Let’s Break This Down: Security Camera Resolution Comparison
What are high resolution security cameras, and which one should you get?
What are high resolution security cameras, and which one should you get?
HD, 1080p, 4K. You may have seen these terms before, maybe when shopping for a new TV or recording a video with your smartphone. These terms relate to image resolution and, as far as you know, they affect image quality.
But what does resolution really have to do with security cameras? Well, it’s the difference between identifying an intruder and not quite seeing their face. It means capturing a license plate number or never knowing who ran over Peppy, your garden gnome.
So, let’s break down camera resolution once and for all.
In short, resolution is the number of pixels in an image or video. Pixels are defined as the smallest unit of information in an image, generally square. For example, take these two images:
In essence, they are the same picture. However, because the right one has a higher resolution (i.e., more pixels), it appears clearer.
People commonly refer to resolution by using the number of pixels in the image’s width and height. For example, in the case of 1920×1080, it means it’s 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels high.
HD, 1080p, or 4K are, basically, marketing terms to refer to these resolutions. Instead of saying 3840×2160, a salesperson can say “it’s 4K” and call it a day.
Play the following YouTube video and switch between different quality settings.
Start with 144p, and you’ll notice the video appears blurry and pixelated. With a lower pixel count, you lack information. Even in an actor’s close-up, it’s difficult to make out their facial features.
Now, switch to 1080p, and suddenly, everything becomes much clearer. It’s the same video, but the change in resolution makes all the difference. Imagine this but with your security footage: You don’t want blurry. You want detailed, life-like, crisp.
High Resolution Cameras are able to capture video in High Definition (HD) or better.
A mere 15 years ago, security camera systems relied on local storage. So, they recorded videos in low resolution to prevent them from quickly filling up the hard drive… or videotape.
Back then, a good CCTV camera gave you a resolution of, perhaps, 640×480. That’s over 300,000 pixels, a number that may not sound so bad, right? Well, modern surveillance cameras are in a whole different league.
HD gives you a resolution of 1280×720 or over 920,000 pixels. 1080p HD or FHD (Full High Definition) goes up to 1920×1080, that’s over 2 million pixels. With 4K, we have a stunning 3840×2160 or 8 million pixels!
From the Ring Video Doorbell to the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, security camera resolution can vary across brands. While brands like Arlo have advanced security resolution cameras with 4K capabilities, other competitors like Ring only have cameras with up to 2K resolution.
This chart provides an overview of security camera resolutions, video quality, and camera models.
| Name | Resolution | Number of Pixels | Video Quality | Camera |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 720p, HD | 1280×720 | 921,600 | Good | Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell |
| 1080p, FHD | 1920×1080 | 2,073,600 | Very Good | Arlo Essential Spotlight Wireless Security Camera |
| 2K, QHD (Quad HD) | 2560×1440 | 3,686,400 | Excellent | Arlo Pro 5S 2K Wireless Security Camera |
| 4K, UHD (Ultra HD) | 3840×1260 | 8,294,400 | Best | Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera |
4K cameras capture more pixels, meaning more detail and high quality video. You’ll be able to zoom in and get a clearer view of your security footage. That could be a a plant poacher’s face or your pet’s shenanigans. (If Lucky, your Labradoodle, is going viral, wouldn’t you want to see those beautiful whiskers in full detail?)
Plus, you should always try to deter porch pirates. But if someone still manages to steal your property, a 4K security camera can capture clearer details of the thief’s identity.
Consider options like the Arlo Ultra 2 Security Camera, with 4K HDR, Color Night Vision, and ultra-wide field of view. Remember: Having a high definition resolution camera can be affordable. Options like the Arlo’s Essential Indoor Security Camera is a budget-friendly, reliable option.
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. HDR is all about making electronic devices record or display a broader range of brightness. In practical terms, this translates to crisper highlights and more detailed shadows in your footage.
So, “4K HDR” refers to two aspects: 4K for the resolution and HDR for enhancing the details in light and shadows.
4K HDR cameras capture a clearer picture of every detail and perform better than others in difficult light conditions. For example, cameras like the Arlo Ultra 2 Wireless Security Camera can record 4K HDR footage. It also works with smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Start at 1080p and go up according to your security needs and budget. 1080p is great for video doorbells like the Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell. But for dedicated security cameras, you want every extra pixel. The higher the resolution, the stronger the peace of mind.
For the best home security resolution, our lineup of Wi-Fi cameras range from HD to 4K. No matter which resolution works best for your security needs, one answer is crystal clear: Arlo has you covered.
