Why High Resolution Security Cameras Matter (2025)

As technology advances, high-resolution security cameras have become essential for anyone serious about safety. Sharper footage means fewer blind spots, clearer identification, and more reliable evidence if incidents occur. Whether protecting your home, business, or rental property, better image quality translates to better peace of mind.

Understanding Verkada Camera Resolutions

Choosing the right resolution depends on how much detail you need, how much storage you have, and your budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular Verkada camera resolution options:

  • 3MP (2048 × 1536) eg. Verkada CD22 and CD32 models — A great entry-level choice that balances image quality with manageable file sizes. Perfect for smaller homes or low-traffic areas where moderate detail is enough.
  • 5 MP (2560 × 1920) eg. Verkada CM41, CM42, CD43, CD53 and CB52 models — The ideal middle ground between affordability and performance. 5 MP cameras deliver noticeably sharper detail than 2 K systems, capturing faces and license plates more clearly while still keeping storage and network demands reasonable.
  • 8MP/4K (3840 × 2160) eg. Verkada CD63 and CB62 models— For those who want the best clarity and coverage. 4K cameras provide ultra-high definition footage, ideal for larger properties, driveways, or commercial spaces where identifying small details matters.

Top Benefits of High-Resolution Cameras

  • Sharper detail: Capture faces, license plates, and small objects with clarity that older cameras can’t match.
  • Enhanced zoom: High-resolution footage allows for close-up inspection without heavy pixelation.
  • Better night vision: Many 5 MP and 4K models include color night-vision features that maintain visibility after dark.
  • Versatile use: Ideal for home security, business monitoring, and even checking in on deliveries or pets.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Installation & power: Decide between wired (PoE), wireless, or solar setups based on your environment and camera placement.
  • Network capacity: Higher resolutions—especially 4K—require stronger internet bandwidth and stable Wi-Fi or LAN connections.
  • Storage & encoding: Look for cameras with H.265 video compression to save storage space without losing detail.
  • Budget vs. need: For most users, a 5 MP camera offers the perfect compromise—crisp detail without the higher cost and data demand of 4K systems.

Using Legacy Cameras with the Verkada Command Connector

If you already have existing cameras (from another brand or older system) and don’t yet want to replace everything all at once, the Verkada Command Connector is a smart way to modernize your setup without a full forklift upgrade whilst still supporting up to 4K cameras.

  • What it does: The Command Connector acts as a bridge between non-Verkada IP cameras and Verkada’s cloud-based management platform. It lets you manage legacy cameras alongside newer ones in a single interface. 
  • Supported camera resolutions and channel limits:
    • Up to **50 channels** of cameras at 5 MP (or less). 
    • Up to **25 channels** of cameras at 4K resolution.
  • Features: The Command Connector supports People (face detection) and Vehicle recognition (but not license plate recognition), and AI filtering but does NOT support line crossing alerting or tracking.
  • Important notes:
    • Cameras must support H.264 encoding and are recommended to be ≤ 5 MP for optimal performance. 8MP may be supported but reduces the number of channels. 
    • Certain advanced features available for native Verkada cameras may be limited or unavailable for non-Verkada devices.
    • Licenses are required per channel when using non-Verkada cameras via Command Connector.
    Why this matters: By leveraging the Command Connector, you can extend the life of your existing 5 MP or 4K cameras, unify your management, and gradually move toward newer hardware when ready—thus saving cost and disruption.

Final Takeaway

If you’re ready to upgrade your security setup, high-resolution cameras deliver the clearest, most reliable footage yet. For everyday users, 5 MP hits the sweet spot: sharper than 2 K, more affordable than 4K, and perfectly suited to modern home and business needs. And if you already have cameras in place, the Verkada Command Connector gives you a powerful migration path—letting you leverage what you’ve got while moving toward what you want.

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