CCTV Resolution Guide

There’s no getting past it; security camera systems are used as a precaution when crime occurs or when an accident happens. Whereas many of our customers go years without needing their security cameras, a good number that do are thankful for every detail captured. That is uniquely possible thanks to the camera resolution of their CCTV, which decides how many pixels your high definition security cameras capture and present on a cctv monitor or phone. It can be an annoying concept to understand, especially when you’ve got to decide for your company. However, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about camera resolution before making your CCTV purchase, starting with what decides the quality.

What decides camera resolution?

Frame Rate: Frame rate goes hand in hand with camera resolution in that it helps to decide the quality of your video footage. While resolution captures pixels and makes up an image, frame rate decides how many pictures a camera will capture in a period of time to make up the footage. Just like a higher camera resolution for high def security cameras enhances footage quality, so does frame rate by making the video look smoother. 

Internal Settings: The settings of your high definition security cameras can determine how effective they are after installation. It might go without saying, but adjusting the camera resolution to your specific preference is crucial to having each work at its best. A1 Security Cameras has previously authored a guide to doing so that is free to anyone needing it. 

Lens/Focal Length: The focal length is an aspect of every cctv camera lens that determines how wide of a shot you will ultimately get. The larger the lens, the wider the shot and the more you will ultimately see from a high def security camera, but keep in mind that more detail and movement will in a given shot may affect the resulting video footage. For example, a high pixels IP LPR security camera with a large focal length posted on a road with low traffic will catch every license plate, but the camera resolution might deteriorate. The same high resolution security camera with a smaller focal length lens will have a tighter shot but be more focused. 

Local Network: It’s no secret that high def security cameras are now regularly watched remotely through cellular phones and computers. That means your local WiFi needs to match the demand of your camera resolution when viewing recordings or streaming from another location with any device is important. A1 Security Cameras offers a free bitrate calculator to help decide if your system needs further hardware or is just right for your highest definition camera. 

Sensor Size: The size and type of sensor in your high def security cameras decide how much detail you will ultimately see. Opposite to the lens, the larger the sensor, the narrower visual you will get from each camera. 

Aside from what is shown here, it goes without saying that your connected hardware and where you install high def security cameras also matter. For example, you could have the highest definition camera with max settings provide terrible results if there are any obstructions or you’re using an old monitor made a decade before your camera. We recommend matching your hardware to the camera resolution you need. Below, you’ll find a graph outlining those still in regular use.