4K Surveillance Options

The days of low-definition security camera systems are over… or at least they should be. Unfortunately many service providers are still selling outdated and subpar equipment complete with a messy and destructive install to make a quick buck.

Give your properties the security upgrade they need with 4K Security Camera solutions from NexGen Digital Solutions locally owned and operated in Plymouth, Indiana.

What’s the resolution of 4K security cameras, 1440p security cameras, 1080p security cameras and 720p security cameras?

• 4K Ultra HD security cameras possess a high resolution of 3840*2160 with over 8 million pixels. And they are also called 8MP/2160p security cameras.
• 1440p Super HD security cameras, also known as 4MP/2K security cameras, gain a resolution of 2560*1440. They are currently the mainstream in the security camera filed and deliver much clearer images than 1080p and 720p cameras.
• 1080p Full HD security cameras produce images with the resolution of 1920*1080. They are suitable for the general-purpose video surveillance but sometimes may fail to figure out small details from a distance.
• 720p HD security cameras shoot images with 128*720 pixels per unit. Due to the growing demand for higher quality images and videos, 720p security cameras are now gradually losing their grip in the market.

Resolution	Image size in pixels	Pixles per image	Aspect Ratio	Scanning type
4K	3,840×2,160	8,294,400	16:9	Progressive
1440p	2,560×1,440	3,686,400	16:9	Progressive
1080p	1,920×1,080	2,073,600	16:9	Progressive
720p	1,280×720	921,600	16:9	Progressive

1. Image Quality

The higher the security camera resolution, the better image quality and more vivid details you will obtain.

So it’s easy to conclude that 4K security cameras deliver sharper and clearer images than 1440p IP security cameras, 1080p IP security cameras and 720p IP security cameras.

Let’s say you intend to capture the license plate numbers, both 4K security cameras and 1440p IP cameras will have a good shot for you to recognize the numbers from a distance.

But for 1080p CCTV security cameras, it is uncertain depending on the camera quality and distance. While the chances are slim for 720p video surveillance cameras to shoot the plate numbers.

2. Field of View

Broadly speaking, megapixel security cameras are often packed with wide-angle lenses.

And that’s why the 4K megapixel security cameras generally have a wider field of view than the 1440p surveillance cameras, 1080p surveillance cameras and 720p surveillance cameras.

What does this exactly mean for you?

It means that if you need to monitor a large area with four 720p HD security cameras, only ONE single 4K CCTV security camera will get the job done, leaving no blind spots and no opportunity for potential thieves.

3. Bandwidth & Storage Consumption

In the same H.264 video standard, there is no doubt that 4K ultra HD security cameras would require more bandwidth usage and storage consumption, compared with 1440p IP cameras, 1080p IP cameras and 720p IP cameras.

But thanks to H.265 high efficiency coding adopted by 4K IP security cameras, the bandwidth utilization and storage consumption can be reduced by about 50% without sacrificing the image quality.

So don’t fall into this common myth again, that 4K surveillance cameras eat up more bandwidth and take up more storage space than 1440p, 1080p or 720p CCTV security cameras.

4. Compatibility

If you already have a 4MP monitor or TV, the 1440p IP security cameras, 1080p IP security cameras and 720p IP security cameras should have no problem displaying images on it.

But with a 4K security IP camera, you may either choose to buy a 4K monitor/TV (depending on your budget) or lower the image resolution (would defeat your original purpose to buy 4K security systems).

Having that said, as the 4K technology has already stepped into the monitor and TV market, how long do you think you have to wait before you replace your existing monitor or TV with the 4K resolution?

The truth is, most proactive consumers would rather spend a few extra hundred dollars for a 4K monitor that has more recent technology and avoid having to upgrade again in a few years.

So it eventually comes down to striking a balance between your budget and your future needs.

5. Cost

Up until now, the 4K security cameras are relatively more expensive than 2K, 1080p and 720p CCTV security cameras.

And the available options are also few.

Now most security camera sellers opt for providing 5MP or 6MP security cameras first before releasing their 4K products out of the limitation of demanding technology or the cost.

Yet, as the 4K technology advances, day-by-day 4K IP cameras are becoming more budget-friendly.

Also, don’t forget that ONE single 4K security camera is enough to cover large areas, thus reducing the overall cost to add surveillance cameras.