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When using a camera, one of the most common concerns nowadays is how long the surveillance camera storage lasts. If you're also pondering this issue, read the article below to get detailed information.
How long does surveillance camera storage last?
Due to each type of surveillance camera being equipped with a specific capacity by the manufacturer, the storage duration of the camera depends on which type of product you're using. Currently, on the market, surveillance cameras have three common storage methods:
- Utilizing high-capacity hard drives.
- Using SD cards.
- Set up cloud computing.
Using SD memory cards
If your surveillance camera is using an SD memory card to record data, the storage duration depends on the memory card's capacity. For example:
- The storage duration of a 16GB card will last for at least 2 days.
- The storage duration of a 32GB card will last for 4 days.
- The storage duration of a 64GB card will be 8 days.
- The storage duration of a 128GB memory card is from 16 days onwards.
Each camera will utilize its own dedicated memory card. However, various factors may affect the storage capacity of the camera such as:
+ Storage duration: When continuously recording from the camera 24/7, the memory card will quickly fill up compared to intelligent storage.
+ Intelligent storage: The camera only records when motion is detected, optimizing the SD card's memory.
+ Image compression standard: Compared to conventional compression standards, the H265+ compression standard will make storage on the memory card more efficient.
+ Frames per second (FPS): FPS is a crucial factor significantly affecting the clarity of images displayed in videos. Higher frame rates result in clearer images but also quicker filling of the memory card.
Utilize High Capacity Hard Drives
Compared to memory cards, hard drives offer greater storage space as well as extended storage duration. When the hard drive reaches full capacity, data will be automatically overwritten.
Depending on factors such as frame rate, hard drive capacity, camera resolution, or number of cameras, the storage duration varies when using a hard drive. For example:
+ Systems with 1 to 4 cameras, using a hard drive with a capacity of 250 to 500 GB, can store data for 3 to 5 weeks.
+ Systems with 5 to 8 cameras, using a hard drive with a capacity of 500 to 1000 GB, can store data for 5 to 8 weeks.
+ Systems with 9 to 16 cameras, using a hard drive with a capacity of 1000 to 2000 GB, can store data for 6 to 10 weeks.
It's evident that higher camera hard drive capacity results in longer storage time. To optimize capacity and extend storage duration, users should pay attention to the following factors:
+ Image compression standard: To transmit and store images, data will be compressed and encoded using compression standards. The newer the compression standard, the more storage it saves.
+ Resolution: Higher video resolution means sharper images, which also means more storage consumption, shortening the storage time.
+ Number of cameras: The more cameras connected to the recording device, the shorter the storage time.
+ Intelligent storage mode: In case users opt for continuous recording mode, it consumes more storage compared to smart mode, which records only when motion is detected.
+ Illumination time: Cameras placed in locations without lights at night consume less storage compared to those in well-lit areas. However, viewing images in a well-lit environment allows for colored video, while in low-light environments, it will be black and white.
Utilize cloud computing
Currently, many users opt for cloud computing methods to extend storage time compared to the aforementioned methods. Moreover, this storage method prevents image overwriting, unlike traditional storage methods. Users can freely choose higher or lower storage packages depending on their purposes and usage needs.
2. Tips for calculating storage time for surveillance cameras
Users can calculate the storage time of cameras using Disk calculator software or manually calculate using the formula below:
+ For standard camera models, the average storage capacity falls between 15GB to 20GB per day.
+ For FullHD camera models, the average storage capacity falls between 20 to 30GB per day.
In that case, the formula would be:
Number of cameras x 20 = Storage capacity required for 1 day (in GB). For example, a camera system consisting of 3 units, we have the calculation: 3 x 20 = 60.
For a 250GB hard drive = 250/60 = Over 4 days
500 GB hard drive = 500/60 = Over 8 days
1000 GB hard drive = 1000/60 = Over 16 days.
Estimated storage time table of camera hard drives
Alternatively, you can apply a more accurate calculation formula:
Storage capacity (GB – Gigabyte) = 3600 (seconds in 1 hour) x 24 (hours/day) x Bitrate (Kbps) ÷ 8 (8 bits = 1 byte) ÷ 1024 (MB) ÷ 1024 (GB – Gigabyte)
Where: Bitrate value depends on your camera:
+ For 720P IP cameras: 2048Kbps.
+ For 1080P IP cameras: 2x2048= 4096Kbps.
Here's the answer to how long the camera storage time extends that you need to grasp. Save it for reference and application. Don't forget to follow Mytour for quick updates on the most useful information.
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