Why are Security Cameras so Low Quality?

Ever squint at your security camera footage? Trying to figure out who that blurry face is or what number is written on that pixelated license plate? You are not alone in this. Many security cameras fail when it comes to clear and crisp images. But why? What’s the deal with all these low-quality cameras?

This is not just a matter of aesthetics; blurry and low-quality security footage makes the security system useless. Imagine missing essential details of a crime scene or being unable to identify an intruder's face. It can be very frustrating.

In this article, we will go through the reasons for your security camera being low-quality and how you can correct it. In addition, we will recommend some excellent eufy security cameras for your home and office security.

What are the Reasons some Security Cameras are so Low Quality?

8 factors contribute to security cameras being low quality. Let’s look at those factors one by one.

1. Low Resolution

The most common reason why security cameras have low quality is their low resolution. Usually, low-resolution cameras have low pixel power. It may contribute in missing the important details. For instance, you can not identify facial features or any license plates with these low-resolution cameras.

They turn faces into smudges and license plates into mosaics. Besides this, footage from such cameras is very distorted or blurry. This scenario leaves us no chance of identifying an intruder or a crime scene. It ends up making security cameras less watching eyes and more blurry question marks.

Solution: Opt for high-definition equipment (like 4K or at least 1080p). Below is a great example shared by a real user, showcasing how clear a high-resolution camera can be.

SoloCam S340 Crystal-clear 3K Resolution

"Backyard offering some protection from the wind and cold to these guests " -- eufy community

2. Lens Quality

Another factor contributing to the low quality of security cameras is the lens quality. It’s not the only pixels we can blame; lens quality is equally responsible. The majority of security cameras use low-quality lenses. It ranges from 2.8mm to 50mm, on average about 8mm.

Low-quality security cameras usually use basic fixed-focus or varifocal lenses. These lenses have minimal optical capabilities. They give soft and distorted images, particularly around frame edges. A lens of such quality can not zoom in on distant objects and give wide shots.

This restricts the options of its placement. All this causes the clarity and accuracy of the captured image to be compromised. Besides these factors, a cheaper, low-quality lens is less durable and more susceptible to wear and tear. One can only rely on such a camera for a short time.

Solution: Choose a lens range suitable for your surveillance area. Advanced models now offer dual-lens cameras, such as SoloCam S340. Below is a standout example. Its wide-angle lens allows you to see the big picture while the 8× zoom lens enables you to see the crucial details of the beautiful little bird— all in one frame. 

eufy SoloCam S340 Dual Lens

"We have an intruder". --eufy community

3. Sensor Size

Sensor size is a significant factor that impacts camera quality. Most low-quality security cameras have a small sensor. This limitation causes reduced light capture by the camera, making it less effective in low-light conditions.

This results in noisy or grainy footage that the camera captures with insufficient light. Usually, cameras with small sensors have very little dynamic range, failing to capture both darker and brighter areas. This results in underexposed or overexposed images.

Solution: Opt for cameras with larger CMOS or CCD sensors, which capture more light and improve low-light performance. For enhanced night performance, consider cameras with high-quality IR LEDs and low-light optimization.

Let's see how this works in real life. Below is a comparison of night vision quality between the eufyCam S3 Pro and eufyCam S330 shared by a real user. The eufyCam S3 Pro features a 1/1.8-inch Stacked CMOS sensor, delivering enhanced color night vision and greater detail in low-light conditions.

eufycam S3 pro vs eufycam s330 night vision

"I edited this to cross camera tracking and add the name of each camera, but wanted to show the difference in night shot and colour vision. I love my S3 Pro." --eufy community

4. Large Data Volume

High-definition footage comes with challenges, mainly data transmission and storage bandwidth. Streaming HD or 4K video requires transferring large volumes of data, which strains network and storage resources. It is more specifically pronounced in systems that stream live videos over networks. In contrast, low-resolution footage demands more modest bandwidth. This makes it a more manageable option.

Solution: Use efficient compression formats. For example, employ modern video compression standards like H.265 (HEVC) instead of H.264 to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality.

5. Viewing Platform

Using the right platform to check your CCTV footage holds much importance. Using the wrong platform often results in your footage undergoing multiple compression rounds. It causes the final footage to have a degraded resolution. Additionally, some third-party platforms might not support features like frame-by-frame playback or high dynamic range (HDR), leading to a subpar viewing experience.

Solution: Always use the original manufacturer's app or a professional video management platform to maintain optimal resolution and clarity.

6. Cropping

Imagine focusing on a specific part of a newspaper and tossing the rest in the recycling. This gives you a closer look at the headline, but you also miss some juicy gossip behind the back. Often, CCTV systems crop footage to focus on a specific area.

It is done to reduce bandwidth and storage needs. It leaves you with a zoomed-in mystery in place of a complete picture by pixelating cropped edges. If you are watching footage on a smartphone, then even these pixelated edges won’t be present. This can make you miss any crucial details to catch.

Solution: Use wide-angle or pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. These cameras cover a broader field of view without the need for cropping.

7. Cost Restrictions

Cost restrictions play the most prominent role in producing low-quality security cameras. This is due to the pressure on manufacturers to meet a lower price point. This causes them to compromise on various aspects of camera design and components.

To align with the budget, manufacturers go with cheaper materials and components. This causes the overall durability and reliability of the camera to be reduced. Keep in mind that sometimes paying a little more can be a link from a blurry question mark to a crystal clear peace of mind.

Solution: Look for cameras with reputable reviews, proven sensor technology, and durable materials.

8. Compression 

Just so that the footage takes up a little storage, this results in compression of files into smaller files. It comes at the cost of bad video quality. There are multiple compression rounds. One before the video is even recorded, then once recorded, and one while storing it. Finally, when a video is transferred to a device to view, one more compression is done. This causes a significant reduction in the video quality.

Solution: Choose platforms and storage solutions that allow direct streaming or minimal compression during playback.

How to Make Low Quality Videos High Quality?

It is not only internal hardware factors but also some major external factors that degrade the performance of security cameras. But these factors can be easily managed and corrected. Let’s consider which factors to look for to convert low-quality videos to high-quality.

1. Improve Lighting Conditions

Lighting conditions play a big role in low quality security camera performance. Often, these security cameras fail to capture images clearly in low-lighting conditions, resulting in bad video quality. This causes the footage to be grainy or noisy, failing to capture important details.

• Make sure to install your security camera in a good-lighting area.
• You can also go for a security camera with integrated lights.
• Or add external lighting like motion-activated floodlights or ambient lighting.

2. Correct Installation and Placement

Another factor contributing to the poor performance of low-quality security cameras is incorrect installation or placement. Incorrect placement, whether interrupted by obstructions, limited coverage, or improper angles, causes the camera not to capture a comprehensive field view.

Besides this, mounting your security cameras too high or too low further impacts the image quality.

• Install the camera at about 7-9 feet from the ground for an optimal view of faces and movement.
• Ensure the camera lens is not blocked by walls, trees, or other objects.
• Protect the camera from weather conditions that may affect performance, such as rain or glare.

Ensure that you install and position your security cameras properly, considering all the factors that can affect the image.

3. Good Internet Connectivity

The IP security cameras depend on the internet, adding another susceptibility to its low performance. Unstable network or internet interference majorly impacts low-quality security camera performance. It is usually due to low data transfer rates. This results in the camera struggling to transmit high-quality videos in real-time. To get high-quality video, ensure you have a stable internet and a good network.

• Position your router close to the camera, reduce interference from other devices, and consider using a Wi-Fi extender if needed. 
• Use a wired connection when possible. Ethernet cables offer more stability and faster data transfer than Wi-Fi.

What Makes Cameras High Quality?

There are a few advanced features that set a security camera as of high quality. Let’s look at those features:

• Enhanced Night Vision: A high-quality security camera provides high-resolution footage, whether it is day or night. Many security cameras employ technologies like Infrared technology, image sensors, or integrated spotlights to enhance night vision.
• Enhanced Video Quality: Video quality is a basic feature that sets the security camera apart. High-quality security cameras offer resolutions from full HD to 4K and beyond, so one can not miss even minute details.
• Wider Field View: A high-quality security camera offers a wider frame view, minimizing blind spots.
• Various Storage Options: To meet personalized needs, a high-quality security camera has many storage options, such as local or cloud storage options.
• Smart Features: A high-quality security camera is up-to-date with the latest technology like AI. They have built-in AI tech to identify and differentiate persons or things and even track them.

Top 3 High-Quality Security Camera Recommendations

Eufy is a reliable brand when it comes to security matters. Following is a list of the top 3 high-quality security cameras you should consider when buying.

1. eufy SoloCam S340

If you are done with trying to solve mystery puzzles by looking at that blurry footage, we have this for you. Meet Eufy SoloCam S340, your security champion. It has a dual-lens system that guarantees 360-degree surveillance, ensuring no spot goes unwatched. It has ultra-clear 3K resolution that captures every little detail, providing ultimate security. It allows you to zoom up to 8x so that you can see clearly who was trying to sneak in.

Wondering how good SoloCam S340 really is? Here is what a certified user has to say:

It is very compact and completely wire-free, making it easy to install. A feature that sets this camera apart from the crowd is its solar-powered functionality. It has removable solar panels that ensure its uninterrupted operation.

It is more than just these features. It lives up to its smart camera category by having an AI brain. Its AI technology makes sure to ignore all harmless strolls or rustling leaves. It differentiates between people and other things, so you get no false alarms. We recommend you upgrade to S340 and have smart, sustainable eyes for security 24/7.

2. eufyCam S330

Meet eufyCam S330 and say goodbye to squinting at blurry footage. eufyCam S330 brings you top-tier 4K resolution footage. It captures crystal-clear images, making sure no detail goes unnoticed. Its starlight photosensitive system ensures clear images even in low light conditions.

Let’s see what a real user had to say:

eufyCam S330 detection range and clarity

"Note the distance S330 activated, camera midships on my boat at 6 feet and this ship initially at least 40 feet from boat." -- Source: eufy community

It doesn't stop there, but with its BionicMind AI, you can forget about false alarms. This technology self-differentiates between your family, strangers, and pets. It ensures you get no false alarms from those random cat strolls or winds. The best part about this is you can customize your security zones to get only those alerts that matter. Besides this, you can utilize its two-way audio feature, which makes communication with the other side a breeze from your phone.

eufyCam S330 sets itself apart through its power durability feature. Sunshine runs this super security gadget. Only two hours of sunlight a day keeps it running 24/7. It might cost you more than others, but it is a worthwhile investment. You don’t need to settle for blurry question marks, but see your world crystal clear with eufyCam S330.

3. eufyCam S3 Pro

What sets the eufyCam S3 Pro apart is its Color Night Vision, which allows you to see full-color images in low-light conditions, offering enhanced visibility even when the lights are off.

Check out the screenshot below from videos shared by actual users.

The ability to capture detailed footage (even the car plate number, so we had to cover it) in complete darkness is a game-changer.

eufycam S3 pro night vision

"First night with the S3 Pro and it already picked up a fox. Really impressed with the night vision on this camera because to the eye this view is really dark." -- Source: eufy community

In addition to exceptional 4K resolution, the eufyCam S3 Pro features a dual motion detection system, combining radar and passive infrared (PIR) technology. This system ensures more accurate and responsive detection, significantly reducing false alarms. It intelligently differentiates between humans, animals, and other objects, giving you peace of mind without unnecessary notifications.

You can also set up customizable security zones to focus on the areas that matter most, while two-way audio allows seamless communication with visitors or potential intruders, all from your smartphone.

The eufyCam S3 Pro is a smart, all-encompassing choice for your home or business security needs.

Conclusion

We hope you are now equipped with the knowledge of the weaknesses of low-quality security cameras and can buy your next security camera confidently. Go for a security camera with a high-resolution sensor without compression issues, a high-quality lens, and shows even the darkest corners bright and sharp.

We have also recommended some tried and tested eufy security camera models that will upgrade your security game. Make sure you invest in a security camera that meets all your security needs.

FAQs

I have a bad-quality security camera but can’t afford to replace it. How can I improve the footage?

Upgrading is always a better option, but a few things can improve your current security camera footage.

• Make sure to optimize the placement. Avoid backlighting and ensure good lighting in the surroundings.
• Often, dirt and dust cover the lens. Clean the lens for better footage.
• Adjust your camera settings. Increase resolution while reducing compressions if possible.

Do I need to have a high budget when buying a high-quality camera?

No, not all high-quality security cameras are expensive. Many brands like Eufy provide a high-quality camera at a reasonable price.

What things to avoid when buying a security camera?

Ensure the camera you’re buying isn’t of low resolution (less than 1080p), doesn’t have a small sensor, and doesn’t do excessive compressions. These factors result in bad security footage.

What is a good megapixel for a security camera?

A good megapixel count for a security camera typically ranges from 1080p (2MP) to 4K (8MP). For most residential needs, 1080p provides clear images and sufficient detail. However, some best quality security cameras may come with higher 4MP or 8MP megapixels to offer better image quality and zoom capabilities for larger areas or finer details.

Why do my security cameras look blurry?

Blurry security camera footage can be caused by several factors, including low quality security cameras, dirty lenses, poor camera resolution, improper focus, low light conditions, or network issues. Ensure you use a good camera with a clean lens, check the camera settings, improve lighting, and your camera resolution meets your needs for clearer images.