4MP vs 8MP CCTV: Which Should I Buy?

4MP is the sweet spot for most homes - sharp, identifiable footage without eating storage. Choose 8MP (4K) when you need to cover a large area or zoom into fine detail such as faces or number plates, typically on bigger or commercial properties.

What the numbers mean

A 4MP image is 2560 x 1440 pixels (about 3.7 million pixels). An 8MP image - also called 4K - is 3840 x 2160 pixels (about 8.3 million pixels), so it captures roughly twice the detail per frame.

Detail vs storage

More pixels means more detail, but also more data: 8MP roughly doubles the bandwidth and storage compared with 4MP. With H.265 compression that's very manageable, but it's the main trade-off. How much storage you'll need.

When 4MP is enough

For a typical home covering doors, a driveway and a garden, 4MP gives clear, usable footage and identifiable faces at sensible distances - while keeping storage costs down. Browse 4MP kits.

When 8MP is worth it

Choose 8MP for large open areas, long driveways, car parks or anywhere you may need to zoom right in for evidence-grade detail like number plates. Browse 8MP (4K) kits.

Don't forget the light

High resolution needs decent light to shine. A good lens and ColorVu night vision make a bigger difference at night than megapixels alone. ColorVu vs infrared.

Frequently asked questions

Is 8MP better than 4MP?
8MP captures more detail and is better for large areas or zooming in, but it uses more storage. For most homes 4MP gives clear footage at lower cost.

Does 4K use more storage?
Yes - 8MP/4K roughly doubles the storage of 4MP for the same settings, though H.265 compression keeps it manageable.

Which is best for number plates?
8MP gives more detail for reading number plates at distance, but camera position and lighting matter just as much as resolution.