When you’ve been in this field long enough, you stop being impressed by fancy marketing words. I’ve seen too many clients sold on “Full HD,” “TurboHD,” “DarkFighter”, or “ColorVu” labels, only to find out later that their 2MP cameras couldn’t identify a suspect when it actually mattered.
Resolution isn’t about what’s printed on the box, it’s about what you can see, prove, and use as evidence.
In professional security, we measure that using something called the DORI Standard:
- Detect: Can you see that something is happening?
- Observe: Can you follow what’s happening in general?
- Recognize: Can you tell who it is if you already know them?
- Identify: Can you prove who it is in court, even if you’ve never seen them before?
2MP (Full HD / TurboHD / ColorVu)
Even today, I still see banks here in Tanzania relying on 2MP cameras. And it’s not just here across Africa, many institutions still use them. On paper, it looks fine, “Full HD.”
In reality, it’s the weakest link.
- Detect: Yes, you’ll see movement.
- Observe: You’ll know someone entered the area.
- Recognize: Only at very short distances.
- Identify: Almost impossible in real incidents.
Field Truth: I’ve personally reviewed bank footage after robberies where the 2MP cameras showed that something happened but couldn’t prove who did it. That’s not security. That’s surveillance theatre.
4MP – The Minimum for Evidence
- Detect: Clear.
- Observe: You can follow actions in detail.
- Recognize: Strong at short to medium distances.
- Identify: Possible with proper lighting and camera placement.
Why it matters: I tell clients during surveys, 2MP is for monitoring, 4MP is for evidence. It’s the best balance of cost, clarity, and usable footage.
6MP – The Sweet Spot for Many Sites
- Detect: Excellent coverage.
- Observe: Strong detail across wider areas.
- Recognize: Reliable in most environments.
- Identify: Achievable at longer distances than 4MP.
Why it works: For many mid-size businesses, 6MP gives near-premium clarity without choking your NVR or filling your drives too fast.
8MP (4K) – When Every Pixel Counts
- Detect: Wide areas, fewer cameras needed.
- Observe: Excellent clarity and zoom potential.
- Recognize: Strong even at distance.
- Identify: Court-ready detail if installed correctly.
Where it fits: I only recommend 8MP for high-value sites, banks upgrading properly, diplomatic, corporate, jewelry shops, or data centers where the stakes justify the infrastructure.
The Cost Reality
Clients always ask: “Why not just go for the cheapest?”
Here’s the truth I tell them straight:
- 2MP: You’ll pay less today, but you’ll pay again when it fails.
- 4MP: The most practical and balanced choice for 70% of sites.
- 6MP: Strategic upgrade for those who want reliability without 4K overhead.
- 8MP: Premium but only if your network and storage can handle it.
Remember a camera isn’t an expense, it’s an investment in evidence.
CCTV Resolution Comparison Table
| Resolution | Pixels (Approx.) | DORI Performance | Ideal Use Case | Storage & Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2MP (1080p) | 1920×1080 | Detect / Observe | Basic monitoring | Low |
| 4MP | 2560×1440 | Recognize | Offices, retail, schools | Medium |
| 6MP | 3072×2048 | Identify | Banks, warehouses | Moderate |
| 8MP (4K) | 3840×2160 | Identify+ | High-value or forensic sites | High |
Final Word
CCTV camera resolution simply means how many pixels your camera captures and more pixels usually mean more detail. But resolution alone doesn’t guarantee usable footage.
The camera you choose should match your security objective, not your excitement for big numbers. Forget marketing terms like “Full HD” or “ColorVu.”
Ask instead:
Can this camera detect, observe, recognize, and identify at the distances that matter for my site?
That’s the difference between a system that just looks good on paper and one that actually protects you in reality.
By Mwinjuma Kimaya
Security Systems & Risk Strategist | SRMP-C & R Certified | AI-Driven CCTV, Access Control & Alarm Systems | Building Strategic Protection for High-Value Assets
FAQ
Q1: What resolution is best for CCTV cameras?
A1: For most commercial sites, 4MP offers the best balance between detail and cost.
Q2: Is 8MP CCTV always better?
A2: Not necessarily. 8MP provides ultra-detail but requires more storage and bandwidth.
Q3: What’s the difference between 2MP and 4MP CCTV?
A3: 4MP has twice the pixel density, providing clearer facial and license plate recognition.
Check more here: https://www.tp-link.com/en/support/faq/4098/
Read more here: cctvprox.com/cctv-installation-cost-breakdown-for-2025-strategic-insights-for-businesses/