4MP Security Cameras

Key features at 4MP

• 2688×1520 native resolution — double the pixels of a 2MP / 1080p camera.
• AcuSense AI on selected Hikvision 4MP models — on-camera classification of people and vehicles versus everything else (less common at 4MP than at higher resolutions).
• Infrared night vision standard across the range — typical 30 m IR range on outdoor models.
• H.265+ compression on modern models — keeps storage cost down.
• Turret, dome, bullet and PTZ form factors available.
• PoE 802.3af/at single-cable power and data on professional models.
• Lower storage requirements than higher-resolution alternatives — roughly half the storage of 6MP for the same retention.
• Australian manufacturer warranty — typically 36 months on Hikvision, 3 years on HiLook, longer on IDIS.

What 4MP delivers in practice

4MP supports facial identification to roughly 5–6 metres with a 2.8mm wide-angle lens in good light. That covers most interior monitoring scenarios (retail aisles, office corridors, classroom corners, reception areas, hallways), entry-point identification at modest distances, and general perimeter on smaller residential properties where viewing distances are short.

Compared to 2MP / 1080p, 4MP has double the pixels — roughly 40% more identification range at the same detail level, or noticeably sharper detail at the same range. Compared to 6MP, 4MP has about 33% fewer pixels — for short-range monitoring you won't notice the difference, but for distance identification 6MP will earn its keep. The trade-off across all of this is storage: 4MP uses roughly half the storage of 6MP and about a third of 4K, for the same retention.

How to choose between cameras at 4MP

Four axes:

1. Brand. Hikvision has the broadest 4MP range with selected AcuSense models. HiLook is the value sub-brand — 4MP at the lowest price point in our range, no AcuSense on most models. IDIS for NDAA-compliant Korean engineering with DirectIP zero-configuration and lifetime warranty on many models. TruVision for commercial CCTV with the Carrier / Interlogix lineage — confirm NDAA per model if it matters.

2. Camera technology. Most 4MP cameras are standard (no AI). AcuSense is available on selected Hikvision 4MP models but is less common at this resolution than at 6MP or 4K. If false-alert suppression matters, that's an argument for stepping up to 6MP where AcuSense is standard across more of the Pro Series range.

3. Form factor. Turret for general perimeter (most common). Dome for discreet indoor and retail. Bullet for longer narrow viewing — though at 4MP the longer-range advantage of bullets is partially capped by the resolution. PTZ for active wide-area monitoring.

4. Connectivity. PoE for professional installs. Wi-Fi 4MP cameras exist (more common at this resolution than at 4K) and are suited to residential / retrofit cases — see wireless cameras for the standalone Wi-Fi range.

Is 4MP the right resolution for you?

4MP is the right call when: the install is mostly interior with short viewing distances, the budget is tight on storage as well as cameras, the use case is "see what happened" rather than long-distance identification, or you're a small business or homeowner looking for HD without the cost of 6MP or 4K.

Step down to 2MP when: budget is the absolute dominant factor and you don't need identification detail — 2MP / 1080p remains usable for basic activity monitoring at very short range.

Step up to 6MP when: viewing distances are over 5 metres and identification matters, you want AcuSense AI across the system (more common at 6MP), or you're future-proofing — 6MP costs only modestly more than 4MP but adds noticeable headroom.

Mix resolutions on one NVR. Run 4MP across the interior or short-range angles and step up to 6MP or 4K at the entry points where identification really matters. Every modern NVR supports it.

Storage and bandwidth at 4MP

Rough numbers on H.265+ continuous recording at 4MP, full 25 fps:

• Per camera: ~50–70 GB per day — about 1 TB per 15–20 days.
• 4-camera 4MP system, 30-day retention: ~8 TB — typically 1× 8 TB SkyHawk AI.
• 8-camera 4MP system, 30-day retention: ~16 TB — 1× 16 TB or 2× 8 TB.

Recommended surveillance-grade drives: Seagate SkyHawk AI (4 TB / 8 TB / 16 TB) or WD Purple (4 TB / 8 TB). Desktop drives don't survive surveillance write loads.

Why buy from Security Cameras Australia

• Authorised Australian dealer — genuine 4MP cameras across every brand, full manufacturer warranty, not grey import.
• Expert support — pre- and post-purchase technical advice, including the 4MP-vs-6MP decision and HDD sizing.
• Price-match guarantee — competitive pricing across the range.
• Free shipping — fast delivery across Australia.
• 30-day returns — a satisfaction guarantee on every camera.

Shop the 4MP range

Browse the 4MP range below, or talk to us about specifying a system. 4MP is the right answer for short-range and budget-sensitive installs — if the viewing distances are longer or you want AcuSense AI, we'll point you to the 6MP collection instead.