What resolution do I need for indoor identification?
Identification-grade capture typically requires 4–5MP at 15–25 feet, or 8MP for 25–40 feet. Lower resolution (2MP) works for detection and general coverage but fails for facial or badge identification. Use DORI (Detection, Observation, Recognition, Identification) math to calculate the minimum megapixels and focal length needed for your furthest target distance.
Can I power 20+ indoor cameras on a single PoE switch?
No. Standard PoE (13W/port) can supply ~12–15 cameras before thermal limits and aggregate power budgets are exceeded. Use PoE+ (High-Power PoE) switches or midspan injectors for camera counts above 15, and always validate the switch's total power budget against your camera specifications.
Which indoor camera form factor is best for my space?
Dome cameras suit retail and offices (discrete, vandal-resistant); turrets work in warehouses and open layouts (360° flexibility, easy to adjust); box cameras suit high-specification deployments where lens swaps or long focal lengths matter. Fisheye/panoramic designs reduce camera count for very large open areas but sacrifice per-pixel detail. Test lighting and sight lines before purchasing.
How much bandwidth and storage do indoor cameras actually consume?
Bitrate depends on resolution, frame rate, codec (H.264 vs. H.265), and motion activity. Expect 2–6 Mbps for 4MP at 30 FPS, 4–8 Mbps for 5MP, and 8–15 Mbps for 8MP. Multiply bitrate × camera count × 24 hours × retention days and divide by 1000 to forecast TB of storage needed. Static scenes compress better; add 20% buffer for peak bitrate.
What is the difference between H.264 and H.265 codecs?
H.264 is the industry standard, supported by all NVRs and VMS platforms, and delivers good compression at ~4–8 Mbps per 4MP camera. H.265 (HEVC) cuts bitrate and storage by ~50% but requires a compatible NVR/server and may cost more per camera. Choose H.264 for legacy or budget deployments; H.265 for bandwidth-constrained or high-camera-count systems with modern storage infrastructure.
How do I choose between IR and low-light cameras for dark indoor spaces?
IR cameras excel in total darkness (server rooms, stockrooms) and have longer range than low-light sensors. Ultra Low Light (ULL) cameras perform better under ambient light (hallways, retail after-hours) because IR reflection and washout are reduced. Test both in your actual space; spec sheets don't reflect IR bounce-back from white walls or polished floors, which can degrade image quality.
