CAMERA GUIDE · RESOLUTION · RETROFIT
5MP vs. 4K Security Cameras: Which One to Choose
Is a 5MP security camera the same as 4K? No. A 5MP camera records about five million pixels per frame. A 4K UHD camera records about 8.3 million at 3840 × 2160. Start with what you need to identify at the farthest point in the scene, then check the lens, available light, recorder support and storage before choosing.
The Math First
5MP
Typically 2592 × 1944 pixels, about 5.0 million pixels per frame.
4K (UHD)
3840 × 2160 pixels, about 8.3 million pixels per frame, roughly 1.7 times the pixels of 5MP.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | 5MP | 4K |
|---|---|---|
| Pixels per frame | About 5.0 MP | About 8.3 MP |
| Storage and bandwidth per camera | Lower | Higher, roughly proportional to resolution at equal settings |
| Long-range identification | Adequate at moderate distance | Better detail at distance, depending on lens |
| Retrofit into existing recorder | Often simpler; many legacy systems support it | Confirm recorder and VMS support before selecting |
| Best fit | Wide areas, moderate distances, bandwidth or storage limits | Plates, long lanes, narrow zones needing forensic zoom |
Storage and bandwidth scale with resolution, frame rate, codec, and retention settings. Estimates should be confirmed per site.
Decision Guide
Choose 5MP when
- Coverage is wide and subjects are not far from the lens.
- Your recorder or VMS is 5MP-capable and retrofit is the goal.
- Storage or bandwidth is constrained.
Choose 4K when
- You need readable plates or faces at longer distances.
- Coverage is narrow, such as entries, lanes, or cash areas.
- Your platform supports the bitrate and storage plan.
Resolution alone does not set image quality. Lens choice, mounting height, lighting, and field of view often matter more. Use the DORI framework (Detection, Observation, Recognition, Identification) to size each camera to its job.
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Pixel counts are standard figures for common 5MP and 4K formats. Storage, bandwidth, and detection performance vary by camera model, lens, codec, frame rate, lighting, and platform. Confirm NDAA §889 compliance per SKU. Advanced video analytics are deployed only by written property policy and in line with Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 503. © 2026 Powerhouse Guardians Corp.
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