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Bullet vs. Dome Cameras: How Much Does Resolution Matter?

Both bullet and dome cameras serve similar purposes, but resolution is the key factor that affects image quality.

In this short guide, we’ll break down the most common camera resolutions and their ideal uses to help you choose the best option for your security needs.

Pixels vs. Resolution: What's the Difference?

Pixels are the smallest unit of a digital image—think of them as individual dots that, when combined, create a full picture. Each pixel displays a single color, and the more pixels you have, the more detailed the image.

Resolution, on the other hand, refers to the total number of pixels in a display or image. It’s typically expressed as width × height (e.g., 1920×1080). A higher resolution means more pixels on the screen, which results in sharper, more detailed images.

The Role of Aspect Ratio

Different aspect ratios influence how images appear and can be better suited for specific environments.

Choosing the right ratio not only enhances the viewing experience but also ensures optimal coverage for your security needs. Today, 16:9 is the standard for most TVs, monitors, and surveillance screens, while 4:3 was common in older displays and legacy CCTV systems.

Common Camera Resolutions and Their Applications

• 100K pixels (320×240, CIF)
  Early low-resolution format, now mostly obsolete. Found in older systems with very basic quality needs.

• 300K pixels (720×480, D1)
  Used in early analog CCTV setups. Suitable for simple, basic monitoring.

• 1MP (1280×720, 720P)
  Entry-level HD resolution, ideal for home use or small retail shops.

• 1.3MP (1280×960, 960P)
  Provides more vertical detail. Great for small offices or public areas.

• 2MP (1920×1080, Full HD)
  One of the most popular resolutions. Fits well for homes, offices, and most commercial spaces.

• 4MP (2560×1440, 2K)
  Offers sharper images, perfect for premium commercial spaces or server rooms.

• 5MP (2560×1920, 5MP)
  Provides fine detail, suitable for environments that need image analysis or high-res monitoring.

• 6MP (2160×2160, 6MP)
  Often used in fisheye cameras, great for wide coverage in large commercial areas.

• 8MP (3840×2160, 4K)
  Ultra HD resolution with exceptional detail and long-range recognition. Ideal for critical security zones or video production.

• 100K pixels (320×240, CIF)
  Early low-resolution format, now mostly obsolete. Found in older systems with very basic quality needs.

• 300K pixels (720×480, D1)
  Used in early analog CCTV setups. Suitable for simple, basic monitoring.

• 1MP (1280×720, 720P)
  Entry-level HD resolution, ideal for home use or small retail shops.

• 1.3MP (1280×960, 960P)
  Provides more vertical detail. Great for small offices or public areas.

• 2MP (1920×1080, Full HD)
  One of the most popular resolutions. Fits well for homes, offices, and most commercial spaces.

• 4MP (2560×1440, 2K)
  Offers sharper images, perfect for premium commercial spaces or server rooms.

• 5MP (2560×1920, 5MP)
  Provides fine detail, suitable for environments that need image analysis or high-res monitoring.

• 6MP (2160×2160, 6MP)
  Often used in fisheye cameras, great for wide coverage in large commercial areas.

• 8MP (3840×2160, 4K)
  Ultra HD resolution with exceptional detail and long-range recognition. Ideal for critical security zones or video production.

Enhancing Image Quality with WDR

Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology is designed to handle scenes with stark lighting contrasts. It balances bright and dark areas in the same frame to ensure clear visibility of details in both extremes.

This is especially useful in high-contrast environments like doorways, tunnels, or parking garage entrances. Without WDR, darker areas may lose crucial detail. When combined with high-resolution displays, WDR produces even clearer and more balanced video footage.

Resolution Isn’t Everything—Key Factors to Consider

While resolution plays a major role in image quality, it shouldn't be the only factor in your decision. Here are three other critical considerations:

1. System Compatibility

Ensure that your cameras, recording servers, and display monitors support the same resolution. For instance, using a 2MP camera with a monitor that only supports 1280P resolution will limit your visual output, even if your camera and recorder support higher specs.

2. Technical Requirements

If your environment has uneven lighting, choosing a camera with WDR is essential to preserve detail across the entire image.

3. Budget Planning

Higher resolutions demand more storage and processing power. Balance your budget with your quality needs to avoid overspending on features you may not fully utilize.

Matching Resolution with the Right Surveillance Setup

Higher resolution delivers sharper detail but requires more storage and processing power.
To avoid unnecessary costs, choose the right resolution based on your actual needs and budget.

Pair the appropriate resolution with quality bullet or dome cameras from Spark Omnieye (Made in Taiwan) and stop solutions like AI VMS Mini or AI VMS Server, to build a surveillance system that’s efficient, stable, and ready for any environment.