DS-2CD2412F-I (1.2 MP) vs DS-2CD2432F-I (3.2MP)

[Biggs]

1. Both comes with a 2.8mm lens and are non-WiFi versions.
2. The 1.2MP is significantly cheaper than the 3.2MP from where I live.
3. I'm initially planning to get 3 to 4 of these IP cams. Then I'd expand to 2 more of the newly released 4MP outdoor IP cams (i.e. DS-2CD2342WD-I).


Comparing these two as per Hikvision specs,
DS-2CD2412F-I (1.2 MP)
1280 x 960:
Angle of view: 92.5°(2.8mm)

DS-2CD2432F-I (3.2MP)
2048 × 1536:
Angle of view: 86°(2.8mm), 70°(4mm), 43.3°(6mm)
1920 × 1080:
Angle of view: 98.5°(2.8mm), 79°(4mm), 49°(6mm)

a. Would the image quality be significantly better using either the "2048 × 1536" or "1920 × 1080" modes of the 3.2MP IP cam as compared to just the "1280 x 960" of the 1.2MP IP cam?

b. The 1.2MP and 3.2MP IP cams both have a 4:3 aspect ratio but why does the 1.2MP have a wider angle of view than the 3.2MP at "2048 × 1536" mode (i.e. 92.5°(2.8mm) and 86°(2.8mm) respectively)?

c. Which one will have a taller vertical angle of view?

d. Noise-wise, would going for 2 x Hikvision NVR DS-7604NI-E1/4P (4 ch & 4 POE) be better than 1 x DS-7608NI-E2/8P (8 ch & 8 POE). Functionality-wise, would having just 1 NVR to control 6 to 8 IP cams be much better?

e. Would enabling PIR detection mean that as long as there is a live body on the IP cam's sights (even if the body is completely still), it will continue to record?

 

[klasipca]

I have both with 2.8mm lens. 2CD2412F is better at night but for daylight I prefer 2CD2432F. More pixels = more detail I can see.

 

[Del Boy]

More pixels does mean more detail but can also mean more noise... see my other post about 8MP iPhone vs 8MP DSLR example

I wouldn't get 1.3MP with a 2.8mm lens unless it was for a really tight and dark alleyway or rear garden.

a) Yes will be better... will it be significantly better... not really. Why? Because compared to analog rubbish all this stuff is amazingly better. Having 3MP will let you have a wider lens and get similar detail
b) They have different sensors, it's not as simple as you are stating it
c) 1.2MP
d) Go for the DS-7608NI-E2/8P
e) Even if the body is completely still? No. Use 24/7 recording not motion detection.

 

[bp2008]

Del Boy's responses are good, but I would like to add two things:

a) The 1.3 (1.2, whatever) sensor should produce a slightly clearer image in low light.

e) Recording would stop if a warm body moved into the frame and became completely still. It would start again when the body began moving again of course, so you wouldn't really be missing anything important. 24/7 recording will eat up your storage space in a real hurry so I don't recommend it.