Why the box says 1080p but you get 720p
A camera's headline resolution is the best it can do under ideal conditions. The resolution you actually get depends on several things working together:
- The camera's modes. A webcam doesn't support "any" resolution - it has a fixed list of modes, each a combination of size, frame rate and pixel format. Many webcams only reach 1080p at 30 fps in a compressed format (MJPEG); the browser may pick a lower uncompressed mode instead.
- USB bandwidth. Uncompressed 1080p at 30 fps needs more bandwidth than USB 2.0 can carry. Hubs, docking stations and monitor USB ports share bandwidth between devices and can force lower modes, especially with more than one camera connected.
- The browser. Unless a website asks for a specific size, browsers usually start the camera at a modest default resolution to save processing. Some browsers also cap resolution on phones and tablets.
- Other apps. If another app opened the camera first, you may be limited to the resolution it chose.
- Upscaling. A few cheap webcams advertise a resolution their sensor can't capture and enlarge a smaller image to fit. The test reports the size you receive; if a "1080p" image looks as soft as 720p, upscaling is the likely reason.
This test removes the guesswork by asking for each resolution explicitly and recording what really happens.
How this test works
For each of the seven resolutions in the table below, the test:
- Asks for that exact size. If the camera can deliver it, the browser opens the camera at that size and the test measures the frame rate for about one second.
- Falls back to a polite request. If the exact request fails, the test asks for the same size as a preference instead, and reads back what the camera delivers.
- Reports the outcome.
- Supported - the camera delivered exactly that size. The measured frame rate is shown.
- Gave W×H - the camera opened, but at a different size. This usually means the requested size isn't one of its modes.
- Not supported - the camera couldn't be opened at or near that size.
The whole run takes about 15 seconds. You can cancel at any time, and the camera is turned off when the test finishes.
Common resolutions
| Name | Size | Megapixels | Aspect | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K UHD | 3840 × 2160 | 8.3 | 16:9 | Premium webcams, content creation |
| 1440p (QHD) | 2560 × 1440 | 3.7 | 16:9 | High-end webcams |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920 × 1080 | 2.1 | 16:9 | The standard for good webcams and recordings |
| 720p (HD) | 1280 × 720 | 0.9 | 16:9 | Most video calls; many laptop cameras |
| SVGA | 800 × 600 | 0.5 | 4:3 | Older webcams |
| 480p (VGA) | 640 × 480 | 0.3 | 4:3 | Basic webcams, low-bandwidth calls |
| 240p (QVGA) | 320 × 240 | 0.08 | 4:3 | Thumbnails, very old cameras |
Reading your results
- Highest Supported row - the real maximum resolution of your camera in this browser. This is the number to compare with the box.
- Frame rate at each size - many cameras run 60 fps at 720p but only 30 fps (or less) at 1080p and 4K. If you need smooth motion, choose the largest size that still reaches 30 fps.
- Several "Gave" results with the same size - the camera has few modes and falls back to its default whenever it doesn't match.
- Supported at 4K but low fps - the camera can capture 4K but the connection or the computer can't move the frames fast enough. Try a USB 3 port or a lower resolution.
Getting the best resolution in practice
- Connect external webcams directly to a USB 3 port (often blue, or marked SS) rather than a hub.
- Close other apps that use the camera before starting.
- Choose the resolution explicitly in the Camera Studio or your call app; don't rely on the default.
- Remember that video-call services may send a lower resolution than your camera captures, depending on your connection and the number of participants.
Testing a different camera
Use the camera menu next to the Run test button to pick another camera, then run the test again. To check everyday performance - live image, measured frame rate and hardware controls - use the Webcam Test.