_hero

Has Chicago’s CCTV System Helped Lower Crime Rates?

It’s been 19 years since the Chicago Police Department (CPD) kicked off its pilot of Police Observation Devices (PODs). Today, there’s a network of 50,000+ surveillance cameras in use all over the city. But Are They Working? This simple question has no simple answer.   According to the Chicago Police Department, in some areas, narcotic related…

Continue reading
Hero-min-(7)

How Landscaping Affects Your Security

Visibility When it comes to the landscaping around your home or business, there are several considerations to keep in mind that could affect your visibility and overall security. While some suggestions to increase visibility and reduce obstructions may seem obvious, others are more subtle and could have a considerable impact. Lighting Having adequate lighting around…

Continue reading
Hero-hydrant-min

Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?

The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…

Continue reading
2019-06_FSSTechnologies_blogs_what-is-an-area-of-refuge-min

What Is an Area of Refuge?

Area of Refuge Systems  An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue assistance, is a place within a building where people can safely wait for rescue and call emergency responders for help.     An area of refuge is part of U.S. federal law, enacted in 1990 as part of the Americans with Disabilities…

Continue reading
weakness-diy-security-system-Hero-min

Cons of DIY Home Security Systems

When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves.     The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed  The importance of…

Continue reading
5g-radio-waves-hero-min

5G Security Concerns & the 3G Sunset

Consumers are using the internet on the go more than ever. By 2022, it is projected that consumers will utilize nearly 11GB of data per month, primarily due to video consumption. To create a more robust and long-term solution, technology infrastructure is working towards the next generation of mobile networks: 5G. With this network upgrade…

Continue reading
Herocameras-min

Security Cameras Are Not Created Equal

The Difference in Security Cameras  Cameras are one of the most critical components in your security arsenal, and not all security cameras are the same.    Why you ask? Consider these differences:  Various types and sizes of cameras  Indoor vs. outdoor cameras  Cameras that are easy to camouflage  Cameras that provide high-quality video footage  Wired cameras vs….

Continue reading
fire-alarm-system-zones-hero-min

What Are Fire Alarm System Zones?

Fire alarm zones are standard in conventional fire panels. Each zone represents a different area in the building to help firefighters and professionals pinpoint the source of an alarm. However, it can be confusing to research fire alarm zones because they are not as common as they once were. Conventional and addressable systems handle communication for fire…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us