CCTV cameras are essential for security, but one common question is: how long do they store videos? The answer depends on several factors, including storage capacity, video quality, and recording settings.

Key Factors Affecting Video Storage

Storage Capacity:
The size of your storage device plays a big role. A system with a 1TB hard drive may only store footage for a few days, while larger systems with 4TB or more can store videos for weeks.

Video Quality:
Higher resolution footage requires more storage. A 1080p camera uses much more space than a 720p camera, meaning higher quality footage gets overwritten faster.

Frame Rate:
CCTV cameras that record at higher frame rates (e.g., 30 frames per second) require more storage compared to cameras with lower frame rates. Reducing the frame rate can extend storage duration.

Compression Technology:
Modern cameras use compression technologies like H.264 or H.265 to reduce file sizes without losing much quality. This allows for more footage storage on the same hard drive.

Recording Settings:
Cameras set to record only when motion is detected save more space compared to continuous recording, extending how long footage can be stored.

Retention Period:
Many systems automatically overwrite the oldest footage when the storage is full. You can choose how long you want the system to retain footage—commonly 7, 14, or 30 days.

Conclusion

The duration that CCTV cameras store videos varies, but on average, footage can be kept for 7 to 30 days. Factors like storage capacity, video quality, and frame rate all influence the retention time. By choosing the right settings and upgrading your system as needed, you can ensure your security footage is stored for the right amount of time and available when you need it most. Investing in quality CCTV cameras and storage options helps maintain a secure environment, providing peace of mind that valuable footage is always accessible.