CCTV Resolution for Analog Cameras
Customers often ask what kind of
resolution is best for their particular CCTV system. Picking the right resolution for your surveillance camera can make or
break your system.
Understanding the differences
between Analog and IP can go a long way in determining which equipment to
purchase.
For standard analog cameras,
resolution is measured by TV Lines. For most new analog cameras the TVL
range is 420 to 700. Although 420 TVL is considered the lowest, I’ve seen
camera systems where the user was only covering a short distance and the video quality
was actually pretty good. Don’t automatically assume a low res cam is
garbage. For short distances, the low resolution camera could save you
some money and put a good image up. Now, the 600 TVL and above have
excellent images. The pictures are sharper and the contrast is great.
If you want great clarity the 600+
range of resolution is the way to go. There are other factors for a good
clear picture like lenses, lux, wide dynamic range, etc. Make sure you speak to a pro about your needs – 016 666 1221 or 019 900 8288
CCTV Resolution for DVRS (recording
resolution)
Once the camera captures the images
that you want, it will send them through coax cable (or Cat 5 with Baluns) to the DVR. At the DVR, the
images are converted from an analog signal into a digital format to be stored
on a hard drive. This is the most important part of the chain. The
greatest most powerful camera will not be effective if the image is
compressed down to nothing by the DVR. The two most popular DVR resolution types are
CIF and D1. CIF is defined as 320×240 pixels and D1 is 720×480. As
you can tell, D1 is 4 times larger than CIF. That means that the raw
analog signal of the camera will be compressed less, giving you better detail.
When looking for a DVR keep
recording resolution in mind. Most DVRs have both options but will
usually lower the frame rate to allow for higher resolution.
CCTV Resolution for IP Cameras
Next, we’ll cover CCTV resolution for
IP cameras. IP cameras (megapixel specifically) are able to deliver a much higher resolution.
Firstly, a MP camera is already digital so there is neither conversion
nor compression. Secondly, MP cameras run their signal through Cat 5 or 6 which allows for a much higher transfer of data.
1.3M is generally the smallest
resolution of IP megapixel camera, but is still quite a bit larger resolution
than any analog cam. Even though this is a huge jump from analog, if this
is not enough you can jump to 3.0 megapixel and get a 2048×1536 resolution.
Still want bigger? Go with the 5 megapixel for a 2592×1944 for a
HUGH image.
If analog resolutions are not
cutting it for you, IP surveillance cameras can definitely accommodate any
large resolutions.
With a DVR and analog cameras you
are limited to CIF, 2CIF, 4CIF, and D1 resolution. This may or may not
fit your specific needs for your CCTV setup. If you need higher
resolution you should consider IP megapixel cameras and a network video recorder.
