Camera distance
How far can your camera really see?
Pick the camera and its lens to see how far away a person can be for each level of detail. Free, and nothing is sent unless you ask.
Stay safe first
What do you need?
How far can your camera really see?
A sharp camera is only useful if the person is close enough. Pick the camera and its lens to see how far it can detect, observe, recognise and identify someone.
Your estimate
Pick the camera and the lens.
You will see how far away a person can be for each level of detail.
0 of 2 answered
How we work this out
The levels follow the international DORI guide (IEC EN 62676-4): 25, 62.5, 125 and 250 pixels for every metre of the scene. We take the number of pixels across the picture, and the typical view angle of the lens, and work out the distance at which the picture still has that many pixels per metre. Lens angles are typical figures. Your camera's data sheet has the exact one.
Read this as a daytime best case. At night, the infrared light usually reaches a shorter distance than these. Number plates are a separate job: they need the right camera, angle and shutter speed, so ask a technician.
Quick answers
How many days of video should I keep?
There is no single rule for a home. Many homes keep 14 to 30 days, and many businesses keep 30 days or more. The longer you keep it, the bigger the hard drive. The storage calculator shows the difference.
Is 4K (8 MP) always better?
No. A 4K camera needs about twice the hard drive of a 4 MP camera, and it only helps if the person is close enough to fill the picture. For most house and yard views, 4 MP is plenty. The camera distance guide shows how far each one reaches.
What is the difference between H.265 and H.264?
They are two ways of storing the video. H.265 gives about the same picture with roughly a third less data, so the same drive keeps more days. The recorder and the cameras both need to support it.
Why do I need a surveillance hard drive?
A recorder writes to the drive all day, every day. Drives sold for CCTV are built for that. A normal desktop drive may wear out sooner when it is used in a recorder.
Do I need a sign to say there are cameras?
It is good practice, and the rules on personal information (POPIA) expect people to be told when they are filmed, usually with a clear sign near the entrance. Point cameras at your own property. This is not legal advice, so ask an attorney if you are unsure.
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