One of the most common inquiries regarding the installation of home security cameras is: ‘How long do security cameras keep old footage?
Knowing this will help you choose the best system and prevent important recordings from being deleted.
In this post, I’ll discuss the factors that determine storage duration and share some tips on managing and extending your security camera footage retention.
Home security cameras retain footage for varying durations, typically ranging from a few days with local storage to several months with cloud storage, depending on system capacity and settings.
1. Storage Capacity
The footage retention of your security camera is greatly influenced by its storage capacity. Cameras equipped with internal SD cards or external hard disk drives rely on their size and have certain limitations.
To extend the storage duration, you can either opt for larger storage devices or use additional external storage options.
2. Camera Resolution
A camera with higher resolution offers clear footage and photos and it’ll consume more storage space.
If you want to store footage or photos on your CCTV camera for a longer period, consider using lower-resolution settings or applying video compression to maximize storage capacity.
Balancing between video quality and storage duration is key to making the most of your system.
3. Recording Mode
Continuous recording fills up storage faster than motion-activated recording. Using motion detection helps conserve storage by recording only when there’s activity.
Try adjusting your camera settings to capture only key events, which will help extend footage retention time.
4. Cloud vs. Local Storage
Cloud-based systems often offer customized video storage plans, whereas local storage options (like hard drives) may require manual management.
A cloud subscription can provide extended retention periods, while local systems may require regular monitoring and space management.
The retention period depends on the storage size and the number of cameras connected. Generally, in these systems, footage is stored for a period ranging from a few days to several weeks.
In such cases, if additional storage is required, it is reasonable to increase the capacity.
Wireless cameras are primarily used nowadays for ease of use, and the footage they capture can be kept either locally or in the cloud.
Local storage options, such as SD cards, usually retain footage for shorter periods that range from a few hours to a few days.
On the other hand, Cloud storage can store footage for longer periods, depending on your subscription plan. Opting for cloud services allows for more flexible retention.
Popular brands like Ring, Nest, and Arlo typically store video footage in the cloud. Different brands offer various retention periods based on subscription plans.
Without a subscription, footage may only be kept for 24 hours or less. Paid plans can extend retention for up to 30 days or more.
For a longer retention, I would recommend a premium plan as it is a simple and effective storage solution.
Battery-operated cameras are designed to record footage in short segments due to power-saving features. These systems typically save recordings for a short period, possibly just a few days, depending on usage.
Pairing with cloud storage can extend retention time, ensuring footage is available when needed.
If you aren’t sure which type of security camera to opt for, consider our home security systems service and we’ll assist you with everything.
We provide security services in Bakersfield, Austin, Baltimore, and many parts of this country.
1. Upgrade Your Storage
One of the most straightforward ways to extend the duration of your surveillance camera’s footage storage is by upgrading your storage capacity.
For local systems, this could mean adding larger hard drives or upgrading to higher-capacity SD cards. More storage means you can retain recordings for a longer period before they are overwritten.
2. Use Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is another great way to extend the retention period of footage, and it allows you to access your footage from anywhere in the world.
Most cloud services offer plans that store footage for 7 to 30 days, with some offering even longer durations. Choose one based on your requirements.
3. Delete Unnecessary Footage
If you’re running out of space quickly, regularly deleting unnecessary footage will be very helpful. Focus on keeping important or event-triggered videos and discard routine or unimportant recordings.
This will free up storage and allow the system to store new footage for a longer period.
4. Optimize Recording Settings
Adjusting your camera’s settings can help you easily maximize the retention period. Switching from continuous recording to motion-activated recording is an effective way to save storage space.
You can also set up event-based recording to capture footage only when motion or sound is detected, ensuring that only relevant clips are stored.
Managing your storage proactively will help extend footage retention and ensure you don’t miss important moments.
1. Local Laws and Regulations
Each country and state has its own limitations and durations for retaining surveillance videos. In certain jurisdictions, however, the law stipulates that recordings, particularly for commercial establishments, must be held for a specified minimum time.
Understanding local statutes is paramount to prevent legal complications.
2. Privacy Concerns
Keeping footage can certainly bolster security, but it also raises important privacy issues. It’s crucial to think about who has access to your security camera system and the recordings.
If you share any surveillance footage, make sure to consider privacy rights, especially in common areas like apartment buildings.
3. Storage Limits and Costs
The longer you retain footage, the more storage you need, which will eventually increase your costs.
Balancing sufficient retention for modern security purposes with manageable storage costs is crucial.
Opting for cloud storage or upgrading your system can help, but always consider the costs involved and your actual needs.
1. Regularly Backup Important Footage
Make it a routine to safeguard important recordings by backing them up. This is especially important with cloud-based systems since files can be programmed to be permanently erased from the server in some time.
For that reason, detrimental clips may be hard to reach from external storage media or the internet, and it may be a good idea to save them in a safe manner.
2. Monitor Storage Space
Always monitor your storage capacity, whether you are using local or cloud storage. If your system is running low on space, older footage may be overwritten. Regularly check and manage your camera storage to avoid losing essential recordings.
3. Set Realistic Retention Limits
Familiarize yourself with the retention limitations provided by your camera system and seek to harmonize such in terms of security requirements.
Reduce the retention period if it’s unnecessary, as longer retention can lead to higher costs and challenges in managing storage. Adjust settings to retain only the necessary footage based on your requirements.
The duration footage is retained can vary based on the brand and type of storage used. Typically, local storage allows for a few days of footage, while cloud services can keep it for weeks or even months, depending on your subscription.
Yes, it is possible to increase your camera’s footage retention. You can upgrade the storage, use cloud services, or adjust the settings to only record necessary events. Additionally, regularly backing up essential footage can ensure you retain valuable recordings.
Yes, local laws typically specify how long security footage needs to be kept, especially for businesses. It’s important to be aware of these regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any potential legal issues.
The retention period of your home security camera depends on various factors such as storage capacity, camera resolution, and the type of storage you are using.
To make the most of it, I suggest upgrading your storage, opting for cloud services, or optimizing your recording settings.
It is crucial to balance storage costs with your security needs; otherwise, you may end up spending a lot of money than you want to.
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