Many people, especially beginners, get confused by the terms and jargon used for security cameras. They might wonder what "2K" stands for and what it means in a 2K security camera.
In this article, we will explain what a 2K security camera is, its types, usage, and everything else you need to know before making a decision.
Let's start with the basics.
Part 1. What is a 2K Security Camera?
The word "2K" represents the resolution of the security camera. It means 2560 pixels in each row and 1440 pixels in each column. So, its resolution is 2560 x 1440 pixels, which is also known as 1440p and QHD (Quad High Definition).
With that being said, any security camera offering the said resolution is called a 2K security camera. It has a 4-megapixel (MP) image sensor for high-quality video. It is widely used and a perfect option for surveillance and ensuring indoor/outdoor security.
Part 2. Types of 2K Security Cameras
2K Wireless Security Camera
A 2K wireless security camera does not require a wire for power and network. It has built-in rechargeable batteries that power it and is usually connected to a small solar panel to charge itself. Therefore, it is suitable for outdoor places where the solar panel can receive radiation from the sun. But you can also use it indoors.
For network connection, there are two options. Some cameras can be connected to a Wi-Fi network and transfer data through a router. In comparison, some cameras can work on 3G/4G LTE. They require a nano SIM card with a data plan.
2K Wired Security Camera
Wired cameras can be divided into two types: DC-powered and PoE.
A DC-powered camera is powered through an adapter, which is connected to the nearby outlet. So, you can place it anywhere, and they do not require a wire for the network. Instead, they use Wi-Fi to transfer data through a router. It can be used for indoor as well as outdoor security.
A Power over Ethernet (PoE) uses an ethernet cable for data transfer and power. The cable is connected to an NVR or PoE router. It is a more reliable option for outdoor surveillance.
2K Security Camera System
A 2K security camera system is a complete set of multiple 2K cameras, a central control or NVR, and a transfer medium, which could be Wi-Fi or ethernet cable. If you want to cover your complete outdoor/indoor area, you need to use a camera system. All cameras are connected to one NVR and are controlled from a central point.
Part 3. When to Use a 2k Security Camera?
A 2K camera is a great fit for a wide range of purposes. It offers high-quality visuals within a modest budget, which makes it a good option for many people.
It gives clear and crisp videos of the individuals, pets, and vehicles in the covered area. You can ensure security and surveillance 24/7, whether it be your home or business.
Here are a few uses of a 2K security camera:
- Home entrances, including the main door and back doors.
- Baby, children, and pet monitoring
- Garage
- Driveways
- Backyard
- Small businesses
Comparison: 2K vs 4K Security Camera
The main difference between a 2K security camera and a 4K security camera is the resolution. A 2K security camera has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. It has a 4-megapixel (MP) image sensor. In contrast, a 4K camera has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. It is an 8-megapixel (MP) camera, which is much more powerful.
Therefore, a 2K camera has decent quality and image details. In contrast, a 4K is much clearer and more detailed; it can even read number plates and logos on objects. Even at night, they offer brighter and clearer images.
A 2K camera is definitely a decent option to save money. It also requires much less storage space for recordings and bandwidth for data transfer. It is widely compatible with devices and components of the security system. On the other hand, a 4K camera is much more expensive and requires two times more storage and 4-5 times better bandwidth.
Part 5. 2k and 4k Security Camera Recommendation
Smart 2K Wire-Free Camera - Reolink Argus 3 pro
Argus 3 Pro is a battery-powered/solar 2K (4MP) camera for indoor and outdoor surveillance. It can detect people and object movements and send instant alerts on your device. It also offers two-way audio to communicate with the person.
Even at night, you can enable the color vision mode to view everything with optimal clarity. It requires a microSD card for storage and has a dual Wi-Fi band to ensure a reliable connection and improve speed for a smoother live view.
2K 100% Wire-Free Spotlight Camera
2K 4MP Super HD, Battery/Solar Powered, Person/Vehicle Detection, 5/2.4 GHz Dual-Band WiFi, Color Night Vision, Two-Way Audio.
4K Smart PTZ WiFi Camera - Reolink E1 Outdoor Pro
If you want a higher resolution, you can go with this 4K (8MP) camera for fine details and incredible visual experience. It is equipped with PTZ, so it can cover a wide area with 355⁰ Pan, 50⁰ Tilt, and 3X zoom.
The camera has dual-band Wi-Fi 6 to ensure faster data transfer. It can detect vehicles, pets, and humans and warn intruders through a siren and spotlight. Moreover, it has two-way audio, color night vision, auto-tracking, and lots of features to protect your vicinity.
4K WiFi PTZ Camera with Auto-Tracking
4K 8MP Super HD, Smart Person/Vehicle Alerts, 355° Pan & 50° Tilt & 3X Optical Zoom, Auto Tracking, Color Night Vision.
4K Security Camera System with Wi-Fi 6 - RLK12-800WB4
For the surveillance of your complete house and office, this security kit is an excellent option. It contains four 4K (8MP) Ultra-HD Wi-Fi cameras and a 12-channel NVR with 2TB HDD storage.
The cameras are connected to the NVR through Wi-Fi. All 4K cameras transfer data to long distances at a faster speed due to dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology. It is equipped with color night vision, smart detection, dual warning, two-way audio, and real-time alerts.
4K Security Kit with Next-Gen WiFi 6
4 pcs 4K Ultra HD Security Cameras; Dual-Band WiFi 6; 2TB HDD 12-Channel NVR for 24/7 Recording; Peron/Vehicle/Animal Detection; IP67 Weatherproof.
FAQs
1. Is 2K good enough for a security camera?
Yes, a 2K camera is good enough for security. It offers clear visuals at a budget-friendly price.
2. What does 2K mean in a security camera?
The word "2K" means the resolution of the camera, which is 2560 x 1440 pixels. It offers Quad HD (QHD) video quality for an incredible visual experience.
3. What are the differences between 2k and 1080p security cameras?
The resolution of a 1080p camera is 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the resolution of a 2K camera is 2560 x 1140 pixels. So, there is a difference in the quality of the visuals. A 2K camera is a much better option as it offers 2X clearer visuals and finer details.
4. How much data does a 2K security camera use?
The data usage of a 2K camera that requires 4G LTE depends on the bitrate you choose. At the bitrate of 3 Mbps, one hour of live feed will consume up to 2GB of data. But if you go with 160 kbps, 1 GB would be enough for 4 hours of live feed. This is a general idea, but it also depends on various other factors, such as video format, compression, etc.
Conclusion
A 2K security camera is an excellent option for indoor, outdoor, and complete surveillance and monitoring of your house, office, garage, backyard, etc. It offers a clear visual of the person and object even at night time. It is much better than a 1080p security camera and budget-friendly compared to a 4K camera. You can ensure 24/7 security through a 2K security camera and its outstanding features even if you are not at home.