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CALCULATING HOW MUCH STORAGE YOU NEED FOR SECURITY CAMERAS

When designing your surveillance system not only do you need to determine the type and style of cameras and the resolution that will work best. You must also identify a compatible (DVR / NVR) recorder that can hold the desired amount of video files. Optiview is proud to offer a huge variety of storage solutions for all of your surveillance recording needs. Our recorders range from a single 4 Terabyte (TB) hard drive to up to 160 Terabytes (TB) of storage over 16 hard drives. Choosing your solution will be based on several generic variables.

How to Calculate CCTV Storage

The general rule of thumb is to calculate CCTV recording storage using this formula:

Total daily gigabytes x number of days = storage space needed

The total daily gigabytes should account for all the cameras in your system, while the number of days denotes the recording and retention duration. The recording period may last a few hours, all day, or whenever the camera detects motion. On the other hand, the retention period can last 30 days or longer, depending on legal requirements.

How Many GB Does a CCTV Camera Consume Per Day?

The daily amount of GB a security camera uses depends on the frames per second (FPS) rate, compression rate, resolution, and other factors. Explore the average daily CCTV camera storage capacity for 1080p and 4MP devices.

 

The general rule of thumb is that you’ll want to calculate based on [X] gigabytes used per camera, per day, multiplied by the number of days you’re looking to have recorded at all times. These calculations are also based on having the standard H.264 compression (for both camera and recorder) and setting your recorder to record at VBR (variable bit rate) as opposed to CBR (continual bit rate) at full time. If you set up for 50% motion these numbers can be reduced by up to half. Read on or contact us to learn more.

CAMERA RESOLUTION COMPRESSIONFRAMES PER SECOND (FPS)AVERAGE GB USED PER DAY
1080P (1920 x 1080)H.2641535
1080P (1920 x 1080)H.2643040
4MP (2688 x 1520)H.2641552
4MP (2688 x 1520)H.26430*80*

* Recording 4MP at Real Time (30fps) is coming soon. Average GB use is estimated and will be tested.

How Much Data Does a CCTV Camera Use?

Using the storage space formula, you can determine the amount of data your camera system will use and the storage solutions to acquire. Below are three example calculations based on having the H.264 compression rate for both camera and recorder and setting your recorder at variable bit rate (VBR) as opposed to constant bit rate (CBR). If you set up for 50% motion, these numbers can decline by up to half. These calculations reveal the CCTV camera storage capacity in days.

Example 1: 16 camera system at 1080P

16 x 1080P cameras, and you wanted 30 days of storage, your calculation would look like this:

  • 40 gigabytes x 16 cameras = 640 gigabytes per day
  • 640 gigabytes x 30 days = 19 TB (minimum needed)

To record 16 x 1080P cameras at 30fps your options would be either the HDVR161080-Q2 (2 hard drive spaces), the HDVR161080-Q4 (4 hard drive spaces) or the HDVR161080-Q8 (8 hard drive spaces).

If you need 19 TB minimum of storage then you have a couple of options.

  • 2 x 10 TB hard drives = 20 TB storage → HDVR161080-Q2 + (2) HD10000
  • 4 x 6 TB hard drives = 24 TB storage → HDVR161080-Q4 + (4) HD6000
  • 5 x 4 TB hard drives = 20 TB storage → HDVR161080-Q8 + (5) HD4000
Example 2: 16 camera system at 4MP @ 15fps

16 x 4MP cameras, and you wanted 30 days of storage, your calculation would look like this:

  • 52 gigabytes x 16 cameras = 832 gigabytes per day
  • 832 gigabytes x 30 days = 25 TB (minimum needed)

To record 16 x 4MP cameras at 15fps your options would be either the HDVR164M-T2 (2 hard drive spaces) or the HDVR164M-Q8 (8 hard drive spaces).

25 TB minimum of storage then you have a couple of options.

  • 7 x 4 TB hard drives = 28 TB storage → HDVR164M-Q8 + (7) HD4000
  • 5 x 6 TB hard drives = 30 TB storage → HDVR164M-Q8 + (5) HD6000
  • 4 x 8 TB hard drives = 32 TB storage → HDVR164M-Q8 + (4) HD8000
Example 3: 32 camera system at 1080P

32 x 1080P cameras, and you wanted 30 days of storage, your calculation would look like this:

  • 35 gigabytes x 32 cameras = 1120 gigabytes per day
  • 1120 gigabytes x 30 days = 34 TB (minimum needed)

To record 32 x 1080P cameras at 15fps your options would be either the HDVR32-Q4 (4 hard drive spaces) or the HDVR32-Q8 (8 hard drive spaces).

If you need 34 TB minimum of storage then you have a couple of options.

  • 8 x 4 TB hard drives = 35 TB storage → HDVR32-Q8 + (8) HD4000
  • 6 x 6 TB hard drives = 36 TB storage → HDVR32-Q8 + (6) HD6000
  • 5 x 8 TB hard drives = 40 TB storage → HDVR32-Q8 + (5) HD8000
  • 4 x 10 TB hard drives = 40 TB storage → HDVR32-Q4 + (4) HD10000

ADDITIONAL STORAGE SOLUTIONS

There is always more than one way to design a system, and “better safe than sorry” is key when it comes to storage. If you need more storage than the DVR can hold, you can add an external hard drive such as the ESATA8HDD. You could also use (2) DVRs in place of (1), such as (2) 16 channel DVRs instead of (1) 32 channel DVR, which would enable you to potentially double your storage.

FACTORS AFFECTING SECURITY CAMERA STORAGE SPACE

Several factors can impact your security camera’s recording storage needs. They include:

  • Resolution: CCTV cameras with high resolutions produce detailed images, which result in larger files. In contrast, lower-resolution devices require less storage.
  • Frame rate: The FPS rate denotes how many images a security camera captures every second. Higher FPS rates generate smooth videos by processing, streaming, and storing more data.
  • Number of cameras in the system: The more cameras you have in your system, the more storage space you will need.
  • Recording duration and retention policy: The duration for which a business must retain surveillance video to comply with legal requirements can influence storage capacity needs.
  • Compression technology: A security camera’s compression rate format can affect storage requirements. For instance, changing compression rates to H.264, H.265, or H.265+ can lower the amount of storage needed without affecting video quality.
  • Scene movement: Security cameras in busy areas with significant vehicle and people traffic will require more storage space. Moving trees also increase scene complexity, affecting storage needs.
  • Bit rate: A high bit rate results in higher video quality and more storage needs. The bit rate format, CBR or VBR, can also affect bandwidth.

HOW TO MAXIMIZE DAILY CCTV CAMERA STORAGE CAPACITY

Every gigabyte of video footage has value, meaning you must use your storage efficiently. Here are several tips you can employ to maximize your bandwidth:

Take Advantage of Motion Detection

Use the motion detection option in security camera settings to save disk space. This selection will only record footage when the camera detects movement. Alternatively, you can schedule the CCTV system to record during critical periods like within business hours or at night.

Switch Off Audio

If recording audio is unnecessary for your application, you can turn it off and reduce the video size to save storage space.

Leverage Advanced Compression Technologies

Select compression rate options like H.265+, H.265, and H.264 to minimize the video size while maintaining its quality. By using these compression formats, you can stretch your storage space for longer.

Optimize Bit Rate Format

Choosing VBR rather than CBR can help you save space since it allocates bits according to the data’s complexity. This trait makes VBR more storage efficient.

Monitor Storage

Perform routine storage reviews to determine if you have enough storage space left. Also, check for unnecessary footage to delete and free up space. If you realize you need more storage space, consider upgrading to larger hard drives.

Change Security Camera Resolution

If your application does not require capturing video at the highest resolution possible, lower it to reduce bandwidth demand. You can execute this modification in camera settings.

Optimize the Number of CCTV Cameras

Conduct site planning and design to determine the correct number of security devices your system requires. Partnering with professionals ensures camera positioning only in critical areas, saving storage space.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CCTV STORAGE

Learn more about CCTV storage below:

Why Is Security Camera Storage Important?

Storing surveillance footage allows you and your business to retrieve files whenever needed and exchange them between devices or networks.

What Is the Difference Between DVR and NVR?

A digital video recorder (DVR) works with analog and HD-over-coax security cameras and converts video files to a digital form after receiving them from the camera. In contrast, a network video recorder (NVR) operates with internet protocol (IP) cameras. It processes the digital data in the camera before storage.

What Is a Surveillance HDD?

A surveillance hard disk drive (HDD) is a specialized storage solution compatible with NVRs, DVRs, and other video management systems.

Why Should You Consider HDDs for CCTV Storage?

HDDs can store data around the clock, offer various storage capacities, and store significantly high-quality videos. They are also durable and can consolidate all your video files in one place.

CHOOSE OPTIVIEW FOR RELIABLE CCTV RECORDING STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Optiview offers a vast variety of storage solutions for all your surveillance recording needs. Our recorders range from a single 4 terabyte (TB) hard drive to up to 160 TB of storage. We also provide NVRs and DVRs to help you set up a reliable storage system.

Our more than 20 years of experience and customer-centric approach equip us to meet your storage needs. We also offer product training and ongoing technical support after your purchase, allowing you to get the most out of your CCTV camera system.

Dial us at 904-805-1581 to talk to an expert.

Choose Optiview for Reliable CCTV Recording Storage Solutions

OPTIVIEW CARRIES MULTIPLE SIZE HARD DRIVES:

  • 4 TB
  • 6 TB
  • 8 TB
  • 10 TB

Helpful hint: It’s better to spread storage out over multiple hard drives in case one fails.

If at any point in reading this FAQ you’d like additional information on how the variables affect the storage needed, or would like assistance designing your system, contact one of our Optiview account managers.

NEED MORE HELP?

Optiview stands as your trusted partner in surveillance systems for commercial locations. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology ensures you receive the most advanced storage solutions for your security systems. If you’re unsure which storage solution is right for your application, contact us online or give us a call at (904) 805-1581 today.