CIF vs D1 vs 960H vs HD

There are 7 main resolution options in video surveillance recording:

Standard Definition Cameras and DVRs: CIF, D1, and 960H:

CIF DVRs: 360 x 240. (86,400 total pixels) D1 DVRs: 720 x 480. (345,600 total pixels) WD1 DVRs: 960 x 480. (460,800 total pixels) HD-TVI cameras: 720p, 1080p, 3MP, or 5MP: 720p is 1280 x 720. (921,600 total pixels) 1080p is 1920×1080. (2,073,600 total pixels)   Resolution is the most important decision you are going to make about your surveillance system. Most people choose between CIF, D1, WD1 and 1080p, so let’s focus on those. CIF We don’t carry any devices that record in CIF. This is what Ebay, Amazon, and security camera companies that haven’t updated their stock in 10 years sell.

1. CIF – 352×240

 Please click on the image to see the true resolution

D1 / WD1 Standard-Definition TV Quality D1 is square and sized like (non-widescreen) Standard Definition TV. It is sometimes also called 4CIF since it has 4 times that resolution. WD1 recording has the same height as D1 DVRs but are wider. They are properly formatted for wide-screen TVs and monitors

2. WD1 – 960×480

Please click on the image to see the true resolution

Like CIF, D1 and WD1 are quickly becoming legacy equipment. Starting in 2010, the industry started making a transition to HD equipment. This year (2015) the prices on HD cameras have started to get much closer than they have every been to analogue camera prices. The quality on HD is now much more affordable and it makes little sense to consider analog cameras for new installations, especially since analog will be phased out completely soon. Because analog cameras are being phased out, you may find a blowout sale for them as retailers look to liquidate stock. It is important to note that 2-3 years from now it may be difficult and expensive to find replacement or supplementary analog cameras. 1080p – 1920×1080 If you are considering a system for commercial, government, or other business uses, you should absolutely go with a HD system. Most home users should consider HD as well, because the price for HD is rapidly decreasing.

3. 1080p – 1920×1080

Please click on the image to see the true resolution

Here is a video comparing all of the common CCTV resolution.