A quote for a camera system often arrives with a list of model numbers and a link to spec sheets full of abbreviations: 4 MP, 1/2.8-inch CMOS, 2.8 mm, IR 30 m, 120 dB WDR, H.265+, IP67, IK10, 12 V DC/PoE. If you are not an engineer, those lines can be intimidating, and some sellers count on that. You do not need to master them. You need to know which six or seven lines matter, what they mean for your footage and which claims deserve skepticism. This guide walks through a typical spec sheet and translates it into plain language, so you can compare quotes sensibly and ask better questions.
This is general information. Specifications vary by manufacturer, and numbers on paper are not a substitute for seeing real footage at your property.
1. The Short Version
| Spec | What it tells you | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (MP) | Detail in the picture | 4 MP is common; 8 MP for wide areas |
| Lens (mm) | How wide or tight the view is | Match to distance |
| Sensor size | Low-light ability | Larger is generally better |
| IR range | Night distance | Treat as best case |
| WDR | Handling bright/dark scenes | Essential at doors |
| Frame rate | Smoothness | 15 to 20 fps is enough for most scenes |
| Compression | Storage use | H.265 saves space |
| IP/IK ratings | Weather and impact resistance | IP66+ outdoors; IK10 in reach |
| Power | How it connects | PoE for wired systems |
2. Resolution: Megapixels
Resolution is expressed in megapixels, or in terms like 1080p, 2K, 4K. A 4 MP camera produces an image about 2560 by 1440 pixels. An 8 MP camera, often called 4K, is about 3840 by 2160. More pixels can mean more detail, but only if the lens, sensor and lighting support it, and only if you have the storage and network bandwidth. A wide view at 8 MP may still give you a small face at distance. Our guides on 4 MP vs. 8 MP and on 2K vs. 4K explain how to choose.
3. Lens: Focal Length and Field of View
The lens is listed in millimeters. A smaller number, like 2.8 mm, gives a wider view. A larger number, like 6 mm, zooms in. Varifocal lenses list a range, such as 2.8 to 12 mm. The spec sheet may also list a horizontal field of view in degrees. Think about where the camera will sit and how far it needs to see. A short lens at a door is fine. A long driveway needs a longer lens or a varifocal. Our guides on focal length and on varifocal vs. fixed lenses give examples.
4. Sensor Size and Low Light
Sensor sizes appear as fractions, like 1/2.8" or 1/1.8". Larger sensors capture more light and generally produce cleaner night images, all else equal. You may also see a minimum illumination rating, such as 0.005 lux color. Lower numbers claim better low-light performance, but manufacturers measure differently, so treat them as rough guides. The best test is a night clip from the actual model. Our guide on sensor size and low-light performance goes deeper.
5. Infrared Range
IR range is quoted in meters or feet, such as 30 m (100 ft). It is a best-case figure in clear, open conditions. Real range is reduced by fog, rain, nearby reflective surfaces and the target's reflectivity. A good rule is to expect a usable, identifiable image at a fraction of the stated distance. Our guide on infrared range explains what "100 feet" really means. Also check whether the camera offers "smart IR," which adjusts LED brightness to prevent washed-out faces up close.
6. WDR and Light Handling
Look for WDR, often shown as 120 dB, and mentions of HLC (highlight compensation) and BLC (backlight compensation). For doors, glass storefronts and driveways, WDR is crucial. A spec sheet that omits it may be a sign the camera is basic. Our guide on WDR explains what it does.
7. Frame Rate
Frame rate is how many frames per second the camera records, such as 15, 20 or 30 fps. Higher is smoother but uses more storage. For most security uses, 15 to 20 fps is adequate; 30 fps helps with fast action like vehicles at a gate. Cameras sometimes show the maximum frame rate at lower resolutions only, so check the rate at the resolution you plan to use. Our guide on frame rate gives recommendations by location.
8. Compression and Bitrate
Compression determines how much storage a recording uses. H.264 is older and widely supported. H.265 (HEVC) is more efficient, often saving a significant portion of storage at the same quality. Marketing names like H.265+ or Smart Codec add further savings by lowering quality in still areas. Bitrate, in Mbps, determines how much data the camera produces; higher bitrate means better quality and more storage. Our guides on H.265 vs. H.264 and on bitrate explain the trade-offs. To size storage, use total GB = cameras × Mbps × 10.8 × days.
9. Ratings: IP and IK
IP (Ingress Protection). Two digits: the first for dust, the second for water. IP66 means dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets; IP67 adds temporary immersion. For outdoor cameras in New York and New Jersey weather, IP66 or higher is typical.
IK (impact). Rated IK01 to IK10. IK10 is the highest and means the housing withstands a significant impact. Choose IK10 where a camera can be reached or hit.
Operating temperature. Check the range, such as -30 to 60 °C, for cold winters and hot summers. Our guide on IP and IK ratings explains the numbers.
10. Power and Connection
Most professional cameras list "PoE 802.3af" or "802.3at," meaning they can be powered by a standard PoE switch, along with "12 V DC" as an alternative. Power consumption in watts helps size the switch. Network connection is usually 100 Mbps or gigabit Ethernet. Wi-Fi cameras list Wi-Fi standards and sometimes battery capacity. Our guide on PoE switches explains how to match power budgets.
11. Features and Analytics
Spec sheets love lists of features: motion detection, tripwire, intrusion detection, face detection, person and vehicle classification, people counting. Many are useful, some are gimmicks and some require additional licenses or recorders that support them. Ask which analytics are included, which work on the camera and which on the recorder, and what accuracy you can expect in your conditions. Our guides on AI person detection and on tuning motion detection set realistic expectations.
12. Compatibility and Openness
Check whether the camera supports ONVIF, a standard that helps cameras work with different recorders. Check whether it needs a proprietary app or cloud account, and whether footage is stored locally. Our guide on ONVIF explains why this matters if you want to switch systems later. Also check for security features: password policy, encryption and firmware update support. The FCC maintains a list of equipment on its Covered List; see fcc.gov, and our guide on NDAA-compliant cameras explains related concerns.
13. Red Flags in Marketing
- "4K" without saying what the sensor and lens are. Resolution alone doesn't equal clarity.
- Huge IR ranges with no real-world footage.
- Unclear brand and model. If the seller won't name the model, you can't look up the spec sheet.
- "Military grade" or "bank-level encryption" with no details.
- Fake WDR claims. If it only says "digital wide dynamic" with no dB rating, be cautious.
- No firmware update path.
- Required cloud subscription not mentioned.
14. News Context
Specs matter when footage is needed. In July 2026, QNS reported that police were seeking a burglar who hit homes in Flushing, Oakland Gardens and Bayside, with a vehicle's plate partly covered and a $3,500 reward. In February 2026, NYPD released stills and video from a Staten Island doorstep to help identify three young men who tried to enter three homes overnight, according to CBS News New York. Useful footage depends on lens, light and settings, not just a headline megapixel number.
NYPD reported burglary down 19.5% citywide in May 2026 compared with May 2025 (NYPD).
15. Costs
Specs affect price. Planning ranges in 2026 for professionally installed systems: standard 4 MP camera with setup, $250 to $650 each; 8 MP or varifocal camera with setup, $350 to $950 each; four-camera home system, $1,600 to $3,600; eight-camera business system, $3,000 to $6,800; sixteen-camera commercial system, $6,500 to $13,000. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
16. Questions to Ask Your Installer
- Can I see the model numbers and spec sheets for the cameras in my quote?
- At what distance will a face or plate be readable on each camera?
- Do the cameras have true WDR and what are their IP and IK ratings?
- Which compression and frame rate will you use, and how many days of storage will I get?
- Do the cameras support ONVIF and local recording?
- Can you show me sample footage from these models at night?
See our local pages for security camera installation in Staten Island, commercial camera installation in Brooklyn, security camera installation in Queens and our services page.
Comparing quotes? Revolvis will walk the property with you and mark the spots.
More From Revolvis
Cameras are one layer of a secure property. The same in-house crew also handles the rest:
- Keyless entry installation and smart lock installation
- Access control systems and commercial access control
- Video doorbells and intercoms
- Alarm system installation
- Complete unified security
Learn more about Revolvis, meet the team, see all services, browse the blog or contact us.
Areas We Serve
Revolvis installs residential and commercial camera systems across the New York metro area. Every borough and county has its own building stock, rules and wiring challenges, so the plan for a Queens two-family is not the plan for a Manhattan co-op.
- Staten Island: houses, detached garages and shop fronts. See security camera installation in Staten Island.
- Brooklyn: brownstones, row houses and storefronts. See security camera installation in Brooklyn.
- Queens: attached brick homes, two-families and busy commercial strips. See security camera installation in Queens.
- The Bronx: pre-war buildings, bodegas and warehouses. See security camera installation in the Bronx.
- Manhattan: co-ops, condos, offices and retail. See security camera installation in Manhattan.
- Long Island: Nassau County and Suffolk County.
- New Jersey: Jersey City, Newark, Hoboken and nearby towns.
The full list is on the service areas page.
Get a Custom Quote After a Site Visit
Revolvis prices every job after a site visit, because the building sets the cost as much as the equipment does. A few things make the estimate faster and more accurate:
- The address and property type: house, apartment, co-op, condo, storefront or warehouse.
- Which doors, sides and areas you want covered, and what worries you most.
- Photos of those spots and any spots where you already have cabling or power.
- How many days of footage you want to keep and whether you want to watch on your phone.
- Any landlord, board, lender or insurer requirement.
Call 347-258-9165 or use the contact page to book a site visit. The quote you receive is written and itemized, so you can compare it line by line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important specs on a security camera? Resolution, lens, sensor size, WDR, IR performance, compression and weather and impact ratings.
Is a higher megapixel count always better? No. Lens, light, sensor and storage matter too.
What does IP67 mean? Dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water.
What is IK10? The highest impact-resistance rating for a camera housing.
Is the IR range on the box accurate? It is a best-case number. Expect usable identification at a fraction of it.
What should I ask a seller? Model numbers, sample night footage, storage calculations and whether any cloud fees apply.
Ready for a custom quote? Call Revolvis at 347-258-9165 for a site visit and a written, itemized estimate.
Safety note: A camera system supports, but does not replace, good locks, lighting, alarms and everyday habits. If you are in danger or witnessing a crime, call 911. Prices and legal summaries in this guide are general information for the New York metro area, not an offer or legal advice. A written quote after a site visit governs your actual price, and for legal questions you should confirm with the agencies linked in the article or a licensed attorney.