Resolution is the most misunderstood part of CCTV.
Walk into any electronics shop in Nakuru and you'll see cameras labelled "1080p," "2K," "4K," "5MP," "8MP." It's confusing. Sellers push the highest number because it sounds impressive and costs more. But higher resolution isn't always the right choice. It uses more storage, more bandwidth, and more power. Sometimes a 2MP camera in the right position beats an 8MP camera in the wrong one.
This guide explains resolution in plain language — what it means, how it affects image quality and storage, and what you should actually buy for your home, business, or farm.
What Does "Resolution" Actually Mean?
Resolution refers to how many pixels make up the image. A pixel is a tiny dot of colour. The more pixels you have, the sharper and more detailed the image — up to a point.
CCTV resolution is usually described in one of two ways:
- Megapixels (MP) – e.g., 2MP, 4MP, 8MP
- Video standard names – e.g., 720p, 1080p, 2K, 4K
They're just different ways of describing the same thing. A 2MP camera is the same as a 1080p camera. A 4MP camera is roughly the same as a 2K camera. An 8MP camera is roughly the same as a 4K camera. Once you understand that, the confusion disappears.
Visual Comparison of CCTV Resolutions
720p (1MP) — Basic, But Fading Away
720p used to be the standard. Today, it's considered low resolution. You can still find it in very cheap cameras, but we don't recommend it for new installations. The image is too soft, and you won't be able to identify faces or number plates beyond a few metres. It also performs poorly at night.
If someone offers you a 720p system in 2026, be very suspicious. It's outdated technology, often sold to clear old stock.
1080p (2MP) — The Sweet Spot for Most Nakuru Homes
1080p, or 2MP, is the most common resolution for home CCTV. It provides a clear enough image to identify a person at your gate or a car in your driveway. It also doesn't use excessive storage. For most homes in Nakuru, 2MP cameras are the best balance of quality and cost.
We recommend 2MP for:
- Small to medium homes
- Gates and doorways
- Driveways and parking areas
- Rental properties
2K (4MP) — A Noticeable Step Up
2K, or 4MP, gives you noticeably sharper images. You can zoom in digitally and still see detail. This is ideal for larger compounds, shops where you need to identify faces across the room, or parking areas where number plates matter.
We recommend 4MP for:
- Large homes and compounds
- Retail shops and supermarkets
- Offices and commercial buildings
- Driveways where vehicles need to be identified
4K (8MP) — Maximum Detail, Maximum Storage
4K, or 8MP, is currently the highest common resolution for CCTV. It captures extreme detail — great for large open areas, warehouses, and farms. But it uses twice the storage of 4MP and four times that of 2MP. You'll need larger hard drives and better bandwidth for remote viewing.
We recommend 8MP for:
- Warehouses and industrial sites
- Large farms and ranches
- Parking lots where number plate capture is critical
- Large commercial properties
Learn how resolution affects CCTV storage.
Resolution vs Storage: The Trade-Off Nobody Talks About
Here's the part most sellers don't mention: higher resolution cameras are useless without enough storage. An 8MP camera on a tiny 500GB hard drive will fill up in days, overwriting footage before you ever need it. So when you upgrade resolution, you also need to upgrade storage.
General rule:
- 2MP system: 1TB to 2TB drive is enough for 2–4 weeks
- 4MP system: 2TB to 4TB recommended
- 8MP system: 4TB or more recommended
Read our full cost guide to see how storage affects pricing.
How to Choose the Right Resolution for Your Property
Ask yourself three questions:
- What are you trying to see? Just general activity? Or faces and number plates?
- How far is the subject from the camera? Longer distances need higher resolution.
- How much storage can you afford? Higher resolution = bigger hard drives = more cost.
If you're unsure, our free site survey will help you decide. We'll assess your property and recommend the right cameras without overselling you.
Not sure which resolution you need?
Book a free site survey. We'll assess your property and recommend the right cameras and storage — no guesswork, no pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
4K is worth it for large areas, warehouses, or if you need fine detail like number plates. For most homes, 2MP or 4MP is enough.
2MP (1080p) is the sweet spot for most homes. It offers clear images without eating up storage. 4MP is a good upgrade if you have a larger compound.
Yes. 4MP uses about twice the storage of 2MP. 8MP uses about four times. See our storage guide.
You'll need at least 4MP and ideally 8MP with a narrow field of view lens to capture number plates clearly.
Yes. You can use 2MP cameras for general areas and 4MP or 8MP for critical points like gates and entrances.
4K cameras often have better sensors, but night performance depends on the lens and night vision technology. Full-colour night vision cameras perform best in low light. Read our night vision guide.