Whether it is for your home, your office, or your rental property, security systems are becoming more and more popular. In fact, according to a 2023 survey, 76% of Americans have some sort of security measure in place to protect their home.
There are many different factors that go into choosing the right security system for yourself, but if you are in the market for a new security camera(s), one of the biggest factors you should be considering is the camera’s resolution.
What is a camera’s resolution?
A camera’s resolution refers to the number of pixels a camera can capture in its video footage or still image. For example, if a camera has a resolution of 1080p, what would be considered high definition or HD, that means that the camera can capture an image with 1920 horizontal pixels and 1080 vertical pixels, resulting in a total of 2.1 million pixels.
The more pixels an image has the more clear the image will be.
Why your camera’s resolution is important?
Some of the benefits of choosing a high-resolution camera include:
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A better image. Because resolution directly impacts the clarity of an image, the higher a camera’s resolution the better the captured image will be. That means that if your footage needs to be used in the event of a break-in or any other crime, the images captured will be more clear and easier to use. Higher-resolution cameras capture more details meaning it will be easier to identify people, license plates, and more.
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Smoother footage. Along with a better image also comes smoother footage. When a camera has a higher resolution it usually has a higher frame rate, meaning it captures more frames per second. That means video playback will be smoother and it will be more efficient at catching the details of fast-moving subjects like a car driving away or a person running.
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A wider range of coverage. If you need to cover a wide area, like a large field or parking lot, a higher resolution camera will usually be able to capture more details farther away, reducing the overall number of cameras you will need to install.
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Compatible with new technology. If you’re looking for a security system with newer technology like facial recognition or object tracking, you’ll need a high-resolution camera. These types of systems depend on the details captured to work efficiently.
What resolution should you look for?
Choosing the perfect resolution for a security camera will vary from situation to situation depending on a variety of factors like:
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Budget: Some higher-resolution cameras may be more expensive.
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How much light is in the area: Higher resolution cameras do a better job capturing images in lower light settings.
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Indoor vs. outdoor: An indoor may cover a smaller area and have more sufficient and consistent light. In some cases, you may be able to use a lower-resolution camera indoors. However, an outdoor camera may have to adjust to constantly changing light or cover a larger space, meaning a higher resolution camera may be a better option.
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Distance between the camera and what you want to capture: Low-resolution cameras may be able to capture clear images of subjects close up, but the farther away a subject moves the more blurry the image becomes. You need high-resolution cameras to capture clear images from a distance.
Popular camera resolutions
1080p, 2K, and 4K are some of the common camera resolutions you might see while shopping for a security camera.
At a minimum, you should choose a camera with 1080p resolution. 1080p has been the industry standard for years and can do a decent job capturing details in a wide range of settings.
However, ideally, you should try to look for a camera with 2K or 4K resolution. These resolutions will provide crisp, clean images, and smooth clear footage. At this high of a resolution, you should be able to zoom in and still maintain clarity. These resolutions are also capable of supporting some facial recognition programs
Looking to install a home security system in your home? You can click here to learn all about GVTC’s Smart Home Security System options!
