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
7 Ways Home Monitoring Keeps Your Pets Safe
Your family’s safety is at the forefront of your mind when installing a security system, and that includes your pets as well. When researching a security product that suits your needs, consider the ways that this technology can help your pets stay safe too. We have detailed some of the most common hazards as well…
Fire Safety for Kids
Setting up fire alarm systems and fire monitoring are fundamental elements in your home’s fire safety plan. However, that is only the beginning. Educating your children on fire prevention, fire safety, and how to manage an emergency are vital in keeping your family safe. According to the American Red Cross, not only are children under five…
5 Common Fire Safety Violations
For business owners, maintaining a commercial fire safety system is crucial for day-to-day protection. Ensuring your system and its components are in order is especially important when your business’ fire inspection occurs each year. Even if you do everything you can to prepare for your next fire inspection, you may only realize you missed something…
How Fast Can Fire Spread?
What Is Fire? Fire is the result of a chemical reaction called oxidation. Oxidation is the combination of oxygen with another substance. In the case of a fire, the oxidation happens so quickly that light, heat, and sound are released. A fire needs oxygen, heat and fuel to burn. These factors are frequently referred to…
The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read
What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…
Elements of a Business Security System
How can I secure my business? A business security system needs to protect people, property, and assets from theft, crime, and fire at all times of the day and night. The people walking in and out the doors of a business are not only its owners, but customers, employees, vendors, and suppliers who have varying…
Why Emergency and Exit Lighting Matter
Emergency lighting and exit lighting are vital components of life safety systems. They’re a standard part of any commercial structure and not as noticeable on a normal day. When power fails or a disaster happens, these lights guide people to safety, helping prevent panic and ensuring clear evacuation routes for everyone in a building. Whether…
5 Common Causes of Commercial Fires
Many business owners and employees think their chances of dealing with a fire in the workplace are improbable, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), an estimated 116,500 commercial fires were reported nationally in 2021. These fires contributed to 115 deaths, 1,025 injuries, and over $3.6 billion in…
Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras
Wired or Wireless? When we talk about wired versus wireless in-home security, it has little to do with whether a piece of equipment has physical wires attached to it. The terms wired and wireless refer to the communication signal that is transmitted from one piece of security equipment to another. For a security system to…
Can You Get a Discount on Home Insurance if You Have a Security System?
Home invasions or burglaries are a threat to any household, regardless of where they are located. One of the biggest deterrents for burglars is a home security system that could record evidence of their actions or could notify the authorities at the time of a break-in. This is a huge motivator for homeowners when deciding…