Direct Answer

CCTV camera pixel density is estimated from the camera resolution and scene width. In this example, the camera provides approximately 96.00 pixels per metre. Final verification should be completed using the OEM lens calculator and field validation.

At a Glance

Resource ID	EC-080
Horizontal Resolution	R | 3840 | Pixels
Observation Distance	D | 20 | m
Horizontal Field of View	FOV | 90 | deg
Camera Type	4 MP IP Camera | –
Source detail	Refer to Technical Content
Source detail	Refer to Technical Content
Source detail	Refer to Technical Content

Calculation Method & Worked Example

Scene Width = 2 × Distance × tan(FOV/2)

Pixel Density = Horizontal Resolution ÷ Scene Width

Scene Width = 2 × 20 × tan(45.0°) = 40.00 m

Pixel Density = 3840 ÷ 40.00 = 96.00 pixels/m

Preliminary calculation based on source inputs and assumptions.

Applicable Standards Listed in the Source

IEC 62676	Video Surveillance Systems
ONVIF	IP Video Interoperability
EN 62676-4	Application Guidelines
OEM Lens Calculator	Pixel density verification

Technical Content

1. Purpose

To estimate the pixel density achieved by a CCTV camera across the monitored scene for surveillance, observation, recognition and identification applications.

2. Engineering Objective

To calculate the preliminary horizontal pixel density (pixels per metre) to verify that the selected camera and lens satisfy project surveillance requirements. Final verification shall be completed using OEM lens calculators and site validation.

3. Applicable Standards

Standards are listed above as supplied in the source document.

4. Design Inputs

Horizontal Resolution = R = 3840 = Pixels; Observation Distance = D = 20 = m; Horizontal Field of View = FOV = 90 = deg; Camera Type = 4 MP IP Camera = –

5. Assumptions

Flat terrain and unobstructed view are assumed. Pixel density is calculated across the horizontal scene width only.

6. Formula(s)

Scene Width = 2 × Distance × tan(FOV/2)
Pixel Density = Horizontal Resolution ÷ Scene Width

Scene Width = 2 × Distance × tan(FOV/2)
Pixel Density = Horizontal Resolution ÷ Scene Width

Scene Width: 40.00 m
Pixel Density: 96.00 pixels/m

7. Variables Explained

R = Horizontal resolution (pixels); D = Observation distance (m); FOV = Horizontal field of view.

8. Step-by-Step Calculation

Scene Width = 2 × 20 × tan(45.0°) = 40.00 m
Pixel Density = 3840 ÷ 40.00 = 96.00 pixels/m

Scene Width = 2 × 20 × tan(45.0°) = 40.00 m
Pixel Density = 3840 ÷ 40.00 = 96.00 pixels/m

Scene Width: 40.00 m
Pixel Density: 96.00 pixels/m

9. Worked Engineering Example

A camera with 3840-pixel horizontal resolution monitoring 20 m using a 90° field of view provides approximately 96.00 pixels per metre.

10. Engineering Output

Scene Width: 40.00 m
Pixel Density: 96.00 pixels/m

Scene Width: 40.00 m
Pixel Density: 96.00 pixels/m

Scene Width: 40.00 m
Pixel Density: 96.00 pixels/m

Scene Width: 40.00 m
Pixel Density: 96.00 pixels/m

11. Design Considerations

Verify DORI criteria, focal length, mounting height, lighting conditions, compression settings and identification requirements.

12. Common Design Mistakes

Ignoring DORI requirements, selecting an unsuitable lens, excessive field of view and inadequate pixel density.

13. Practical Site Notes

Validate the installed camera image using live video to ensure required identification and recognition performance.

14. Limitations

This is a preliminary engineering calculation only. Final pixel density shall be verified using OEM design tools and on-site testing.

15. Related Engineering Systems

IP Cameras, NVR, VMS, Video Analytics, PoE Switches.

16. Cross References

Related FAQ: CCTV Pixel Density
Related White Paper: WP-006
Related Case Study: CS-006
Related Engineering Diagram: ED-080

Related White Paper: as referenced in the source document.

Related Case Study: as referenced in the source document.

Related Engineering Diagram: as referenced in the source document.

17. SEO Meta Title

CCTV Camera Pixel Density Calculation | EC-080

18. SEO Meta Description

Engineering calculation for estimating CCTV camera pixel density.

19. URL Slug

ec-080-cctv-camera-pixel-density-calculation

20. Keywords (15)

Pixel Density,CCTV Camera,DORI,IEC62676,ONVIF,Video Surveillance,Lens Calculation,CCTV Design,Engineering Calculation,Camera Resolution,Recognition,Identification,Security Systems,FOV,NVR

21. AI Search Summary

CCTV camera pixel density is estimated from the camera resolution and scene width. In this example, the camera provides approximately 96.00 pixels per metre. Final verification should be completed using the OEM lens calculator and field validation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the preliminary detector quantity calculated?

CCTV camera pixel density is estimated from the camera resolution and scene width. In this example, the camera provides approximately 96.00 pixels per metre. Final verification should be completed using the OEM lens calculator and field validation.

What is the result for this example?

A camera with 3840-pixel horizontal resolution monitoring 20 m using a 90° field of view provides approximately 96.00 pixels per metre.

Does this establish the final detector layout?

This is a preliminary engineering calculation only. Final pixel density shall be verified using OEM design tools and on-site testing.

What design factors should be checked?

Verify DORI criteria, focal length, mounting height, lighting conditions, compression settings and identification requirements.

SEO & Publishing Details

SEO meta title	CCTV Camera Pixel Density Calculation | EC-080
Meta description	Engineering calculation for estimating CCTV camera pixel density.
Primary keyword	Pixel Density
Secondary keywords	CCTV Camera; DORI; IEC62676; ONVIF; Video Surveillance; Lens Calculation
Suggested URL slug	ec-080-cctv-camera-pixel-density-calculation
Suggested image alt text	CCTV Camera Pixel Density Calculation, Engineering Calculation EC-080.