Simply, the cost of the camera is relative to the quality of the image it produces. The resolution is measured in TV Lines. Older Cmos cameras used to have a max. resolution of about 380 TV lines which is considered to be low resolution and comparable to an old VHS camcorder. 420 lines is medium resolution and with good CCD electronics produces a respectable picture. 480 Lines and above is considered to be high resolution in the bullet camera world. The picture is much sharper, colours more vibrant and more comparable to a digital camcorder. The majority of camcorders on the market today at an affordable price can record 550 lines of resolution.