Every home should have security cameras to bolster the security and safety of its residents. It’s one of the best ways to deter crimes such as robbery and package theft. These cameras can also help monitor vulnerable areas in your property.
There are two popular choices for security cameras based on their resolution — 1080p and 4K. Let’s compare 1080p vs 4K security camera and determine which is better for your residential or commercial property.
What is 1080p?
The term 1080p refers to a display resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels. Often called Full HD, this resolution offers clarity and detail suitable for most surveillance purposes. The widespread use of 1080p resolution in consumer electronics, such as televisions and monitors, has made it a standard for many security camera systems.
1080p security cameras provide clear video footage, which is usually sufficient for identifying faces and minor details. These cameras perform well in various lighting conditions and are generally more affordable than their higher-resolution counterparts. Given their popularity, a vast selection of 1080p cameras is available, catering to different budgets and requirements.
What is 4K?
4K resolution, also known as Ultra HD, offers a display resolution of 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels. This higher pixel count translates to four times the detail of 1080p. As technology progresses, 4K resolution is becoming more prevalent in advanced surveillance systems, providing superior image clarity and detail.
Security cameras with 4K resolution capture more detailed images, making it easier to discern fine details such as license plates or facial features from a distance. These cameras excel in various environments, delivering clearer and sharper footage. However, the higher resolution demands more storage space and bandwidth, which are considerations for those planning to upgrade their security system.
Knowing the difference between 1080p security camera vs 4k can help you decide your budget and the features you would like for your security camera.
Detailed Comparison of 1080p and 4K Security Cameras
Now that you know the qualities of 1080 p and 4K security cameras, let’s look on how they stack against one another. Here’s a table comparing 1080p vs 4k security camera.
|
Feature |
1080p Security Camera |
4K Security Camera |
|
Resolution |
1920 x 1080 pixels |
3840 x 2160 pixels |
|
Image Clarity |
Good for basic surveillance needs |
Excellent for detailed surveillance and identification |
|
Storage Requirements |
Moderate, manageable for most users |
High, requires more storage capacity |
|
Bandwidth Usage |
Lower, suitable for standard Internet connections |
Higher, needs robust network infrastructure |
|
Cost |
Generally more affordable |
More expensive due to advanced technology |
|
Compatibility |
Widely compatible with existing systems |
May require newer hardware and software |
|
Application |
Suitable for general home and office surveillance |
Ideal for areas needing detailed monitoring |
Note that aside from wired cameras, there are also 1080p and 4k wireless security camera products. They use Wi-Fi connectivity to transmit video and data to a PC terminal or smartphone.
Top 4K Security Cameras in 2024
When it comes to security camera 1080p vs 4k resolution is one of the most important choices that you must make. Below are a couple of the most advanced security camera with 4K resolution that you must invest in:
1. eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 - Best 4G Camera
Who is it for?
Perfect for those needing robust, off-the-grid security with seamless connectivity and advanced monitoring.
Features:
- 4K color resolution
- Color night vision with 100-lumen spotlight
- 360° viewing with AI tracking
- 9,400 mAh battery with solar panel
- 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Auto-switching between 4G and Wi-Fi
- Compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
- Automatic network selection
Sometimes you need to place a security camera in your property away from power outlets, which can be a problem since it will rely on limited battery power. Fortunately, this isn’t the case for the eufy 4G LTE Cam S330 which has its solar panel and a long-lasting 9,400 mAh battery.
Moreover, it can connect using both 4G and Wi-Fi so you won’t have to worry should either one of those connections encounter an issue. The 4K camera can even identify a license plate from 30 feet away. It’s also able to operate effectively at night thanks to its 100-lumen spotlight.
2. eufy Indoor Cam S350 - Best Indoor Camera
Who is it for?
Ideal for those seeking superior indoor security with advanced clarity, zoom, and tracking capabilities.
Features:
- Dual 4K UHD cameras
- 8× hybrid zoom
- 360° pan and tilt
- Exceptional night vision (up to 32 ft)
- AI-powered intelligent tracking
- Compatible with HomeBase S380
The eufy Security Indoor Cam S350 is the perfect solution if you need reliable eyes inside your home. It has dual cameras that allow advanced zoom capabilities thanks to its 4K wide angle and 2K telephoto cameras. It can also pan and tilt to 360°, which eliminates most blind spots.
Additionally, it has an impressive AI-powered tracking system coupled with an automatic zoom when it detects a family member or pet. The camera is also equipped with a two-way audio which allows you to talk to anyone at home even when you are at work or outside your house.
Best 1080p Security Cameras in 2024
After discussing the features of 4k vs 1080p security camera, let’s look into some of the best security cameras in this space. Below are two our most recommended 1080p security cameras that will give you the best value for your money:
1. eufy Outdoor Cam E210 - Affordable Wired Option
Who is it for?
Homeowners needing reliable indoor and outdoor security with advanced detection.
Features:
- 1080p resolution
- IR & color night vision
- Wide field of view
- Weather-resistant
- Multiple storage options
- AI detection
- Smart home integration
The eufy Outdoor Cam E210 provides sharp 1080p video quality, making it easy to monitor both day and night with its infrared and color night vision capabilities. It covers a wide area with its broad field of view, ensuring fewer blind spots. Built to withstand various weather conditions, it's perfect for outdoor use.
The camera supports multiple storage methods, giving you flexibility in how you save your footage. Its advanced AI detection accurately identifies humans, pets, and crying sounds, significantly reducing false alarms. Integration with Alexa and Google Assistant allows for convenient voice control, enhancing the overall user experience.
2. eufyCam S210 - Affordable Battery Camera
Who is it for?
Users seeking long-lasting, weatherproof security with minimal maintenance.
Features:
- 1080p HD video
- 135° field of view
- 180-day battery
- Night vision
- Human detection
- IP67 weatherproof
- Requires HomeBase 2
The eufyCam S210 offers excellent 1080p HD video quality, capturing clear and detailed footage. Its 135° field of view ensures comprehensive coverage, making it suitable for large areas. One of its key features is the 180-day battery life, which significantly reduces the need for frequent recharging, providing long-term security with minimal upkeep.
The camera excels in night vision, allowing for clear visibility in low-light conditions. Its advanced human detection technology helps minimize false alerts by accurately distinguishing between people and other moving objects. Designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, the IP67 rating ensures reliable performance in various environments. However, it requires the eufy Security HomeBase 2 for operation, which ensures a secure and stable connection.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between 1080p vs 4k security camera models can help you choose which one is better for your home or property. While 1080p cameras are generally cheaper, they don’t have as clear as a picture as 4K security cameras. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs.
FAQs
1. What security camera is better, 1080p or 4K?
The choice depends on your specific needs. If you require high detail and have the necessary infrastructure, 4K cameras offer superior quality. For general surveillance needs, 1080p cameras provide excellent performance at a lower cost.
2. Is 4K worth it for cameras?
Investing in 4K cameras can be worthwhile for those needing enhanced detail and clarity in their surveillance footage. However, it is important to consider the additional storage and bandwidth requirements.
3. Do you need a 4K security camera?
A 4K security camera can significantly improve surveillance quality, especially when identifying fine details is essential. For standard home security needs, 1080p cameras are often sufficient.
4. Can 4K cameras work with my existing 1080p system?
Some 4K cameras may be compatible with existing 1080p systems, but this depends on the specific hardware and software. To fully utilize 4K capabilities, particular components might need to be upgraded.