CCTV Distances Explained: Detection vs Recognition vs Identification

CCTV Distances Explained: Detection vs Recognition vs Identification

One of the most common questions clients ask me:
“If I install a camera here, will I be able to clearly recognize someone’s face?”

The answer depends on distance, height, and camera resolution. Here’s the simple breakdown:

What you can see at different distances (2MP camera):
• Detection (25–30m): You’ll know someone is there.
• Observation (15–20m): You’ll see clothing & movement clearly.
• Recognition (10–12m): You can recognize a familiar face.
• Identification (6–8m): Clear enough for legal proof.

(Higher resolution cameras — 5MP, 8MP — extend these ranges further.)

Height matters:
• Mount too high → you see the head, not the face.
• Ideal for entrances → 8–12 ft from the ground.
• Warehouses/open areas → higher mounts work for monitoring movement, but not for face detail.

Smart features that improve clarity:
• Varifocal Lens → lets you zoom after installation to fine-tune details.
• BLC (Backlight Compensation) → shows faces even against strong light.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) → balances bright & dark areas, perfect for entrances with glass doors.
• IR LEDs → ensure visibility at night (20m / 40m / 60m range depending on model).

Bottom line:
Right resolution + correct height + smart features = crystal-clear recognition when it matters most.

Disclaimer – This post has only been shared for an educational and knowledge-sharing purpose related to Technologies. Information was obtained from the source above source. All rights and credits are reserved for the respective owner(s).

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Source: LinkedIn

Credits: Mr. Jilesh Zaveri