How to Check Megapixel of CCTV Camera

When investing in a CCTV camera, one of the most important factors to consider is the Megapixel of CCTV count. Megapixels directly affect image clarity and detail, making them crucial for applications where clear footage is essential — whether for home security, office surveillance, or monitoring public spaces.

But how do you actually check the megapixel of a CCTV camera? In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to verify the resolution and understand what those megapixels mean in real-world performance.

What is a Megapixel Of CCTV?

A megapixel equals one million pixels. In CCTV terms, the megapixel rating refers to the total number of pixels in the image sensor that captures video or snapshots.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• 1MP = 1280 x 720 pixels (HD)
• 2MP = 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD)
• 4MP = 2560 x 1440 pixels (2K)
• 8MP = 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K or Ultra HD)

The higher the MP, the clearer the image—especially when zooming in on footage.

How to Check the Megapixel of a CCTV Camera

1. Check the Product Label or Box

Most manufacturers clearly print the resolution or megapixel rating on the box or the camera’s body. Look for labels like:

• “1080p Full HD” = 2MP
• “4K UHD” = 8MP

If it’s in resolution format (e.g., 1920×1080), divide the horizontal × vertical pixels and convert to MP by dividing by 1 million.

2. Refer to the User Manual or Datasheet

The technical specifications listed in the manual or datasheet provide detailed resolution information. You can usually find this in:

• The “Camera Specs” section
• The product’s official webpage

3. Use the DVR/NVR Interface

If your CCTV system is already set up:

• Open the DVR/NVR menu
• Navigate to the camera settings
• Look for resolution or stream settings

For example, it may say “Main Stream: 1920×1080,” which indicates 2MP.

4. Check via Mobile App

If your system supports remote access (like Zosi Smart, Hik-Connect, or XMeye), you can:

• Log in to the app
• Open the camera settings
• View the resolution listed under video settings

5. Online Lookup by Model Number

Search your camera’s model number online (e.g., “Dahua IPC-HFW1230S-S megapixel”) to find official product pages or reviews specifying the MP count.

Bonus Tip: Higher MP Isn’t Always Better

While higher megapixels offer more detail, it’s important to balance it with:

• Storage capacity: Higher resolution takes up more space
• Bandwidth: Needs stronger internet or network
• Night vision performance: Some high-MP cameras underperform in low light

So, always consider your use case before choosing a camera based on megapixels alone.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check the megapixel of your CCTV camera helps ensure you’re getting the video quality you need for your specific security setup. Whether you’re installing a new system or verifying an existing one, these simple steps can help you confirm the camera’s capabilities.