Calculating CCTV camera recording time involves assessing storage capacity, resolution, frame rate, compression, and motion activity. Use a recording time calculator by inputting camera settings (e.g., 1080p, 15 FPS) and storage size (e.g., 1TB). For example, a 4MP camera at 15 FPS with H.265 compression requires ~550GB/month. Always factor in continuous vs. motion-triggered recording for accuracy.
How Does Resolution Affect Storage Needs?
Higher resolutions like 4K (8MP) require 20-25GB/day, while 1080p (2MP) uses 5-7GB/day. For example, a 16-camera system at 4K needs ~12TB/month versus 2TB at 1080p. Lower resolutions reduce clarity but extend recording duration. Balancing resolution with storage limits is critical—use adjustable settings or AI-based bitrate optimization to manage space.
| Resolution | Storage/Day | Storage/Month (1 Camera) |
|---|---|---|
| 720p (1MP) | 2-3GB | 60-90GB |
| 1080p (2MP) | 5-7GB | 150-210GB |
| 4K (8MP) | 20-25GB | 600-750GB |
Modern systems allow dynamic resolution switching based on motion detection. For instance, cameras can default to 1080p but automatically shift to 4K when detecting movement in critical zones. This hybrid approach preserves storage while maintaining forensic-grade detail where needed. Thermal cameras in low-traffic areas often operate at 720p to conserve resources without sacrificing situational awareness.
How to Choose Between H.264 vs. H.265 Compression?
H.265 (HEVC) reduces file sizes by 50% versus H.264 at similar quality. For a 4MP camera, H.264 uses ~40GB/day, while H.265 uses ~20GB. However, H.265 requires compatible NVRs and processing power. Use H.265 for 4K systems or limited storage; H.264 offers broader device compatibility for legacy setups.
| Feature | H.264 | H.265 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Efficiency | Baseline | 50% Better |
| Hardware Requirements | Low | High |
| 4K Support | Limited | Optimal |
Retail stores with existing H.264 NVRs should prioritize backward compatibility, while new industrial installations benefit from H.265’s efficiency. Hybrid codecs like H.265+ combine motion-triggered compression adjustments with AI analytics, achieving 80% storage reductions compared to standard H.264. Always verify firmware updates—many modern NVRs support both codecs simultaneously for flexible deployment.
FAQs
- Q: How long does 1TB last for 4K CCTV?
- A: Approximately 7-10 days for a single 4K camera recording 24/7 at 15 FPS with H.265.
- Q: Does audio increase CCTV storage usage?
- A: Yes—adding audio adds ~10-15% to file sizes, depending on bitrate and compression.
- Q: Can SSDs improve CCTV storage performance?
- A: SSDs offer faster data access but have limited write cycles. HDDs are more cost-effective for long-term, high-capacity storage.