CCTV Megapixel Buying Guide – What Megapixel Do I Need?

When selecting a CCTV system, one of the most important decisions is camera resolution (megapixels). The right megapixel choice depends on how much detail you need, the size of the property, and your budget. Below is a breakdown of the most common CCTV resolutions and their ideal use cases.

2MP – 4MP (1080p – 2K) CCTV Systems

Systems in the 2MP to 4MP range are considered entry-level but are often more than adequate for smaller properties such as apartments, townhouses, and units. They provide full HD or 2K resolution, which is sharp enough to cover doors, driveways, and small backyards. This resolution offers a strong balance between image clarity and affordability, making it popular for homeowners who want security without stretching their budget. While these systems are cost-effective, it is important to note that at longer distances, identifying finer details such as licence plates or facial features may be challenging. Still, for general monitoring and deterrence, 2MP–4MP cameras are highly effective.

Recommended for: Basic residential security, smaller areas, and budget-conscious buyers who need reliable day-to-day surveillance.

6MP CCTV Systems

6MP systems offer a significant step up from 4MP, providing sharper, more detailed images that are especially valuable in medium to large homes. They can capture clearer footage at medium distances, which means driveways, frontages, and outdoor living areas are more accurately monitored. With improved resolution, faces and licence plates are easier to distinguish, even in environments with multiple access points. This resolution is a great balance of quality and cost, giving you stronger evidence if an incident occurs without requiring the higher storage and bandwidth of 8MP systems. For homeowners who want peace of mind without going all the way to 4K, 6MP is an excellent middle ground.

Recommended for: Medium to large residential properties, those with bigger frontages or several entry points, and anyone wanting better clarity without a full 4K system.

8MP (4K Ultra HD) CCTV Systems

8MP, also known as 4K Ultra HD, is the gold standard in CCTV resolution. These systems deliver crystal-clear images that allow you to capture the finest details, making them ideal for high-security environments. Large homes, retail outlets, warehouses, and commercial properties benefit greatly from this level of clarity, as it ensures you can monitor wide areas while still being able to zoom in on important details like faces, licence plates, and even signage. 4K systems are also more future-proof, meaning your investment will continue to meet security standards for years to come. The trade-off is that they require more storage and stronger bandwidth, but the benefits far outweigh these requirements when ultimate security is the priority.

Recommended for: Businesses, high-security areas, large residential properties, or anyone who wants the very best surveillance quality available.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

Distance & Coverage: The distance between your camera and the area you want to monitor directly affects the resolution you need. Lower megapixels may suffice for close-up entryways, but for wide driveways or large outdoor spaces, higher resolutions like 6MP or 8MP are necessary to capture usable detail.

Storage: Higher megapixel cameras generate larger video files, which means you need more storage. It’s important to invest in a surveillance-grade hard drive and an NVR or DVR that can handle both your current setup and any future expansion you may plan.

Property Size: Small homes don’t always need 4K, as a 2MP–4MP system can do the job. However, larger homes and commercial buildings benefit from the extra detail that 6MP–8MP systems offer. Matching resolution to property size ensures cost-efficiency without compromising security.

Budget: While higher megapixels provide better quality and detail, they also come at a higher price point. It’s important to weigh your budget against your actual security needs to ensure you get the right balance between cost and performance.

Summary

• Small homes: 2MP–4MP is usually sufficient for covering entry points and small yards without unnecessary costs. We recommend a starting point of minimum 4MP, however, on our website, most of our packages are set up at 6MP ensuring you’re set up with the best resolution for the next 5 years as the lower megapixel camera models are phased out.
• Medium homes: 6MP provides the best balance of affordability and sharpness, making it a strong option for wider frontages and multiple access points.
• Large homes & businesses: 8MP (4K) delivers the ultimate detail, wide coverage, and future-proof security, ensuring nothing is missed.