What camera system resolution to choose

The resolution of camera systems is given in pixels (megapixels), i.e. in the number of individual points that make up the image. In the table below, we list the most common resolutions and their designations and the actual pixel value vertically and horizontally.

Resolution in megapixels Resolution in pixels Word designation Numeric designation Image aspect ratio
1.0Mpx 1080x960px 1080N 4:3
1.0Mpx (1.3Mpx) 1280x720px HD 720p 16:9 (widescreen)
2.0Mpx 1920x1080px FULL HD 1080p 16:9 (widescreen)
3.0Mpx 2048x1536px QXGA 4:3
4.0Mpx 2560x1440px WQHD 16:9 (widescreen)
5.0Mpx 2592x1944px 4:3
6.0Mpx 3096x2080px 16:9 (widescreen)
8.0Mpx 3840x2160px UHD 4K 16:9 (widescreen)

Camera Resolution Comparison

Because you often ask us what resolution to choose, we have prepared a series of tests and comparisons of individual resolutions by distance and also a comparison of lens differences. In the images below you can see the text of the car license plate size and face recognition with digital zoom at distances from 10 to 40m using a very wide lens with a focal length of 2.8mm and a 95° angle of view.

Example of 2.0mpx camera

Sample from a 4.0mpx camera

Sample of 8.0mpx camera

Differences in 2.0MP resolution when using a camera with a different (varifocal) lens

The image below shows beautifully the importance of choosing the right lens, or a camera with a varifocal lens even for lower resolutions. This way you can get a close-up shot of, for example, a license plate at a long distance.