There are many aspects to Resolution but for simplicities sake, Resolution is a way to measure the size of the video being produced. Smaller images produce low resolution video; larger images produce HD or high definition video. Simply put the larger the image being recorded, the higher the resolution and quality.

Resolution is measured in two different ways, TV lines (analog technology) and pixels (digital technology). Analog cameras (CCTV) are rated by the quantity of horizontal TV lines. Analog images are now converted to digital to be recorded to a DVR. HD or digital cameras are a pure digital image rated in pixels or mega pixels as the image below indicates.

CCTV (analog systems) have been around for decades and currently the highest capable resolution is around 700 lines. New technologies (HD-CVI, HD-IP & 4K) have solved the image quality problems of the old CCTV technology. Digital HD 720p, 1080p, 4 Megapixel & 4K systems are the future and are now as affordable as CCTV Analog systems.

What is the difference between 720p, 1080p, 4 Megapixel & 4k?

The answer is pixels, or the size of the video. Remember to Consider this, although 1080p produces a larger image than 720p if you view live video of a 720p and a 1080p camera side by side on an HD monitors, most likely you cannot tell the difference between the two. Why is this? It is because both formats meet the minimum resolution requirements of the HD monitor. The video looks identical; both providing crystal clear vivid HD video. The Key reason to choose to go with higher resolution cameras is because the larger image allows you to digitally zoom into the captured video without the image becoming blurry. This can be extremely when trying to capture detailed information such as a license plate image or image recognition at distance.

With the current systems available they will allow you to mix camera resolutions on the same system. For example, the HD-CVI and HD-IP style cameras offers both 720p and 1080p resolution cameras. There is a large selection of 1080p resolution cameras and 4K cameras are becoming more approachable in pricing as well. However, choosing the right camera and its proper location is still key. Some locations may only require 720p clarity while other more important areas might be best served with a 1080p or low light levels can become a factor as well. All resolutions can integrate seamlessly into a recording device. With all these factors to consider, it still important to consult an Industry professional to help with determining frame rate, storage capacity and other key features that may go into capturing and storing the right imagery for your particular application.

Read our Ultimate Guide to gain a better understanding of security surveillance camera systems.