Understanding CCTV Video Resolution

When it comes to CCTV systems, video resolution isn’t just about clarity – it defines what details you can capture, how wide you can cover an area, and how effective your footage will be in real-world situations.

In this guide, we’ll explain what CCTV video resolution is, why it matters, and how to choose the right resolution for your surveillance needs.

cctv video resolution

What Is CCTV Video Resolution?

CCTV video resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the video image captured by your camera.
  • Higher resolution = More pixels = Sharper details
  • Lower resolution = Fewer pixels = Less detail, but smaller file sizes
Resolution is typically expressed as width × height in pixels (e.g., 1920×1080).

Common CCTV resolutions:

  • 720p HD (1280×720 pixels)
  • 1080p Full HD (1920×1080 pixels)
  • 4MP (2560×1440 pixels)
  • 5MP (2592×1944 pixels)
  • 4K Ultra HD (3840×2160 pixels)

Why CCTV Resolution Matters

Choosing the right resolution impacts:

Image Clarity: Higher resolutions capture faces, license plates, and small movements more clearly.

Coverage Area: A higher-resolution camera can monitor a larger area without losing detail.

Storage Needs: Higher resolution footage uses more bandwidth and storage space.

(e.g., 4K cameras consume roughly 2–3× more storage than 1080p cameras at the same frame rate.)

Bandwidth Requirements: Streaming higher resolutions requires stronger network performance, especially for remote viewing.

Pro Tip: Always balance your resolution choice with available storage capacity and network bandwidth.

Common CCTV Resolution Standards Explained

Newer technologies like HDCVI, HDTVI, and AHD allow high-definition video (up to 4K) to be transmitted over existing coaxial cables.

Resolution Pixel Size Typical Use
720p HD 1280 x 720 Small shops, basic indoor monitoring
1080p Full HD 1920×1080 Homes, offices, general surveillance
4MP 2560×1440 Large retail spaces, parking lots
5MP 2592×1944 Outdoor monitoring, license plate capture
4K Ultra HD 3840×2160 Critical infrastructure, wide-area coverage
Take Note
Higher resolution alone doesn’t guarantee a better image : lens quality, lighting, compression, and camera sensor size also matter.

Frame Rate and Resolution: A Balancing Act

  • Frame Rate (fps): Number of frames captured per second.
  • Typical CCTV systems use 15–30 fps for smooth footage.
If you push high resolution + high frame rate, you’ll need:
  • More storage (larger files)
  • More bandwidth (for real-time transmission)
  • Higher processing power (NVR/DVR or cloud server)
Pro Tip: For most surveillance needs, 1080p at 15–20 fps is a strong balance of clarity, smoothness, and efficiency.

When to Choose Higher vs Lower Resolution

Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a single Ethernet cable to carry both video data and electrical power to IP cameras.
Scenario Recommended Resolution
Small office, general viewing 720p or 1080p
Retail store, theft prevention 1080p or 4MP
Parking lots, outdoor areas 4MP or 5MP
License plate reading, facial recognition 5MP or 4K
Stadiums, airports, wide zones 4K with multi-sensor setups
Pro Tip: If you need facial recognition or license plate clarity, never go below 4MP.

Wrapping It Up

Choosing the right CCTV video resolution isn’t just about picking the highest number – it’s about matching your resolution to your security goals, storage limits, and network capacity.

Understanding these basics helps you build a surveillance system that delivers clear, actionable footage when it matters most.

Next up: Find out how CCTV systems stay powered reliably, even during outages.

Security Systems Singapore