Which Resolution Should You Buy?
CCTV Camera World offers IP Security Cameras in resolutions ranging from 1080P (aka 2 Megapixels) to 12MP. Although 4K is considered Ultra HD, you can even go beyond 4K and attain even more detail with 12 Megapixels. For convenience we have grouped 8MP and 12MP cameras together in our 4K security camera page.
The image above compares the relative size of the picture rendered by security cameras of different resolutions. While it is not true to scale, the comparison is meant to illustrate that as camera resolution increases, the picture frame size and clarity increases as well.
When choosing which IP camera you should buy, it is important to ask yourself how far you would like to see facial detail? After extensive testing, we have developed the simple table below that explains the extent of possible facial capture among different camera resolutions.
Max Face Capture Distance In Daylight
| Resolution | Max Distance |
| D1 / 960H | 10ft |
| 720P | 15ft |
| 1080P | 25ft |
| 3MP | 35ft |
| 4MP | 45ft |
| 8MP 4K | 55ft |
| 12MP | 70ft |
To provide a visual perspective to the above table, we developed the CCTV Camera World Security Camera Matrix. We tested the different camera resolutions we offer at 10ft distance increments from the camera to determine how well they can capture facial detail. Our Security Camera Matrix serves as an important reference when choosing which resolution IP security camera you should buy.
What are IP cameras?
IP cameras, also known as PoE Cameras or network cameras, are self-contained recording devices that can be used with a Network Video Recorder for long-term storage of video footage. While they are the main type of security cameras, they can also be used for other purposes such as a professional live stream feed to YouTube Live without the need for a PC. Wired network cameras connect to NVRs and computer networks using network cable, and wireless IP security cameras connect using WiFi.
How do IP cameras work?
They work by capturing video with an image sensor much like a digital camera. Inside the camera is a computer chip that compresses the video for live viewing or playback. IP security cameras work best when connected to an NVR to make a complete security camera system that provides long-term video storage. They can also be used as a webcam when used as a standalone security camera for remote viewing.
How to install IP cameras?
Installing IP cameras depends on their style and shape. Bullet cameras and Turret shaped cameras are easy to install to walls and ceilings. Dome cameras can be installed directly to ceilings or eaves and require additional mounting hardware for wall installations. Connecting the camera to an NVR is easy: connect one end of an ethernet network cable to the camera and the other end of the cable to the NVR. Allow the camera a couple of minutes to power on and voila! It’s really that easy with plug-and-play technology featured in IP Security Systems with PoE Cameras.
What is the difference between an IP Camera and CCTV Camera?
Analog Security Cameras, also known as CCTV cameras, use coax siamese cable to transmit video to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). The DVR converts the analog video signal into a digital format for storage on a hard drive inside.
IP cameras use Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, hence also called PoE cameras, to send video over network cable directly to a NVR (Network Video Recorder). Since they are digital cameras, video can also be transmitted over a computer network or to the Internet directly from the camera.
IP PoE cameras are easier to manage and offer better clarity than CCTV cameras. While both CCTV and IP support up to 4K resolution, the latter offers higher quality video with less artifacts along with a higher frames per second.The type of camera best for you depends on whether you would like to reuse existing coax cable from a previous CCTV system. If you're purchasing for the first time, an IP camera system would be the best for you.
Can IP cameras work without the internet?
It is a common misconception that network based cameras require the internet. The Internet is only needed for remote viewing over the web. Otherwise, cameras connect directly over network cabling to a NVR and from a Closed Circuit System.
Do IP cameras need WiFi?
Only wireless security cameras need WiFi to connect to the NVR or a computer network. WiFi is also needed if you want to watch a camera system using a mobile phone or tablet connected to the same WiFi router as the cameras.
