When searching for security cameras to buy, you may be confused by all the jargon or details related to camera resolution. There are three important resolutions to consider when looking for surveillance cameras:
1080P Full HD
2K 4MP QHD
4K 8MP UltraHD
In the past, 1080P cameras were the most popular security cameras in the industry. With the advent of new technology, higher – resolution cameras like 2K and 4K are becoming more affordable.
Learn the difference between 2K and 4K cameras, and the benefits of upgrading from 1080P security cameras or purchasing a new system below.
2K 4MP HD Security Cameras
2K HD security cameras provide a high - resolution picture of 2560×1440, utilizing a 4 – megapixel (MP) image sensor. They offer a significant improvement over the previous generations of 720P and 1080P recording. Notable differences include increased clarity of faces up to a distance of 40 ft away, and a significantly increased digital zoom due to higher pixel density. 2K cameras generally offer a wider angle of view compared to 1080P cameras because of the larger video resolution.
Why choose 2K security cameras over 4K security cameras?
You feel that 40 ft of facial detail is sufficient from the camera’s mounting location.
You are budget - conscious and want higher quality than 1080P but don’t want to spend a large amount of money right away.
You want an upgrade path in the future if the 4MP quality cameras do not meet your expectations. You can always move the 4MP camera to a different location and install a 4K camera in its place.
Often, we see small businesses and home users using 2K 4MP IP cameras for their properties, for both indoor and outdoor surveillance.
Facial detail comparison of 8MP and 4MP camera sensors
4K 8MP Security Cameras
4K security cameras are the highest - quality cameras in the industry. A 4K security camera has an 8MP image sensor, which is double that of a 2K 4MP camera, allowing video capture at twice the resolution. With the increase in video resolution, it produces a video that is 3840×2160 pixels, which is also a substantial improvement over the 1920×1080 pixels provided by 1080P cameras.
Don‘t be deceived by cheap cameras on Amazon or other CCTV companies that use inexpensive 4K sensors. Although these cameras may produce a 4K picture, the video quality will be poor because of low - quality sensors and camera internals that sacrifice camera reliability and longevity. Cameras sold by CCTV Camera World never compromise on quality.
When comparing 4K to 2K resolution, you can expect to see a face up to 70 ft away using digital zoom. The high pixel density in a 4K - resolution picture creates vivid and sharp video during live viewing or when playing back recorded video. During the day, with digital zoom, you can zoom in on stationary license plates or the faces of potential intruders and avoid the pixelation found in lower - quality cameras.
It is important to note that 4K capture requires increased processing power and storage on a security camera recorder to encode and store video. However, with the latest H.265+ encoding offered by our 4K surveillance cameras, which works in conjunction with our 4K NVR products, you can expect to save up to 70% of the storage requirement compared to using H.264.
Why choose a 4K security camera rather than a 2K security camera?
You need the highest - quality cameras in the industry to protect your home or business.
You are looking to “future - proof” your security camera system installation and not have to worry about future upgrades.
You have the available budget for high - quality cameras and a powerful recorder with sufficient storage.
Post time: Dec-02-2025