More megapixels doesn't always mean better security.
If you've been shopping for CCTV cameras, you've probably seen terms like 4MP, 8MP, ColorVu, and "night vision" thrown around. It's easy to assume higher numbers mean better quality. But that's not always true. The right camera depends on where you're placing it, what you need to see, and your budget.
This guide breaks down the two most common questions we get in Nakuru: 4MP vs 8MP and ColorVu vs regular night vision.
Part 1: 4MP vs 8MP Cameras
The "MP" stands for megapixels — the resolution of the camera sensor. A 4MP camera records at roughly 2560×1440 pixels, while an 8MP camera records at 3840×2160 (4K). More pixels mean more detail, but also more storage and bandwidth.
When 4MP is Enough
- Covering a gate, door, or small room where the subject is within 5–10 metres
- Budget-conscious home installations
- Areas where you don't need to digitally zoom in heavily
When 8MP is Worth It
- Large open areas like parking lots, warehouses, or farm compounds
- You need to identify faces or number plates from a distance
- You want future-proofing and the ability to zoom in without losing clarity
| Feature | 4MP | 8MP |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2560×1440 | 3840×2160 (4K) |
| Clarity at distance | Good | Excellent |
| Storage usage | Moderate | High (uses ~2x more) |
| Price | More affordable | Higher |
| Best for | Homes, small shops | Large properties, businesses |
Part 2: ColorVu vs Regular Night Vision
Traditional CCTV cameras use infrared (IR) LEDs to see in the dark. The problem? IR produces black-and-white footage. You can see shapes and movement, but not colours. That makes it hard to identify a person's clothing or a vehicle's colour.
ColorVu (Hikvision's technology) uses a larger sensor and special lens to capture full-colour images in very low light. It's like having daylight vision at night. Dahua has a similar technology called Full-Colour, and Uniview calls it Starlight.
When Regular IR Night Vision is Fine
- Indoor use with some ambient light
- Tight budget
- You only need to see movement, not detailed identification
When ColorVu is Worth the Extra Cost
- Outdoor areas with little or no street lighting
- You need to identify people, vehicles, or animals at night
- Farms, parking lots, and business premises
| Feature | Regular IR | ColorVu / Full-Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Night image | Black & white | Full colour |
| Clarity at night | Good for shapes | Excellent for details |
| Light sensitivity | Requires IR LEDs | Works in very low light |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Basic monitoring | High-security areas |
Our Recommendation for Nakuru
For most Nakuru homes, a 4MP camera with ColorVu night vision is the sweet spot. You get clear daytime images and full-colour night footage without the storage overhead of 8MP.
For businesses, warehouses, and large farms, we often recommend 8MP cameras with ColorVu — especially for entry points, parking areas, and anywhere you need fine detail.
If budget is a constraint, a 4MP regular IR camera is still a solid choice, just don't expect colour at night. See our packages to compare standard and high-quality options.
Not sure which camera is right for you?
Book a free site survey. We'll recommend the right camera type and placement for your property — no jargon, no pressure.
📋 Book Free SurveyOr call: 0722 625 525
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. 8MP gives you more detail, but it uses more storage and bandwidth. For small areas where you're close to the camera, 4MP is often enough.
ColorVu works in very low light, but not complete darkness. For pitch-black areas, you may still need a small amount of ambient light or IR backup.
Yes. An 8MP camera uses about twice the storage of a 4MP camera. Read our storage guide.
An 8MP ColorVu camera is excellent for farms. It gives you clear colour footage at night and enough detail to identify animals or intruders from a distance.
Yes, in most cases. You can use 4MP cameras for less critical areas and 8MP for entrances and perimeters. We can advise during a site survey.
Hikvision's ColorVu, Dahua's Full-Colour, and Uniview's Starlight all offer similar technology. Read our brand comparison.