Training: Resolution of IP Cameras

Increases in camera resolution are the most significant force improving the quality and usability of today's video surveillance. Indeed, increased resolution is the key benefit of video surveillance's hottest market segment - megapixel cameras. It is important to understand what resolution is and how much an impact it may (or may not) have.

Below, we provide a 20 minute video screencast that explains and demonstrates the fundamental of resolution.

The video screencast should help you answer the following 15 questions:

1. How is resolution measured?
2. What are the two most common measurements?
3. What are the tradeoffs between those measurements?
4. How are pixels used to measure resolution?
5. What visual benefits does more pixels ideally provide?
6. How resolution is measured for today's IP cameras?
7. What is the downside of how resolution is measured for IP cameras?
8. What are common IP camera resolutions?
9. How do Megapixel/HD resolution differ from traditional resolution levels?
10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of different aspect ratios?
11. What type of visible difference can be seen between an SD and 1.3 MP camera?
12. What type of visible difference can be seen between an SD and 5MP camera?
13. What are key issues that detract from the usability of pixel measurements?
14. How does shadow and glare impact the quality of a given 'resolution'?
15. How does modest darkness impact the quality of a given 'resolution'?

The video screencast is designed for those who are looking to understand the basics. This serves as pre-requisite for better understanding our advanced series on megapixel camera tests and our megapixel camera comparison.