High-definition vs megapixel

CCTV Handbook 2012 Surveillance

High-definition (HD) cameras are the best suited for today’s video surveillance needs. That said, we must remember that all HD cameras are megapixel (MP), but not all megapixel cameras are HD. The biggest difference between a megapixel camera and the high-definition cameras is that HD images use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio and megapixel produces images in a 4:3 aspect ratio.

HDTV provides a higher resolution and higher resolution translates into more detail, which in turn leads to better possibilities for identification. In addition, a true HDTV network camera provides full frame rate and extended colour fidelity, for an even better viewing experience.

To reiterate, all HD cameras are megapixel, but not all megapixel cameras are HD, and good quality, easy installation, and ease of use will set HD apart from standard analogue and MP systems.

Roy Alves
Roy Alves

Benefits of HD cameras in different sectors

Retail

In retail, theft and shrinkage can be drastically reduced through effective video surveillance. HDTV network cameras have an important role to play, for example by giving an overview – without any blind spots – of shops and stores.

City surveillance

HDTV network cameras are typically used in city surveillance situations to provide high-resolution video streams from locations where there is a need to be able to clearly identify people and objects, or get a larger overview.

High security premises

Casinos and airports, together with passport controls, banks and similar high security premises, are areas where the requirements on the surveillance cameras often include high image quality and detail as well as full frame rate, making HDTV network cameras the natural choice.

Transportation

Security and safety for both passengers and staff are highly prioritised issues for public transportation authorities around the world. HDTV cameras at stations, terminals and airports as well as onboard buses and trains, provide valid evidence in the event of criminal incidents.



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Vumacam highlights concerns with proposed Johannesburg CCTV by-laws
Vumacam News & Events Surveillance
Vumacam has raised objections to critical provisions of the by-laws governing privately owned CCTV cameras with a view of public spaces in the city, which were promulgated on Friday, 28 February 2025.

Read more...
Milestone announces a platform to enable access to data and train AI models
Surveillance AI & Data Analytics
Milestone Systems has announced Project Hafnia to build services and democratise AI-model training with high-quality, compliant video data leveraging NVIDIA Cosmos Curator and AI model, fine-tuning microservices.

Read more...
Benchmark in long-range surveillance
Duxbury Networking Surveillance Products & Solutions
Duxbury Networking says the long-range, high-resolution monitoring AXIS Q1809-LE bullet camera has been enhanced further with integration into Milestone XProtect to set a new standard for forensic-level image clarity, intelligent event detection, and enhanced security management.

Read more...
AI for retail risk management
Surveillance Retail (Industry) AI & Data Analytics
As businesses face mounting challenges in a volatile economic environment, Ares-i remains an essential tool for proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that threaten operational stability and customer satisfaction.

Read more...
The need for integrated control room displays
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
Display walls provide a coordinated perspective that facilitates the ongoing feel for situations, assists in the coordination of resources to deal with the situation, and facilitates follow up by response personnel.

Read more...
Six key security technology trends in 2025
Axis Communications SA Surveillance
Axis Communications examines some new trends for the security sector in 2025, as well as some new, old trends that are once again highlighted because of their benefit to the end user in the race to obtain optimal value from technology installations.

Read more...
edgE:Tower video analytics integrated with SEON
Surveillance Integrated Solutions AI & Data Analytics
Sentronics has announced a new integration between its edgE:Tower advanced AI-driven video analytics solution and SEON, a Central Monitoring Software (CMS) platform. This integration enhances real-time situational awareness and automated threat detection for control rooms.

Read more...
The impact of video analytics on business security
AI & Data Analytics Surveillance
As more enterprises work to integrate AI-enabled solutions into their networks, enterprises must not lose sight of the implications of these integrations and the added value they are working to unlock.

Read more...
The need for integrated control room displays
Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
Display walls provide a coordinated perspective that facilitates the ongoing feel for situations, assists in the coordination of resources to deal with the situation, and facilitates follow up by response personnel.

Read more...
Integration is the key to smarter surveillance
Duxbury Networking Surveillance
According to recent market projections, the local security industry is expected to grow by more than 10% annually through 2029, reflecting the increasing demand for smarter, more proactive security solutions.

Read more...