Call Us Today:
utah location
Utah: 801-455-0413
3767 S. Secord St., Suite A
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
California Location
California: 949-373-0526
999 Corporate Drive Suite 100
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

Security Camera Blog

4K or 1080P Security camera comparison

Should I Get 4K Or 1080 Security Cameras?

Purchasing security cameras in Orange County can certainly be a wise investment, especially if your home or business has many high-value targets for potential theft. Surveillance cameras are a great way to see who comes and goes and have a log of evidence in case of an emergency. The most common question people ask when looking into the security camera market is whether they should strive for a 4k camera or stick to the 1080p standard. Like many inquiries, it comes down to each individual’s unique circumstance and what their objective is. This article will give you a quick rundown to help make your purchasing decision much easier.

What is the difference between 4K and 1080p?

The first thing many will ask is what’s the difference? It’s a fair question as 4K is still a rather new technology in the grand scheme of things. For starters 1080p and 4k are screen resolution sizes, which is a fancy way of saying how many unique pixels comprise the screen. 4k screens have twice as many pixels horizontally and vertically. When multiplied together, this means the 4k resolution has 4 times as many pixels as the standard 1080p HD.

The cost differential

It might not come as a surprise that 4k technology is more expensive than 1080p. Newer items usually have an inflated price and of course, the picture quality is better than 1080p. This is important to know when budgeting out a purchase plan. If you require many different surveillance cameras to cover several different entrances, 1080p is the way to go. The extra 4k markup will start to add up quickly. If you only require 1 camera for a specific choke point, you should heavily consider getting the best 4k security camera you find.

Field of View

4k cameras have more than just a higher fidelity picture, they also cover a wider angle than their 1080p counterparts. When choosing which camera to buy, it is vital to consider the landscape of where it is being placed. Are there obstructions or lots of corners blocking the view? If you need to see as much square footage as possible, the added depth of a 4k camera will be very beneficial.

Setup and maintenance

It is important to consider the security camera installation process as well. Many kits are simple enough to hook up yourself and are easily controlled through a convenient smartphone app. That said, with something as important as your security can be worth it to hire a professional. 1080p security camera installation will also be slightly cheaper. 4k cameras are a bit newer so some technicians might not be as familiar with how they operate. This can lead to a slightly increased labor price.

With the above advice in tow, it should be easier to make a decision about purchasing security cameras in Orange County. By taking into consideration your own personal situation, you can determine which of the two formats is best for you. If the budget doesn’t matter the 4k cameras are future proof and will work great. If you need a lot of different spots covered and don’t want to overspend, the 1080p option still gets the job done efficiently. Either way, the peace of mind that comes with protecting the things you care about is going to be worth it in the end. And that is something we want all of Orange County to know.

At Dixon Security, we are security system experts. Call us at 801-455-0413 for a FREE on-site evaluation of your security camera needs.