Is 1080p camera good enough?

Security cameras aren’t known for cutting edge image quality, but thanks to cloud storage and microSD cards, it’s no longer necessary to settle for footage that looks like it was filmed on a potato.

It’s also true that it’s a headache figuring out what exactly you need from security camera resolution. Speaking of which, what even is camera resolution?

Find out all you need to know about security camera resolution, including choosing a camera with the right resolution for your needs and how to improve image quality.

Why are most surveillance cameras so low resolution?

Surveillance cameras are low resolution to accommodate the average home Wi-Fi network. Most Wi-Fi networks struggle to transmit high quality video in real time, which is impractical for surveillance.Still, there are ways to get higher resolution out of your security camera.

What Is a Good Resolution for a Camera?

The right security camera for you doesn’t mean the highest resolution security camera. Finding the best resolution for you balances budget, quality, and the intended use for your security camera.

Best Outdoor Security Camera Resolution

Outdoor security cameras capture a greater variety of things throughout the day than indoor cameras. 

Significant lighting and environmental changes are to be expected, so outdoor cameras benefit from resolutions upwards of 720p. This displays greater detail.

Best Outdoor Security Camera ResolutionResolutionDescription1280 x 720720p – the lower threshold of HD, useful for distant/weak Wi-Fi. Images appear crisp and sharp, but may not be detailed enough at a distance from subjects.1920 x 10801080p – the most used and supported HD standard. Great image quality for outdoor surveillance.2560 x 14401440p/QHD – also often referred to as 2K. Sharp, detailed images perfect for outdoors.

Best Indoor Security Camera Resolution

Indoor security cameras tend to be closer to the Wi-Fi router, meaning a stronger connection is established.

This should provide higher quality. However, with consistent indoor lighting, there’s less reason for super sharp indoor security camera resolutions.

Best Indoor Security Camera ResolutionResolutionDescription426 x 240240p – the widescreen low definition television resolution. The minimum for solid indoor security, suitable for weak internet connections.704 x 480480p – lower definition, not considered HD. Images are clear with adequate indoor lighting.1280 x 720720p – the lower threshold of HD. Images appear crisp and sharp.1920 x 10801080p – the most used and supported HD standard. Great image quality for indoors surveillance.

Why Are Security Cameras So Blurry? Image Quality, in a Nutshell

‘Image quality’ is defined primarily by two things: resolution and frames per second (FPS). So a ‘blurry security camera’ is typically caused by low security camera resolution and low FPS.

What are they, and how do they impact the quality of footage?

ResolutionFPSWhat is it?Number of pixels displayed on screen.Number of individual frames captured via the camera per second.How does it affect image quality?A higher pixel rate creates a more detailed image.
A low pixel rate lacks detail and looks messy.A high frame rate creates a smoother video.
A low frame rate looks jagged and choppy.

The combination of a high resolution and a high frame rate creates a sharp and smooth image.

In the event of a theft or other crime, the footage is more reliable evidence if it is detailed and smooth.

Check out the camera resolution chart below for a list of the most commonly supported resolutions.

426 x 240240p – the widescreen low definition television resolution.704 x 480480p – lower definition, not considered HD.1280 x 720720p – the lower threshold of HD.1280 x 960960p – an uncommon resolution, but the specific HD standard for Sony.1600 x 12002 Megapixel.1920 x 10801080p High Definition – remains the most used and supported HD standard.3840 x 21608 Megapixel – known as 4K (coax).4000 x 300012 Megapixel – 4K (IP), the highest resolution currently supported by mainstream IP cameras. Expensive, extremely large file sizes, and not necessary for security.

IP camera vs CCTV resolution

The resolution and frame rate of CCTV is generally poor, because 24/7 video recording creates massive files. 

IP cameras struggle to output at higher resolutions because HD video puts a heavy strain on most internet routers. 

File compression and other factors reduce the overall image quality, but improves the overall usefulness of footage for the sake of security.

To learn more about the differences between CCTV and IP cameras, check out our article on Wi-Fi-free security cameras, where we detail the different camera types available on the market.

FAQ

Is 1080p good enough for a security camera?

1080p HD is an ideal resolution for a security camera, providing clear and sharp images that capture the detail needed. 

While you might want a higher resolution for an outdoor security camera (AlfredCam Plus supports up to 2K QHD), it isn’t a necessity for indoor devices.

AlfredCam indoor security camera supports up to 1080p footage—see it for yourself!

Is 4K better than 5 MP?

4K is better than 5 MP because it is significantly higher resolution. 

5 MP is 5 megapixels, while 4K is 12 megapixels (double the resolution of standard 1080p HD). 

However, 4K is impractical for most home security cameras unless the wireless network the device is connected to is exceedingly good. Such high quality takes a toll on internet speeds.

Built-in IR is also vital for 4K cameras, or else night time recording produces an unstable image. 

What’s a megapixel? How many megapixels is a security camera?

A megapixel is just over one million pixels. 

The number of megapixels in a security camera depends entirely on the model. Most IP cameras support up to 1080p (roughly 2 megapixels), which is perfect for surveillance.

Is 720p good for a security camera?

720p is a good resolution for indoor security cameras because it enables the camera to capture detail without burdening wireless routers. 720p cameras are also inexpensive. 

If the camera is going to be placed at some distance from its object, like outside, a higher resolution might be preferable (at least 1080p). 

What is the highest resolution security camera available?

At present, 4K is the highest resolution supported by security cameras. There are both IP and coaxial (wired) cameras that support 4K.

Conclusion

Security camera resolution isn’t everything when it comes to good security. Budget, audio, zoom capability, lighting, and other factors need to be considered when deciding on what’s right for you. 

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

But high security camera resolution punishes the average Wi-Fi router, so playing around with the quality settings to find a happy medium is necessary for most users.

Too busy to read? Here’s a summary:

• If you require high-quality surveillance with detailed images, a 4K camera would be the best choice.
• However, if you're on a budget and need a camera for basic surveillance, a 1080p camera would suffice.
• A 2K camera offers a balance between cost and performance.

In the realm of commercial security cameras, resolution is a critical factor that determines the clarity of the images and videos captured. The most common resolutions in the market today are 1080p, 2K, and 4K.

But what do these terms mean, and how do they impact the effectiveness of a security camera?

This blog post will explore these topics and provide a comprehensive comparison of 1080p, 2K, and 4K security cameras.

Understanding Resolution

In simple terms, resolution refers to the number of pixels a display or camera can handle. It's usually represented by the width and height of the image in pixels. The higher the resolution, the more details the camera can capture, resulting in clearer and sharper images.

1080p Security Cameras

1080p, also known as Full HD, has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

This means that the camera can capture images with a total of approximately 2.07 million pixels.

1080p security cameras offer clear images that are sufficient for most residential and small business security needs. They’re a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers because they’re more affordable than their higher-resolution counterparts.

2K Security Cameras

2K resolution, also known as Quad HD or QHD, has a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, totaling approximately 3.68 million pixels.

This is almost double the resolution of 1080p cameras and allows for better identification of faces and license plates.

2K cameras are ideal for medium-sized businesses or residential properties that require clear details in their surveillance footage.

4K Security Cameras

4K, also known as Ultra HD or UHD, boasts a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, totaling approximately 8.29 million pixels—four times the resolution of 1080p and twice that of 2K.

4K security cameras are perfect for large businesses, public spaces, and properties that require top-notch surveillance.

Comparing 1080p, 2K, and 4K Security Cameras

Image Quality

As the resolution increases from 1080p to 2K to 4K, the image quality improves significantly. This means that 4K cameras capture the most detailed and clear images, followed by 2K, and then 1080p.

Cost

With higher resolution comes a higher price tag. 1080p cameras are the most affordable, while 4K cameras are the most expensive.

2K cameras offer a middle ground in terms of cost and performance.

Storage and Bandwidth

Higher-resolution cameras require more storage space for recorded footage and more bandwidth for streaming. If you opt for a 2K or 4K camera, you should be prepared for the additional storage and bandwidth requirements.

Area Coverage

High-resolution cameras can cover larger areas without losing image quality.

This means you may need fewer 4K cameras to cover the same area as 1080p cameras, which can offset the higher cost.

Remember that resolution is just one aspect of a security camera. Aside from resolution, factors like lens quality, sensor size, and software also play a crucial role in the overall performance of the camera.

Mammoth Security and The Right Security Cameras for You

If you’re ready for an effective security system, reach out to the friendly experts at Mammoth Security. We cover all of Connecticut’s security installation and maintenance needs.

From cameras to alarms to access control to structured cabling, we’ve got your back. Just fill out the form at the bottom of this page, and we’ll reach out to schedule your free, zero-obligation site survey and security consultation.