1080p vs 4K Security Cameras: Which Do You Need?
1080p vs 4K Security Cameras: Which Do You Need?
1080p vs 4K: Which Security Camera Resolution Do You Really Need?
Choosing between 1080p, 2K, and 4K security cameras comes down to your site, goals, and budget. Here’s how to decide what’s right for your Michigan home or business.
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What Resolution Really Means
| Resolution | Pixels (W×H) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 | Entrances, aisles, indoor offices |
| 2K (1440p) | 2560 × 1440 | Larger rooms, mid-size retail |
| 4K (UHD) | 3840 × 2160 | Parking lots, warehouses, wide outdoor areas |
1080p vs 4K: Pros and Cons
1080p Benefits
- Lower cost per camera
- Lower storage and bandwidth
- Great for small indoor spaces
4K Benefits
- Ultra‑sharp detail for IDs and evidence
- Cover wider areas with fewer cameras
- Better digital zoom for investigations
Commercial vs Residential Recommendations
Residential: 1080p or 2K is often enough indoors; consider 4K for driveways or large yards.
Commercial: 4K for parking lots, loading docks, and perimeters; mix with 1080p indoors to optimize cost and storage.
Brand Options We Integrate
- Axis Communications
- Hanwha Vision
- Avigilon
- Hikvision
- Dahua
Interlinking
- CCTV System Installation
- Camera Systems
- Digital Network HD Video Recorders (NVR/DVR)
- Alarm Systems
- Access Control
- CCTV Security Monitoring
- Automation
- Contact Michigan Camera Systems
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FAQs
Is 4K always better than 1080p?
Not for every space. Small indoor areas don’t benefit as much from 4K, and 1080p saves storage. Use 4K where detail matters most.
Can I mix resolutions on one NVR?
Yes. Most modern NVRs record mixed resolutions without issues, so you can allocate 4K to critical zones only.
Will 4K overwhelm my network?
Plan bandwidth and retention carefully. H.265 compression, lower frame rates, and motion recording keep usage reasonable.
Reviews
Detroit business owner
We upgraded exterior cameras to 4K and solved license‑plate issues overnight. Professional team.
★★★★★
Novi property manager
Mixed 1080p and 4K install kept costs down and coverage up. Clean work and responsive support.
Helpful Resources
Get a Right‑Sized Camera Plan
We design, install, and support custom systems across Metro Detroit and Michigan. Call 586-466-4490 or request a quote. Toll‑free: 800-941-6797.
