What are Megapixels and their Impact on the Security Surveillance Industry?
The usage of “megapixels” stands out, leaving people confused and perplexed. The main attractive area in the security systems business circle includes network or IP security cameras. Moreover, the most rapidly developing technologies in IP cameras are high-definition HD security cameras and megapixel security cameras. Similarly, both of these crucial technologies provide much better imaging capabilities than common analog images. They are believed to be similar in terms of their characteristics, whereas in reality, they are not exactly the same.
Nevertheless, when choosing the right megapixel CCTV camera from megapixel lens manufacturers, it is imperative to understand why CCTV cameras come in multiple megapixel resolutions. Therefore, in this comprehensive blog post, we will discuss the concept of a high resolution megapixel camera lens and explore how it significantly impacts the overall effectiveness and performance of CCTV cameras. Let’s get started!
What are Megapixels in CCTV cameras?
Megapixels (MP) in CCTV cameras represent the total number of pixels, or the smallest color-capturing elements, that produce a clear, high-quality digital image. Furthermore, a 1 megapixel CCTV lens equals 1 million pixels. A more elevated megapixel count typically means higher resolution, resulting in sharper, more detailed, and clearer images or video footage.
Likewise, for security surveillance, it allows for clear facial identification or license plate capture, especially when zooming in digitally. Moreover, while 2 (1080p) is traditional for general monitoring, 4MP-8MP (4K) cameras offer advanced detail for large areas. However, a high resolution megapixel camera lens creates larger files, requiring more storage space and network bandwidth.
Technical Configuration of Megapixels in CCTV Cameras
| Megapixels (MP) | Resolution (Pixels) | Image Detail Level | Field of View Coverage | Zoom Clarity | Storage Requirement | Bandwidth Usage | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 MP | 1280 × 720 (HD) | Basic | Wide | Low | Very Low | Very Low | Small indoor rooms, basic monitoring |
| 2 MP | 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) | Good | Wide | Moderate | Low | Low | Homes, small shops, offices |
| 3 MP | 2048 × 1536 | Better | Medium | Moderate | Medium | Medium | Retail stores, entrances |
| 4 MP | 2560 × 1440 (2K) | High | Medium | Good | Medium | Medium | Parking areas, medium spaces |
| 5 MP | 2592 × 1944 | Very High | Medium | Good | Medium-High | Medium-High | Face recognition, hallways |
| 8 MP (4K) | 3840 × 2160 (Ultra HD) | Excellent | Large | Very High | High | High | Large outdoor areas, airports |
| 12 MP+ | 4000 × 3000+ | Ultra-Detailed | Very Large | Excellent | Very High | Very High | City surveillance, critical security |
Essential Megapixels Impact on a CCTV Security Camera
CCTV security is no longer just a luxury. It’s a necessity today. However, when choosing a CCTV lens camera, “megapixels” are a major deciding factor. Let’s understand the significant impact megapixels have on CCTV security surveillance.
1. It Enhances Image Clarity and Quality
Megapixels also impact the image’s clarity and sharpness. Before buying a CCTV camera from the best megapixel lens manufacturers, ensure that megapixel quality greatly impacts image clarity. Images appear very blurred when shot with low-megapixel cameras, but highly professional images can be obtained with megapixel cameras. Additionally, it plays a very essential role in gathering evidence of suspected events.
2. Megapixels Improves Facial Recognition and Identification
The disadvantage here is that a high-resolution image helps in face recognition. However, if a camera captures high-resolution images, facial characteristics are recorded more accurately, which helps with face recognition. Likewise, this feature can be beneficial in law-and-order situations, businesses, apartments, and shops where a security system breach may occur due to theft.
3. It Seamlessly Improves Digital Zoom without Loss of Detail
The major advantage of a megapixel CCTV camera offered by megapixel CCTV lens suppliers is its improved digital zoom. When you zoom in on an image, the quality degrades on low-megapixel cameras. In a megapixel camera, image quality is not greatly affected by zoom. Thus, it provides the advantage of zooming into specific areas using a megapixel camera.
4. It Offers Enhanced Evidence Collection & Legal Support
Surveillance videos are employed as concrete evidence while security incidents unfold. Videos recorded by cameras with higher megapixel counts are clearer and more useful in certain cases. Number plates, tattoos, patterns on clothing, or even objects can be well documented to strengthen a case.
5. Megapixels Provides Larger Area Coverage with Fewer Cameras
High-megapixel cameras manufactured by top megapixel lens manufacturers have a wide field of view, allowing a single camera to cover a large geographic area. It implies that fewer cameras are used to cover a particular geographic area. Moreover, it makes them cheaper to install and maintain. It may be applicable when dealing with large warehouses, malls, or campuses.
6. It Improves Performance of Advanced Analytics & AI Systems
Today, AI analytics such as motion detection, object tracking, people counting, and behavior analysis are available in CCTV systems produced by megapixel CCTV lens suppliers. As the megapixels increase, the accuracy of analytics improves automatically. The reason is that the more megapixels, the better visual input the system receives. It is a significant advantage for smart cities, homes, or commercial security systems.
It’s Time to Conclude Here!
We hope this comprehensive blog has provided you with the insights you need to pick the right resolution for your surveillance needs. Furthermore, if you are still searching for the best and most reliable megapixel lens manufacturers, look no further than Superior CCTV. We offer camera modules that combine premium-quality features with flexible customization options. Connect with us today and discover how we can provide the best security setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upgrading cameras is also possible, though most of the time the entire camera system needs to be replaced, including the lens and sensor.
While a high number of pixels in security cameras always results in better images, this can vary depending on storage and network capabilities.
No, because the size of the sensors and the lenses used, as well as the processing involved, are also important.
Yes, it is possible for a camera with fewer pixels to produce better pictures.
Yes, in cases where illumination is bright and general observation is needed, lower megapixel cameras may suffice.