Security cameras provide settings to lower or increase the resolution. This option is essential when you want to save hard drive space or lower the camera’s resolution to match the recording equipment’s capabilities. Whatever your reason, you can perform this modification in several easy steps.
But first, explore the meaning of resolution and the different types below.
Select Camera from the Setting section on the machine’s Main Menu.
Under the Camera Settings interface, use the right side navigation to select “Encode”. This interface allows the user to:
The user can define specific settings for each Type (Regular / Motion Detection / Alarm) for each camera.
Go back to step 3 and repeat steps 3-6 for each camera on your system. Do not use the “Copy” function. You must do this for each channel. Screenshots were taken from a HDVR41080-T Tribrid DVR.
A closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera’s resolution indicates the number of pixels that create an image. A pixel or picture element is a value for measuring resolution. It represents the smallest unit of a digital image that someone can manipulate using software.
The higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution, which in turn produces more detailed images. For instance, a 720p CCTV camera measures 1,280 pixels wide and 720 pixels high. Multiplied, these pixels make up 921,600 pixels per frame, compared to 2,073,600 pixels per frame in 1080p equipment. The latter resolution offers better detail and clarity.
While higher resolutions offer greater clarity, they also require more storage space. If your application allows it, drop the resolution to enable longer backup times.
The best resolution for a CCTV camera depends on the use case. Here is an overview of several resolution types you could encounter when changing settings:
4K or ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolution is ideal for capturing facial details, license number plates, and the fine data of expansive outdoor areas. 4K resolution in HD-over-coax cameras is 3,840 pixels wide and 2,160 pixels high, while 4K internet protocol (IP) cameras are 4,000 pixels by 3,000 pixels.
4MP resolution produces clearer and more detailed video images than 1080p and 720p. Its pixel size is 2,688 in width and 1,520 in height. 4MP security cameras can monitor medium-sized outdoor areas.
1080p or full HD resolution has 1,920 pixels in width and 1,080 pixels in height. It provides a good balance between video quality and storage saving. Consider 1080p for general monitoring applications of outdoor and indoor areas where fine details are not vital.
720p or HD resolution measures 1,280 pixels in width and 720 in height. It is less detailed than the 1080p resolution but can be used for monitoring front doors and other small areas.
CCTV settings allow you to set the desired resolution based on your needs. Follow this step-by-step process to modify this feature.
Explore a few common questions regarding security camera resolutions and their answers.
The “p” represents progressive scanning, a video display format that draws each video frame line from top to bottom.
The frames per second rate indicates the number of images a camera captures each second. High rates produce smooth videos.
Yes! A 3MP resolution measures 2,048 pixels wide and 1,536 pixels high, providing better clarity and detail than 1080p. It works well for indoor and outdoor applications.
With a 1,600-pixel by 1,200-pixel size, the 2MP resolution offers more detail than a 720p resolution security camera. It is suitable for indoor use.
The resolution for 4K HD-over-coax cameras is 8MP, while the 4K IP resolution is 12 MP.
Optiview designs, manufactures, and distributes innovative security cameras for any application. Our devices feature a wide range of resolutions and the settings to adjust them as necessary. We offer one-on-one product training to demonstrate how to navigate the camera system software, including changing security camera resolutions. Our experts also provide ongoing support to answer any other questions you may have.
Call us at 904-805-1581 to speak with us about your security camera needs.
