The number of megapixels (MP) needed for a CCTV camera depends on your specific surveillance requirements. Here’s a general guide:
1 MP to 2 MP (720p/1080p HD)
- Use case: General monitoring in small spaces like homes, offices, or shops.
- Details: Sufficient for basic identification, but fine details like faces or license plates may not be clear at a distance.
4 MP (1440p)
- Use case: Medium to large areas like parking lots, warehouses, or larger offices.
- Details: Provides better clarity and the ability to zoom in on finer details without losing much quality.
6 MP to 8 MP (4K UHD)
- Use case: High-security zones like banks, airports, or high-end retail stores.
- Details: Extremely sharp footage, ideal for identifying small details like faces and license plates, even at greater distances.
10 MP and above
- Use case: Critical surveillance needs, such as large public spaces or city monitoring.
- Details: Overkill for most purposes unless you need ultra-high resolution for detailed analysis or large-scale monitoring.
Factors to Consider:
- Field of View (FOV): Higher MP cameras are better for wide areas.
- Lighting: Ensure the camera has low-light or infrared capabilities for night surveillance.
- Storage: Higher MP requires more storage; ensure you have adequate capacity.
- Budget: Higher resolution cameras are more expensive and may not always be necessary.
For most residential and small business setups, 2 MP to 4 MP cameras provide a good balance between quality and cost. For advanced surveillance needs, consider 4 MP to 8 MP.