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Advancements in technology over the past decade have led to significant improvements in the field of security cameras. We now have access to high-definition (HD) cameras capable of delivering detailed and clear footage, enhancing the ability of these cameras to protect homes, businesses, and institutions.
Two of the most popular resolutions for security cameras in today's market are 720p and 1080p. But which one is right for you?
This blog post aims to explain what 720p vs. 1080p means and then provides a comprehensive comparison of these two types of security cameras to help you make an informed decision.
Before delving into the comparison, it's crucial to understand what is meant by 720p and 1080p. In essence, these numbers refer to the vertical resolution of the camera or the number of pixels in the vertical line of an image.
The "p" stands for "progressive scanning," which means the image is not interlaced. Progressive scanning produces smoother, cleaner images.
A 720p camera has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, while a 1080p camera has a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.
Image quality is, without a doubt, one of the most critical aspects to consider when purchasing a security camera. The higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed the image.
A 1080p camera, with its higher pixel count, will deliver a sharper image compared to a 720p camera. This superior image quality can make a significant difference when you need to identify faces, license plates, or other specific details.
However, it's important to note that while a 1080p camera provides better image quality, the human eye may not always perceive this difference, especially on smaller screens.
So, if you're monitoring your security feed on a smartphone or small monitor, the distinction between 720p and 1080p might be less noticeable.
The increased resolution of 1080p cameras comes with a trade-off: these cameras require more storage space and bandwidth.
In other words, a day's worth of footage from a 1080p camera will take up significantly more space compared to 720p footage. If you're using a cloud storage service, this could also mean higher storage space expenses.
The same goes for bandwidth: a 1080p camera will consume more Internet bandwidth, which could slow down your network, particularly if you have multiple cameras installed.
When considering the performance of security cameras in low-light situations, it’s crucial to remember that resolution isn't the only factor at play.
Sensor size and type, lens quality, and the presence of technologies like infrared (IR) illumination or Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) can greatly influence a camera's low-light performance.
That said, given equal conditions, a higher-resolution camera, like a 1080p, would generally deliver better results due to its ability to capture more detail.
Your specific use case will largely determine whether a 720p or 1080p camera is more suitable for you.
If you need to monitor large areas or require detailed images for identification purposes, a 1080p camera might be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you're more concerned about general surveillance and don't need to capture fine details, a 720p camera should suffice.
If budget is a major concern, and storage and bandwidth are limited, a 720p camera would be more economical.
Cost is another factor that differentiates 720p and 1080p cameras.
720p cameras tend to be less expensive due to their lower resolution. In contrast, 1080p cameras are often priced higher due to their superior image quality and the technology involved.
However, prices for high-definition cameras have been dropping in recent years, making 1080p cameras more accessible to those on a budget than ever before.
In the end, the choice between 720p and 1080p resolution is just one part of the puzzle.
To get the most out of your security camera system, consider other key factors like camera placement, light conditions, field of view, and additional features your camera may have, such as motion detection and audio recording.
Remember, a security camera, irrespective of its resolution, forms part of a larger security strategy designed to keep your premises safe.
Mammoth Security is Connecticut’s one-stop shop for comprehensive security solutions. In addition to our expertise in designing world-class, high-resolution video surveillance systems, we know access control, structured cabling, and alarms for fire, water, and intrusion.
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While we shop for a camera for a home security system, we essentially want our camera to capture images and videos with good clarity and sharpness. The technical term is resolution measured in pixels per inch(PPI) or dots per inch (DPI). You will get a more detailed view of an image with more dots per inch. In the case of printers and scanners, the resolution is measured in dots per minute (DPI).
What are Primary colours?
While we were in kindergarten, we were taught about primary colours – Red, Yellow, and Blue!!! But then why does the Colour-picker take the Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) combination?
Do you know what light is? Light is a colour reflected in our eyes either directly from the source or reflected from an object.
How do you identify the colour of an object?
Unlike Sun, torch, or flashlight, the colour of objects is non-emissive. The reflected colour from the object is a subtractive mix – which is CMYK – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and K for Black. Printers and Publishers use CMYK colours for printing.
Light from some direct source uses an additive colour system – Red, Green, and Blue, a mix of which results in white colour. Our television and computer monitor screen emits light hence follows the RGB system.
How camera captures an image?
Sensors collect light from an object and convert it into photoelectrons in digital cameras. The object’s colour is captured based on the intensity of red, green, or blue pixels. The camera’s resolution depends on the size of a pixel, the aperture of a lens, magnification, and other factors.
720p vs 1080p cameras
The 720p camera captures the smallest area and resolution – 1280 x 720 – an HD-ready camera. If you are focusing on a small area with adequate lights and a clear field of vision, then 720p may serve the purpose.
1080p camera – 1920 x 1080, known as Full HD resolution, will be required to accommodate larger space in the image and recognise objects at a distance.
With a 720p camera, streaming real-time video onto your mobile will be quicker than a high resolution 1080p camera with frequent lag and buffering due to its lower bandwidth. You would require more memory and storage with a high-resolution camera if you frequent business travel or vacation. A one-hour video captured from a 720p camera will consume one-third of space compared to the same length video captured from a 1080p camera.
Surveillance cameras are installed for the safety of our property and our loved ones at our home. For an event, investigation agencies require you to recognise the occupant of your home and identify an intruder. You recognise an occupant and know you have seen them before, need at least a 20-pixel comprehensive picture. Identifying an intruder, you will be required to confidently point out someone when seen in person during an investigation and need to capture images between 40 and 80 pixels.
4K vs 5MP cameras
4k cameras are ultra HD security cameras with resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 with over 8 million pixels suitable for capturing images of someone at the doorstep in close-up and full body. 4K cameras require lots of internal storage and consume a lot of battery and power.
5 MegaPixel cameras can be used in surveillance systems when you don’t want to compromise image quality and look for fast streaming of captured images even at low internet speed. You want to install the camera at the main entrance to identify who has arrived.
The only drawback with a 5MP camera is that the captured media files may take more storage even after compression, and they are costly.
With high-resolution cameras, you will get smaller images on your screen if you watch captured images over your mobile device. The text from the image will not be readable. You can easily view high-resolution images with larger monitor screens unless the monitor has limitations with pixel density or aspect ratio.
Conclusion
This article discussed how light from objects gets converted into coloured images by camera. CMYK colour method for printing and RGB for capturing an image and comparing 720p, 1080p, 4K, and 5K cameras for good resolution of pictures and videos in home security to help you analyse your situation and make an informed decision.
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