March 21, 2023
Security cameras have become increasingly popular in homes and businesses as a means to deter crime and provide video evidence in event of a break-in or other security breach. However, many people are uncertain about how long these cameras keep footage before it is overwritten or deleted. In this article, we will discuss typical retention periods for security camera footage.
The amount of time that a security camera retains footage depends on several factors, including type of camera, storage capacity of recording device, and how footage is managed. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors.
Type of Camera
The type of camera used will have a significant impact on how long footage is retained. Analog cameras typically record footage on a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). These devices have limited storage capacity and will typically record over old footage after a few days or weeks.
On other hand, digital cameras record footage on a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) with hard drives. These devices have much larger storage capacities than analog devices and can store footage for weeks or even months, depending on number of cameras and amount of storage space available.
Storage Capacity
The storage capacity of recording device is also a crucial factor in determining how long footage will be retained. NVRs and DVRs with hard drives have varying storage capacities, ranging from 500GB to 2TB or more. A higher storage capacity will allow for more footage to be stored, which means that footage can be retained for a longer period.
Management of Footage
The management of footage is another vital factor in determining how long it will be retained. Most systems have options for continuous recording or motion detection recording. Continuous recording means that camera is always recording, whereas motion detection recording only records when camera detects movement. Motion detection recording typically uses less storage space, which means that footage can be retained for a more extended period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, amount of time that a security camera retains footage depends on several factors, including type of camera, storage capacity of recording device, and how footage is managed. Digital cameras that record on an NVR or DVR with a hard drive typically have largest storage capacities and can store footage for weeks or even months. However, management of footage is also crucial, and motion detection recording can extend retention period even further. Ultimately, best way to determine length of time that footage will be retained is to consult with a security professional who can recommend best system for your needs.
